Published in December 2009

How to make your credit card your servant and not your master

by Ed Bowsher | Ed Bowsher gives you the lowdown on how to get the most out of your credit card.

Five top tips for a successful balance transfer

by Rachel Wait | If you know you're going to be left with a stack of debt on your credit card after Christmas, now's the time to do something about it!

What the death of the cheque means for your wallet

by John Fitzsimons | Wave goodbye to your cheque book - it will gone in a couple of years. John Fitzsimons looks at why cheques are being phased out, and what will take their place.

Where to find the cheapest overdrafts

by Mark Adams | Halifax customers are voting with their feet following the bank's introduction of new £1-a-day overdraft charges - but which current accounts are cheapest for creeping into the red?

The best - and worst - ways to borrow money

by Serena Cowdy | Are you thinking of borrowing money to pay for Christmas? Read this first!

Earn £200+ while you shop!

by Jane Baker | There's a great new credit card which allows you to earn extra cash when you're doing your Christmas shopping.

The worst kind of Christmas cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | At this time of year, thousands of people take out store-cards. Find out why you shouldn't.

The secret truth about your credit card

by Neil Faulkner | If you're not careful, this secret could cost you dear...

A new way to earn 6% on your cash!

by Jane Baker | At last, one bank has started rewarding loyalty with a stonking good deal which allows you to earn 6% on your cash.

Avoid budget airline card charges

by Neil Faulkner | We update you on the latest dodges for Ryanair and easyJet card fees.

Radical changes to current accounts

by Mark Adams | Mark Adams looks at two radical changes that have taken place since the banks won their multi-million pound overdraft charges battle.

Six top tips for an affordable loan

by Rachel Wait | If you're considering applying for a personal loan, make sure you follow these six top tips to get the best deal!

The time has come to ditch your bank!

by John Fitzsimons | Sick of your bank? John Fitzsimons rounds up the hottest deals on offer from the top five alternatives to the traditional high-street banks.

Why pay day loans suck

by Rachel Wait | It can be hard to make your money last until the next pay day, but don't be lured in by these rip-off loans...

The top 8 current accounts!

by Jane Baker | You don't have to put up with rip-off overdrafts or appalling in-credit interest rates. Jane Baker reveals which banks are offering the best current accounts at the moment, whether you're in the red or the black!

Bank charges: it's not over!

by Neil Faulkner | The banks may have won the case before the Supreme Court, but the battle's not over yet. Neil Faulkner explains what has to happen next before you can get your money back.

My friend asked me to loan him £10,000

by Harvey Jones | Harvey Jones needs your help. His friend Chris has just asked him for a £10,000 loan. He has the money and trusts his friend to pay him back. What should he do?

Published in November 2009

The best credit cards for Christmas

by Cliff D'Arcy | With Christmas just four weeks away, make sure you get one of these credit cards before shopping for gifts...

Bank charges: The banks have won!

by Neil Faulkner | Find out what the latest ruling in the bank charges battle means for you.

Unfair overdraft fees must go!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Abbey is launching a new current account with no nasty fees for unapproved overdrafts. We take a closer look and show you more ways to dodge hefty overdraft fines.

The best cards for bad credit records

by Serena Cowdy | We take a closer look at the cards that could help you improve your credit score.

The rise of the credit card annual fee

by Alison Hunt | With the credit crunch repercussions continuing to wreak havoc, could we soon be charged for having a credit card?

The top five worst card scams

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson gives you the lowdown on some of the worst credit card and debit card swindles to watch out for...

The ultimate reward credit cards

by John Fitzsimons | If you are going to be spending the money anyway, you must be mad not to get something back. John Fitzsimons reviews the best reward credit cards around.

The top 5 best loans

by Neil Faulkner | We look at the top five best loans, tell you about the cost of paying off loans early and look at the cheapest loans with the best early-repayment terms.

Protect your credit record

by Alison Hunt | If you make an application for credit and are rejected, it can have a negative impact on your credit record. Here's a useful new way to avoid that fate....

