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Credit crunch boost for credit card market

Fri, 9 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The credit crunch has been a borrower's nightmare as lenders squeeze mortgage and loan rates to secure their finances. However, every cloud has a silver lining.

Missed opportunity by the Bank of England?

Fri, 9 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The decision by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to keep Bank rate on hold at 5 per cent has been criticised by some economists who believe further rate reductions are inevitable and that the delay merely increases the risk of a full-blown economic slump.

Interest rates held at 5 per cent

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to keep interest rates on hold at 5 per cent today.

Did the banks play fair following last month's rate cut?

Fri, 2 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Not all banks and building societies have yet responded to last month's quarter-point reduction in interest rates, but it's been a mixed bag among the institutions that have announced changes to their mortgage and savings rates.

Make the most of your travel money

Fri, 2 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Perhaps we've simply been spoilt by favourable exchange rates for too long, but for UK holidaymakers the prospect of travelling to the Continent has lost some of its gloss this year as the pound has hit a record low against the euro.

Need a loan? Read this first

Fri, 2 May 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Personal loans are harder to come by because of the credit crunch, yet an increasing number of people are needing to borrow to make ends meet each month.

Savers reap the rewards of the credit crunch

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

When the Bank of England cuts interest rates borrowers rejoice and savers curse their luck - or at least that is what you expect to happen.

Beware the credit card crunch

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

If you thought the mortgage market was the only area of borrowing being hit by the credit crunch, then think again. Credit cards and loans are also harder to come by and this is bad news for those struggling to make ends meet each month.

Banks lose first round of overdraft charges court case

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Consumers are one step closer to victory in the battle against bank charges. The High Court has ruled that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) does have the power to decide whether or not the fees levied by banks and building societies when a customer exceeds their overdraft limit are fair.

Isa rules at a glance

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

New Isa rules take effect on April 6 2008.

The 'interest-free' credit cards that may charge you interest

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Unwary customers are being caught out by interest-free credit card offers that could cost you dear if you don't use them correctly. We explain the catches...

Earn 12 per cent on your savings

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Alliance & Leicester (A&L) is launching a regular savings account paying 12% on Monday as it strives to encourage people to switch current account.

Tips to survive the credit crunch

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

With the credit crunch and inflation continuing to bite, we show you 10 steps you can take to minimise the impact and relieve some of the pressure on your finances...

The peculiar rate reduction

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has cut Bank rate from 5.25% to 5%. This is the third quarter-point reduction since December and many economists believe there could be more falls to come before the end of the year.

Are you starting to feel the crunch?

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

With the number of mortgage deals available declining at a rapid rate, energy prices increasing and a general rise in the cost of living there are worrying signs that a growing number of people are having to borrow in order to make ends meet each month.

Interest rates fall again - February 2008

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted to cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, taking Bank rate to 5.25 per cent.

Interest rates fall again

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to cut interest rates by a quarter of one percent, taking Bank rate from 5.25% to 5%.

A new tax year - a new chance to save

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Happy new tax-year. April 6 marks the beginning of a new financial year.

The mortgage crisis deepens

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Consumers looking for a mortgage are facing less choice and higher rates. The Bank of England has warned that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better and that the squeeze on mortgages is likely to continue for the next few months at least.

What do the tax changes mean for you?

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The new tax year starts on Sunday, and with it comes a raft of changes that will affect individuals. Some will be beneficial but others could leave you worse off.

Northern Rock slashes savings rates

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Northern Rock has announced losses of £167.6m last year, and the implications of what lies ahead for the customers of the recently-nationalised bank is becoming clearer. Savers and borrowers will both be affected by a radical overhaul.

Is it time to think long-term with your mortgage?

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Two-year mortgage deals are most popular with borrowers because the rates tend to be lower than those on longer-term products. However, the credit crunch and rising arrangement fees are taking their toll so could it be worth looking longer-term?

