Credit Cards Current Accounts And Loans archive

Credit Cards Current Accounts And Loans Archive

Published in December 2007

Clean Up Your Credit Cards!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Fancy becoming a demon card player? Then here are eight ways to save money by knocking your plastic into shape.

Snap Up A Better Current Account

by Alison Hunt | With the recent worries regarding security breaches, could now be a good time to switch to a better bank account?

First Class Credit Cards

by Jane Baker | With hordes of credit cards on offer finding the right one can be tricky. Here's a selection of the best.

Up Your Chances Of Getting A Loan

by Neil Faulkner | With loans getting harder to obtain, Neil Faulkner brings back his 'tactical applications' idea. Sounds clever, but never mind that he can't count to seven...

Just Eight Balance Transfer Cards Left

by Neil Faulkner | As far as rate tarts are concerned, there are just eight choices left when getting a 0% deal.

Just Eight Balance Transfer Cards Left

by Neil Faulkner | As far as rate tarts are concerned, there are just eight choices left when getting a 0% deal.

When Balance Transfers Go Bad!

by Cliff D'Arcy | With 0% balance transfers, you can avoid paying interest for more than a year. However, some transfers fail -- and here's why.

Cheap Credit For Crafty Customers

by Cliff D'Arcy | Here's a simple way to borrow money cheaply for prolonged periods which also comes with a no-cost get-out.

Don't Be Robbed By Your Bank!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Take care when choosing a new current account, because these three nasties may be lurking in the small print.

Published in November 2007

Foolish Lessons For Husbands

by Alison Hunt | Alison Hunt looks at some of her husband's financial mistakes. Make sure you don't follow his example and then you'll be less likely to be hit by debt problems in the future.

Avoid These Rip Off Loans!

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker takes a sideways look at home credit loans and explains why it's best to steer clear.

How To Get A Top Notch Loan

by Jane Baker | What to look out for when choosing the perfect personal loan.

Ten Banks Accused Of Misleading Customers

by Neil Faulkner | There has been a defence against the counterstrike!...We're not talking about first-person shooter computer games, we're talking about the latest story in the super-claim against bank charges. Read about the main allegations here.

Ten Banks Accused Of Misleading Customers

The Nicest Christmas (Credit) Cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | It's the season of goodwill to all men, but just how generous are charity credit cards? We find superior substitutes.

Decent Loans Are Dying Out

by Cliff D'Arcy | Finding a personal loan is getting tougher, as lenders raise interest rates or pull out completely. Here's the latest disturbing news.

How To Get Cheaper Loans

by Jane Baker | With interest rates rising on personal loans in the aftermath of the credit crunch, social lending could become a cheaper way to borrow.

Don't Let This Happen To Your Credit Card!

by Serena Cowdy | Putting too much money on your credit card can get you into trouble.

Earn 5% Cashback!

by Alison Hunt | With the festive season approaching, find out how you can earn a whopping 5% cashback on all your spending until Christmas.

Credit Card Fees Shoot Up

by Serena Cowdy | Watch out -- credit card fees are shooting up all over the place.

How To Find A Cheap Personal Loan

by Cliff D'Arcy | Cliff D'Arcy explains how he makes sure he gets a cheap deal at a competitive price.

Credit Card Fees Shoot Up

by Serena Cowdy | Watch out -- credit card fees are shooting up all over the place.

Published in October 2007

Great News For Cardholders

by Cliff D'Arcy | A vital victory in the House of Lords means that Brits can use their credit cards abroad with renewed confidence. Hurrah!

How To Cut The Interest On Your Card

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker explains how to get a good credit card deal if you want to transfer your balance and pay less interest on your new purchases.

Earn 7% If You're Over 50

by Alison Hunt | A new current account has launched, aimed at the over fifties which promises to pay a whopping fixed rate of 7% AER. But is it as good as it sounds?

Five Top Tips For Taking Out A Personal Loan

by Alison Hunt | Alison Hunt gives some tips for choosing the right personal loan.

Switch And Save!

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner tells us how she switched to a current account that pays 6.5% interest.