Pick a better credit card

by Alison Hunt | Credit cards can be useful tools - just make sure you've got the one that suits your needs.

The top six reasons to switch your current account

by Rachel Wait | Looking for a new current account, but don't know where to start? Check out these six simple tips to help get you started.

It isn't your money, stop spending it

by Serena Cowdy | Borrowers who use their overdrafts responsibly are being penalised by Halifax. But maybe that's the wake-up call people in debt actually need, argues Serena Cowdy.

Twelve cracking credit cards for spending

by Neil Faulkner | Here are the best cards for cashback and purchases.

The 10 worst things you can do with your credit card

by Jane Baker | Get savvy with your credit card today, or it'll cost you a fortune.

The 3 worst things you can do with your credit card

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker warns you against credit card pitfalls which could cost you a small fortune.

Published in October 2009

Get the best personal loan!

by John Fitzsimons | If you are on the hunt for a personal loan, here's a round of the best deals available...

The top new all-round credit card

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson checks out a top new credit card that's good for both purchases and balance transfers...

Love it or loathe it? - Sainsbury's credit card

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews the new market-leading credit card from supermarket Sainsbury's

Clearer, fairer current accounts

by Christina Jordan | A new ruling means current accounts just got better - for all of us...

The top five best credit cards

by John Fitzsimons | From purchases to balance transfers, cashback cards to reward cards, these are the best bits of plastic in the market today!

Reduce the cost of balance transfer credit cards

by Neil Faulkner | We compare the latest and best balance transfer deals and show you how to reduce the cost.

Beware this £1 billion credit card rip-off!

by Cliff D'Arcy | This rip-off could be doubling the cost of your credit card, and you may not even realise it....

Four ways a credit card can improve your life

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson reveals the scary results of our recent poll of lovemoney.com readers and looks at how a credit card can improve your life.

0% deals are slipping away

by Neil Faulkner | Long-term 0% deals and fee-free 0% deals are on the decline.

Published in September 2009

Why the worst credit cards just got worse!

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson explains why taking out a store card is an even worse option than it was before!

Tesco Clubcard Credit Card

by Rachel Robson | This credit card is brilliant for purchases. Find out why...

Five top tips for getting a personal loan

by Alison Hunt | Check out these pointers before applying for a personal loan and you could save yourself a small fortune.

12 ways to protect yourself from card fraud

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson gives you the lowdown on how to prevent card fraud from happening to you...

0% cards have the most catches

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner reveals the dirty tricks used in credit cards, unsecured loans, secured loans and store cards that you need to watch out for.

Beware these 19 credit card tricks!

by Neil Faulkner | We've totted up all the ways that credit cards can rip us off and have reached the staggering total of 19.

Reduce the risk of being refused credit

by Alison Hunt | With providers becoming increasingly choosy about who they'll lend to, check out these tips to help minimise the chances of being refused a card.

The most hated banks in Britain

by Harvey Jones | Which banks receive the most complaints about their products and services? Harvey Jones names and shames the worst offenders.

Why your 3% balance transfer fee costs 11%!

by Neil Faulkner | We show you that the true cost of balance transfer cards is somewhat more than the 2% or 3% fee suggests.

Rate tarting is back!

by Alison Hunt | Alison Hunt has some seriously good news for anyone with credit card debt.

These credit cards are a right rip-off

by Cliff D'Arcy | Although the base rate is the lowest in history, credit cards still charge shockingly high interest rates. This exclusive research names the worst offenders!

Great new cashback card - but watch the gimmicks

by Neil Faulkner | Barclaycard's new cashback card is innovative and interesting, but must be used with caution.

When you should say no to a best buy loan

by Jane Baker | If you need to borrow some money, you may be thinking about applying for a best buy loan. But here's why that may not always be your best option.

Love it or loathe it? - The top current account for under 21 year-olds

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews the Alliance & Leicester Premier 21 current account

Make £200 switching your current account

by Alison Hunt | If you're paying vast overdraft fees, or earning no interest on a large current account balance, now may be a lucrative time to move.

