Banks are annoying. As a part of my job I advise people who have problems with debts. I'm always surprised by how many people have such huge unmanageable debts and then I read stuff like this and it all sadly makes sense. The reaction you had was totally understandable and at least you realise that it's not a good idea. A lot of my clients don't really understand what they are getting themselves if for when it comes to money and many other things. Which makes offers like these even more dangerous. I have no real budgeting advice tho - I've been put off ever getting a credit card or unnecessary loan through my CAB work