Review rated by 10 Ciao members on average: very helpful
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Having had one of hsbc's gold cards for a couple of years now i must say i am happier with it than with the standard card i had before, this is due to the extra benefits you get.
It carries the visa symbol and is accepted in over 15 million outlets worldwide, if you feel that your credit limit is not enough you can call them and apply for an increase, as they may charge 15 pounds if you go over the limit.
Balance transfer facility is available from other cards and is almost interest free for six months.
I am able to withdraw upto 500 pounds a day in cash but this is charged at 1.5% minimum 1.50 pounds per withdrawal.
I like the purchase safeguard that they offer which means that all goods purchased up to 3,500 pounds are automatically insured against loss, accidental damage or theft for 90 days up to a maximum of 10,000 pounds a year.
if you lose your card abroad they will arrange for a replacement to the nearest visa bank or in certain circumstances direct to your hotel and they can make up to 5,000 pounds available in local currency which is nice
if you pay for your holiday with your card you are given free travel accident and personal liability insurance and you will be covered for up to 100,000 pounds in the event of death or major injury. also a personal liability insurance cover of up to 1,000,000 pounds is given. but all this does not replace full holiday insurance which they recommend you take out, which they can provide.
they offer a service plus for cards which offers your balance, the date and amount of your most recent transactions and the minimum payment and date due in one phone call.
interest is charged monthly at 1.167% so if your like me and always have a balance this proves to be a good rate, 56 days interest free credit is given, i also have the repayment protector which is charged at about 72pence per hundred pounds of balance,this means if i lose my job or am off work through illness they will pay 10% of the bill each month for one year or until i return to work whichever is the sooner and if i die they will clear the balance so none of my family have to pay it.
credit limits on a gold card is usually over 3,500 pounds.
you can pay your bill either by direct debit or bank giro credit or by post or by phone or on line but dont be late it can cost 15 pounds for late payment.
i like the look of the card it is that nice shiny gold colour with and has the new chip technology which is replacing the strip on the reverse and has a hologram image as well.
if anyone is considering getting one of these cards i would recommend it as it is not only provided by one of the largest banking organisations around and you can be sure that the interest rates are not going to fluctuate much, and has no annual fee plus the fact that every time i speak to hsbc they are extremely helpful and friendly.
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16.02.2004 12:07
Your reviews got better and better. But where did you go?
20.04.2003 18:25
Good op! SARAHxx
13.12.2002 22:17
Thanx for that - it was very useful. I've got a HSBC Goldcard as well and I wouldn't change it for any other card either!