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Halifax reports on 'secret' credit cards

Halifax reports on 'secret' credit cards

Britons are in possession of thousands of credit cards which they are keeping hidden from their partners.

Research carried out by Halifax Credit Cards reveals that there are currently 217,000 credit cards kept secret from a spouse.

And one of the main reasons people choose to keep hold of a card that their significant other does not know about, Halifax Credit Cards reports, is so that they can purchase items without their partner's knowledge

Those considering taking out a card for this reason may wish to obtain a 0% purchases credit card.

Other reasons for having a secret credit card include hiding existing debt from a loved one and wanting to have access to funds in case of an emergency.

However, Adrian Bryant, head of marketing for Halifax Credit Cards, points out: "It's important that people are honest about their finances with their partner as it may affect their ability to secure products in joint names."

Last month, the Guardian revealed that interest rates on Halifax credit cards and RBS credit cards will rise between one and four percentage points.ADNFCR-2079-ID-19156082-ADNFCR
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 00:00
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Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 10 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
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0% for 10 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

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  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
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  • You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
  • You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
  • You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 10 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 10 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
  • You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
  • You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
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  • You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on

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Balance Transfer Rate:
5.90% For Life
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
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Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
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Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
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Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
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Typical APR

Purchases:
11.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
11.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
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Credit Limit:
£50,000
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Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
0% for 6 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
17.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
17.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
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Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
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Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
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