I still read, rate and comment but rarely write on here.
I still read, rate and comment but rarely write on here.
Member since:26.04.2001
Reviews:115
Members who trust:53
The Solo card is a debit card aimed at young people that works like a Switch except you can’t get overdrawn – in other words in debt. It’s a great idea and allows young people to shop through mail-order and on the internet without using their parents credit card. Though some adults also have it if they’re not too hot with money-management!
The Solo card is accepted widely and most shops accept it, though it is not accepted as widely as Switch. Woolworth’s don’t take it which seems rather stupid considering many of their customers are young people. Though the Solo is accepted far more than the Visa Electron, which only a small minority of shops seem to take.
Solo offers a cashback feature which you can use at all shops taking Solo. Most places won’t charge you, but smaller shops might. I was once found myself desperate for money in the middle of nowhere and had no choice to pay the steep £1 fee at a local newsagent. I bought something as well so I wasn’t using the shop as a cashpoint!
Solo is offered by NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Halifax, Lloyds TSB, Abbey National and probably a few more. Though most of the other larger banks will issue with Visa Electron. Most banks ask for you to be 16 to have a Solo which I find stupid as you cannot get into debt with it, though NatWest allow you to have one from the age of 11 – which is why I am with them.
The Solo card can also be used as Maestro and Cirrus. Maestro is the equivalent of Solo abroad, so can be used to buy things. Cirrus lets you use foreign cashpoints, obviously the currency will be the local one. Though the banks do charge you a commission for this feature, this varies depending on what bank you are with. I think NatWest’s commission rate is 2.25%, so if for example you take out or spend £100 worth of local currency abroad you will be charged £2.25. Not bad really considering the bureau de change charge around £3 commission.
Solo is a great card that lets you feel important by paying with plastic but keeps you out of debt. And it means you have to carry around less cash with you. So if you don’t have one – get one now. Some banks even give you CD’s or vouchers for opening an account.
Cheers James
By the way I have put excellent for competitiveness of APR, but ignore it as is not releavant to Solo.
Advantages: Fairly widely accepted and you can pay for things with it Disadvantages: Marketed as idiot-proof but will allow you to go over your limit and be charged penalties
JL008 03.09.2004 (03.09.2004)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Solo
Jun 18th, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
