I was initially very satisfied with the Amazon credit card, which is administered by Halifax of whom I had no prior experience as a bank. I frequently buy books and sometimes household items on Amazon's website, so it was an incentive to earn loyalty points when using their own credit card.
As ... Read review
Advantages: Very competitive APR Disadvantages: Credit limit reduced without warning
I was initially very satisfied with the Amazon credit card, which is administered by Halifax of whom I had no prior experience as a bank. I frequently buy books and sometimes household items on Amazon's website, so it was an incentive to earn loyalty points when using their own credit card.
As time went on, I found that the rate of interest on this card was lower than that of most other credit cards, so I began to use it more and more ... ...pay off my credit cards in full, as I am struggling to pay a mortgage singlehandedly and have an income that fluctuates considerably. Even after cutting out holidays and visits to the hairdresser, there are still dental bills and house maintenance costs that cannot be avoided or skimped on.
One day several months ago I rang up the Amazon credit card's customer services and enquired as to whether or not I was able to make a balance ... more
I was initially very satisfied with the Amazon credit card, which is administered by Halifax of whom I had no prior experience as a bank. I frequently buy books and sometimes household items on Amazon's website, so it was an incentive to earn loyalty points when using their own credit card.
As time went on, I found that the rate of interest on this card was lower than that of most other credit cards, so I began to use it more and more for balance transfers. My situation doesn't always allow me to pay off my credit cards in full, as I am struggling to pay a mortgage singlehandedly and have an income that fluctuates considerably. Even after cutting out holidays and visits to the hairdresser, there are still dental bills and house maintenance costs that cannot be avoided or skimped on.
One day several months ago I rang up the Amazon credit card's customer services and enquired as to whether or not I was able to make a balance transfer. I did not have sufficient allowance remaining on my card to do so, but as a consolation I was told that the APR on my then current and future balances would be reduced to 9.5% . I thought this was an extremely helpful gesture, and at that point in time I would have awarded five stars to this credit card.
Things continued to run smoothly with my card for a time, and my credit limit was increased in recognition of the fact that I had 'managed my account well'. On 24th April 2007 I once again telephoned customer services to see if I could make a further balance transfer from a card with a considerably higher rate of interest. The answer was yes, for a maximum amount of approximately £363. I said £360 would be enough, and the transfer was approved.
My first shock came about one week later, when I received a letter from Halifax dated 27th April stating that my credit limit had been reduced by £200. I wondered at the time what would happen about the balance transfer, but assumed it would be carried out since it had been approved. I was horrified when on 4th May I received another letter stating that I had exceeded my credit limit by £167.49. The tone of the letter shocked me: I had to make a full payment immediately, my credit facilities had been withdrawn, and I was not to try to use my credit card as it would be rejected. Was this my fault?
I immediately rang the retail collections department, who had sent that particular letter. I explained exactly what had happened, and stated that I would not have requested a balance transfer had I known that my credit limit was going to be reduced. I felt that someone should have phoned me on 27th April to adivse me of the situation and tell me that the balance transfer could not be carried out. The member of staff was fortunately very polite and understanding; I think he realised that I was not knowingly at fault and had been put in a difficult situation.
He then looked at the details of my account and told me that I had in fact exceeded my credit limit by only £87.49, so the information in the letter was inaccurate. He was not in a position to reverse the decision to reduce my credit limit, so he advised me to make an immediate payment by debit card covering the £87.49 plus one month's interest. I went ahead and did this. He also advised me in future not to go to close to my credit limit when making balance transfers to avoid a repeat of this problem, although I assured him that I would have been more cautious in future having once been through that experience.
The way this situation was handled by Halifax has made me think of them in a very different light, and I shall indeed be wary of the way I use my card in future. I have awarded three stars on the basis on their competitive APR and also for the calm and understanding way in which the member of staff spoke to me when I telephoned to explain the problem. But those other two stars have gone because of the heavy-handed way I was made to feel that I was irresponsible in the way in which I had used my card.
I am updating this review and now only awarding two stars. A couple of weeks later I received another letter from Halifax informing me that my credit card would not be renewed when it expired in July because of my recent 'unsatisfactory conduct' concerning the management of my account. I consider that to be a blatant insult. I telephoned Halifax and was given a verbal apology when I recounted everything that had happened. I said thank you, but that I wanted a written apology. Of course I did not get one - just another letter telling me once again that my card would not be renewed. To be frank, I don't want it any more.
The week before last I was applying for a new mortgage and the financial adviser initially suggested one from Halifax. I said that under no circumstances would I consider it. I have had a mortgage for six and a half years now and have never once been in arrears, so Halifax have missed out on a potential customer there.
