What's Happened to Diner's Club?

[Deleted User]

Anyone got one of these cards recently? Had a look at their website this morning and there doesn't seem to be any way to apply. I know you could never apply online but it used to have the application form that you could download and send in by post.

I know the card isn't very widely accepted but now that they've scrapped the annual fee (was £50 p.a.) I though I might get one just for the airport lounge access.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

For further information on new applications please contact Customer Services on 0845 862 2935 (or +44 1244 470910 ) between 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday.

http://www.dinersclub.co.uk/en/what-we-offer/our-cards/diners-club-card.html

[Deleted User]

Yeah, sorry, I should have been clearer. I did see that but thought it strange that they're only accepting applications by phone nowadays. In fact, judging by the wording of that I wouldn't be surprised if you called and they said that they weren't accepting new applications.

I would ring them to ask but they're not open during the weekend! Maybe better to just leave it then!

Plxply

I don't know if this will help:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diners_Card#United_Kingdom_and_Ireland_franchise

But I know that Diners is being phased out in America and replaced with Discover.

Ben8282

I was just wondering. If they have abolished the annual fee and of course don't charge interest as they are a chargecard, how can they afford to continue to offer airport lounge access?

jonesMUFCforever

Ben8282 wrote: »

I was just wondering. If they have abolished the annual fee and of course don't charge interest as they are a chargecard, how can they afford to continue to offer airport lounge access?

Diners club (and the old style AMEX) used to be expensive for retailers to accept. It follows that they charge a higher % in fees.

Ben8282

Well yes I realise that. It's just that the idea of a fee-free chargecard plus airport lounge access, reward points etc sounds a bit too good to be true especially considering the level of fees charged by Amex.

You say that Amex 'used' to be expensive for retailers to accept. Has that changed? I ask because one of the (many) reasons for me giving up my Amex chargecard years ago was being asked by retailers who I knew accepted Amex 'Havn't you got a Visa or Mastercard? Amex charge too much in fees'. I was paying a small fortune annual fee to Amex and then having to have an argument with retailers (including airlines, car hire companies, restaurants) to get them to actually accept the thing.

jonesMUFCforever

By that I meant AMEX as a trademark has gone mainstream eg Lloyds TSB Avios duo is an AMEX and Mastercard.
Possibly they saw that as the only way to stay in business as the only reason you want to pay for an AMEX is snobbery.

SCO

Seems to be a bit backward the way they have there business set up.

You cant apply online, it appears from the website they do not have online account access you need to phone them.

They do not list a fee but say one may apply.

As the OP says would be good for airport lounge access but would appear they make it hard to get one, even though they dont list a minimum income on the FAQ's just that you need to be a UK resident and over 18.

reclusive46

Ben8282 wrote: »

Well yes I realise that. It's just that the idea of a fee-free chargecard plus airport lounge access, reward points etc sounds a bit too good to be true especially considering the level of fees charged by Amex.

You say that Amex 'used' to be expensive for retailers to accept. Has that changed? I ask because one of the (many) reasons for me giving up my Amex chargecard years ago was being asked by retailers who I knew accepted Amex 'Havn't you got a Visa or Mastercard? Amex charge too much in fees'. I was paying a small fortune annual fee to Amex and then having to have an argument with retailers (including airlines, car hire companies, restaurants) to get them to actually accept the thing.

American Express acceptance has vastly improved over the last few years from personal experience. They've really been pushing for acceptance. If you want to try it again you can get the gold card for free for a year if someone refers you, with a 20000 bonus points as well.

SCO

reclusive46 wrote: »

American Express acceptance has vastly improved over the last few years from personal experience. They've really been pushing for acceptance. If you want to try it again you can get the gold card for free for a year if someone refers you, with a 20000 bonus points as well.

Most large retailers like Tesco and Shell for example accept amex now, however most smaller retailers still do not accept it.