New 26-month balance transfer credit card from Virgin Money

Thursday, 23 May 2013 01:46

 

A new credit card from Virgin Money will see the finance company extend its interest free balance transfer period from 20 months to 26 months, with six months for purchases.

The product represents a good deal for those looking to pay off debts in the long term, although the bank is pushing the card with a publicity drive that urges people to consider how they might have benefited from the card when the 26 month period is up.

According to Virgin Money's Major Life Events survey, it is extremely common for people to underestimate how much their lives can change over the course of two years.

Almost three-quarters of participants in the study claimed their existence had changed dramatically for one reason or another since 2011, yet barely a quarter (24 per cent) of people said they expected change on a similar level to occur by 2015.

As a case in point of what can happen, Virgin Money pointed towards Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, who got married just under 26 months ago and are now awaiting their first child.

The card is particularly useful to families and couples who might undergo a similar journey over the next two years.

When it came to looking towards the future, just 27 per cent of respondents to Virgin Money's research claimed they thought the UK economy would pick up over the next 26 months.

For the vast majority of people (88 per cent), the top priority over the next two years is to reduce their personal debt and sort out their finances.

"Many customers really value the extra breathing space that an interest-free balance transfer period can provide," said David Buxton, managing director of credit from Virgin Money.

"As our survey shows, a lot can change in 26 months but this card could provide them with certainty and peace of mind.

"A customer transferring £2,000 from another card with an interest rate of 16.9% could save themselves £599 by switching to the Virgin Money Credit Card."

The introductory rate on the new card applies only to balance transfers made within the first 60 days and a 2.99 per cent fee is applied.

Comments Bubble Comments

Twitter: My Finances


Join the conversation at #news_myfinances


Newsletter sign up

Interests

In addition to the weekly newsletter, which areas of finance would you like to hear from us about:

Tick this box if you would like us to send you promotions from carefully selected third parties.

By signing-up you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

sign-up button

Get the latest information on: