What is a soft credit check?
Our guides explains the difference between hard and soft credit checks and how best to protect your credit score when applying for a credit card or loan
Tim Heming is a journalist and editor who has written about personal finance for national newspapers and consumer websites for more than a decade.
Tim enjoys providing no-nonsense information to help consumers make better financial decisions, saving them time, money and worry in the process.
A gifted deposit from family can help you massively when buying your first home. But how does it work? What are the legal and tax implications? Read ahead to learn more.
If you’re falling behind with your debt repayments, there is help available to get you back on your feet. Our guide explains more.
Switching bank accounts doesn’t have to be stressful. With the current account switch guarantee service (CASS), you can do it in a few simple steps
Getting a mortgage offer is a big step on the way to buying a home. Here’s everything you need to know about the mortgage-offer process.
Mortgage rates help determine how much you’ll pay back in total when you take out a mortgage. Our guide explains how they work.
Whether it’s HP, PCP or leasing, our guide to car finance explains the different options available when it comes to getting a new or second-hand car
HP is a form of car finance where you pay a deposit and monthly instalments for a fixed term before you own the vehicle. Our guide explains more
A credit card statement should tell you everything you need to know about how you’ve used your card, including what you’ve spent, how much you owe, the interest rates and when you need to pay it off
You could still get a loan if you have a low credit score. Our guide explains how to improve your chances of getting approved
Buying or leasing a car is a big decision, our guide explains the different options and how they work
Pet insurance can cover you financially if your cat, dog or any other furry friends need treatment for an accident or illness. But with so many options to choose from, which is the best pet insurance for you? Our guide will help you decide.
What are the rules around holding multiple current accounts – and what are the benefits and pitfalls? Our guide explains…
Read more about what a self-invested personal pension is, how they work and whether they might be the right option for you
A workplace pension could be your best option for saving for retirement. But what is a workplace pension and how do they work?
Thinking about how you'll fund your retirement when you stop working? Private pensions are one option to consider
There aren’t any advantages to overpaying on your credit card, but if it happens in error it’s not usually something to worry about, as our guide explains
If you want to earn a return on your savings but you’d like your money invested in environmentally-sound projects, green savings bonds could be for you...
Our guide explains what an unsecured personal loan is, what to consider before you apply, and how you can get one that's right for you.
Applying with a partner can give you a better chance of borrowing what you need. But how do you go about getting a joint loan and what are the risks?
There are different ways you can take out a loan against your property. Our guide explains the available options and what you’ll need to consider
Find out more about getting a loan, from choosing the right provider to how it affects your credit score
The Insurance Emporium provide a range of flexible specialist insurance products. Whether you’re after insurance for your dog or cat, they could have the perfect policy to meet your needs.
Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance has flexible policies for your dog, cat or rabbit, covering vet’s fees up to £10,000. Find out more about what’s on offer and how they work with our guide
If you’re looking for pet insurance for your beloved cat or dog, then RSA’s More Than brand can help with whatever level you need, from accident-only through to lifetime cover
If you’re spending time and money on renovating your home, you’ll want to ensure you have the right home insurance cover to keep you protected
They can be some of your most precious and valuable possessions, so vow to make sure your engagement and wedding ring are covered should they be lost, damaged or stolen.
When it comes to borrowing it’s not just the amount you need and the interest rate to consider, it’s also the type of loan that’s important
The type of credit card you can get will depend on your personal circumstances. Here’s how to find the right card for you
With such a wide range of savings accounts to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Credit cards can give you flexibility with your spending, help you clear debt more easily, build your credit profile and earn rewards. Some cards are even designed specifically for students
If you’re looking to lease a car, then PCH could be your best option. Our guide explains how it works, the pros and cons and the alternatives
Leasing could be an option if you can’t afford or don’t want to buy a car outright. But is it still possible if you have a poor credit score?
Feeling awkward may not be the only consideration when it comes to asking your loved ones for a loan. Our guide explains more
Struggling with debt on your credit cards? Our guide explains your options and the steps you can take to pay it off more quickly
Our guide explains how to apply for a credit card without fear of being turned down and seeing your credit rating damaged – even if you have bad credit
Using a balance transfer credit card is a popular way to consolidate debt to make it easier and cheaper to pay off. Our guide explains how it works
Peer-to-peer lending is a way you can lend directly to individuals or businesses – earning interest on your loan. But is it a smart choice? Our guide explains more...
