CyprusLiving

Does anyone know of a bank in Cyprus that will issue a sterling credit card. It also has to be for business use.

Thanks Anne

Anne

We has a Euro credit card from our Cyprus Bank, but our limit was stopped from our account, rather defeated the object of a credit card really.

Any Sterling purchases we made were transferred into Euros.

Regards

Alan

Alan, we fought that clause on the issue of our Cyprus credit card some years ago when we were with the Laiki.

They also wanted to stop the same amount of the credit limit from our bank account because we were, and I quote "non-resident" which we argued against as we had been residents paying SI and holding an Alien card / Residence Permit for some years.

When we pushed really hard about the "non-resident" referral as to whether she meant non-Cypriot and got the affirmation this was indeed what she meant, we asked for the Manager and why we were being discriminated against.

We got our credit card issued without any stopped amount - albeit a low credit limit to start with but it was increased greatly the following year and again, a year after that.

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Annie, I can't imagine a Cyprus bank will issue you with a sterling amount card.... but it would be interesting to know if you succeed. Please keep us informed.

I had the same issue, I could have a credit card but the limit would be blocked from my account, I declined as I may as well use the debit card. What I did was to apply for a "bad credit" card in the uk using my parents address, and started of with a small limit, which in time has increased substantially. Also, the other upside is my experian credit score has also increased to excellent over the last 3 three years.

I do not think you will get a GBP Credit Card in Cyprus, I only use a debit card in CY. I do have a currency card from caxton fx which is useful sometimes, but you have to topup before using.

HTH

Digby

I have a similar situation with Alpha Bank. In order to have a credit card the Alpha Bank would freeze 120 % of the credit limit. Decided to ask Hellenic Bank earlier this year and was told they would freeze 100 % of the credit limit. Not aware of any bank in Cyprus that would offer a sterling credit card.

You can get a Sterling Debit card from some offshore banks. Given that Cyprus banks 'block' your cash on deposit, a credit card is exactly the same as a debit card in this case.

I have debit cards and I can rent cars using them which is often quoted as a reason to have a credit card.

Garry

We applied for our Visa Credit card 9 years ago when we were going on holiday to Australia and thought we may need it. It was with Laiki then and now subsequently with BOC. I have a 5k limit and have never had to have any frozen funds to cover it.
I have the choice of paying it off in full each month or paying the minimum amount and never had any problems at all.

PS There is an annual fee of €8.50 though