£350 For Nothing!

by Cliff D'Arcy | They say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but this Fool has conjured up £350 out of thin air. Here's how.

My Life As A Transfer Tart

by Cliff D'Arcy | One writer shares his experiences as a former 'rate tart'.

Fool News: Credit Card Switching On The Rise

by Szu Ping Chan | Credit card rate tarts will switch billions between credit cards next year.

Useful Tips For Personal Loans

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker writes about how to get the best deal on personal loans.

3 Ways To Avoid The Worst Credit Card Trick

by Neil Faulkner | Credit-card companies make millions from us with this devious trick, even if we believe we're on a 0% deal. Here are three ways to avoid it.

3 Ways To Avoid The Worst Credit Card Trick

by Neil Faulkner | Credit-card companies make millions from us with this devious trick, even if we believe we're on a 0% deal. Here are three ways to avoid it.

Give Me (Interest-Free) Credit!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Cashback credit cards can make you money, but you could make even more using this simpe technique.

Give Me (Interest-Free) Credit!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Cashback credit cards can make you money, but you could make even more using this simpe technique.

99% Of Credit Cards Use This Dire Trick

by Neil Faulkner | There is an expensive, hidden trick that card companies use to make lots of money from 0% deals (and we don't mean the transfer fee). We list the 1% of cards that don't do it!

The Case For Secured Loans

by Ed Bowsher | This week in "Let's Talk About Money" we've looked at re-mortgaging and investing via index trackers. Now we're going to take a look at the positive case for secured loans and when they can be useful.

99% Of Credit Cards Use This Dire Trick

by Neil Faulkner | There is an expensive, hidden trick that card companies use to make lots of money from 0% deals (and we don't mean the transfer fee). We list the 1% of cards that don't do it!

Fool News: Card Fraudsters Still Beating The System

by Szu Ping Chan | Fraudsters have discovered a new trick, using a 'Yescard.'

Fool News: Card Fraudsters Still Beating The System

by Szu Ping Chan | Fraudsters have discovered a new trick, using a 'Yescard.'

Fool News: Barclays Cuts Loan Rates

by Serena Cowdy | In a surprise move, Barclays has cut rates on several personal loan products.

What's Happening With Bank Charges?

by Neil Faulkner | Here's a re-cap on the bank charges situation, including tips on what you should do now.

Loan Rates Jump

by Jane Baker | Getting credit is becoming increasingly expensive. Here's how to keep your interest costs down.

How 0% Balance Transfers Helped Me

by Ed Bowsher | Ed Bowsher tells us how 0% balance transfer cards helped him.

Watch Out For The 0.1% Trick!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Most traditional current accounts pay yearly interest of just 0.1% on credit balances. Bizarrely, so do several Best Buys, as our research reveals.

Watch Out For The 0.1% Trick!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Most traditional current accounts pay yearly interest of just 0.1% on credit balances. Bizarrely, so do several Best Buys, as our research reveals.

0% Cards With No Balance Transfer Fees

by Alison Hunt | It is still possible to find a balance transfer card that doesn't charge a fee, but they're few and far between.

Published in September 2007

Beware Of Liar Loans

by Cliff D'Arcy | Some borrowers are lying about their income in order to buy a home. This show exposes the sleazy side of mortgage lending.

First Direct Scraps Credit Interest

by Cliff D'Arcy | This award-winning online and telephone bank will no longer pay interest on credit balances from November. Alas, more banks are likely to follow its lead!

0% vs Cashback Credit Cards!

by Alison Hunt | Which credit card can make you the most cash over a year - a 0% for new purchases deal or a cashback card?

Bank Charges: Lloyds TSB Gets Sneaky

by Cliff D'Arcy | We evaluate Lloyds TSB's new charges for unapproved overdrafts. The bad news is that many borrowers will be far worse off!

Unique Credit Card For Londoners

by Jane Baker | With so many credit cards on offer it's not surprising competition is fierce but it's been a while since anything truly innovative emerged. That is until now....

Shave Thousands In Interest Off Your Home Loan

by Alison Hunt | Don't panic about your mortgage, do something to help reduce it. Find out why offsetting could be the answer.

