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credit cards

(15 Posts)
PRINTMISS Wed 16-Jan-13 09:37:15

Sainsbury's is offering a Nectar credit card, which I thought I might like, so looked at applying for one - I have a Tesco and M & S, and keep up to date with everything I do. However, Sainsbury (and maybe others) have an age limit which they apply - 80 being the upper age limit - is the ageist? I can understand the lower limit, but an upper limit, why?

Nelliemoser Wed 16-Jan-13 09:52:39

I would have thought that was illegal as being age discrimination.
Go and sort them out printmiss. wink

Greatnan Wed 16-Jan-13 10:35:41

I feel sure it would be in breach of the various anti-discrimination laws. I would challenge it. Perhaps they are afraid you will run up to your limit and die on them and there won't be enough in your estate to pay them.
In fact, if I had known I had a terminal illness when I had lots of different cards in the UK, I would have maxed them all out! I would have no compunction as the banks who are behind most credit cards are daylight robbers.

Movedalot Wed 16-Jan-13 10:52:30

That sounds illegal to me, I would query it. Why is an 80 year old less likely to pay their debts?

Greatnan Wed 16-Jan-13 11:00:42

Because they are more likely to die?

Nelliemoser Wed 16-Jan-13 11:27:45

greatnan grin

Movedalot Wed 16-Jan-13 11:28:03

Yes but their estate can pay their bills off. Surely an older person is much less likely to run up a huge bill?

Ana Wed 16-Jan-13 13:17:14

But if the older person had no estate, Movedalot, the credit card company would have to write off the debt. They'd all be at it! grin

Movedalot Wed 16-Jan-13 13:44:11

I agree Ana but the current generation of over 80s are hardly likely to do that are they? Apart from that how would they know when they were about to pop their clogs so that they could go on the spending spree? smile

Ana Wed 16-Jan-13 13:55:56

Well, if they had a terminal illness for example, or were over 90, and lived in rented accommodation, they could borrow as much as they were allowed to on different cards, give it away discreetly to relatives then make minimum repayments and wait for the end!

It would help if they could encourage the perception that they had a gambling habit, so the relatives could claim they spent the money on the horses should enquiries be made after their demise...

Movedalot Wed 16-Jan-13 14:00:46

It sounds as if you are making plans Ana? You seem to have it all well thought out grin

Ana Wed 16-Jan-13 14:08:34

grin - we'd have to sell the house first, and that would probably take until I'm 90...hmm

The gambling habit tip came from someone known to the company I work for who used it to avoid paying his legitimate debts. Although it could be proved his company had made £xxx profit, he claimed to have gambled it all away...

vampirequeen Wed 16-Jan-13 14:19:23

That's a wonderful idea, Ana. If I'm ever in that situation I will definately do it. I think the banks have had enough out of me over the years. Payback from the grave appeals to me grin

Printmiss....if you have a good credit rating then why not write to Sainsbury's pointing that with a credit rating of ...... you would obviously be a good customer but as they failed to appreciate you then you have taken your business elsewhere.

FlicketyB Wed 16-Jan-13 18:44:35

My father still had and used his credit card at 92, but paid his way. However he had had his card for decades so why are 80 year olds refused a card by a new card supplier when nobody has any problem using with them using their card if they are over 80 providing they got it before they hit that date.

Ariadne Wed 16-Jan-13 19:05:40

Why indeed!