Don't miss out on your allowance

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The race is on to capitalise on this year's Isa allowance before the tax year ends on April 5 with some banks even extending their opening hours to deal with last minute applications. So why are Isas such a great way to save and how do the best deals compare?

Prepare your finances for a recession

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said we are facing a financial crisis on a scale not experienced in recent times and a growing number of economists warn that a full-blown recession could be on the cards. Consumers therefore need to position their finances so that they can weather the storm...

Are prepaid cards the answer to our foreign spending woes?

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Thousands of British holidaymakers have jetted off for an Easter break, and many will pour money down the drain on unnecessary foreign usage fees when they use their credit and debit cards abroad.

How to protect your savings

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The near collapse of Bear Stearns, an 85-year-old investment bank that survived the Wall Street Crash of 1929, caused a wave of panic among investors around the world. More than £14billion was wiped off the value of Britain's main high street banks as share prices plunged last Monday amid fears that the financial crisis could claim further casualties.

Cut your outgoings by more than £1,000 a year

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Household finances are under increasing pressure but many people could offset rising food, fuel and energy bills and slash their monthly outgoings significantly by spending a few hours going through their financial products and switching to a better deal.

Tax allowances for 2008-2009

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

In case you are wondering what your tax allowances will be for the next tax year, we have compiled some easy-to-read tables for you. These should provide all the information you need.

Majority of consumers fear for their finances

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Money worries are no longer a taboo subject and the increasing strain of higher living and borrowing costs is taking its toll. But it is not just the heavily indebted who are concerned about making ends meet.

Thank you Darling - for what?

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Public reaction to Alistair Darling's first budget has been largely negative. We look at why consumers are feeling so let down...

The 2008 Budget at a glance

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, has delivered his first budget speech. Is it good or bad news for consumers? We give you a run down of the main announcements...

Don't let your bank walk all over you

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The total profits of the big five high street banks - Barclays, Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS), HSBC, Lloyds TSB and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) - rose again last year to a record 38.6billion pounds, despite the fact they were forced to write off billions of pounds in bad debts.

Beware the hidden costs of overseas spending

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Millions of families will be heading abroad over Easter and many will make use of their debit and credit cards while they are away, unaware that the transactions they make could cost them a lot more than they are expecting.

Interest rates stay at 5.25 per cent

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted to keep interest rates on hold at 5.25%.

Consumers hit by squeeze on home loans

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Thousands of homeowners could struggle to find a new mortgage as the credit crunch tightens its grip on the banking sector. However, there is no need to panic because there are still options available...

Don't miss out on tax-free savings

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Millions of savers say they have no intention of using their Isa allowance. This is a valuable tax break that is well worth taking advantage of, but with only five weeks left of the current tax year, you need to act quickly...

How to play your cards right - payment allocations explained

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

There are some great credit card deals available. However, unwary consumers are at risk of being caught out by the complicated repayment system most card providers use.

How you can avoid a payment shock

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Homeowners could see a huge jump in monthly mortgage payments when their fixed rate deal ends...

Get on top of those Christmas debts

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

It appears as though the credit crunch and warnings of possible house price falls hasn't been enough to stop consumers spending.

Get on top of those Christmas debts

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

It appears as though the credit crunch and warnings of possible house price falls haven't been enough to stop consumers spending.

Savers enjoy the best rates for years

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Falling interest rates are usually bad news for savers but this is not the case at the moment.

Northern Rock to be nationalised

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

What does the nationalisation of Northern Rock mean for you?

Homeowners told there'll be tough times ahead

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The recent cuts in interest rates came as good news for millions of homeowners struggling to make ends meet.

How to beat the credit crunch

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The credit crunch rumbles on but there are still plenty of options available to borrowers...

How to improve your credit score

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Do you know what your credit score is? If you don't, then you are not alone...

Rate wars lift banking gloom

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

If you've not kept pace with the current account market recently, fear not - you've not missed out on much.

Borrowers warned not to bank on lower mortgage payments

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The cut in interest rates should be good news for borrowers - but some will still lose out...