Britain's Worst Bank Accounts!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Banks are ripping us off by paying pathetic rates of interest on current accounts. Our exclusive research reveals the worst offenders. Make sure your account is not on this list.

Get More Dosh From Your Current Account!

by Alison Hunt | Pick the right current account and it could make or save you over one hundred pounds a year. Isn't that worth switching for?

Are 0% Balance Transfers Still Going Strong?

by Jane Baker | Competition has driven a shift in the credit card balance-transfers market. Here's how to make sure you still get a good deal.

Pay 0% Interest On Your Spending

by Jane Baker | Credit cards which offer the same interest-free period on balance transfers and purchases are becoming harder to find. Here's how to avoid paying more interest on your spending than you should.

Interest Rate Doubles Overnight!

by Cliff D'Arcy | It's bad news for millions of students and graduates as the interest rate on student loans doubled on 1 September, costing an extra £500 million.

Six Of The Best Accounts For Silver Savers

by Jane Baker | With the over fifties now representing around a third of the UK population, there are more accounts for silver savers than ever before, but do they really offer anything special?

Published in August 2007

Update On Abbey's 5% Credit Card

by Jane Baker | Some of you have tried and failed to find out more about the new 5% cashback offer. We investigate....

Update On Abbey's 5% Credit Card

by Jane Baker | Some of you have tried and failed to find out more about the new 5% cashback offer. We investigate....

Students Fight HSBC And Win!

by Alison Hunt | Making a stand against banking giants can be well worth it, as new graduates that bank with HSBC are finding out.

We Should Spend More On Our Credit Cards

by Stuart J Watson | We're often told that our credit card spending is out of control. But if we were truly Foolish, we'd use our credit cards much more than we do at the moment.

A 5% Cashback Card

by Stuart J Watson | Cashback cards look like they are staging a return. Abbey is the latest company to join the fray, with a 5% offer on supermarket spending.

Transfer Balance To 0% And Dodge The Fee!

by Neil Faulkner | Find out the real cost of balance-transfer fees, and learn how you can TRULY borrow for free!

Get Rewarded For Your Loyalty

by Jane Baker | If you repay the balance on your credit card in full every month then you could profit from your spending with a reward credit card.

Six Great Tips For Getting A Personal Loan

by Neil Faulkner | Here are some great tips to help you get your loan and to avoid some of the booby traps along the way.

The Great Overdraft Sting

by Cliff D'Arcy | While debate rages about unfair penalty charges on overdrafts, we exclusively reveal another con: the sky-high interest rates that we pay!

Six Great Tips For Getting A Personal Loan

by Neil Faulkner | Here are some great tips to help you get your loan and to avoid some of the booby traps along the way.

First Class Current Accounts

by Jane Baker | Say a resounding no to poor in-credit interest rates and excessive overdraft rates. We review a handful of the best current accounts and suggest you get busy switching.

What's Going To Happen To Credit Cards?

by Neil Faulkner | Will 0% balance-transfer deals still exist in a year? What else is happening to the credit-card market? One Fool shares his thoughts.

Pay No Interest For A Year

by Cliff D'Arcy | Crafty customers can enjoy an interest-free spending spree lasting up to a year. Here's how to play your cards right.

Will The FOS Help Us With The Six-Year Rule?

by Neil Faulkner | The FSA says that the six-year limit on bank-charges claims won't apply whilst the OFT's case is outstanding, but legal experts don't think this is quite so clear cut.

Will The FOS Help Us With The Six-Year Rule?

by Neil Faulkner | The FSA says that the six-year limit on bank-charges claims won't apply whilst the OFT's case is outstanding, but legal experts don't think this is quite so clear cut.

Get Paid To Spend!

by Alison Hunt | Fancy getting an instant discount of up to 4% on everything you buy, without having to ask?

Free Banking Might Be Around For Years

by Neil Faulkner | First it was HSBC and now it's Abbey that has changed its charging structure. One Fool forecasts the future of banking, and predicts temporary relief for supporters of free banking.

Why Cash And Credit Cards Don't Mix!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're ever tempted to withdraw cash using your credit card, then think again. We reveal the hideously high fees and interest rates charged.