Support your team, but don't take out their credit card!

by John Fitzsimons | The deals on offer from sports teams may promise `great' bonus features, but they don't make up for just how mediocre the products are

Don't get stung by bank charges

by John Fitzsimons | One bank has just sliced its bank charges in half, but others still charge £28 just for going overdrawn. Find out how much your bank charges you.

How to make some free money

by Alison Hunt | A few changes to your spending method could earn you a few quid.

Cracking credit cards for savvy spenders!

by Serena Cowdy | We round up the top credit cards to suit all pockets.

A new top balance transfer credit card!

by Jane Baker | A brand new balance transfer card has just launched that is even better than the 0% Virgin Money card!

Published in August 2009

The credit card you'll never pay off

by Neil Faulkner | There are some very sinister tricks that lenders use on us. This is one of the worst...

Your credit card can protect you from the recession!

by Serena Cowdy | Credit cards can certainly drag us into financial trouble, but they can also be the lifeline we're looking for. Here's why.

Love it or loathe it? - Halifax credit card comes up trumps!

by John Fitzsimons | Find out why John Fitzsimons thinks the Halifax All In One Mastercard deserves a big thumbs up!

Avoid these rubbish credit cards!

by John Fitzsimons | There are plenty of brilliant credit cards to choose from at the moment. But there are a couple of stinkers you should avoid as well!

Don't pay a packet for a packaged current account

by John Fitzsimons | Banks try to entice you with the promise of `free' insurance and a collection of goodies with their packaged current accounts - but you may end up paying through the nose for them!

Buy now, pay later at no extra cost!

by Neil Faulkner | 0% on purchases cards are the best way to delay the cost of purchases. Here are the top cards, plus some tips on avoiding the nastier small print.

Love it or loathe it - A new top personal loan

by John Fitzsimons | There's a new market-leading loan available. But is it as good as it seems? John Fitzsimons investigates

Beware these high risk homeowner loans

by Neil Faulkner | What's a homeowner loan? What should you be wary of? Neil Faulkner has the answers.

New top cashback credit card - for some of you!

by Szu Ping Chan | Amex has changed the terms and conditions of its cashback credit card. Find out what this means for you and why it's no longer the best cashback card for everyone...

The top five current accounts

by John Fitzsimons | If you've never switched current accounts, it's likely you're earning next to nothing on your cash. Here are the top five current accounts if you want a better return on your cash.

How to choose the right student bank account

by Serena Cowdy | Are you heading off to university this year? We help you get on the right financial footing.

Beware of bad balance transfers

by Cliff D'Arcy | Using a 0% balance transfer to avoid interest on your credit card debts is a great idea. However, watch out for these drawbacks!

Top personal loans are getting cheaper!

by Jane Baker | Need to borrow a bit of extra cash? Look no further than these five best buy personal loans.

Your two pence - The worst bank in Britain

by Donna Werbner | Donna Werbner hits the streets to get your two pence on which bank is the worst bank in Britain

Make a mint from your current account

by Szu Ping Chan | One banking Goliath is giving you the chance to earn 6% on your cash, twice over. We round up the goodies on offer when switching accounts.

Published in July 2009

15 cracking credit cards

by Alison Hunt | If you've not switched credit cards for a while you could be missing out. Check out these best buys of the moment.

Don't make this costly credit card mistake

by Jane Baker | Most credit cards are only good for interest-free balance transfers OR interest-free spending. Don't make the mistake of using one card for both.

The vicious current account trap

by Rachel Wait | Make sure you don't get trapped in a vicious cycle of sneaky fees and penalty charges on your current account...

Seven simple steps to shopping for a personal loan

by John Fitzsimons | Follow these essential rules, and avoid paying through the nose for that personal loan!

Love it or loathe it? - A brand new cashback card

by Rachel Robson | The brand new Egg Money Mastercard pays 1% cashback. But what's the catch?