Trying to earn the best return on your money is a smart move. We look at saving versus investing to help you decide the best option
Transferring an ISA isn’t complicated, but you do have to take the correct steps to avoid losing the tax-free benefit
Pensions, investments or savings could all have a role to play as you prepare your finances for the future
Having a high limit credit card might sound appealing. But how can you get one in the UK and how do they work?
How do joint credit cards work in the UK and who is responsible for paying off the balance? Find out more...
Thanks to the personal savings allowance most savers don’t pay tax on the interest they earn. Here’s how it works...
Need a high paying savings account but don’t need immediate access to your money? A notice account might suit you. Find out more...
An investment ISA can offer the potential for higher returns than cash over the long term, but they come with risks. Our guide explains...
Opening a savings account can be a great way to get kids into the habit of saving. Where’s best to start?
More investors are seeking ISAs that invest in ethical companies - those that value the environment, sustainability and fair business practice. We explain more...
Read more about the popular tax-free savings wrappers - how they work and the pros and cons
Transferring a credit card balance can be a great way to cut interest repayments and clear your debt faster. Our guide explains more
From student to joint accounts, high interest and cashback accounts, out guide can help you decide
Should you choose a MasterCard credit card over Visa or American Express? Our guide explains the differences between the payment networks to help you decide
Ready to go fully digital with your banking but unsure where to start? Our guide to online-only banks in the UK tells you everything you need to know
While overdrafts can offer short term cashflow to manage your finances, they might also charge interest – which could make them expensive. Our guide explores how to pay off your overdraft fast
Most of us can’t buy a home without taking out a mortgage, but while they help us step onto the property ladder, there are also a few potential downsides to consider
Your credit score determines whether you’ll be offered the best deals for mortgages, loans and credit cards, so knowing how your financial decisions affect it can be very useful
What happens to your existing mortgage when you move house? Can you take it with you, or should you look for a cheaper deal? Our guide explains the options
A good credit score usually means lenders will offer you better deals and lower interest rates. But what is a good score and how can you improve yours?
We explain how Government-backed National Savings & Investments differs to high street banks and the services on offer to savers
Finished studying and looking for a credit card? Our guide explains the options to help you make the right choice
Credit cards can be a useful way of managing your finances, but there can be a charges and fees to watch out for. Our guide explains the different charges and how they work, so you won’t fall foul of them
Bounce Back Loans supported many small businesses during the covid pandemic. But where do you stand when it comes to paying them off and how do you go about it? Our guide explains
If you’re no longer using a credit card, you might think it’s sensible to cancel it. But how do you go about it and is it a good idea?
Your next trip to Vietnam should be remembered for the right reasons, so it’s important you get travel insurance to protect you
Your next trip to Singapore should be remembered for the right reasons, so it’s important you get travel insurance to protect you
Your next trip to the Philippines should be remembered for the right reasons, so it’s important you get travel insurance to protect you
Secured and unsecured loans are different ways of borrowing money. Both have pros and cons, so it’s vital to know how they work before you apply
Cashback credit cards reward savvy spenders for purchases they make, but with plenty of choice and different rates and incentives, which one is right for you?
Moving home can be stressful. From buying and selling to packing up and transporting your belongings to an unfamiliar property, there is plenty that can go wrong – which is why it’s a good idea to have the right home insurance in place
Even though it’s almost always accidental, your neighbours can sometimes be the cause of serious damage to your property. This is how to make sure you’re insured
Your house is probably your biggest ever purchasing decision, so it’s no surprise there’s insurance involved
Cashback is a way of being rewarded every time you spend on your credit card. But how do cashback credit cards work and are they right for you?
Being able to get money quickly with few credit checks may seem appealing to potential borrowers, but with high interest rates and the amount you can borrow being capped, they won’t be for everyone. Our guide covers how quick payout loans work and what you need to know...
Your next trip to Asia should be remembered for the right reasons, so it’s important you get travel insurance to protect you
If you’re looking forward to heading to the natural beauty of Bali, then make sure you pack the beachwear and sun protection – and get the right travel insurance before you set off
You can often save money by remortgaging to a new mortgage deal. Find out more about how to remortgage with our handy guide
M&S has been providing loans since 1989, offering a range of loan amounts and term lengths for which you can apply