Education

Review: The SILVER Credit Card

January 23, 2024

Does the plata card fit your financial needs? This analysis will help you understand its features and evaluate whether it offers the advantages you are looking for in a credit card. We'll explore its cashback system, fee structure and coverage, so you can determine if it's the best option for you.

Key Points

  • The Silver Card offers 5% cashback on selected categories, various benefits and promotions with no annuity or fees, although some users report difficulties using it at local establishments.
  • The application and activation process for the Silver Card is simple and offers personalized contact through meetings with ambassadors, although acceptance is limited to some regions of Mexico such as Mexico City, Querétaro and Puebla.
  • Despite its restricted geographical coverage, the Silver Card stands out for its attractive benefits such as high cashback percentages and exclusive promotions, making it a competitive option aligned with users' needs.

Introduction to the Tarjeta Plata: Expectations vs. Reality

Review: The SILVER Credit Card

The Silver Card comes with attractive promises. It offers:

  • 5% Cashback
  • Access to MasterCard benefits and promotions
  • The possibility of deferring purchases to interest-free months.
  • Being a card with no commissions, no annuity and no mandatory monthly purchase requirement.
  • 30% cashback in supermarkets

But how true are these promises? This is one of the questions we should ask ourselves.

According to users, the Plata credit card meets expectations in terms of cashback and ease of use. The 5% cashback and additional benefits are a great attraction, but there are some difficulties when using the card at certain local establishments. This is an important detail to keep in mind.

It seems that the Silver Card shines, but in the world of silver, it has some shadows and presents a problem.

Target Market and Unique Value Proposition

The target demographic for the Silver Card in Mexico is broad: anyone between the ages of 18 and 70 looking for a credit card with benefits and rewards. This target market finds the card attractive because of its cashback program, its low annuity compared to other options in the market and its attractive financial benefits.

The Tarjeta Plata stands out in the Mexican market thanks to its 5% cashback and attractive benefits. Among other similar products, its outstanding feature is the possibility of accumulating points in different spending categories and selecting the categories to accumulate Cashback, adapting to the specific needs of its users. However, is it enough to keep the competition at bay?

Card Application and Activation Process

Applying for the Silver Card is a fairly straightforward process. To apply, you need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Present an official ID
  • Be a Mexican national
  • Have a good credit history
  • Have a minimum income of $4,000 MXN

You can apply online through their website. Once the application is submitted, it is necessary to schedule an appointment with an ambassador to complete the process.

Once the application is approved, the card is delivered within 24 hours. Although its acceptance is limited to certain regions of the country, it continues to be a popular option among users, especially in Mexico City, Querétaro and Puebla.

To activate the Silver Card after receiving it, it is necessary to schedule an appointment with an ambassador and wait for him or her to visit you. The activation process may seem a bit complicated compared to other cards that simply require a phone call or online activation. However, this method allows for personalized interaction, which may be a benefit for some users.

Silver Card Design and Aesthetics

The design of the Silver Card is simple yet elegant. The predominant color is silver, which gives it a distinctive and elegant look. Although some users have experienced problems using it at certain establishments, in general, the silver card is well accepted at most affiliated merchants.

The card material is not mentioned in the knowledge base, but once in hand, it can be managed through the Plata app to receive cashback. The app is easy to use and offers a variety of features to make life easier for users.

Despite a few hiccups, users generally have nothing negative to say about the design and aesthetics of the Silver Card. It appears that the card's design meets users' expectations and aligns well with its value proposition.

Functionality and User Experience

Functionality and user experience are key aspects for any credit card. In the case of the Silver Card, the application offers users the ability to:

  • Select up to 4 categories of purchases to receive 5% Cashback.
  • Add other debit or credit cards
  • Make mobile payments with NFC
  • Review transaction history
  • Pay for services online without commissions.

The card is accepted at supermarkets and participating stores that offer interest-free monthly payments. Although some users have experienced problems using it at certain local establishments, in general, the card is well accepted at most affiliated merchants.

