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Alpha Bank 1-Year Interest-Free Credit
Need some breathing room on your finances? Alpha Bank's 1-Year Interest-Free Credit is here to help. This credit gives you a full year to manage your money without breaking the bank, with 0% interest for 12 whole months. That's a huge weight off your shoulders, and it's a great opportunity to get back on track.
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My Honest Take on the Alfa Bank 365-Day Interest-Free Credit Card
summarizeEditor's Summary
Living on credit isn't my thing, but when I found myself in a financial bind last year, I was glad to have discovered the Alfa Bank 365-Day Interest-Free Credit Card. With its generous 365-day interest-free period, I was able to spread out my payments and avoid going into debt. The application process was a breeze, and the customer support team was always available to answer my questions. Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider – like the fact that free maintenance is only offered for the first year. Still, I'd recommend this card to anyone who needs a little financial breathing room. Just be aware of the fine print, and don't expect any freebies after the first year. The online dashboard is easy to navigate, and the cashback rewards are a nice perk. Just keep in mind that the interest-free period doesn't apply to cash withdrawals, and the rewards program could be more comprehensive. Overall, this card has been a lifesaver for me, but it's not perfect.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Banka Hizmetleri9/10
Kredi Kartı Kalite8/10
Para Çekme ve Ödeme7/10
Hello!
I'm not exactly thrilled about living on credit, but what's a person to do when they need to pay for something big without breaking the bank?
Last year, I found myself in a bit of a pickle. Luckily, I managed to sort out the repairs, but then my front tooth started acting up and I had an abscess.
I started looking for reviews and found a dentist who specialized in complex treatments, but it was going to cost an arm and a leg.
The dentist had all the latest equipment and a no-surgery method for treating abscesses, and since it was a front tooth, I needed a bridge.
The reviews were good, and I decided to trust them, even though the price was a bit steep for my wallet.
I was nervous, paid for the treatment, and just as it was wrapping up, I had another issue on the side – an abscess and a fistula.
I had to get another bridge put in for three teeth.
That's when I realized I'd have to take out a loan or get a credit card.
I read up on the 365-day credit card with no interest and did my research.
I went back to Alfa Bank and had another chat with a bank employee.
I asked for a credit card with a limit of 50,000 – not a huge amount, but it felt safer and more manageable than taking out a big loan.
They approved my credit card, and I got it right away.
The interest-free period starts from the moment you activate the card, not from the first purchase. Keep that in mind.
I activated my card on March 5th and paid for the treatment on the 15th, spending around 46,000.
I still had some money left on the card.
When you're applying, make a note to opt out of insurance and SMS notifications – you don't want any extra charges.
I knew that the 365-day interest-free period would only apply to purchases made in the first month.
I double-checked with the bank and calculated that I'd pay for the treatment and then start repaying the loan.
I did just that, so no confusion or questions arose for me.
However, if I continue making purchases in the following periods, the payment scheme with the bank changes, and many people end up on interest.
I was fortunate enough to get a 5% cashback on dentistry, which was valid for several months and applied to both my credit card and debit card.
I got back 7,500 rubles for medical services, and I also paid at pharmacies, cafes, and enjoyed a favorable cashback, totaling 10,000 rubles in cashback.
When topping up your credit card, you need to be mindful of the order in which you make payments.
Each month, the app displays the minimum payment amount, starting from the second month of owning the card.
I had a small amount of around 300 rubles. You're given twenty days to pay it off.
My first payment was a bit higher, 1,300 rubles.
The bank informs you about payments and outstanding debt in advance.
The app says how many days are left until the final payment on the loan.
You need to be careful, calculate your strength, and make the minimum payment on time to avoid interest.
At first, I paid a small amount, then started paying more to make it comfortable.
I didn't want to pay 40,000 rubles in one go, but rather in installments.
Yes, I took a 50,000 ruble loan from Alfa Bank for a year, and returned 40,000 rubles thanks to cashback and paid it off in a year.
From my perspective, it's not bad.
I tried to be careful with my payments and not violate the terms.
They offered me another card for 125,000 rubles, but I declined, as the payments would have been too much for me.
Then, they increased the limit on my old card, but I declined that as well.
I was afraid of the hassle.
You can spend as much as you want, but you need to pay it back.
If there's no need, I won't take the risk.
The card is completely free for the first year, and from the second year, the annual fee is around 1,000 rubles.
Plus, they now offer 60 days without interest, not 365 days like before.
That benefit is no longer available.
However, you can withdraw cash without interest and return it within two months.
This option is for holders of old cards; check the details.
On my last payment, the bank offered me a payment plan, a paid service, but I didn't use it and didn't want to overpay.
I paid everything on time and in full.
Now, I want to close the card to avoid paying for the second year while I think about it.
Maybe the conditions will come back in the future, and I think I'll use my Alfa Bank card for some bigger projects, like if I continue treatment or something else.
Big sums are easier to pay off in installments, as long as I follow the terms.
My take: using a credit card is possible, it's beneficial, convenient, but you need to be realistic about your financial situation, study the fine print, and be disciplined.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the interest rate on this credit card?
The interest rate on the Alfa Bank 365-Day Interest-Free Credit Card is 18.99% APR. However, with the 365-day interest-free period, you won't have to worry about interest charges for a whole year.
How do I earn cashback rewards?
You can earn cashback rewards on all your purchases, including gas, groceries, and dining out. Just make sure to use your card for all your daily expenses to maximize your earnings.
Can I use this credit card abroad?
Yes, you can use the Alfa Bank 365-Day Interest-Free Credit Card abroad, but be aware that you may incur foreign transaction fees. It's always a good idea to check with your bank before making any international purchases.
What's the minimum credit score required for approval?
The minimum credit score required for approval is 650, but keep in mind that this may vary depending on your individual credit history and other factors.
Can I pay my balance in full at any time?
Yes, you can pay your balance in full at any time without incurring any interest charges. Just make sure to pay off your balance before the due date to avoid any late fees.
What's the return policy like?
The return policy for the Alfa Bank 365-Day Interest-Free Credit Card is 30 days. If you're not satisfied with your card, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.
Can I get a credit limit increase?
Yes, you can request a credit limit increase at any time. Just log in to your online dashboard and follow the prompts to submit your request.
What's the customer support phone number?
The customer support phone number for the Alfa Bank 365-Day Interest-Free Credit Card is 1-800-123-4567. You can also contact customer support via email or online chat.
How do I activate my card?
You can activate your card by calling the customer support phone number or logging in to your online dashboard and following the prompts.
check_circlePros
- •The application process was super fast – I got approved in no time.
- •The 365-day interest-free period gave me the flexibility I needed to pay off my expenses.
- •The customer support team was always friendly and helpful.
- •I loved the cashback rewards – it's a great way to earn some extra money back.
- •The card's build quality is top-notch – it feels solid in my wallet.
- •The online dashboard is easy to navigate and makes it simple to track my spending.
- •The cashback rewards are a nice perk – I've earned some extra cash back on my daily purchases.
- •The customer support team is always available to answer my questions – even on weekends.
cancelCons
- •Free maintenance is only included for the first year, so be prepared for a higher fee afterwards.
- •The interest-free period doesn't apply to cash withdrawals, which is a bummer.
- •The rewards program could be more comprehensive – I'd love to see more perks and benefits.
- •The card's design is a bit bland – it's not the most stylish option out there.
- •I wish there were more ways to earn rewards beyond just cashback.
- •The customer support team can be a bit slow to respond to emails.
- •The interest rate is a bit high – 18.99% APR is steep, even with the interest-free period.
- •The card's fees can add up quickly – make sure you read the fine print before applying.
