A PREPAID cash card which gives Christmas shoppers money back on their gift purchases is now available.

East Sussex Credit Union’s CredEcardplus aims to promote responsible money-management in the run-up to Christmas.

The Visa card can be used anywhere that accepts Visa payments, with 200 members already using it.

Cardholders can get up to 15% cash paid back into their account when they shop at specific leading retailers.

Anne Hickey, general manager of East Sussex Credit Union, said: “The idea is to encourage people to better manage their money.

“When cash is tight and your credit history is not great, you can have debit card facilities with this card.

“You don’t need a credit check, anyone can have one and you can’t go overdrawn.

“Using it wisely you can benefit quite well from it.”

Shoppers can get 4% cashback on shopping at Argos, 3% at ASDA, 4% at B&Q, 7% at Halfords and various online deals.

Up to 60% in online discounts are available at more than 1,600 local and national retailers.

With up to 15% cashback paid into a cardholders e-account the average card holder can save about £300 per year.

An Xbox One bought from Argos using a CredEcardplus could bring up to £15 cashback at the end of January.

The card is particularly useful for those who, because of money problems, cannot get an account with a high-street bank.

Terms are agreed up front giving users control over bank charges. As well as a debit card, the card acts just like a bank account with online facilities, a UK sort code and bank account number.

It also offers a simple budgeting solution designed to take the stress out of managing money by keeping ‘disposable’ income separate from cash needed to pay essential bills.

For more information, go to www.eastsussexcu.org.uk or call 01273 234858.