Guide To Student Finance

by Amy Davies | We give you the lowdown on how to make the most of your money when you're a student.

Loan Rates Suddenly Leap

by Cliff D'Arcy | In the past fortnight, the cost of personal loans has shot upwards. We explain why and also reveal today's top deals.

Some Good News From FSA On Bank Charges

by Neil Faulkner | There is partial good news from the FSA regarding the six-year limit on claims, but the banks still don't have to pay up.

Some Good News From FSA On Bank Charges

by Neil Faulkner | There is partial good news from the FSA regarding the six-year limit on claims, but the banks still don't have to pay up.

Published in July 2007

The Bank Charges Petition

by Neil Faulkner | Here's the petition you've all been petitioning for. Let's see what we can do for all those claimants struggling to get their money back!

Tom Brennan Vs. NatWest. It's Over

by Neil Faulkner | Tom Brennan fought a valiant fight in an attempt to force the banks to justify their charges. Now it's all over.

Tom Brennan Vs. NatWest. It's Over

by Neil Faulkner | Tom Brennan fought a valiant fight in an attempt to force the banks to justify their charges. Now it's all over.

It's Vital You Still Claim Your Bank Charges

by Neil Faulkner | The implications of the FSA's recent actions are even worse than we first thought.

It's Vital You Still Claim Your Bank Charges

by Neil Faulkner | The implications of the FSA's recent actions are even worse than we first thought.

Big Blow For Bank Charges Victims

by Neil Faulkner | A terrible decision from a body that is supposed to help consumers has left many people with a long wait for their money back, some of whom must make a difficult decision.

Big Blow For Bank Charges Victims

by Neil Faulkner | A terrible decision from a body that is supposed to help consumers has left many people with a long wait for their money back, some of whom must make a difficult decision.

Beat That Loan Rate!

by Stuart J Watson | The cheapest loan rate is now 6.3% APR. That's still good value but there are a couple of ways you can do even better!

The Five Top Credit Cards For Big Purchases

by Neil Faulkner | Read about the second-most Foolish credit card, which allows you to make big purchases with money you don't have at no extra cost!

The Five Top Credit Cards For Big Purchases

by Neil Faulkner | Read about the second-most Foolish credit card, which allows you to make big purchases with money you don't have at no extra cost!

Get 4% Cashback As You Spend

by Cliff D'Arcy | By playing your cards right, you can reclaim a nice slice of your next three months' spending. Frankly, it's money for old rope!

Cheques Are Checking Out

by Cliff D'Arcy | As Sainsbury's, Argos and London Underground join the long list of retailers which refuse to accept cheques, what does the future hold?

Earn 8% In Your Business Bank Account

by Cliff D'Arcy | With Abbey launching a headline-grabbing interest rate, we put business current accounts to the test and unearth the Best Buys.

Earn 8% In Your Business Bank Account

by Cliff D'Arcy | With Abbey launching a headline-grabbing interest rate, we put business current accounts to the test and unearth the Best Buys.

Funds Reunited

by Fiona Nicolson | If you've got some money sitting in a forgotten bank account, claim it!

The Five Top Student Accounts

by Neil Faulkner | Get YOUUUUUR student accounts here! We review the latest accounts for students, and give some paternal advice.

Locating Low-Rate Loans

by Cliff D'Arcy | Taking one minute to find a cheap personal loan could save you £1,000+. We reveal the very latest Best Buys.

The Latest On Bank Charges

by Neil Faulkner | Banks continue to settle claims out of court, but we'll be lucky if we get a test case for bank charges.

Locating Low-Rate Loans

by Cliff D'Arcy | Taking one minute to find a cheap personal loan could save you £1,000+. We reveal the very latest Best Buys.

The UK's Cheapest Credit Cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | Most credit cards charge interest rates of over 16.5% a year, but these cut-price cards are a good deal cheaper.

The UK's Cheapest Credit Cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | Most credit cards charge interest rates of over 16.5% a year, but these cut-price cards are a good deal cheaper.

Five Ways To Make Money With Credit Cards

by Neil Faulkner | Read how to make hundreds each year with your cards, including how to borrow to make money, and how to earn interest on money you've already spent!

