Loans & Credit
Inside Loans & Credit
Spotlight: American Express Platinum Cashback card
Saturday, 22 August 2009
American Express (AMEX) has reduced the amount its Platinum Cashback card pays – it has been the market-leader for some time, so how does it fare now?
Money Insider: Finding the right personal loan could net a wheel deal when it comes to buying a new car
Saturday, 22 August 2009
With the 59 new registered cars due out on 1 September, there will be a boom in demand for personal loans over the next few weeks, a fact that’s not gone unnoticed by some big-name lenders. That’s good news if you’re seeking some finance for your new wheels, as there are a couple of tempting offers that have appeared on the shelves this week.
Simon Read: Debt advice? Don't take it from lenders
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Debt advice has been back in the news this week. Barclaycard reported that its early assistance scheme for customers experiencing financial difficulties was a huge success. The credit card company says that the scheme has helped 11,500 Barclaycard customers since being launched in March.
6 tips for taking out a personal loan
Friday, 14 August 2009
Amid signs that the cost of personal loans may be on its way down, here are six tips to help those considering a loan locate the best deal.
Don't get footprints all over your credit rating – select the right lender before you apply
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Credit has never been so difficult to obtain and tight conditions have meant that many lenders are only willing to deal with an elite group of people who have almost perfect credit histories and an easily provable income stream.
Beginner's Guide To: Cashback credit cards
Saturday, 1 August 2009
It's a common misconception that the benefit of a credit card to those who clear their balance each month, is that their money stays in their current account earning interest for a bit longer. There are, however, deals out there which enable you to earn money each time you use them – so effectively profit from your spending. This week we take a look at cashback credit cards.
Overdrafts and freebies: welcome to student banking
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Think carefully before choosing a lender to see you through the next few years at university. Chiara Cavaglieri offers some timely advice
Beginner's Guide To: Purchase Credit Cards
Saturday, 25 July 2009
The credit card market is becoming more complex and the best product will depend on how you plan to use your card. Last week we explained cards suitable for people looking to make a balance transfer; today we evaluate what to look for if you are searching for a credit card to use for spending.
Britons take scissors to their credit-card habits
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Almost two million Britons have cut up their credit cards in the past year to avoid overspending. Analysis of the £52bn UK credit-card market suggests that 6 per cent of users – or 1.8 million – have taken scissors to their plastic to avoid sinking into financial trouble during the recession.
IVAs may be easier to come by, but that's not good news for everyone
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Banks and other lenders are now relaxing their payment thresholds for individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) and are approving lower-repayment applications for the first time, according to Debt Free Direct, a provider of IVAs.
Beginner's Guide To: Balance transfer cards
Saturday, 18 July 2009
There are hundreds of credit cards available, but with providers now more choosy, it is important to make sure you apply for the right card and one you're likely to be accepted for.
ASA continues claims crackdown
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Another claims management company has been rapped by the Advertising Standards Authority this week for trying to mislead borrowers about how it was able to help them wriggle out of their debts.
Simon Read: Why wait to write off credit card cheques?
Saturday, 4 July 2009
A government crackdown on unsolicited credit card cheques has long been overdue. The cheques have seemingly indiscriminately been junk-mailed to millions of credit card holders in recent years simply to encourage them to overspend and boost banks’ profits. According to figures from uSwitch, 280 million of the cheques were sent out to 14 million people last year alone. And the 3.2 million of those suckered into using the cheques helped the credit card companies pocket an extra £571m in handling fees and interest charges last year.
Unsolicited credit card cheques to be banned
Thursday, 2 July 2009
The Government will today set out details of its plan to ban lenders from sending out unsolicited credit card cheques to consumers.
What credit card 'tarts' should do next
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Lenders seem increasingly reluctant to give customers with imperfect credit ratings their best balance transfer cards. But what if you’ve come to rely on shifting debt between 0% deals?
Beware the house snatchers as lenders get tough on bad debt
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Charities warn of a surge in 'charging orders', which attach unsecured loans to property. What can debtors do?
Cautious lenders put balance transfers on ice
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Lenders are still being cautious after research from price comparison service uSwitch.com shows that at least one in 10 consumers have had a credit card application rejected in the past year.
Cashback spreads to loans – but be wary of the unexpected costs
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Marks & Spencer is hoping to tempt consumers with a new cashback reward on its personal loans. Customers who take out a loan before 11 August will be offered a refund of 10 per cent of the interest paid. M&S; offers a typical rate of 8.7 per cent on a £10,000 loan over 36 month which, with the cashback, drops to the equivalent of 7.9 per cent.
Transfer scams hit the hard-up and desperate
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Claims that companies can help people become debt-free by buying their debt are bogus, says the OFT
Banks launch final battle to avoid £1bn charges payout
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Two-year fight against compensation to end with House of Lords ruling
Simon Read: Time to crack down on bogus claims
Saturday, 20 June 2009
A claims management company was accused this week of "misleading" people by stating it could help people wriggle out of their debts. The Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint from Lloyds TSB about adverts from a firm called Debt Free.
Julian Knight: Forget the soft soap, this plot to wipe debt is just greedy
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Escaping what you owe on credit cards is a long way from refusing to pay bank charges
Spotlight: Abbey Zero Card
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Abbey's new Zero credit card is one of the few cards not to charge overseas and cash withdrawal fees. It also offers a three-month interest-free period on purchases and a 12-month interest-free period on balance transfers (although you will be charged a 3 per cent transfer fee if you use the card for this purpose).
Bumper rates are available, but with strings attached
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Interest of up to 10 per cent is tempting, but don't forget to check the fine print.
Abbey to relaunch its Zero credit-card deal
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Holidaymakers looking to cut costs this summer will welcome the return of the Abbey Zero credit card, on sale from tomorrow.
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