A University housemate of mine convinced me to take out a Sony Credit Card, what did I have to lose?! My first credit card, no fee to apply for one, and easy to get accepted. Seeings I was a hard up student, and I passed the criteria of UK Citizen, over age 18 and a good credit rating Sony soon delivered me my card.
Compared to other cards, it has a certain 'coolness' about it but at the end of the day 'it's a credit card'. Anything you put on the card, will eventually have to be paid, and unfortunately the Sony card carries with it a 15.9% APR (I have seen better rates). The Minimum monthly payment is good at only 3%, this and the estimated interest (if applicable) is clearly highlighted on the bills. Because of Sony's connection and use of The Bank of Scotland this provides some assurance that you are not dealing with amateur bankers. Assuming you read all the small print, you should never be caught out.
Best ways to apply would be online, ask for a pack over the phone or seek out a friend who would no doubt recommend you and potentially receive 2000 pulsebeats. On successful application you would personnally receive 1600 pulsebeats.
Pulsebeats (like 'points' on any loyalty card) are Sony's way of rewarding you. One pulsebeat for every pound spent in one transaction on your card. Bit disappointing as this means two payments of 4.99 in a month would only give you 8 pulsebeats, not 9, despite the bill being 9.98. This though is largely irrelevant, as you need at least 1300 points to get a CD (probably not one you want anyway). Better CD's are 1600 points, but there is a full range of Sony goods (TV's, radio's, Walkmans, Playstation games and equipment, video's, camera's and so on). Take care though, year after year they seem to change their goods, I phoned up for a radio alarm which was in my catalogue, but because the new catalogue was just released, the product I wanted no longer existed! A different version was availiable at 300 extra pulsebeats. The lady was very helpful over the phone though.
Other bonuses, buy any Sony product from High Street and get tripple pulsebeats, seems like monthly competitions are availiable and banking online is an option.
If you want a credit card with competitive rates, I wouldn't recommend it, there's probably a better deal somewhere, but, if you want a credit card, love Sony stuff and can pay your bill when it arrives, then it's well worth it.
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I have one of these, but am finding the levels needed are rising every year. Nice op. Marc
Collingwood21 21.06.2003 17:50
I had no idea that Sony had branched out into credit cards. You are right about the APR being high, but that is only really relevant if you do not pay off the full balance each month. If you do, then it could be a useful way of earning free stuff. :)
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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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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