Egg just the first to crack in credit card clampdown

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The actions of internet bank Egg may only be the first blow to consumers...

Are you facing debt problems?

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

What if your debt problems are extensive? You still have options but you must be very careful about the choices you make...

Can you bank on the changing face of UK savings?

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Big name high street providers have been surpassed on savings rates by foreign banks - but should we trust these less well-established names?

Bring your mortgage costs under control

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:01:00 GMT

With so much confusion in the mortgage lending market, should you remortgage now or wait for a better rate?

Don't panic - debt help is available

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:01:00 GMT

If you feel you're in over your head then don't panic - there are solutions for every situation...

As battle begins over bank fees, will customers lose the war?

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The Office of Fair Trading has gone to the High Court with the banks to contest the scale of fees levied on those who slip into an unauthorised overdraft. However, it could be the consumers who pay if the banks are defeated...

Don't pay the price for late payments

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Missing a monthly payment may seem like no big deal, but it can have a serious affect on your credit rating. Nearly 5.5million Brits missed payments last year - yet some simple steps can ensure you never put your credit rating at risk...

Base rates fall at last!

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

The Bank of England has cut its base rate by 0.25%, pleasing millions of embattled mortgage borrowers.

Virgin and rock deal in doubt?

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

The Virgin-Northern Rock takeover may be in doubt as a key investor says it will oppose the deal.

Consumer confidence falls

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Rising oil and food prices plus increased mortgage payments have hit consumer confidence...

The base rate cut and you

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

What does the Bank of England's 0.25% base rate cut mean for mortgage borrowers and savers?

Should you pay up-front mortgage fees?

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

A friend of mine was offered a new mortgage the other day. The up-front fee was £1,499. Was it worth paying?

Cheque clearing speeds up

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Faster cheque clearing means more interest for account holders.

Buy-to-let remains buoyant

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

The number of private tenants seeking property reaches a five-year high.

Gains tax u-turn likely

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Chancellor's U-turn on tax changes for small businesses and employees likely.

Long term fixed mortgages for all?

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Are fixed rate mortgages really the future? And how long should you secure your rate for?

Crackdown on mortgage brokers

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

The City's main watchdog is to crack down on mortgage brokers offering unaffordable loans.

Virgin for northern rock?

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Northern Rock today announced that it has chosen the Virgin Group as its preferred buyer.

Mortgage lending slumps

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Recent figures suggest mortgage lending has fallen by a third. Is the housing market really slowing down?

Better banking for all?

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Banks and building societies are hailing new changes to their codes of practice. How might this affect you?

Current account overhaul

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Banks are adjusting their overdraft rates ahead of a legal test case. How does it affect your cash?

The credit crunch and mortgages

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:01:00 GMT

For millions of mortgage borrowers, the past few weeks have been highly confusing.

Boost your credit rating

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:01:00 GMT

More than 20,000 people a day are apparently being turned down for personal loans following the crisis in the financial markets. Multiple rejections risk further harming credit ratings and making the problem for consumers worse - but there is a solution...

Protect yourself against data fraud

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

HM Revenue & Customs admits losing 25 million people's personal details. What can you do to stop ID fraud?

Protection for credit card users

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

A landmark legal judgement gives extra protection to shoppers who use their credit cards to make purchases from abroad either in person, by telephone or online. With Christmas approaching, this is excellent news for consumers...

Rise of the silver savers

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:01:00 GMT

This week marks the launch of the Alliance & Leicester Premier 50, a current account for the 50+ age group with a 7% interest rate. However, do age-related products, including over-50 savings and notice accounts, really offer a better deal? Or can you get more value for money elsewhere

Easy access savings - with a catch

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

There are two new market-leading rates available in the easy access savings account sector - but both carry penalties for withdrawals. So is the improved interest really worth your while, or should you do more than just chase the best rate?

Better news on mortgages

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

The number of orders for home repossessions has dropped over the last three months despite predictions to the contrary. In addition, the interest rate tide appears to be turning in favour of homeowners. Now is the time to take another look at the deals available to you...

