Product Snapshot
The award winning BaBeeCard was created by a mum for mums and mums to be to help them financially at a time when money is tight. It allows them to budget for their family without the risk of getting into debt. They can save money via the discount club, Earn money via the Mummy-get-Mummy referral plan and Friends & family can also top-up the card as a way of helping out.
The mastermind behind BaBeeCard, Gemma Johnson, has given mums the opportunity to take control of their finances, thus taking one less stress away, especially with the moneyback promise. Gemma was recently voted as Mum-Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 at a national awards ceremony sponsored by the Women's Business Mastermind Network for developing such a wonderful proposition.
It is a “pay as you go“ MasterCard that has no credit facility attached to it, thus not allowing or encouraging the cardholder to go into debt. It is not a credit or debit card and is topped up just like a pay-as-you-go phone. This means that only the money loaded onto the card can be spent, making it easier for mums to keep a careful eye on their outgoings. Its main benefits are: that it gives users access to an extensive range of discounts from a number of supermarkets and high street retailers, and that family and friends can top up the card. Gemma wanted to create a card programme that would have a positive reception and also genuinely give the cardholder access to a variety of benefits
The Good
The BaBeeCard does exactly what it says on the tin - helps deliver excellent savings across a wide range of mother and baby products. It also comes with a "Moneyback Promise" which means that If you have not saved the cost of your card in a year, then you will get back your £9.95*. The innovative "mummy get mummy" referral plan helps you earn a little extra for your shopping too. An excellent gift card too.
The Not so Good
Only a GBP card is available but that is nitpicking and it is difficult to argue with a product which can typically save you £831.95 over the course of a years shopping!
Now, that is exceptional value indeed.
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Key Features
  
MasterCard Acceptance
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Chip & PIN Security
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Online and phone Reloads
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Application Process 
The application process is excellent and the BaBeeCard website is very easy to use. Apply online and you will receive your PIN in the post followed by your card a few days later. The entire process can take up to 2 weeks at most. You will also receive your login details for the BaBee Discount Club via email within two weeks of buying your card.
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Card Features
- Can help you save 100's of £'s with online discounts.
- Free POS Purchase transactions in the UK
- Exceptional and unique moneyback promise.
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Card Design
At this stage, only one card design is available, but it is an extremely cute piece of plastic and one definitely worthy of being brandished by every new mum or mum to be out there. The limitation in choice is easily compensated by the actual card design.
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Card Fees
- Card Issue Fee - £9.95.
- Monthly Fee - Free.
- Transaction Fee UK - Free.
- ATM Withdrawal Fee UK - £1.00 per withdrawal.
- Reload Fee - Free via bank transfer, £1.00 via debit card online/SMS.
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Online Account Management and Self Servicing
You can service your account on the website or via an interactive voice response facility. You can also use your mobile phone to manage your prepaid card account. You can view your balance, recent transactions and change your personal details.
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Using Abroad
Only a GBP version of the card is available as it's primary aim is to cater to the mother and baby audience. However, the card can be used at over 25 million locations worldwide that accept MasterCard at competitive rates which include a £1.00 International POS transaction fee and £2.00 International withdrawal fee. The lack of a USD/EURO card means that a foreign exchange on international transactions is 3%. So usage abroad is only recommended in emergencies.
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Reload Options
Funds can be loaded on to your card in a number of ways:
- Bank account transfer - Free.
- Internet top up using your debit card - £1.00.
- SMS/Phone top-up using your debit card - £1.00.
Bank Transfers will only be loaded onto your card once cleared funds have been received. Other loading options may be added in the future, we will email you if and when a loading option is added.
Debit Card loads will be available on your account within minutes of being approved by your debit card issuer. Bank Transfer loads may take up to 7 days from receiving the payment to clear
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Customer Service
There are a couple of ways you can get in touch with the customer services team.
- By Email: customerservices@BaBeeCard.com.
- By Telephone :0845 345 4738.
- Lost and Stolen Cards: +44 (0) 207 127 0009.
*Calls are charged at standard network rates whilst email is Free
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Complaints Procedure
The BaBeeCard team promise to investigate and resolve all queries with 14 days. You can use the ‘Contact Us’ facility on the Website to get in touch and detail your complaint.
You may be able to take unresolved complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service at South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR. Telephone: 0845 080 1800 or +44 (0)20 7964 1000 (for calls from outside the UK) and e-mail: enquiries@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
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Awards
The BaBeeCard has received favourable reviews within the press and media and have been put forward for a few awards. Award wins include
- Best Prepaid Gift Card - Prepaid365 Awards July 2009
- #1 Money Saving Tip as per the Times Blog in May 2009
Note: Gemma Johnson, founder of the BaBeeCard was voted Mum-Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 at a national awards ceremony sponsored by the Women's Business Mastermind Network in recognition of putting together a brilliant proposition for mummies - young, old and expecting
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Overall Card rating 
A must have gifting product for mums-to-be and new mums.
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