As thousands of students head off to university this month, Barclaycard is launching (4th September) Barclaycard Student Credit Card, a new credit card designed to help students use credit sensibly and gain the most from their time at university.

Barclaycard Student offers the lowest typical APR of any student credit card and has introduced a host of improved features for customers who are new to credit:

• a 12 month, money-saving, interest-free offer on a Dell Inspiron notebook
• a credit limit of £600 at account opening
• no fee for accidentally going over the credit limit
• free text message reminders when the monthly payment is due
• a minimum monthly repayment of 5%
• a new, low standard purchase APR of 14.9%
• a new, low rate of 14.9% on cash advances (a 2.5% cash handling charge applies, with a minimum of £2.50)

Barclaycard Student can also help with university studies with its offer of a Dell notebook at an exclusive price of £360. The laptop comes fully loaded with the MS Works software suite and to help students spread the cost, cardholders can repay this interest-free at £30 per month for 12 months.

James Le Brocq, Head of Barclaycard UK Credit Cards said: “We have tried to create a card which will help students get the most out of university life but recognises that there are times when finances will be under pressure.

“By keeping credit limits sensible, reducing charges and introducing features like text reminders, students can build a credit history which will prove useful throughout university and beyond.”

Current student credit cards, key features:

Standard APR         Cash Rate         Late Payment     Fee Over-limit fee     Minimum payment
                    (+ handling charge)
Barclaycard
Student     14.9%             14.9%             £12                       £0                 5%
                    (2.5% min £2.50)
HSBC         18.9%             21.47%            £12                   £12                  3%
                    (2.5% min £2.50)
NatWest     18.9%             20.89%            £12                   £12                  2.25%
                    (2% min £2.50)
Lloyds         17.9%             17.95%            £12                   £12                  2%
                    (2.5% min £2.50)

Information correct as per card issuers’ websites: August 31 2006

In addition to a low APR and attractive laptop offer, Barclaycard Student includes a range of discounts such as 20% off selected products at Argos, money off RAC membership, Lonely Planet guides and products from websites including www.cdwow.com and www.buyagift.co.uk

For further information, please contact:
Ian Barber, Head of Public Relations
Tel: + 44 (0)1604 251 229