Why we love to save tax free

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

If ever you needed proof that we love to keep our cash away from the taxman, then it arrived in figures from HM Revenue and Customs stating the money in tax-free ISAs has now reached 208bn pounds! So what are the advantages of ISAs and how can you join this savings revolution?

Savings shake-up: what's next for your cash?

Mon, 8 Oct 2007 00:01:00 GMT

More protection for your savings, a base rate announcement and movement from some of the leading providers - it's been a busy week in the savings market. I'll show you how all of this affects your money, and what you should do next...

Start tracking to make mortgage savings

Mon, 5 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Homeowners' mortgage misery may finally be on the way out, if some predictions are to be believed. The Council of Mortgage Lenders the base rate will drop back to around 5% by the middle of next year. If true, you should consider re-mortgaging to a tracker deal to make some serious savings...

How to break free of mortgage debt

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:01:00 GMT

More homeowners are turning to credit cards to pay off their mortgage or rent - potentially leading to even greater debt-related problems. Meanwhile, there are reports that lenders are turning down increasing numbers of mortgage applicants. It seems like a bleak time for householders and buyers alike. But there are ways round the problem...

New credit card tops best buy tables

Mon, 8 Oct 2007 00:01:00 GMT

The credit card market continues to get more competitive - and now there is a new table-topping 0% balance transfer card at the head of the pack. This is arguably the best deal on the market - I'll show you where you can get it and who its right for...

Cheques clearing speeds up

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Reforms into the cheque clearing cycle have finally been announced - and it is good news for customers.

House prices in sharp fall

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

UK house prices saw their biggest fall in 12 years during November, a survey says today.

Go easy on borrowers

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

A City watchdog wants lenders to help 1.4 million fixed rate borrowers whose deals are ending.

Lenders' interest rate plea

Tue, 4 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Mortgage lenders want the Bank of England to cut interest rates this week.

Beat id fraud at christmas

Mon, 3 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

ID fraud has once again leapt to the forefront of consumers' minds after the 'lost discs' fiasco by HM Revenue & Customs.

Base rates and mortgages

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

So what does the Bank of England decision mean for savers and borrowers? And what should you be doing next?

Card splurge dangers

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

UK consumers have the potential to blow a staggering extra £176.9 billion on their credit cards.

Jekyll and Hyde savers

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Two thirds of people owing money on credit cards, overdrafts or loans also have a savings account or an ISA.

Time to get back in the black

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:01:00 GMT

Overspent during the festive period? Tim Moss discusses the best way to pay off your debts...

£100 if you like them - £200 if you don't

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:01:00 GMT

The banks are battling for our business and first direct is earning headlines with its £100 incentive

Problems in store for using the wrong card

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Splashing out using your store card can often turn sour when the statement arrives...

Many lenders ignore base rate cut

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

So far, most lenders are holding off from making mortgage rate reductions. What should you do next?

How our finances were affected in 2007

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

What were the highlights of the past 12 months - and how do they affect the year ahead?

The year ahead for your money

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Many of us make the same resolution every year - to get our finances in order. However, this is the year I want us all to see that resolution through and so I've asked the Rate Alert experts to offer their predictions and tips to help us make the most of 2008...

Virgin' on a takeover

Mon, 3 Dec 2007 00:01:00 GMT

If Virgin's offer were to succeed, what would that mean for Northern Rock savers and borrowers?

How to beat debt

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:01:00 GMT

Up to 75% of consumers feel they are not to blame their massive debts, according to a survey. Yet taking charge of your debts is the first step on the road to sorting out the problem. If you are struggling to cope with your debts, don't bury your head in the sand - I'll help you get back on track...

Overspent at Christmas? Now get the balance right

Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:01:00 GMT

As we begin to feel the effects of our Christmas spending, moving to a 0% deal is important to get your finances on track...

How to get your savings back on track

Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:01:00 GMT

With further base rate cuts on the agenda, you need to be quick to grab the host of attractive savings offers still available...