Ask Our Expert

Do football credit cards, like the Manchester United credit card, offer a good deal?

Dear Chris,

I’ve just seen this Manchester United credit card, should I get it?

I’m a big Man U fan, but need to know if it’s worth it.

Is it a good deal? And is the England credit card better?

Cheers,

James, via email on 1 February 2010

Our money expert says...

Football credit cards have proved very popular with football fans who want to show their support for their club. And with taglines like “This is pride. Your club. Your card”, it’s not surprising that they attract customers eager to show their devotion.

Whether they actually offer a good deal is another matter. The best credit card for you depends on what you want to use it for. If you want to use it to get a 0% balance transfer deal or 0% purchases deal, then a football credit card will not be your best option.

However, if you are debt-free, will pay off your credit card balance in full every month and just want to get extra benefits, then a football credit card could suit you.

Hopefully I can help you decide whether getting an England credit card or Manchester United credit card is the best way to support your favourite teams.

Benefits of the England credit card

MBNA, which provides the England credit card (www.mbna.co.uk) says:

“By using the Official England Credit Card wherever you are in the world, you will be directly contributing to the development of football in England. The Football Association is a not-for-profit organisation and all commercial surpluses are invested back into the game at all levels, so you can help to make a difference.”

So, the profits that are made on your card are invested into football in England. This isn’t really a reward, as if you use your card properly, paying off your balance in full at the end of every month and never paying interest, you won’t be a profitable client for the credit company.

England football will only benefit if you end up paying interest – and even then only a fraction of your interest payments will trickle through to the cause of English football. So you might as well just donate money directly.

You would be much better getting a decent cashback credit card – for example the American Express Platinum credit card (www.americanexpress.com) - and donating the cashback you earn to the Football Association or your favourite club.

It’s worth noting that the England credit card offers a 15% discount on purchases at the official England Online Store, but this benefit doesn’t seem worth getting the card for.

More information on the England credit card

Benefits of the Manchester United credit card

The Manchester United credit card (www.mbna.co.uk) works just like the England credit card, so your club will only benefit if you are a profitable customer (ie you get into debt and pay interest on it).

So, if your aim is to support your club you’d be better off getting a cashback credit card and donating the money you receive.

However, the Manchester United credit card offers a unique RedRewards scheme which could be attractive to dedicated Man U fans. Through the RedRewards scheme cardholders have the chance to win “money can’t buy” prizes simply by using their card.

For example, every week one customer wins a day out at Old Trafford. This “One Red Day” consists of a guided tour of the “Theatre of Dreams”, a trip to see a real Manchester United first team training session, and the chance to take part in your own fun football training session (with kit provided).

Additional benefits that may tempt fans include:

5% discount when you buy tickets for the Manchester United museum and Old Trafford tour using your card.
10% discount at the Red Café when you use your card
5% discount on most holidays and flights from Travelcare Direct.

While the Manchester United credit card may not help you help your team, unless you get into debt, it does give you the opportunity to get Manchester United related discounts and win “money can’t buy” prizes, so I can see the attraction of the card.

More information on the Manchester United credit card