I would possibly recommend this credit card to those who are able to pay off their balance in full each month, but would advise others in a similar situation to mine to be extremely cautious. Halifax should have recognised that they were at fault in approving a balance transfer and then applying a reduction to my credit limit so quickly. Either they should have cancelled the balance transfer, or they should have given notice of the reduction in my credit limit. But to accuse me of unsatisfactory conduct: sorry Halifax, I find YOUR conduct to be unsatisfactory.
Advantages: loyalty points, backed by halfax, 0% offers. Disadvantages: only useful if you buy from amazon
After years of playing the credit card merry go round of balance transfers, 0% offers, and free gifts, it was time to cut down my credit cards.
At present I have the Nationwide visa cashback card and the Amazon mastercard.
The card was launched back last year on thier website, and I was attracted to the loyalty programe and the 0% offers.
Without going into the fine print ,these are the main features:-
Type of card Mastercard
Card administration ... ...for Halifax online accounts you can use the same login and password as your bank account.
0% for 9 months on balance transfers -up to 2% balance transfer fee.
0% for 6 month on purchases
15.9% APR
1 point for every £1 spent with Amazon
0.5 point for every £1 spent elsewhere
Once you get 1500 points you receive a £15 Amazon Gift certificate.
Applying
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On the main Amazon page you will find a small section near the bottom lefthand ...
getscenic 08.04.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Amazon.co.uk Mastercard
Advantages: Rewards, use worldwide, provided by Halifax Disadvantages: None
...and more. I jumped onto Amazon.co.uk to look for a book which was recommended to me by a friend and staring at me was a banner on the front page saying "Amazon Credit Card - Rewards" I clicked in it and found the answer I was looking for!
If you would like to signup for the card, the simple direct link is www.amazon.co.uk/mastercard
Amazon Card
###########
The Amazon credit card is actually provided by Halifax. When you are taken to any webpage ... ...with the Amazon logo. It's simply a re-branded template - I'm sure there are other companies doing the same thing with Halifax. It's nice to know that the card is being provided by a big name like Halifax - after all what does Amazon know about Credit Cards?
The card itself is the standard credit card size - no dodgy designs as we all know as the mint card - yes we all remember the adverts :- ) - this Amazon one is just standard, blue with a chip ...
underworldmagic 25.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Amazon.co.uk Mastercard
Advantages: Loyalty points that convert into Amazon Vouchers Disadvantages: Not the most competitive rate at present
I switched to the Amazon Halifax card earlier this year, when I was looking for something lower interest - 12.9% at the time, however I believe this is now 15.9% APR. The first six months were interest free for balance transfers, and I believe this still applies. Other features:
There is no annual fee.
Fees for late payment, over the limit spending, or returned payment is £12.
APR for Cash withdrawal is 22.95%.
Interest free period up to 59 days ... ...advance fee is 2.5% or £3 min.
Not only did this card have a lower interest than my previous card, but I can collect loyalty points than can be used on Amazon. An added bonus for someone like me, who spends most of her money on books! You get:
1 point for every £1 spent with Amazon
0.5 point for every £1 spent elsewhere
Once you get 1500 points you receive a £15 Amazon Gift certificate.
I applied through the Amazon site, after doing a comparison ...
HellyP 11.12.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Amazon.co.uk Mastercard
Competitiveness of APR
Product package
Quality of Customer Ser...
Reward Scheme
Additional Charges
Security and Privacy
Ease of Application
Quick review of Amazon.co.uk Mastercard
Have had a really awful experience with Amazon credit card.
- It took months to get the card after being approved.
- Their statements get 'lost in the post' and you end up having to pay a late fee, when its not even your fault!
- I found their customer service reps to be very rude.
- Their system often seems to go down causing you to have to ring back again and again on an 0845 number.
Getting this card has cost me more money than its worth.
DO NOT GET THE CARD. ...
Maria151 05.05.2007
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Amazon.co.uk Mastercard
Advantages: Fair APR, Amazon points Disadvantages: No further offers after introduction offer, difficult to set up internet account
The Amazon.co.uk credit card is my real true credit card (I got a Vanquis one with only £250 before), and I got it during my student days; that is before I had any real income or job. I just filled out the application to 'try my luck', and I was told online that I had been approved for a £1700 credit limit! So that is how students get into deep debts.
I got the paperwork quickly, and I just needed to sign and return it. The card arrived just days ... ...on amazon's website, you get 1 point. For £1 spent elsewhere, you get 0.5 points. And when you reach 1500 points, you get a voucher to spend on amazon. To date, I have gotten £30 in vouchers.
Everything works fine! Bills have always been on-time and correct. The APR after the promotion period is at a fair 14.9% However they will leave you out to dry after the promotion period, with no further offers.
I never really need to use the customer services ...
alvinlwh 13.04.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Amazon.co.uk Mastercard
Competitiveness of APR
Product package
Quality of Customer Ser...
Reward Scheme
Additional Charges
Security and Privacy
Ease of Application
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