We explain how the interest free credit facility and repayments on a credit card work as well as benefits associated with a Barclaycard.

Credit cards are the most flexible form of short-term borrowing and offer the most flexible repayment terms. The following information explains how the interest free credit facility and repayments on a credit card work:

Interest Free Period

If you pay your account in full by the Payment Due Date on your statement, you will not be charged any interest and benefit from a period of interest free credit. With Barclaycard this period may be up to 56 days, depending on the date of your purchase.

Cash withdrawals, balance transfers and credit card cheques do not qualify for an interest free period. You will pay an interest charge from the day you withdraw cash or use credit card cheques.

Flexible Repayment

A credit card offers you the flexibility to repay as much of your balance as you choose, although we do ask you to pay a minimum repayment each month. The minimum monthly payment is clearly shown on your statement. It ranges from 2% to 3% of your balance with a minimum of ?5.

If you are only making the minimum payment on your account, you should bear in mind that it will take you longer to repay your balance and you will pay more interest as a result.

How your payments are applied

When you make a payment to your Barclaycard (or most other credit cards), it is used to pay off the balances on your account in a particular order. Typically, this will mean that you pay off your lower rate balance transfers first. This is particularly relevant if you have transferred a balance to us and continue to use your card.

If you're paying several different rates, and only pay off part of the balance, we'll reduce the unpaid amounts in this order:

• Any transfer balances and promotional balances (including interest) which a promotional interest rate applies to for an open ended period;
• Any transfer balances and promotional balances (including interest) which a promotional interest rate applies to for a fixed period;
• Any other interest charges and other charges made under this agreement;
• The standard purchase balance and transfer balances (when a promotional rate does not apply);
• The cash advance balance.

Ways to pay

Barclaycard offers a range of ways to pay to suit your needs:

• Online by Switch or Delta card. Register for online account services once you receive your card
• By phone - tell your bank our sort code 20-04-15, our account number 38290008, and your card number
• By Direct Debit - just call 0870 154 0154* with your current account details
• By post, with a cheque or postal order. Please make cheques payable to Barclaycard and write your Barclaycard number and postcode on the back. Send your cheque and completed Bank Giro Credit Slip to Barclaycard, Dept PP, Bolton BL11 1XX. Allow at least 4 working days before your payment due date.
• By cheque at any bank or post office
• Setting up a Direct Debit ensures that we receive at least the minimum repayment on your account, on time, each month. By doing this you will avoid paying any Late Payment Fees. Please remember that if you only pay the minimum balance it will take you longer to clear your balance and you will pay more in interest charges.

Don't forget, you don't have to wait until you receive your monthly statement to pay. You can make additional payments to your Barclaycard at any time during the month. This way you can reduce your balance more quickly.

Credit cards offer better security and protection for your purchases than any other method of payment.

We’ve invested in developing a range of services that support you best, when you need it the most. Click here to see the full range of Barclaycard benefits.

* Calls charged at national rate. Calls may be monitored or recorded in order to maintain high levels of security and quality of service.