Argos cardholders left locked out of payments after major change to service leaving shoppers fuming

ARGOS has removed its website account service for its credit card holders – prompting complaints from customers struggling to manage their bills.

The card allows users to buy from Argos and Habitat on credit and then spread the payments over time.

But last month the retailer pulled the plug on its computer-based account service, forcing customers to either download the app or manage their account on the phone.

The decision has sparked a furious backlash from those without a mobile phone or who struggle to use them.

One said on the review site Trustpilot.com: “I only recently discovered that Argos had removed their website for cardholders, which allowed them to make payments, and to also provide them with an overview of their account balance.

“Consequently, if you now wish to make a payment, then this can only be done, via their My Argos Card app, that you are required to download to your mobile device.

“This is now the only way you can access the features that were previously available on their website.

“Am I right in thinking that Argos is the only major company in the UK, that doesn’t allow you to make payments online, via a computer? Unbelievable!”

Another added: “Can no longer pay my Argos card bill online as they’ve taken that site down.

“Have to have the app, sorry Argos but not everybody has a phone that can do apps.

“I use a push button phone like thousands of others. So how am I supposed to pay you?”

Another was struggling to log on to the app, and said: “You had better sort this or you won’t be getting paid what I owe!”

While a fourth customer fumed on social media site X: “From August 29 the ‘my Argos card’ is no longer available as a website.

“All payments etc. will have to be made through an app. My husband does not own a phone so can’t access his Argos card account.

“What do you suggest he does?”

Argos said most of its customers used the app, but they also had the option of using the phone too.

But consumer champions slated the decision, and called for the service to be reinstated.

Dennis Reed, of the Silver Voices campaign group, said: “Argos disappointedly join the ranks of the retail giants who are downgrading customer service because of their obsession of getting everyone on to apps.

“In effect Argos are saying that their older customers, or anyone without a smartphone, are not welcome as customers anymore.

“And we all know why they want customers on apps, so that they can track their retail preferences and bombard them with marketing material.

“The tide will turn against apps because they are intrusive, and ever more power hungry.”

Meanwhile James Daley, of the Fairer Finance organisation, added: “It’s strange that Argos has removed it’s website access – and it’s clearly proving a real concern for many vulnerable customers.

“Argos, and its owner, Sainsbury’s, may struggle to justify this to the FCA. New consumer duty rules state that firms need to deliver the right support to their customers and be particularly mindful of the needs of vulnerable customers.

“Sainsbury’s bank is in the process of being sold to NatWest – and I’m sure they will be concerned by this development.

“My advice would be that they get the website back up as soon as possible and hold back on future changes until they have supported customers to service their accounts in different ways.”

With the Argos Card you can choose normal credit, which gives you up to 56 days to pay.

A longer-term “Buy now, pay later” option might be available, but it’s not guaranteed for every purchase.

With these plans, you won’t pay any interest if you pay within the credit plan period, but if you don’t pay in full you’ll be charged interest on any remaining balances.

The advertised interest rate charged is 34.9% APR, backdated to the date or purchase if payments are not made in time.

An Argos spokesperson said: “We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for Argos Card customers to manage their accounts.

“Most of our customers use our MyArgosCard app.

“Alternatively, they can contact our Customer Service team over the phone.”

DIGITAL DISSERVICE

With services going digital, it is becoming harder – or impossible –  to carry out some day-to-day tasks without web access or knowledge of how  to use it.

Argo’s decision illustrates just one small change within a bigger issue that consumers are seeing across multiple industries.

For example, older customers are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their energy bills with traditional methods that do not require an online account.

Energy suppliers are also pushing people to pay on a monthly basis by direct debit, reducing customer choice. 

In June last year, EDF Energy axed its quarterly billing service.

Meanwhile, British Gas scrapped Giro slips from paper bills for new customers in October. 

Thousands of elderly and vulnerable people are also missing out on loyalty schemes because they do not use the required technology.

For example, Costa’s scheme offers a physical and digital card to collect “beans” towards a free drink.

But if you do not use a smartphone and take out a physical card, you will still have to call customer services to activate it.

The decline in high street banking has left many communities without convenient access to essential services.

More and more banks are increasingly shifting their services online.

However, we recently visited a banking hub to see if they’re a viable alternative in a digital age.