FNAC Store Card – It’s not free, so is it worth it?
First of all let’s take a look at the major perks:
- 5% direct discount on books, music, films, videogames and merchandising
- 5% indirect discount on electronics
- If you opt for a Fnac Visa rather than just the store card then you’ll get 0.5% of your purchases accumulated as Fnac money.
- Receive special offers and exclusive promotions
- Special discounts at associated stores
- Ticket reservations phone service for events
- Free car parking with a minimum purchase
- Invitations to events in the music, art and events sector.
Opting for just the store card or the Fnac Visa card has the same cost: 15€ which lasts for 2 years.
If you want to make a purchase immediately you can accept the Fnac Club Contract Conditions, add to your basket the card cost (15€) and the items you want to purchase and you’ll get the benefits on your first purchase. This option is only available for the store card, which you’ll get by post around 15 days later. If you want the Fnac Visa Card, you’ll have to request it in any of their stores nationwide.
Renewing your store card can either be done in their stores on online (this option is only for when the card has actually expired). One of the good things about the store card is, as they don’t have your bank details, if you do get one you won’t have to worry about the renewal fee being direct debited before you remember to cancel.
So, the question of whether it’s worth having really depends on how much you normally spend on these types of products. Fnac sells books in English (and other languages) and given the ease with which you can compare online items, you just need to see if the 7.50€ annual fee and 5% additional discount work out as a saving. Remember, there may be delivery charges added on to the cost – in fact Fnac charges a fee even if you pick up the goods in one of their stores! Both the cost of postal delivery to your nearest post office and picking up in store is 1€ + tax (total 1.18€) for books, CD’s, etc, A courier option is also available with prices depending on weight of goods.
In conclusion, if you’re just going to buy one or two items a year it probably won’t be worthwhile, but as soon as you spend 150€ then with the 5% discount you’ve covered the 7.50€ annual fee.
Links:
Map of Fnac stores
Information about Fnac store card
Fnac delivery charges. This is the help page – go to “El envío” and choose the delivery option you are interested in.
