Freebie card how to get and where you can use the Halva card

The Halva card is an installment card that gives its owner the right to purchase goods in partner stores on an interest-free installment plan for up to 12 months. Other serious advantages of the card are:

• the ability to issue a card online;
• the opportunity to issue a card during a personal visit to the bank’s office;
• completely free release and maintenance.

In fact, all costs for both the production and use of Halva and servicing the installment plan are borne by Sovcombank and its partners. As a bonus, the cardholder receives free of charge:

• notification service via SMS;
• Internet banking services;
• preparation of account statements.

The principle of operation and conditions of the Halva card from Sovcombank

The principle of operation of the Halva card is only partially reminiscent of the mechanism of operation of credit cards, while mainly differing from them. In essence, the Halva card is a qualitatively new credit product in the banking market. Its operation is based on an installment plan, which gives the card holder the opportunity to purchase goods in the store of a bank partner company, any goods he needs within the limit available on the card. At the same time, he does not pay interest on the use of funds on the card, returning only the amount spent on the purchase in equal monthly installments.

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Comments: 5

Your comment (question) If you have questions about this article, you can tell us. Our team consists of only experienced experts and specialists with specialized education. We will try to help you in this topic:

Author of the article Evgeny Nikitin

Consultant, author Popovich Anna

Financial author Olga Pikhotskaya

1. Lookel
   08/15/2019 at 10:29 pm The difference from a regular credit card is that it gives you the opportunity to buy goods immediately, but pay in installments and without overpayments.
   The grace period during which it is necessary to repay the debt without paying interest to the bank is up to 36 months. The maximum installment period in partner stores is 18 months. It can be increased by connecting tariff plans. Reply ↓
2. Peter
   09/04/2019 at 12:59

   Half the article is a blatant lie. “If the company (store) is not a partner of the bank, then the holder will not be able to pay with a Halva card” - a lie. AllTools are not included in the list of partners. More precisely, it includes several stores in individual cities, but not even close to the entire network. I didn’t read any further.

   Reply ↓
   Administrator
   09/06/2019 at 13:46

   Good afternoon. The information is correct, you didn't read it all the way :)

   Reply ↓

Basic and additional conditions

Convenient and profitable “Halva” is a Sovcombank installment card, the full terms of which will be given below, available for registration by submitting an online application or by contacting the bank’s office.

The main conditions for the Halva card from Sovcombank are as follows:

• interest on the card per year – from 1 to 7%;
• maximum limit up to 350 thousand rubles;
• transfer to another card free of charge using your own funds, 2.9% + 290 rubles when transferring borrowed funds;
• the duration of the grace period is up to 1080 days.

Among the preferential conditions for obtaining a Halva credit card, the following can be noted:

• free issue and no annual maintenance on the card;
• 0% for using installments;
• Free SMS notifications about all card transactions;
• Convenient Internet banking.

The card is issued in rubles within the Master Card payment system for a period of 3 years.

Cash withdrawals from the card are allowed, but not more than 100 thousand per month without commission. For withdrawal of borrowed funds, 2.9% + 290 rubles are withdrawn. The limit on withdrawal of borrowed funds is up to 15,000 per transaction.

An additional element of the card’s security is that it is equipped with a chip; the card also works with the PayPass system and provides cashback of up to 6% for using your own funds placed on the card in excess of the limit.

Thus, the Halva card allows the user to purchase goods in the bank’s partner stores with an installment plan for 12 months, without paying a down payment and interest on the loan. Sovcombank partner stores that accept Halva for payment are present in 697 cities across the country, including Moscow, Novosibirsk and other cities. It should be noted that as Sovcombank's partner stores increase, the geography of the presence of the Halva card also expands.

How to shop in installments profitably

The official website of Sovcombank contains the basic rules and conditions for using the card. Detailed information about the product can also be found on a separate page https://halvacard.ru/. Here is a list of partners of the banking institution.

The product can provide beneficial benefits, but the client must adhere to the rules for using the Halva card from Sovcombank:

• choose a product or service from the bank’s partner companies;
• deposit money into your account in a timely manner;
• make at least one purchase within 6 months.

Companies reserve the right to refuse the client to use plastic for installment payments. As a rule, restrictions apply to promotional items. In this case, the holder of the payment instrument can make a purchase at the normal cost.

Choose your partners wisely

Free installments are provided upon purchase at partner retail outlets. In other cases, a fee will be charged for the use of money. The period is fixed, two months. A commission is set at 290 rubles, an additional 1.9% of the transaction amount is charged monthly.

Detailed information about the affiliate network is presented on the official website of the product. The search for retail outlets can also be performed in your personal account. It is enough to enter the name of the locality, a list of contractors with addresses will be displayed. The user can also specify a specific store.

The bank's partners include pharmacies, cafes, travel companies, beauty salons, and shops. Purchases can be made during a personal visit to the organization; online payment for orders is also available.