Five top credit card freebies

by Szu Ping Chan | Credit card providers often try to you lure you in by offering free financial benefits - but which ones are actually worth having?

Britain's worst bank

by Szu Ping Chan | We reveal which bank lovemoney.com readers think should be crowned The Worst Bank in Britain... and The Best!

The very best card to take on holiday

by Jane Baker | If you're going on holiday, this is the best card to use abroad, with no fees for withdrawing cash and no hidden currency charges!

Six golden rules for credit card spenders

by John Fitzsimons | It might appear to be your plastic best friend, but if you don't follow these six golden rules, your credit card can quickly become your worst enemy.

The cashback war: Egg Money vs. Amex

by Szu Ping Chan | Egg Money and American Express are the two biggest players in the cashback credit cards market. But which is better? Which gives you the most cashback? Szu Ping Chan investigates.

Get a (non-Virgin) balance transfer credit card!

by John Fitzsimons | Don't sweat if you can't get your hands on the market-leading Virgin Credit Card - there are a whole host of cracking balance transfer credit card alternatives!

0% balance transfers could be doomed!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Will a government clean-up of the credit-card market kill off 0% balance transfers? If so, then try a lifetime balance transfer...

A cunning way to get 6% on your savings

by Szu Ping Chan | Savings rates may be low, but you can still earn up to 6% on your cash, without even opening a savings account.

Banks give up defending penalty bank charges

by Neil Faulkner | Banks are giving up defending penalty charges in order to focus on a much more serious issue that could double the payments to claimants.

A huge victory for British borrowers!

by Cliff D'Arcy | A government White Paper is set to clean up the credit-card market with a possible ban on negative payment hierarchy, and bans on unsolicited credit-card cheques and credit-limit increases.

Published in June 2009

Four steps to the perfect credit card balance transfer

by Szu Ping Chan | Balance transfers can be tricky affairs. Here are some top tips to ensure all goes smoothly...

Play your (credit) cards right with these tricks!

by John Fitzsimons | A credit card can be a very clever bit of plastic. John Fitzsimons rounds up how to use one to make money, get stuff for free and protect your purchases.

When a credit card is better than a loan

by Szu Ping Chan | A credit card is a great short term solution for tackling your debts. We point out just how much it can save you, as well as when a loan is better.

When a packaged current account is worth it

by Christina Jordan | Packaged current accounts offer a vast array of benefits - for a monthly fee. When are these accounts actually worth the money?

The ten best personal loans!

by John Fitzsimons | If you're short of a few bob, then a personal loan could be the answer to your prayers. John Fitzsimons rounds up the best loans in the market.

Top four credit card rip-offs

by Serena Cowdy | Don't let your flexible friend become your worst enemy. Watch out for these four credit card stings!

The best credit cards for borrowing

by Serena Cowdy | Choose the right credit card, and you could bag yourself an interest-free loan lasting up to a year.

Watch out for this debit card rip off!

by Alison Hunt | If you're planning to use your debit card abroad this summer, find out if it's one that could charge you an extra £1.65 for every fiver you spend.

The best credit cards for spending!

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson shows you how to fight back against rising credit card costs....

Love it or loathe it? - Sainsbury's personal loan

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker takes a look at the personal loan offered by Sainsbury's Bank

Save your summer with this credit card!

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons explains why the Halifax All in One Mastercard is the best all round deal in the market, and why you can't afford to miss out.

Credit cards that make you money

by Cliff D'Arcy | Clever cardholders win by using only these three types of plastic.

Fantastic current accounts you don't want to miss!

by Jane Baker | Whether you're usually in the black or the red, we've got the perfect current account for you.

Credit-card costs continue to climb!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Since 2007, the Bank of England's base rate has plunged from nearly 6% to just 0.5%. So why is borrowing on credit cards getting more expensive?

Love it or loathe it? - Zopa

by Ed Bowsher | Ed Bowsher takes a look at Zopa, an interesting alternative to the high street banks

Save thousands with a 0% credit card

by Alison Hunt | Used correctly, a 0% card could save you thousands of pounds of credit card interest!

