Dogs Trust Credit Card

MBNA credit card review: Dogs Trust

IF you're not sure who Dog's Trust are we have one thing to say to you: "A Dog is for Life, not just for Christmas". You remember now, right?

The Dog's Trust credit card will last you through the festive season, too, with 0% on balance transfers for 12 months as well as money to the charity whenever you spend.

Charity credit cards are attractive because the rewards go straight to where they're needed.

So if you pay off your credit card in full at the end of each month (so you're not accruing interest) this is a good way to (very) gently redistribute MBNA's profits.

In this case, £4 will be donated when you make your very first purchase and thereafter you'll be giving 25p for every £100 you spend on the card.

That's fairly generous: say you spent £5,000 using your Dog's Trust credit card in your first year, the charity would get £16.50.

There are just three things to look out for with the Dog's Trust credit card.

First, make sure you know which transactions can earn donations.

Cash advances (ATM withdrawals, cashback at the till and gambling to name three) won't earn anything and you'll pay a high rate of interest on them which could outweigh your Dog's Trust donations. Avoid them.

Second, though 0% on balance transfers is a great deal, don't use the card for spending at the same time.

Again, you want to avoid building up interest on the Dog's Trust credit card.

Finally, be aware that you could give more to Dog's Trust without using their branded credit card.

Other reward credit cards offer much more cash back which you could just give away.

For example, use the Capital One World Mastercard credit card to spend £5,000 - as above - and you'll get around £50.

For keeping things simple, though, charity credit cards are ideal and if you really love dogs you'd be barking not to give with the Dog's Trust credit card.

Interest Rates and Fees
		Notes..
Typical APR	16.9% APR (variable)	16.9% APR - 24.9% APR. The rate you receive will depend upon an assessment of your circumstances and credit history. The typical APR is the rate most people are offered.
Introductory Purchases	0% for 3 months	Payments will be applied towards 0% purchases before 0% balance transfers. However, once the 0% purchase period ends, payments will be applied first towards 0% balance transfers. After the introductory period purchases will be charged at the standard rate of 16.9% - 24.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers	0% for 12 months Includes transfers to a current account (4% fee)	Must be made within 90 days of account opening to qualify. Also includes money transfers to a current account, but with a 4% handling fee. Payments are applied towards 0% purchases before 0% balance transfers, but when the 0% purchase period ends payments will be applied towards 0% balance transfers before standard rate purchases. After the 0% balance transfer period ends, balance transfers are charged at the standard rate of 18.9% - 26.9% p.a. and money transfers are charged at the standard rate of 20.9% - 27.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee	3% (£3 minimum)	This fee applies to balance transfers. Money transfers will be charged a 4% fee.
Cash Withdrawal Rate	27.9% p.a. (variable)	-
Cash Withdrawal Fee	3% (£3 minimum)	-
Annual Fee	None	-
Foreign Transaction Fee	2.99%	This fee will be charged if you make a purchase or cash withdrawal in a foreign currency.

Rewards
		Notes..
Reward #1	Dogs Trust Donations	MBNA will donate money to the Dogs Trust when you take out the card and every time you use the card to make a purchase. These donations are paid by MBNA Europe Bank and do not cost you a penny. MBNA will donate £4 when you first use your card within 90 days of account opening, plus 25p for every £100 you spend on purchases, and an additional £2 each year you continue to carry the card.

Cardholder Services & Extras
Online Account Management		You can log in to a website and manage your MBNA Dogs Trust credit card account online. Optional paperless statements.
Fraud Guarantee		There is no liability or excess to pay for theft, loss or fraudulent use online or on the high street, as long as you notify MBNA as soon as your card cannot be found or you notice any unsual transactions on your account.
Fraud Monitoring		Fraud Warning System MBNA will monitor your account for any suspicious activity. They also offer a purchase disputes team and a 24/7 365 helpline.
Identity Protection		MBNA do offer a Identity Theft Protection Scheme, which is a free booklet offering advice on how to protect yourself from ID theft.
MasterCard SecureCode		An extra layer of security when shopping online. Register and set up a password-protected identity-check when you shop online with participating online retailers.
Purchase Protection Insurance
Purchase Delivery Insurance
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Travel Accident Insurance
Travel Inconvenience Insurance
Assistance Abroad
Emergency Card Replacement
Other Extras	- 24 hour UK based customer services - Up to 3 additional cardholders free.
Optional Extras	These are extras that you can choose, but you will have to pay for them. - Payment protection - Card protection - Identity protection alert.

Payments & Payment Details
		Notes..
Credit Limit	£1,500 assumed	Credit limit subject to status.
Interest Free Period	Up to 50 days	For purchases if you pay your statement balance in full and on time every month. There is no interest free period for balance transfers, money transfers or cash advances - except for those within an interest free promotional offer.
Minimum Monthly Payment	1% (£25 minimum)	If your balance is less than £25 you must repay your balance in full. Otherwise, you must repay the greater of: - £25, OR - 1% of your statement balance before any default charges and interest, plus any default charges and interest on the statement.
Allocation of Payments	Low interest rate balances » Higher interest rate balances	Where there are two or more balances at the same promotional rate they will repaid in the following order: - The one which expires first, Then - If the expiry dates are the same - the one which started first, Then - If the expiry and start dates are the same - the one with the lowest standard rate.
Default Charges	£12	This is how much you will be charged for late payments, returned payments and if you go over your credit limit.

Card Details
		Notes..
Online Application	Yes	-
Card Type	Classic	-
Payment Company	MasterCard	The company who provides the payment technology and infrastructure to allow you to use this credit card. Retailers and ATM machines displaying the 'MasterCard' logo will accept this credit card.
Card Issuer	MBNA	The bank who issues this credit card.
Card Advertiser	MBNA Dogs Trust	The company who advertises and promotes this credit card.

Review Continued...

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