Popular retailer deals Christmas shoppers major blow as payment option axed
A general view of an Argos and mobile phone EE retail outlet store on July 3, 2018 in Southend on Sea, England
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A popular retailer has dealt festive shoppers with a major blow by axing one of its payment methods.
There are just 86 days to go until Christmas, giving Britons around 13 weeks to complete the festive shop.
Argos' decision to end its six-month buy-now-pay-later payment option earlier this summer could cause some problems.
Options now include a three-month scheme when more than £50 is spent or a 12-month programme when more than £199 is spent.
Shoppers cross in front of a London bus as it travels under Christmas lights on Oxford Street
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People using either payment options will be charged a steep 34.9 per cent interest rate on the outstanding payment if they fail to pay in time.
An Argos spokesperson said: "We regularly review our Argos card deals and the credit terms that we offer to meet the needs of our customers.
“Our latest offer is a buy now pay later plan on any product worth more than £199 with 12 months to pay, giving our customers a longer term payment option.
“Our customers value the Argos Card as it gives them the option to buy items and avoid paying interest, provided they cover the full balance within the agreed term.
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People carry shopping bags along Oxford Street
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“The vast majority of our customers pay their BNPL plans back within the term period and pay no interest.
“We see customers taking advantage of more than one plan in order to better manage their payments."
The spokesperson also claimed terms and conditions and the steep interest rate was made clear.
However, Argos customers were far from impressed by the retailer’s decision to axe its six-month option.
Shoppers are seen standing next to the Argos store in London as they prepare for Black Friday event with huge savings
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One said: “Any idea when the six-month BNPL plan will be available again on the Argos card?
"Can't do my Christmas shopping at Argos without it.”
Another added: “Why have you stopped the six-month plan? I used that a lot.”
A Facebook user wrote: “They’ve changed the Argos card plans a few times over the past couple of months.
"It’s terrible they got rid of the six-month option."