Keep These Credit Cards At Home

by Cliff D'Arcy | When you head off on your holidays, be sure not to take these credit cards with you. Otherwise, you'll lose as you spend!

Best Five Cards For Transfers And Purchases!

by Neil Faulkner | One devious, hidden trick usually makes it very expensive to use a credit card for both balance transfers and purchases, but we've found five cards that get around this.

Best Five Cards For Transfers And Purchases!

by Neil Faulkner | One devious, hidden trick usually makes it very expensive to use a credit card for both balance transfers and purchases, but we've found five cards that get around this.

Published in June 2007

Earn 8% In Your Current Account

by Cliff D'Arcy | Abbey has launched a bank account which pays a terrific rate of interest on credit balances. Let's look for the loopholes!

Cash In As You Splash Out

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're bored with loyalty cards, then try switching to a cashback credit card. You could make hundreds of pounds a year!

12 Ways Your Credit Card Rips You Off!

by Neil Faulkner | The modern credit card comes with a dozen devious and costly tricks. Read this to avoid them!

Credit Cards With Small Print And Big Fees

by Neil Faulkner | Next time you're in London on the tube, ignore the disturbed looks from your fellow passengers and take a squint at the small print on the adverts. It could save you money!

Baffled By The Brand!

by Cliff D'Arcy | When it comes to financial businesses, do you know with whom you're dealing? We reveal the firms behind the brands.

Earn Rewards As You Shop

by Cliff D'Arcy | We show you how to play your credit cards right and grab rewards as you spend, including flights, holidays, gift certificates and even cash.

Be Careful With Your Credit Card

by Alison Hunt | If you're looking for a 0% credit card, make sure you don't get caught out by a nasty trick called 'negative payment hierarchy.'

Get Paid To Switch Banks

by Cliff D'Arcy | If low charges, great credit interest rates and cheap overdrafts haven't pushed you to switch current account, will £100 do the trick?

How Heavy Is Your Home Loan?

by Cliff D'Arcy | With debt levels and interest rates both rising, homeowners are feeling the pinch. Can you see these danger signs?

Borrowing To Improve Your Home

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you plan to extend, improve or modernise your home, then here are three ways to pay for this work.

Hedge Your Home Loan

by Cliff D'Arcy | With interest rates expected to rise this year and then fall in 2008, do 'fix and track' mortgages offer the best of both worlds?

The Ultimate Guide To Reclaiming Bank And Card Charges

by Neil Faulkner | We've written a lot on how to reclaim charges you've paid for things like late payments and exceeding overdraft limits. From here you can access all our articles.

Chop Your Interest Rate To Under 5%

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're sick of hefty debts and rising interest rates, then it's time to slash your borrowing costs to the bone.

The Ultimate Guide To Reclaiming Bank And Card Charges

by Neil Faulkner | We've written a lot on how to reclaim charges you've paid for things like late payments and exceeding overdraft limits. From here you can access all our articles.

Two Decades Of Debit Cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | Twenty years ago, Barclays launched the UK's first debit card, Connect. Nowadays, we can't live without our delightful debit cards!

Say Goodbye To Cheap Personal Loans!

by Cliff D'Arcy | As we forecast earlier this year, personal loans are getting more expensive. Even so, we show you how to track down a bargain.

Published in May 2007

Do Credit-Card Fees Stack Up?

by Cliff D'Arcy | With more and more credit-card issuers introducing annual fees, we assess whether paying a fee adds up.

Do Credit-Card Fees Stack Up?

by Cliff D'Arcy | With more and more credit-card issuers introducing annual fees, we assess whether paying a fee adds up.

Beat Bank Charges With New Current Accounts!

by Neil Faulkner | Some little-known banks go the extra mile to help prevent you being charged for unauthorised payments.

Beat Bank Charges With New Current Accounts!

by Neil Faulkner | Some little-known banks go the extra mile to help prevent you being charged for unauthorised payments.

Dodge This £90 Loan Trick

by Neil Faulkner | Don't wait for Europe to sort out this misleading loan trick. And no, we're not talking about PPI this time!

