House of Fraser 'Recognition Mastercard'

Mr_Vek

Hi, my GF bought a small item at House of Fraser recently and got talked into taking a store-branded credit card. She's a little vague about what one it was specifically but I'm guessing it's the Recognition Mastercard (operated by Santander).

We haven't even received this thing yet but a couple of issues have come to light. Firstly, the password she gave the shop assistant for the web-based account management page was only four characters long and the web form won't accept it (min 6 or 8 I think).

Also, upon examining the Credit Card Agreement there's a bit at the top where her details are printed that says "APR: 24.9%, Cash Rate: 28.8%, Purchase Rate: 24.9%, Total Amount Payable: £1350.83". I'm assuming that last bit would be the credit limit on the card, right?

Sorry, I don't use credit cards so would appreciate some pointers.

EarthBoy

The total amount payable is not the credit limit, it's an example of how much you would be paying back at those APRs if you borrowed a certain amount of money over a certain amount of time. It usually refers to the cost of borrowing £1000 (or buying goods for that amount) and paying back over a year.

These APRs are very high, so your girlfriend would be better cancelling this card and getting a different one with a lower APR from a bank.

Ben8282

Doesn't the Credit Card Agreement state the name of the Credit Card that it applies to? Pretty vague credit card agreement.

I'm sure you will be able to sort out the web password problem. Perhaps there is a 'forgotten password' link? Otherwise call their customer services when you receive the card.

The credit limit will normally be advised when you receive the card.

Eonel

On-the-spot store card applications can be a good deal when they are offering 10% or more off the initial purchase. Well worth doing if you are making a large purchase.

But as you see the APR is high, so pay off the amount , cancel the card and enjoy the money saved.

Mr_Vek

Thanks for clearing that up EarthBoy. I feel like an idiot even having to ask.

Ben8282: It doesn't specifically mention the name of the card so far as I can see but it says Santander are the people behind it anyway so it must be that one. We'll see once the thing arrives I guess!

And Eonel, yes - fully intend to pay it off and cancel it. The one thing I did know about shop-issued credit cards before all this is they're a bit of a scam.

Thanks for your replies. Sorry if I was a bit vague with details before.

Joey72

I took out the Recognition Mastercard in June specifically for the special offers and points ( I pay balance in full each month). Unfortunately I have received none to date. Every statement has no points added and I missed the so-called birthday bonus. I ring HoF Mastercard (Santander) every month (at 10p per minute) and have also written with no joy. In July they said an investigation had been opened and the issue would be resolved in 28 days. After 28 days nothing was done at all. I rang again and the same thing - a new investigation is open and they can't help me, I should just be patient! I find this totally frustrating, how difficult is to add points to an account when all the information re how much I have spent is on each statement? I think I will cancel the card because it is worthless to me (and as I pay my statement in full each month, I am probably worthless to them too!) - anyone else have similar problems!