Read the terms and conditions carefully

There are several nuances in the rules for using the Halva card:

• the bank increases the limit for clients who repay their debt on time;
• credit funds are not available for payment at retail outlets not listed on the official website of the Halva card;
• in practice, stores do not always set a maximum installment period; as a rule, customers must repay the debt within 2 to 6 months;
• the card holder can pay off the entire amount of the product in one payment;
• the user has the opportunity to receive a cashback of 6% if he makes more than five purchases totaling 10 thousand rubles.

Halva card holders can also take part in the “Bonus 5*10” program. An exciting game allows you to receive a reward in the form of an additional deferred discount or installment plan.

Additional types of cards

Sovcombank’s product line includes two more products with similar conditions:

• "Avtohalva" - intended for vehicle owners. Plastic can be used to obtain installment plans at partner stores for the purchase of fuels, lubricants and auto products. The interest-free period for using the limit is 2 months. For other categories of goods, the period is reduced to 1 month.
• Halal is a tool designed specifically for Muslims. Plastic is issued within Moscow. The population of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan can also take advantage of the offer. The product is intended exclusively for corporate clients of the bank.

In August 2020, Sovcombank announced the termination of Halal sales. For existing clients, the terms of service have not changed.

Use promotions, discounts and promotional codes

Sovcombank increases the limit for active users of the product. Cardholders also get access to discounts and special offers:

• reduction in prices for products of your favorite brands;
• various bonuses;
• free delivery service;
• participation in sweepstakes;
• additional cashbacks at popular retail outlets.

Available offers can be tracked in the special “Promotions and Discounts” section on the product website.

Avoid late fees

Regular payments will help you avoid penalties. The cardholder must also take into account the timing of crediting funds, for example, if he pays the bill using the details at the cash desk of a bank branch.

The repayment period for debt obligations may coincide with a weekend or holiday. In this case, payment must be made to the account on the first business day following this date.

Fines

Penalty for failure to pay the minimum payment:

• in the first case of delay: 590 rubles.
• for the second: 1% of the debt amount + 590 rubles.
• for the third and further: 2% of the debt amount + 590 rubles.

Client requirements

Any bank client who meets the minimum requirements can apply for a Halva card:

• age restrictions – from 20 to 75 years;
• resident – ​​citizen of Russia;
• registration at the place of issue of the card must be permanent;
• at least 4 months of employment at the workplace at the time of issuing the card.

The decision on the card application is considered on the day of application, after which the card is issued. If necessary, the bank may request additional supporting documents. You can also order a card on the Sovcombank website. To do this, in a special application form you must indicate minimal personal data and a current telephone number.

How to use the application and personal account

Halva’s personal account on the product website allows you to:

• find out the card balance;
• view transactions;
• clarify the payment schedule, the minimum amount of obligations.

Financial transactions can also be carried out in the account.

The mobile application is another convenient way to access card information. The software can be installed for free on iOS and Android.

For free remote account management, the user must fulfill several conditions:

• log into the application or personal account at least three times within a month;
• Do not disable pop-up notifications in the mobile version of your account.

Otherwise, a commission of 99 rubles per month will be charged. The restriction does not apply to clients over 50 years of age.

Available functionality

The client gains access to the account by phone number. No additional registration is required. New installment card owners will be able to log into their account a few days after the product is issued. There is a link for authorization on the main page of the site. There is no additional password provided to enter your account.

The mobile application can be found in the Google and Apple stores. Authorization will be required the first time you launch the software. The client must enter the phone number to which the card is linked. You will receive a confirmation code via text message on your mobile phone.

How to find out the payment amount

In the personal account, the client has the opportunity to control expenses and find out the timing of the next installment payment. The amount can be found in the payment schedule in your personal account on the portal and in the mobile application.

The debt for each purchase is divided into several equal parts. But Sovcombank also offers. For user convenience, the function is enabled by default. The client can also set up auto-repayment. The option will allow you to write off 1/18 of the debt.

You can check the availability of the setting in the application as follows:

• select the “Halva” card;
• click the “More” button;
• Click on “Connected options”.

The lender sends information about the planned debt monthly via text message.

Locking and Unlocking

Sovcombank reserves the right to block a card if violations are detected. The client will receive an SMS notification about access restriction. The grounds for blocking may be:

• no transactions on the card account;
• entering an incorrect PIN code;
• the occurrence of large amounts of debt;
• suspicions arise regarding the plastic holder conducting questionable transactions.

To resolve the situation, you can call the hotline, log into your personal account, or contact a bank representative. If the blocking is due to delay, the client must pay off the obligations. This can be done remotely - on the product page or in the mobile application.

What documents are needed to obtain a Halva card?

To apply for a Halva card, you only need a passport of a Russian citizen. If the bank considers, when considering the application, that other papers are needed, the employee may request additional documents:

• on property,
• second identity document,
• income certificates.

The smallest list of documents provided for the Halva card, as well as faster processing of the application, is offered to bank clients with a good credit history.

How to activate Sovcombank Halva card?

Unlike other similar bank offers, activation of the Halva card is not required. After receiving it, the bank employee himself enters all the necessary information into his program, so clients can immediately start using the banking product.

