What's Happened to Diner's Club?

reclusive46

SCO wrote: »

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

Regarding smaller shops. Almost all restaurants take it and a lot of small shops take it as those who sign up to Barclaycard merchant services, basically automatically take Amex now (The original form you get already has it ticked now, that you want to apply for an Amex merchant service), you have to specifically ask for a form without it ticked. This over the next year (When merchants sign up to a new agreement) will also vastly improve Amex smaller merchant acceptance. Lloyds cardnet now does something similar as well (I suppose because they issue an Amex card).

Roger1

Ben8282 wrote: »

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 ...

Indeed, and it would probably be unsustainable in the medium to long term.

DC Hong Kong are already charging HK cardholders for use of non-HK lounges, so I imagine this kind of policy is likely to spread.

The interesting article posted by Plxply mentions DC UK's new owners. It will be interesting to see what plans they have for the card.

miketaff1408

Lazyloki wrote: »

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.

Have they definitely scrapped the annual fee? In the benefits blurb on the website it states that there is a discounted fee for an additional cardholder, which would imply that there is a charge for the main one. Also, in the rewards section, you can use your points to pay for you, or your supplementary cardholders annual fee.

Would seem too good to be true to be able to get airport lounge access for free!

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Lazyloki wrote: »

... but it used to have the application form that you could download and send in by post.

Found it here. But don't bother filling it in. This is an old form which was for when Diners' was run by Citi in the UK. It's now been sold to Affiniture so all bets are off.

cautiousjon

I too am interested to see whether it is possible to apply for a Diner's card if it gives you free access to airport lounges. Please let us know how you get on.

joepesci

application page:
dinersclub.co.uk/home/personal-cards.html

app form
dinersclub.co.uk/home/files/pdf/238964_Personal_Card_1CC4D6.pdf

macalloa

cautiousjon wrote: »

I too am interested to see whether it is possible to apply for a Diner's card if it gives you free access to airport lounges. Please let us know how you get on.

As above, CitiGroup have recently sold Diners Club UK & Ireland.

For a short transition period old cards can still be used until the new ones are issued.

You can access the application form here.

http://www.dinersclub.co.uk/home/merchants/diners-club-card-acceptance.html

Go to "What We Offer" tab - personal cards - then scroll down to application form link.

We joined last year when the annual membership fee had been dropped - but the new owners, Affiniture Cards, have reintroduced it, £50 - plus £19 for an additional card on same account.

I was informed (over the 'phone) that members who joined when the annual fee was zero will NOT have a renewal fee for the length of time they hold the card - nice one.

There are moves to make DC cards more widely accepted in the UK - and the new website lists details, although I suspect this is not 100% accurate.

For example, Sainsburys confirmed that they do accept - but Asda informed me otherwise.

Many merchants here refuse to take them because Diners Club charge them unattractive fees similar to AMEX - that may change under the new regime.

DC UK make their money on transactions at ATMs, both here and abroad, and card use in currencies other than £ Sterling.

Still at good deal for free access to airport lounges IF you fly regularly.

cautiousjon

I'd like to try and get a DC card for the free access to airport lounges but, as the card has no upper spending limit, does anyone know if they require you to earn a certain salary before they accept you?

Thanks,
Jon

lisyloo

get a DC card for the free access to airport lounges

It's not free it's £50.
I guess if you travel a lot it could be worthwhile, but it's not free.

chattychappy

Lounge access has become a bit of a commodity and often gets bundled with CCs, various membership clubs (depending on country) etc. You can often purchase entry online, at check-in, or even at the lounge door itself.

Whilst I wouldn't knock it - free WiFi and a drop or two of booze can be very handy, many of the free lounges are hardly on a par with what some of the "better" airlines offer their First/Business/frequent flyers. Ie hardly "VIP" or "executive" as the brochure makes out.

Also, in some airports, the lounge that is part of the scheme can be a long way from your gate, perhaps even in a different terminal.

Before spending the £50 (or whatever), I would check that there is a lounge on the scheme that is available at the terminal/near the gate that you typically use.