I haven't written a review for some time but have had fun reading others, so thought it was about time that I did something again. With so many things to choose from, I decided that my credit card would be as good a starting place than any.
I have been with my current bank for some considerable time, and I have to admit to being somewhat loyal to it. I hae a number of their products (including credit cards) but wasn't sure that I was getting the best deal for my money. I am fortunate that I am able to pay my credit card balance off every month, so thought that I really aught to be getting something for nothing as I was getting nothing with the bank! As luck would have it, I received some junk mail - because surprisingly it was both well timed and welcome as it was the Sony Cardapplication form.
The documentation explained that the rewards program (called Pulse beats) was better than the norm, typically 3% of value rather than 1% - the twist is, if you buy Sony products you get double points - and at 1 point per £1 normally, this can soon stack up. The rewards program is strictly Sony - no cash back, no vouchers - just Sony goods. So if your not into Sony - this is not the card for you - but then again, who isn't!
The application process is slick enough, fill out the form and send it off, and within 10 days the cards are in your hands. As you can see by the picture - it is a reasonable looking card with a silver magnetic stripe.
You do expect a lot from the big brand names, and this is no exception. The card program itself is backed by the Bank of Scotland, which have a number of different deals like this out there (e.. AA Credit card)
You can request to have a PIN for the cash machines - which I didn't want, but alas, they sent it anyway.
They do operate a 24 hour lost and stolen helpline, which I have not had to call.
Customer service is reasonable to good. As someone else has said, one of the bonuses being that you don't have to wade through an automated caller response to speak to someone human. When I have phomed them, it has not taken too long.
As per the norm, you can pay to insure your card so that in the event that you lost your job, died, etc, the payments would be made for you for a period of time, or repaid fully, dependant on your circumstances.
As with other credit cards, purchases over the sum of £100 are covered by the consumer credit act, affording you further protection in the event of your goods not being up to scratch.
Interest rates appear to be in line with the normal bank credit cards, so are not the cheapest on the market. But you do get 56 days interest free credit, and as I said earlier, I am lucky enough to pay off the bill in full, so no interest charges apply! Oh, there is no annual fee either.
I have had no major problems with this card, they have even recently replaced it with one that has a chip in the front - typically Sony - whatever will they think of next!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
good op but for a VH you need a bit more detail such as the APR, cash advance fees, balance transfers, details of the application form etc
sue.51 02.06.2003 00:30
Sorry for the rating, but integral to any credit card op are the APR's for purchases, cash advances etc - whilst you may be in a position to clear your balance every month there are some that are not, and therefore not having this information prevents a prospective client skimming ciao for information being able to make an informed decision. If you update with this info, let me know and I will come back and rerate.
Sue
ariadne 01.06.2003 21:05
Sounds like a loyalty scheme worth having, compared with some of the others out there. Btw, by the end of next year, you can expect most of the big names to have put chips in their credit cards to help combat fraud. A la the continent, you'll have to enter your pin rather than just signing a useless bit of paper when you make a purchase. x
Advantages: Free Pulse Beats, exclusive monthly competitions to win amazing prizes, efficient and friendly customer service Disadvantages: APR could be more competitive
tanga 22.02.2001 (23.04.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Sony Card
Advantages: Reward points (for some), flexibility in APR choice, and options to change your APR at any time Disadvantages: High(ish) APR rates, Internet and phone based only (some may not like that).
indiegirl 25.11.2002 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
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