HSBC Gold Card

As an employee in the Cards and Lending section of HSBC, I can give an educated opinion of the card. The bank offers a 0% competitor balance transfer from all store and credit cards (providing there is a sufficient credit available) for 6 months. HSBC, as far as I am aware, is the only finacial institution that pays off the higher rate of interest first so when you make a payment each month, you are paying more off it. When the 6 month comes round, you have paid mainly the higher rate of interest, leaving a lower balance left to clear.

The bank gives the optional direct debit facility for the card. You can choose to pay the minimum or full balance on the card each month. If you pay the minimum, you can pay extra, as and when you like.

There is, as standard with the card, not an optional extra, a purchase safeguard, so you can pay for goods and they are covered for up to 90 days against loss, theft or damage.

You can, for an additional fee (78p per £100 outstanding on the card balance), choose optional repayment protection against accident, sickness and disability, and Cardguard (from £15 per year). Cardguard protects ALL your bank, store and credit cards against loss or theft, anywhere in the world, 24/7/365. It can also cover the cost of replacing passports and drivers licences.

The card may not have lowest annual percentage rate on the market, but the package is second to none. If you are wanting a card that gives you flexibility of payments and excellent customer care, I would recommend the HSBC Gold Card.