Another Credit card wanted. suggestions please

twopenny

So I like to have 2 and one is a Visa

The Mastercard I have is an M&S one and they've become increasingly difficult to contact customer services and for online transactions they have only offered an app. which I don't use with my phone.

Is there any card that is Mastercard that has good customer response that you might suggest? I'm in a rural area so don't get to see a lot of offers or information.

lr1277

When I got my current MasterCard, I looked at how I was spending my money to see if I could get a card with points or cashback. My grocery bill was my highest spend after rent so I got the John Lewis card. Until a month ago I would have recommended them but not so much now. I can get through but I have to try harder to get what I want. Also they seem to be moving away from UK based customer service. And on calling they suggest I download their app. This could be to monitor the account or send me authorisation codes. So far I have declined on the basis I use their website.
But you might need an app to receive authorisation codes with more and more cards. Just speculating.
My bank has pretty good CS, but they only offer Visa credit cards. 

Amex is meant to have good CS (not that I have one), but I suspect you need to use their app to make the most of it. Also you need to check where you would use it accepts Amex. Oh and have a non-Amex backup.
Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

twopenny

That's fine lr1277. Knowing what not to look at is as useful as what to.

I've been doing fine with email confirmation for online orders, I don't mind text but I don't want to spend money on a phone plan just to authorise cards with apps.

I've been pootling along nicely for years but now all seems to be changing and I'm hoping to find one that has some benefit if it's only good customer service lol.

I've got them mainly for emergencies when travelling - so no great urgency at the moment. And with shops closed on a major scale and stock all to pot it's now useful online.

So I appreciate you giving your experience.

jbrassy

If you want a rewards credit card, Amex are the stand out choice. You can either get a cashback card or one that collects points such as Avios or Nectar. Their customer service is superb and I couldn't recommend them more highly. In terms of places that accept Amex, I think it's a bit of a myth to say nowhere accepts it anymore. Most national chain stores do and it's mostly small corner shops and pubs that don't accept them. I'm able to do the vast majority of my spending on Amex.

lr1277

Now that you have mentioned travel, there is the credit card from Metro bank. For current accounts they are near the top in term of customer service based on quarterly surveys of users. I would hope the CS is similar for their credit card.

One selling point for them is fee free transactions and withdrawls in Europe.

Obviously it would help if you can see them in branch.

I have seen them slated for using one time text messaging for various security reasons. Whilst this might not be the most secure way of authorising matters, I am wondering if this would work for you.I am not sure if you need an app to run this card, but this may be worth investigating.

There is also some kind of rewards card from Barclays with fee free transactions and I think cash withdrawls abroad. But I believe they are tied to Visa. Also am not sure if you need an app to run this card.

gbhxu

Try Amazon

[Deleted User]

Lloyds (and Halifax) do a cashback credit card which is MasterCard, 0.25% up to £4000 per calendar year, 0.5% above that with a £20 bonus for a minimum spend in the first 3 months, another one to consider

twopenny

Thank you all for your thoughts.

There are some to have a look at in detail and I appreciate the responses, it can make you look at a wider range of possibilities.

The Metro for purchases abroad is interesting. The one I have now has low rates of exchange.

Not worried about cash back. I don't use them often enough or for enough to make it worth while but perhaps I should.

Essentially, I live rural so Amex a no go. Had 2 run ins with Halifax so I'm not willing to go for a 3rd.

I only use the cards to keep them active and pay off immediately or a rare order through Amazon - who I find increasingly annoying.

The reason I asked the question is because there has been a substantial amount of change, take overs and closing of some you wouldn't expect in the last couple of years and rising to a challenge I've had more than enough of lately

There's no rush, what I have works and gives a small award though not cash.  I would just like better customer service. What the responses have done is make me think of a reward. Perhaps some good deals will pop up when this current crisis is over and there is some competition.

lr1277

I am remiss as I haven't mentioned the following about Metro bank.I think this was on Watchdog or perhaps Martin Lewis' tv show. Somebody had their mobile phone number changed fraudulently at Metro bank and then new cards were sent out to the fraudsters. This was about 2-3 years ago. So I don't know if Metro bank have changed their systems to stop this kind of fraud happening. If memory serves this was the reason they got slated for their security.

twopenny

lr1277 thank you for your addition. Saved me a worry.

Yep, there's a limit to what I'd take for a couple of quid.

I used to take all sorts of financial rewards in the olden days but things change and there is less obligation to the customer and more about their next trip to the Bahamas these days. Customers aren't as loyal and neither are the people promoting products. Changing terms in a contract is almost a way of life now.

NoodleDoodleMan

 "Essentially, I live rural so Amex a no go."

Can I ask why your location is an issue in respect of Amex ?

We live a few hundred miles from their Brighton HQ in the UK - never had a problem.

I've had a card for a few years now - it's a freephone 0800 number for excellent and quick customer service.

You can easily set up online access - they send out regular reminders of your ongoing balance status, and message each and every time you make a credit.