CKB review

The revolving Visa Classic runs at an APR of 14.4%, and the personal loan from the same bank is quoted on the same figure. Interest accrues across the whole term, so a longer borrowing period always costs more in total. The fees are small but not nil, and the representative example adds them to the interest.

The loan approval fee is free. Two small charges do apply: one for the promissory note and one for a Credit Bureau CBCG query. The representative example adds both to the interest for the whole period, so the total cost of credit on a loan of €300 to €30,000 is more than the interest alone.

Personal loans run €300 to €30,000, which covers a small repair up to a larger purchase or a refinance. The term runs 3 to 120, so a repayment schedule can be short and sharp or spread over years. A longer term lowers the instalment but raises the total interest.

The card is aimed at a good credit record, and the loan application runs a hard credit check. A thinner file will struggle. Retail loss percentages across the cards compared here sit at 70.15%, so treat any approval as a real possibility rather than a given.

CKB is a direct lender, so the bank itself handles the file rather than a broker. On the personal loan, Approval possible in 1 day, so a decision can arrive quickly once documents are in. The card is a revolving arrangement rather than a single loan drawdown.

Rewards are none on the Visa Classic, so there is no cashback, points scheme or mileage earn on spending. The card earns its keep through revolving credit and its interest terms instead. Anyone who wants money back on daily purchases should weigh another option.

Applicants need a minimum age at the point of application, and the last instalment has to fall before a set upper age. You must live and work in Montenegro as a citizen or a foreign national with regulated residence, on a fixed-term or indefinite contract. Seafarers are accepted. CKB is based in Montenegro.

Customer service runs on phone only, so a call is the route to the bank. No chat window or email desk is listed. Anyone who cannot deal with a phone call should weigh that before opening the card or applying for a loan.