16 June 2010

M&S Credit Card Scoops Industry Award

M&S Money has won the Moneyfacts award for Best Card Provider (Introductory Rate).

The winners of the 2010 Moneyfacts were announced in London on Friday 11th June. The awards were presented to those companies that have consistently offered the most competitive products, the best levels of service and shown the greatest innovation in the personal finance world during the last twelve months.

The M&S Credit Card offers:

• 0% interest on all shopping for ten months from account opening
• 0% interest for six months on balance transfers made within six months of account opening (2.9% fee, minimum £5)
• No cash advance fee & 55 days interest free when buying M&S Travel Money with the card
• M&S points earned every time the card is used, with regular bonus offers of extra points on purchases at M&S
• 15.9% APR typical variable*

M&S Credit Card holders can join the exclusive M&S Premium Club**. Membership benefits include triple loyalty points on the M&S Credit Card for all shopping at M&S, in-store and online, as well as worldwide multi-trip family travel insurance, up to age 80, which includes extra cover for winter sports and independent travel.

Colin Kersley, M&S Money Chief Executive, said: ‘We are delighted that the M&S credit card has been recognised at the Moneyfacts awards. The card not only has a competitive APR but also 10 months at 0% interest on shopping, making it one of the most attractive credit cards in the market.’

Ends

Notes to editors

15.9% APR typical variable.

The rate that you actually receive will depend on our assessment of your circumstances.

• Card issued by Marks and Spencer Financial Services plc
• Credit subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over
• M&S Loyalty Scheme subject to terms and conditions
• M&S points on all shopping, at M&S and elsewhere. 1 point for £1 spent at M&S, 1point for every £2 spent elsewhere, 100 points = £1 Reward Voucher

** M&S Credit cardholders can join the exclusive M&S Premium Club for only £10 a month for an initial 12 month period.

M&S Premium Club membership benefits:

• Triple loyalty points on the M&S Credit Card* for all shopping at M&S, in-store and online
• Special treats throughout the year, including birthday gift and seasonal treats
• Complimentary hot drinks at M&S Café up to £120 in value per year
• Worldwide multi-trip family travel insurance, up to age 80, which includes extra cover for winter sports and independent travel

For further information please call the M&S Money press office:

Simon Coughlin on 020 7992 1574
simon.coughlin@mandsmoney.com

Liz Neild on 01244 686 068
liz.a.neild@mandsmoney.com

M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the company's 25th anniversary.

The company is a top-ten credit card provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK.  M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC. HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 8,000 offices in 88 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,364 billion at 31 December 2009, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as ‘the world’s local bank’.
M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.