Summary Boxes in Adverts

There has been a lot of hype recently about calls for credit card offers to show an American-style "honesty box" on all literature. The basic principle of summary boxes is to give a very clear indication about the actual amount of interest users can expect to pay, and about any of the charges which are like to be incurred.

Whilst this is obviously a good thing for the consumer, do not be fooled into thinking that this box will stop you from paying all unnecessary charges.

The first thing to consider is that these summary boxes will be most prominent on the type of ubiquitous credit card leaflets which fall out of just about every magazine going. They will also appear on those credit card offers which keep dropping on your doormat.

The credit card companies are hoping that you will apply after doing little or no research into the credit card deals that are currently available and that you will apply without considering whether or not you really need yet another piece of plastic at all.

So next time you see a credit card offer with an summary box on, do not think that you are suddenly being given the full picture. You are only being given the full picture about that particular credit card. We would still recommend having a good look around to see how it compares it with all the other deals that are available.

We recommend that you read through our unbiased reviews on UK credit cards, to help you build an informed opinion on the various choices you have at your disposal, before applying for a new credit card.