Manchester United Credit Card: What are the benefits?

Manchester United is one of the most successful teams in the history of the world football, and probably one of the most famous, with a staggering estimate of 333 million of fans worldwide.This is quarter of a billion, and more than the 3rd largest country (by population) in the world (USA). Manchester United use this huge fan-base to great effect with merchandising. One example is the Manchester United Football Club credit card. This article details out information about the Manchester United Credit Card and its benefits.

What is the Manchester United Credit Card?

Credit cards are cards which allow users to purchase things electronically with money ‘credited’ to one’s account on the basis that it will be paid back at a specific rate of interest within a limited time. Nearly all major banks have different credit cards which their users can use. Some global brands also provide credit cards like football clubs, as many are now essentially global brands. The Manchester United card is just one example of these sport credit cards.

Benefits of the card

The card is essentially a MasterCard card, masquerading under the brand of Manchester United in order to jump on the back of its publicity. One of the foremost benefits of the Manchester United credit cards is that it is a way for the fans to demonstrate their loyalty towards the club (arguably this is a mere cynical marketing move though). Another benefit is that the card can offer users the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime, ‘money can’t buy’ Manchester United prizes such as cup finals and VIP boxes. In line with certain terms and conditions, it offers 0% p.a. on interest on balance transfers for the first
12 months and on card purchases for the first three months.

Drawbacks of the card

As other sports credit cards, the criteria for acceptance, however, are quite strict. You must currently be employed and have a steady income of over £20,000. Moreover, you must be over 23 years of age and a homeowner to be able to account for your current address and address history for the last two years. You must also have a clear credit history, free from any recent credit defaults on credit cards, loans or mortgages (CCJs, current arrears or missed payments). The typical APR is also quite steep, at 16.9% (variable). So, to an extent it represents a catch 22 as the majority who qualify to use it could make do with a debit card, and the majority who really need it will not be able to meet the acceptance criteria.