Barclaycard Freedom Rewards

chrissyx

Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

A month ago, I decided to apply for my first credit card. Being my very first one, I knew I wouldn't get the best out there since I virtually have no credit history. And so, I decided to apply for the Barclaycard Initial.

Or so, I thought I did. I was shocked to receive the Barclaycard Freedom rewards card. Looking back through my emails, it turns out I did actually apply for that one by mistake.

I'm surprised that I was actually accepted. Surely, something like that is out of the question for someone with very little credit history? Is the Freedom rewards card not a prime card unlike the Barclaycard Initial?

But! I've been using this card for several weeks with no mishap. I put my weekly shop and petrol on it and it gets paid in full via DD every month.

I suppose my question is, how can I use this card to its full potential. I'm aware you can get points which you can swap for vouchers but that's all. I've tried clicking around on their site but it's a bit confusing!

Anyone out there with the same card that could offer advice?

Sorry for the long ramble!

Also, one more question, sorry! I have been given a limit of £1000 but my monthly purchases on my credit card only amount to £200. Is it okay that I'm spending only a little of my credit limit? Would they close my card if I use too little?

chrissyx

bump - anyone?

anamenottaken

chrissyx wrote: »

Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

A month ago, I decided to apply for my first credit card. Being my very first one, I knew I wouldn't get the best out there since I virtually have no credit history. And so, I decided to apply for the Barclaycard Initial.

Or so, I thought I did. I was shocked to receive the Barclaycard Freedom rewards card. Looking back through my emails, it turns out I did actually apply for that one by mistake.

I'm surprised that I was actually accepted. Surely, something like that is out of the question for someone with very little credit history? Is the Freedom rewards card not a prime card unlike the Barclaycard Initial?

But! I've been using this card for several weeks with no mishap. I put my weekly shop and petrol on it and it gets paid in full via DD every month.

I suppose my question is, how can I use this card to its full potential. I'm aware you can get points which you can swap for vouchers but that's all. I've tried clicking around on their site but it's a bit confusing! Did you get to http://www.barclaycard.co.uk/freedomrewards/tips-to-get-more-from-freedom-rewards.html ?

Anyone out there with the same card that could offer advice?

Sorry for the long ramble!

Also, one more question, sorry! I have been given a limit of £1000 but my monthly purchases on my credit card only amount to £200. Is it okay that I'm spending only a little of my credit limit? Would they close my card if I use too little?

Given that there is time between the issuing of a statement (say for £200) and when it is paid by your DD, you could spend another £200. So you are using around £400 of your credit limit. They will be making some money out of your usage of the card, so there is no need to worry that you are not spending enough.

Will you have spent £500 during the first 90 days of having the card - so that you gain extra reward points?

chrissyx

Oh, I haven't even seen that link, thank you!

I see what you mean. And I didn't think about all the money they'll be making simply by me using my card at various retailers.

I think so! 90 days is 3 months. I have 2 months left. I'll be putting my monthly spend of £200 plus two big purchases that I'm due to make in the next few days for a tablet and a ipod dock which will take me over the £500 spend!

datlex

I have one, I have used the points to buy things at curry's for example. you just go to the reward page and then select the relevant rewards available depending on your points balance. Some are evouchers you print others you get sent through the post. Some places e.g. BHS do promotions which are linked to the freedom card eg 20% off. I use mine for 90% of my non bills spending.

chrissyx

datlex wrote: »

I have one, I have used the points to buy things at curry's for example. you just go to the reward page and then select the relevant rewards available depending on your points balance. Some are evouchers you print others you get sent through the post. Some places e.g. BHS do promotions which are linked to the freedom card eg 20% off. I use mine for 90% of my non bills spending.

Oooh, thank you! I'll keep an eye out for those offers. Fortunately, I tend to shop at BHS a lot since they now have Dorthy Perkins and Wallis concessions! Plus, I usually fill up £30 worth of petrol every two weeks...

I suppose even if you get 1 point per pound (at most places), it still adds up.

thebritishbloke

If you go on to the Freedom Rewards Store (google it, or access it via MyBarclayCard), you can get £10 worth of points for making a purchase through the store. I bought an 59p iTunes app and it qualified, just make sure you follow the steps correctly.

chrissyx

thebritishbloke wrote: »

If you go on to the Freedom Rewards Store (google it, or access it via MyBarclayCard), you can get £10 worth of points for making a purchase through the store. I bought an 59p iTunes app and it qualified, just make sure you follow the steps correctly.

Thanks for the tip!

Flat_Eric

Have just cashed in my points but would like to make more next year so bump bump