Scroll down to read the additional 'More Free Casino Cash Special' additional tip

The Following is the Text of Martin's Money Tip E-mail from 9th September 2003

 (An independent non-profit driven consumer help e-mail from www.moneysavingexpert.com)

QUICK! Top Balance Transfer Card and Free Watch

MBNA has launched a nine month 0% credit card for balance transfers, putting it joint longest with three other cards.  However it's throwing an Accurist watch worth (so it says) £70 in.   The offer is only available through Moneysupermarket (not MBNA direct) click here* to apply (it's the top card on the list).  Please be careful though, the 0% is only for the balance transfer not purchases, so avoid spending on this card.   To read my article on the pros and cons of credit card freebies click here.  For a full guide to credit cards, including balance transfers, click here.

Current Accounts – More and Cheaper

If you're still banking with the big 4 banks, shame on you.  You're throwing cash away.  Switching is easy these days.   Plus I've just done an extended update of my current account deal, including the new Halifax Extras account.  To read it click here  (plus links there to the best student and graduate accounts)

Barclaycard 0% for life loophole Hunt

It's amazing.  The MoneySaving community really works.  You've spotted the old offer still available in loads of places… thank you.  To read where people have found the application forms click here.  To read the full article about the loophole click here.  Remember though it's only the £1 minimum spend card than counts – not the main branch or web offer.

Free O2 Sim Card with 300 text messages and 300 WAP minutes (chat tip)

The only criteria for this free sim card is you must top it up with £10 a month.  The phone calls are a reasonable price evenings and weekends, though hefty days.  For the link, to ask questions and discuss this click here.

Free Cancer Research Wills Service for over 55s (Chat Tip)

Cancer Research is offering a free will making service for anyone over the age of 55.  This is well worth looking at, of course the hope is a donation or legacy will be made to Cancer Research, but there is no requirement.  To read about it click here

Free washing powder (chat tip)

Both Ariel and Persil are giving away free samples of their washing powder.  It'll probably be one wash worth, but hey.  Click here to read the tip.

It can happen to anyone - credit card fraud – I got caught!

“You of all people” was the response of the NatWest cards press office when I told them.  I got stung by a fraudulent credit card reader on Friday,  I even spotted it.  There was a little extra piece of metal to guide the card into my local cash machine (it is a NatWest, though I don't bank with them, and to be fair it isn't their fault at all).  I saw it and thought, “that's new, but looks a bit dodgy”, however my card went in and the cash came out so I forgot about it.  

Two days later I checked my statement and low and behold £1,900 had been taken.  Of course, the money will be paid back without a problem, it wasn't my fault, it was fraud.  But a warning if the slot where you put your card in isn't flush and flat, then avoid it and call the bank.  After all if I can get caught…… (he says through clenched teeth)

To Ask A Question

Please don't email me directly to ask a question – just click here and simply pop one in the Questions section of the Chat board.  It will be answered much more quickly there.

If you can please tell your friends about MoneySavingExpert.com and get them to sign up to the e-mail. 

I hope you save some money

Martin Lewis

Money Saving Expert

www.moneysavingexpert.com is a completely independent website dedicated to saving money.  It is run by Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert on ITV1s This Morning, who is also a contributor to Radio 4 & 5, LBC, BBC1 Watchdog and columnist for the Sunday Express.

(*Note: This link is affiliated, meaning a contribution is made to MoneySavingExpert.com if you look at the card/loan (you don't need to apply for the contribution to happen).  Using it helps keep MoneySavingExpert.com ad free, sponsorship free and free to use.    This in no way impacts the products or costs of products available - for more information click here.   For the sake of transparency, recommendations are made purely journalistically and never due to making money for the site, if you want an identical link where no contribution is made just click www.moneysupermarket.com)

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL TIP SENT OUT 15th SEPTEMBER 2003

Get Your Own Back on Casinos Part III
No risk £25 gamble as you use its money.

More free cash is on offer. After the Skybet and Gala loopholes, yet another one has surfaced. The scheme is simple.  If you join the casino with £25 before September 30^th you get £25 bonus to gamble.  At this point withdraw your initial £25 and play with their money not yours.

The Casino is www.hardrockcasino.com.  To read more details or ask a question, please click here.

Do remember, the similar Skybet loophole was closed two days after my email (about 6,000 people took around £30 each, no wonder they closed it with £180k gone!)  So be quick. 

Warning I:
Remember the reason casino's do this is to tempt you into gambling with your money, because the games are so enjoyable.  That is not a MoneySaving thing to do.  Only gamble with their money, not your own.

Warning II:  According to the terms and conditions this should be foolproof.  Some people have already tried it and succeeded without problems.  Yet as with any loophole spotting, flaws can always be discovered, so be careful.  This site takes no responsibility for any losses incurred you do this at your own risk.

If you really want to screw the casinos:  Forward this e-mail to everyone you know and make sure they get the free cash too.  And while you're at it why not suggest they sign up to get the free money tips e-mails as well.

Good luck

I hope you save (make) some money

Martin