Dodge This £90 Loan Trick

by Neil Faulkner | Don't wait for Europe to sort out this misleading loan trick. And no, we're not talking about PPI this time!

The Very Best Balance Transfer Cards

by Neil Faulkner | It's time for another review of the whole credit-card market to find the best cards for balance transfers.

The Way Ahead For Bank Charges Claims

by Neil Faulkner | With a loss in court for one bank charges claimant up for appeal, we consider the lessons learned.

The Way Ahead For Bank Charges Claims

by Neil Faulkner | With a loss in court for one bank charges claimant up for appeal, we consider the lessons learned.

The Very Best Balance Transfer Cards

by Neil Faulkner | It's time for another review of the whole credit-card market to find the best cards for balance transfers.

Barclaycard Customers Face More Fees

by Cliff D'Arcy | Up to a million Barclaycard customers could pay a new £20 charge -- and other credit-card issuers are poised to follow suit.

Brennan's Valiant Fight Against NatWest

by Neil Faulkner | The bank charges hearing is over. Read Neil Faulkner's summary and verdict.

Brennan's Valiant Fight Against NatWest

by Neil Faulkner | The bank charges hearing is over. Read Neil Faulkner's summary and verdict.

A New Era For Northern Ireland

by Cliff D'Arcy | As well as an historic power-sharing executive, Northern Ireland faces new rules to keep its banks in check.

Lloyds Bank Wins Bank Charges Case

by Neil Faulkner | Lloyds Bank beat claimant Kevin Berwick in court over bank charges. What does this mean for other claimants?

Make Money With Your Credit Card!

by Alison Hunt | If you're financially disciplined, why not make some money from your credit card?

Should I Get A Consolidation Loan?

by Neil Faulkner | Consolidating debts is an appropriate action for many debtors, but certainly not all. We answer the question you may not have even thought to ask...

Should I Get A Consolidation Loan?

by Neil Faulkner | Consolidating debts is an appropriate action for many debtors, but certainly not all. We answer the question you may not have even thought to ask...

Bank Charges Court Update

by Neil Faulkner | Barrister Tom Brennan is taking his bank to court. We give you the results of the first full-day's hearing.

Mayday For Store Cards!

by Cliff D'Arcy | New rules for store cards take effect on 1 May. However, the UK's 11 million cardholders will still be fleeced.

Published in April 2007

Enjoy A 14-Month Break From Interest!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Play your cards right and you can avoid paying interest on credit-card debts until July 2008. Here are the best deals, some of the best we've seen in three years.

Current Accounts Crisis

by Neil Faulkner | The recent barrage of bank charges claims, and the OFT's upcoming investigation will probably mean more expensive banking and make it harder to choose the cheapest current account.

Enjoy A 14-Month Break From Interest!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Play your cards right and you can avoid paying interest on credit-card debts until July 2008. Here are the best deals, some of the best we've seen in three years.

Your Credit Card May Cost You More

by Jane Mack | Penalty charges for credit cards may be lower but companies are clawing their money back in ever more inventive ways.

Your Credit Card May Cost You More

by Jane Mack | Penalty charges for credit cards may be lower but companies are clawing their money back in ever more inventive ways.

The Fool Talks To Bank Charges Crusader

by Neil Faulkner | We talk to Tom Brennan about his penalty bank charges case and give some tips about what to do if you still haven't made a claim yourself.

Fools Don't Trust Their Banks

by Ed Bowsher | Two-thirds of Fools don't trust their banks to sell them the right product.

Claim Back That Cash!

by Alison Hunt | Don't give your gas or electricity provider an interest-free loan -- claim your money back, today

The First Bank Charges Court Hearing

by Neil Faulkner | Is barrister Tom Brennan a hero, a self-publicist, or lacking in judgement? We speculate about his Friday the 13th court case for recovering bank charges.

New Credit Card Tricks!

by Alison Hunt | If you thought you knew all the tricks your credit card provider has up its sleeve beware, as there are some new ones to watch out for.

The First Bank Charges Court Hearing

by Neil Faulkner | Is barrister Tom Brennan a hero, a self-publicist, or lacking in judgement? We speculate about his Friday the 13th court case for recovering bank charges.

