As thousands of students head off to university this month, Barclaycard is launching (4th September) Barclaycard Student Credit Card, a new credit card designed to help students use credit sensibly and gain the most from their time at university.

Barclaycard Student offers the lowest typical APR of any student credit card and has introduced a host of improved features for customers who are new to credit:

a 12 month, money-saving, interest-free offer on a Dell Inspiron notebook a credit limit of £600 at account opening no fee for accidentally going over the credit limit free text message reminders when the monthly payment is due a minimum monthly repayment of 5% a new, low standard purchase APR of 14.9% a new, low rate of 14.9% on cash advances (a 2.5% cash handling charge applies, with a minimum of £2.50)

Barclaycard Student can also help with university studies with its offer of a Dell notebook at an exclusive price of £360. The laptop comes fully loaded with the MS Works software suite and to help students spread the cost, cardholders can repay this interest-free at £30 per month for 12 months.

James Le Brocq, Head of Barclaycard UK Credit Cards said: "We have tried to create a card which will help students get the most out of university life but recognises that there are times when finances will be under pressure.

"By keeping credit limits sensible, reducing charges and introducing features like text reminders, students can build a credit history which will prove useful throughout university and beyond."

Current student credit cards, key features:

Standard APR Cash Rate (+ handling charge) Late Payment Fee Over-limit fee Minimum payment

Barclaycard Student 14.9% 14.9% (2.5% min £2.50) £12 £0 5%

HSBC 18.9% 21.47%(2.5% min £2.50) £12 £12 3%

NatWest 18.9% 20.89%(2% min £2.50) £12 £12 2.25%

Lloyds 17.9% 17.95%(2.5% min £2.50) £12 £12 2%

Information correct as per card issuers websites: August 31 2006

In addition to a low APR and attractive laptop offer, Barclaycard Student includes a range of discounts such as 20% off selected products at Argos, money off RAC membership, Lonely Planet guides and products from websites including www.cdwow.com and www.buyagift.co.uk

For further information, please contact: Ian Barber, Head of Public Relations Tel: + 44 (0)1604 251 229

Notes to editors:

Barclaycard Student will be available from 4th September in Barclays branches and via www.barclaycardstudent.co.uk. There is no requirement to hold a Barclays student bank account to be eligible for Barclaycard Student Credit limit of £600 includes the £360 purchase price of the Dell notebook for those customers that accept the offer The Dell notebook is repayable interest-free over 12 monthly Direct Debit instalments of £30. Repayments are in addition to the monthly 5% minimum payment. The Barclaycard Student Dell® Inspiron® notebook offer currently saves £16 on the on-line retail price. Package includes: Intel® Celeron® M Processor 380 MS Works software suite Windows XP Home Edition 256MB DDR2 SDRAM 40GB Hard Drive 24xCDRW/8xDVD Wireless Network Card Barclaycard Student also provides: 20% off four top products at Argos 25% off RAC Membership £20 off a combined MOT and Service at KwikFit 20% off anything at Buy A Gift Leisure vouchers worth £250 for £10 purchase price Full details at Barclaycard Student Credit Card from 4th September

Source: prleap