Bag the best player in the market

With the 2007 season kicking off, dedicated fans need to ensure their football related financial products are the best players on the market.

Price comparison website moneysupermarket.com has researched the wide range of football associated financial goods on offer – and while some fare well in comparison to those on the wider market, others should be given the red card.

Stuart Glendinning, managing director of moneysupermarket.com, said: “From credit cards to mortgages, a variety of football affinity products are available for the die-hard football fan.

“However, I would urge any fan to think twice before taking out these products. Some compare reasonably well but others with appallingly low rates, such as the 1.05 per cent on offer from the Darlington FC savings account, should be avoided.

“Even the most committed of football fans should shop around for financial products that offer the most suitable and competitive deal and not be swayed by gimmicks, perks or their love for the club.

“Although there are few as loyal as a football supporter, unfortunately the favour is not always returned (see below). Consumers can stick with their season ticket, but should ditch any financial products if they’re not top of the league.”

Adult savings

Most football related savings accounts should be sent off, paling in comparison to those on offer from the wider market. Liverpool and Chelsea are stuck on 2.85 per cent AER, with only Wolves supporters getting a decent 5.75 per cent. Non-football easy access accounts with ICICI, Alliance & Leicester, Scarborough and Birmingham Midshires all pay 6.3 per cent.

Children's savings

Children’s football-specific savings accounts don’t do too badly with most having a 5.35 per cent AER on instant access accounts. Although there are some internet-only easy access accounts offering slightly higher rates, the football accounts offer a passbook and allow branch transactions, making them popular with young fans.

Credit cards

Show loyalty to your club by opting for an affiliated credit card and you can actually fare quite well. Most cards offered by Premiership teams and a handful of Championship teams offer 0 per cent on balance transfers for 12 months – on a par with other market leaders. The only cards that better this are the Virgin Credit Card, with 15 months, and Barclaycard Platinum with 14.