Has Marbles always been sub-prime?

Balls_Of_Steel

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article3101621.ece

I've had a Marbles card for around 6 years, and never realised it was aimed at the sub-prime market. I just thought it was a different trading name for HSBC. When i applied, i had a top credit score, and still do. The rates were not that bad, but are going to shoot up soon, so will have to move my balance of £5,000 :rolleyes:

gt94sss2

No, I don't think it always has been.

Marbles is one of those brands which have changed ownership lots of times and I think their customer base reflects the different strategies of their owners.

Certainly. when they first launched it I think it very much a mainstream card being one of the first cards launched online and if for instance you applied for a PC World card - you got one from Marbles.

However, I suspect that the period before it was inherited by HSBC (when they purchased HFC) may have led to an increase in 'sub prime' customers

Regards
Sunil

Balls_Of_Steel

gt94sss2 wrote: »

No, I don't think it always has been.

Marbles is one of those brands which have changed ownership lots of times and I think their customer base reflects the different strategies of their owners.

They can't even be bothered to update their web page! http://www.marbles.com/html/aboutus.html They still claim to be owned by HSBC

gt94sss2

From the FT:

Marbles, which accounts for most of the accounts, has traditionally catered for mainstream consumers, although the Beneficial credit card book is focused on people with poor or unusual credit records.

Regards
Sunil

Zebedee69

I always thought that Marbles was mainsteam...

Wouldnt take what the papers say as gospel either. They normally make thinks up if they dont know about them!