Finance for football fanatics
Michelle Slade, analyst at Moneyfacts.co.uk, comments:
“Euro 2008 is heading towards its climax and football fans everywhere are starting to look forward to the start of the 2008/09 football season. Throughout the UK fans will be getting ready to support their team, either by buying this season’s latest kit, shouting at the TV screen or singing on the terraces.
“Whether it’s Man United, Arsenal, Forest Green Rovers or Tipton Town FC, there are ways to support your club, just by going about your day to day finances.
Savings Accounts
“With nearly 80 football affinity accounts on offer, most fans will be able to find a savings account which will help boost the finances of their favourite club. Most club websites have links to their affiliate sites. Norwich & Peterborough BS, Britannia BS and West Bromwich BS provide most of the accounts in England, while Dunfermline BS provides most of the accounts for the Scottish clubs.
“The interest rates on these accounts are lower compared with the market leading internet or telephone access accounts. However, most football affinity accounts are branch based and the rates are equal too or greater than equivalent other branch based accounts on the market. The average rate payable on £5K in a football affinity account is 3.33%, whereas on a standard branch based account it is 3.14%.
“Football affinity accounts work by donating up to 1.25% of the balance in the account. So if Norwich City Football Club got a capacity crowd of 26,000 supporters and every fan had a £1,000 in the Norwich City Club Saver account, £325K would be donated to the club each year.
“With many football clubs in debt, additional investment is always going to be welcome, particularly for smaller clubs where even a small amount can make a real difference to the clubs’ future and success.
“As an added incentive, many accounts offer perks such as discounts on club purchases, prize draws, free ground tours or match tickets.
Credit Cards
“The cost of a season ticket continues to increase. If you support one of the top premiership teams, the cost can run into hundreds of pounds. With many family finances struggling with the credit crunch, many may be wondering whether they can afford the cost this season. However, help is on hand with the Barclaycard Football MasterCard.
“The card offers 0% interest when the cost of a season ticket is purchased on the card (minimum £250). Supporters can also benefit from a 0% balance transfer deal for 12 months and a purchase APR of 14.9%.
“On top of this the card offers the chance to collect points at selected retailers. These points can be redeemed for discounts at selected shops or to purchase exclusive gifts such as an England shirt signed by the 1966 world cup winners or a Brazil shirt signed by Pelé.
“Just like with savings accounts, most football clubs have their own affinity credit card. Most of these cards are offered by MBNA Europe Bank.
“The cards typically offer 0% for 3 months on purchases and 0% for 12 months on balance transfers with a revert to purchase APR of 15.9%.
“Supporters again benefit by receiving discount at the club shop, entry into prize draws and other exclusive offers.
“With the fixture lists just realised, football fans everywhere will be eagerly awaiting the start of next season. Now they can get additional funds for their club, just by having their team’s savings account or credit card.”
Moneyfacts Group
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