Seven More Reasons To Fear Credit Cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | Here are another seven reasons to be wary of your flexible friends...

Seven Reasons To Fear Credit Cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | Your plastic may appear fantastic, but you need to be alert to these tricks and traps!

Published in March 2007

Beating Banks With Bad Credit Agreements?

by Jane Mack | Credit card customers have been getting their own back over excessive penalty charges. Are credit agreements their next target?

Personal Loan Rate Tricks

by Cliff D'Arcy | Lenders use these three tricks to manipulate interest rates on loans and catch us out...

Credit Card Freebies

by Alison Hunt | Over half of us have credit cards which offer no benefits - but free books, cheaper petrol and even cold hard cash are available to those in the know.

Plastic Surgery For Credit Cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you'd like to give your finances a facelift, start by crushing your credit-card debts. We show you how.

Creditable Current Accounts With Credit Unions?

by lovemoney.com staff | Credit unions have decided to offer current accounts to its customers. But what is a credit union - and are their new current accounts any good?

Loan Rates Are Rising

by Cliff D'Arcy | Low-cost personal loans are becoming a dying breed as lenders seek to grow their profits by raising interest rates.

One Good And One Bad Credit Card

by Neil Faulkner | Read about a great deal for both balance transfers and purchases, and a terrible one to avoid as well!

One Good And One Bad Credit Card

by Neil Faulkner | Read about a great deal for both balance transfers and purchases, and a terrible one to avoid as well!

Watch Out For That 0% Credit Card!

by Alison Hunt | Even 0% cards can have a few tricks up their sleeves. Here's how to make sure you don't fall foul of one of the nastier ones.

Banks Beware!

by Ed Bowsher | Once upon a time the high street banks could count on lifetime loyalty from many of their customers, but a Fool survey suggests that may be changing.

Watchdog Bashes Greedy Banks

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Competition Commission is set to clean up banking in Northern Ireland. But do its remedies go far enough?

The Lowdown On Store And Credit Cards

by Alison Hunt | Alison Hunt looks at how prudent Fools can save money with their store cards.

Interest-Free Without A Fee

by Cliff D'Arcy | When moving existing debts to a 0% credit card, you're almost certain to be charged a fee. We look at the last of the fee-free cards.

Interest-Free Without A Fee

by Cliff D'Arcy | When moving existing debts to a 0% credit card, you're almost certain to be charged a fee. We look at the last of the fee-free cards.

Published in February 2007

Switch And Make £100!

by Alison Hunt | With some banks charging for previously free banking services, we show you how to fight back by switching -- you could even make £100 for your trouble.

Credit Card Crackdown

by Jane Mack | Would you expect to be charged for not using your credit card? Or for being in credit on your plastic? Well, watch out!

Turbocharge Your Credit Card Repayments!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're fed up with being in debt, here's a simple way to reduce your interest bill without switching credit cards.

Crackdown On Credit Card Customers Who Don't Spend

by Jane Mack | Would you expect to be charged for not using your credit card? Or for being in credit on your plastic? Well, watch out!

An End To Free Banking?

by Jane Mack | We've been used to having the option of free banking facilities for some years now - is the end nigh?

Things To Know About Cheques

by Jane Mack | Only 5% of retail spending is still paid by cheque, compared with over 60% by debit or credit card. But there are still some rules you need to know about.

The Loan Arranger Rides Again!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Before you start looking around for a personal loan, be sure to read these twelve tips first!

The 0% Credit-Card Traps!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you don't play your cards right, a 0% balance transfer could end up costing you hundreds of pounds. Here's how.

The 0% Credit-Card Traps!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you don't play your cards right, a 0% balance transfer could end up costing you hundreds of pounds. Here's how.

British Banks Get Told Off!

by Neil Faulkner | The Financial Ombudsman Service wrote an open letter to the banks about its Banking Code. The gentle tone does little to disguise the scathing content.

Get The Most From Your Credit Card

by Alison Hunt | Credit cards can be evil beasts or potentially lucrative bits of plastic. We show you how to get the most from yours.