The user experience is characterized by:

  • The inclusion of a rewards program with attractive cashbacks.
  • 24/7 customer service availability
  • Access to MasterCard benefits and promotions

However, no bank back-up information is provided, which may be a point of improvement for the Silver Card.

Rewards and Benefits Evaluation

One of the main attractions of the Silver Card is its rewards program. The card provides 5% cashback on purchases when selecting up to 4 categories per month. This benefit allows you to get immediate cashback on each purchase, as well as receive the accumulated amount monthly.

In addition, the Silver Card offers:

  • Discounts in supermarkets
  • Interest-free month promotions
  • Reductions in restaurant chains
  • The advantage of 2 for 1 on tickets to Cinépolis.

These features make the card attractive to its target market.

The Silver Card also incorporates insurance that covers travel accidents and civil liability, protecting the cardholder or his or her family against damages caused by the cardholder. However, the rewards cannot be redeemed for cash, which may be a drawback for some users.

Reality of Months Without Interest (MSI)

Interest-free months (MSI) is an interesting feature of the Silver Card. It is possible to defer purchases to:

  • 3 months interest free
  • 6 months interest free
  • 9 months interest free
  • 12 months interest free

As long as the amount is greater than 100 pesos. The maximum period allowed to defer purchases is 12 months.

Once the period of interest-free months is over, the Silver Card applies an interest rate of 79.90%. It is important to note that there are no hidden or additional fees for the use of MSI, although there is an initial fee that varies between 5.22% and 20.88%.

The use of interest-free months on the Tarjeta Plata does not impact the credit limit available on the card. This means you can continue to enjoy your credit line without worrying about deferred payments.

Card Coverage and Acceptance

The Silver Card is accepted in the following cities:

  • Mexico City
  • Querétaro
  • Puebla
  • Cuernavaca
  • Pachuca

However, its availability is restricted to residents of Mexico City, Querétaro and Puebla.

The card is accepted at supermarkets and participating stores that offer interest-free monthly payments. Although some users have experienced problems using it at certain local establishments, in general, the card is well accepted at most affiliated merchants.

Despite these geographic limitations, the Tarjeta Plata remains a popular choice among users. Its acceptance at a variety of merchants and its attractive rewards program make it stand out in the credit card market.

Final Verdict: Is the Silver Card Worth the Money?

The Silver Card offers a number of attractive benefits, such as:

  • High cashback percentages
  • Exclusive promotions
  • An annual interest rate of 0.0% for interest free months
  • A choice of cashback categories

In addition, it applies an administration fee of $2,725 excluding VAT and maintains a fixed annual interest rate of 0.0% for interest-free months.

Is it advisable to acquire the Silver Card compared to other alternatives available in the market? Considering the competitive advantages, the Silver Card is positioned as a valuable option compared to others in the market, as long as the benefits are aligned with the user's needs and spending habits.

Summary

The Silver Card shines with its cashback offer, broad acceptance and personalized service. While it may have some shadows, such as limited geographic coverage and the inability to redeem rewards for cash, its luster is not dulled. If you're looking for a card that suits your needs and spending habits, the Silver Card could be the option you're looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bank backs the Silver Card?

The Silver Card is backed by Mastercard, complying with PROFECO standards and the Law for the Transparency and Regulation of Financial Services.

How does the Silver Card work?

The Plata card works like any credit card, allowing you to make purchases and cover expenses without cash. In addition, it offers advantages such as free insurance, discounts in restaurants and entertainment offers.

Where can I pay my Silver Card?

You can pay your Plata Card balance in two different ways.

What happens if I don't pay my Silver Card?

If you do not pay off your credit card, your credit history will be affected, making future financial transactions difficult. It is important to take quick action to resolve the situation.

About the author
Juan Guerreo

Juan Guerreo

Juan Guerreo loves eating ice cream and writing about finance