Activation of the Halva card is any operation at an ATM where you need to enter a PIN code. A plastic card is issued in a sealed envelope, which contains all the necessary information for carrying out transactions. Through terminals you can:

• top up your account,
• check balance,
• get more information about installment card servicing.

How is repayment done on the Halva card?

You can pay off your Halva card debt in different ways:

• through self-service devices (terminals),
• Sovcombank offices,
• Post office,
• card of any bank.

If you have Internet banking enabled, you can pay off your debt using a card-to-card transfer. After this, through the call center or in your Sovcombank personal account, you need to select for which purchase the final payment was made. If you have questions about how to pay off your Halva card debt, you can ask them to the call center manager or on the official website.

Features and benefits of using the Halva card

Sovcombank's Halva card provides its holder with unique and favorable conditions for purchasing goods in installments. This point should not be confused with a loan. During the installment period, the client does not pay interest on the use of funds. They are charged only when withdrawing cash. You can pay by card only in stores that are partners of the Sovcombank project. The list of stores where you can make purchases is listed on the bank’s website.

After purchases are made, their total amount for the billing period is summed up, and installment plans for Halva are provided for up to 12 months. Funds are deposited onto the card monthly through bank terminals using the card or agreement number, via bank transfers or through payment systems. The client is notified of the need to make a payment via SMS message indicating the minimum payment amount. After the key payment date, the client is given an additional 5 days during which no penalties will be applied.

How to top up your card balance

Sovcombank provides clients with the opportunity to independently determine the most convenient option for them to replenish the balance of the Halva installment card:

• using Russian Post;
• using terminals or directly at the bank’s cash desk;
• transfer from any bank card.

The last method to replenish the balance of the Halva card is deservedly considered the simplest and is used today more and more often every year. Naturally, it is most profitable to use Sovcombank cards and its online services, which will allow you to carry out transactions in a short time and without commission.

See also: Advantages and disadvantages of Halva installment card

Following the recommendations described above provides the Halva card holder with an excellent opportunity to take full advantage of the impressive advantages of this fairly new Sovcombank product, making purchases in installments and without paying any additional commission or interest.

Types of debit cards

Sovcombank debit cards differ in their design features and conditions. The following varieties exist:

• Gold;
• Golden couple;
• WORLD;
• Identification;
• Halva.

Let's look at each payment instrument in more detail.

Gold cards

To take advantage of special offers from Sovcombank, it is recommended to apply for a Gold status card. Plastic is issued for 7 years. A maximum cash withdrawal of up to 2,000,000 rubles is available monthly, negative transactions can reach 10,000,000. If the client wants to find out the account status through third-party resources, the commission will be 10 rubles.

If the account balance is positive, 5% per annum is charged. Even citizens who already have a pension or salary card can get a Gold card.

Golden couple

The offer from Sovcombank represents the registration of two services simultaneously: the “Golden Crown” card and the additional service “Golden Key”. It is characterized by free maintenance and unlimited validity.

What happens if you don't make a payment?

How to use the Halva card and not pay any fees? It is enough just to deposit funds on time (according to the established schedule for each purchase). Fines and fees will only be assessed if payment is not made on time. For this it is provided:

• loan rate – up to 36% per annum;
• The standard rate is 10% on late payments.

Commissions are calculated only until the debt is repaid. Find out more about repaying debt on the Halva card.

Does the bank really make money solely from late payments? No, since the seller himself pays the remuneration to the bank for arranging an installment plan (this is indicated in the official conditions). However, the amount of that same remuneration is not indicated - this is already considered a trade secret. You may notice that goods in partner stores that support the Halva program are slightly more expensive than in other stores. Accordingly, there is a certain markup, but it is only 1-2%. And it will still be many times more profitable than taking out a traditional loan.

If you want Halva, you just need to leave ]]>online application]]>. At the time of submission, the potential client must be 20 years old, have an official income, and also be a citizen of the Russian Federation or Belarus. Where can I get Halva? It will be delivered by courier to your home (or to work, whichever is more convenient for the client) or you can pick it up at a bank branch. However, use against the allocated limit is available only in certain partner stores. In any case, there are already such in all major cities of Belarus and the Russian Federation.

Security by card

On the Sovcombank website there is a reminder on the safe use of plastic cards. Basic recommendations:

1. There is no need to disclose card details (number, PIN code, CVC) to third parties.
2. To contact the bank, you should use verified sources.
3. It is advisable to use the bank’s online services from a personal computer or phone.
4. The mobile application must be downloaded only from official stores.
5. To prevent unauthorized withdrawals, you can set limits on money transfers.

Partner stores

Sovcombank's partners include hypermarkets, retail stores and online platforms. Among them:

1. Halva market.
2. Crossroads.
3. Pyaterochka.
4. Carousel.
5. Metro.
6. BILLA.
7. UFS.Travel.
8. Lamoda.
9. M Video.
10. Yulmart.

Card holders can buy electronics, household appliances, furniture, shoes, order train tickets or taxis, pay at pharmacies, gas stations and cinemas. An expanded list of partner stores can be found here.