Warning on loan offers by clubs

FOOTBALL fans are being warned about steep loan rates as halfseason tickets go on sale today.

Some clubs give supporters access to credit via third-party finance providers, so they can pay in instalments.

A third of fans rely on these deals to spread the cost of season tickets. But interest and fees can add up to 36.3% on top of the already high ticket price.

Some smaller clubs offer fans the chance to spread payments without fees or interest. Yet those in the big-money Premier League promote deals averaging 12.71%, according to credit report provider Noddle.co.uk, which analysed loans for the 2018/19 season.

And some deals involving the wealthiest clubs ask for £29 to £40 in admin charges alone. Fulham advertises the highest rate in the Premier League at 21.5%, including a £30 admin fee to pay off a ticket over nine months.

Championship Preston North End has a 36.3% charge while at League One Bradford City the rate is 28.5%. Half of fans polled told Noddle they felt they had been priced out of matches.

Experts urged them to look elsewhere for loans rather than taking them from the club’s provider.

Noddle managing director Jacqueline Dewey said: “Fans should shop around as rates vary so widely. A loan eligibility checker will tell you whether the rate on your season ticket loan is right for you.” Preston said: “We offer cash, debit or credit card payments with no additional charges or we provide an introduction to a third-party finance company. This is not a transaction with the club or one where we get any financial benefit.”

interest rate promoted by Preston