Published in May 2009

Love it or loathe it? - Pre-paid currency cards

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker takes a look at the currency cards you should be packing with you on your travels

Five cheap loans that are true best-buys!

by Neil Faulkner | Don''t be fooled by the best-buy tables. Neil Faulkner explains how to find a true low cost loan.

Get £300 free cash from your current account

by Neil Faulkner | Interest rates may have fallen, but there are some current accounts that pay you the equivalent of 10% interest, or even 30% with a little clever accounting!

Three cheap ways to borrow money

by Szu Ping Chan | Szu Ping Chan rounds up some of the best loans on offer, and some creative alternatives...

Wipe out your overdraft forever!

by Jane Baker | Here are two clever ways to clear your overdraft once and for all, and both strategies are interest-free!

The MBNA Platinum Dual Credit Card Visa

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner reviews the MBNA Platinum Dual Credit Card Visa. Is this piece of plastic worth putting in your wallet?

Ditch your debit card and you'll be better off

by Serena Cowdy | If you pay by debit card, you're missing out on some serious financial benefits, argues Serena Cowdy.

How much do you love Marks & Spencer?

by Szu Ping Chan | This is not just any loyalty card - this is Marks & Spencer's brand new loyalty card. But is it a rip-off in disguise?

Love it or loathe it? - Abbey Zero credit card

by Jane Baker | Has Abbey's newly relaunched credit card come up with the goods? Well, yes and no...

Top new card for holiday spending has a big catch

by Szu Ping Chan | If you need a flexible friend for spending abroad, this card comes up trumps - but watch out for the very nasty sting in its tail.

Justice at last for credit card borrowers

by Neil Faulkner | Scores of nasty credit card tricks could soon be banned in the USA. But is the UK going to follow suit?

I hate these credit cards

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson names and shames three of the worst credit cards on the market. Avoid these cards - or suffer the consequences...

How to choose the right personal loan

by Serena Cowdy | Do you need to borrow money? I'm going to help you decide whether a personal loan is the right choice for you.

Love it or loathe it? - Alliance & Leicester Premier account

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson takes a closer look at one of the best current accounts in town.

Payday loans are devils in disguise

by Rachel Wait | Need some extra cash fast? Don't be tempted by this quick-fix.

Published in April 2009

Big changes for Egg customers

by Neil Faulkner | Egg has made changes to its credit-card contracts that could greatly affect many of its customers.

Four credit card rip-offs and how to avoid them

by Serena Cowdy | Takes these steps to ensure your flexible friend doesn't become your worst enemy!

Love it or loathe it? - Virgin Money credit card

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson checks out the best balance transfer card on the market.

Halifax relaunches cashback credit card

by Szu Ping Chan | Halifax has relaunched its cashback credit card. But will its new supermarket-linked offering entice you to put it in your shopping basket?

Student loans to cost more than inflation

by Neil Faulkner | New regulations mean that, from September, student loans will no longer be free.

Five ways to cut your credit card bill

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're sick of your credit card debts, then these five tips will reduce your balance to zero in double-quick time!

Love it or loathe it? - Barclaycard Simplicity credit card

by Jane Baker | Jane Baker takes a look at tackling your credit card debts and reviews the best balance transfer card with a low rate for life.

Current accounts - dodge the charges and find a cracker!

by Serena Cowdy | We show you how to dodge current account charges and find cracking good value.

Fight the downturn with these credit cards

by Serena Cowdy | If you're facing financial uncertainty, these credit cards could help you sleep a little easier at night.

My favourite credit cards

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner looks at her favourite credit cards.

These cards charge sixty times base rate

by Cliff D'Arcy | There's a shocker waiting for you in retailers across the UK, as their store cards charge interest rates of up to 31% a year!

Further delay on bank charges case

by Neil Faulkner | There were two pieces of bank-charges case news last week. One was bad for potential claimants; the other was neutral.

Three brilliant ways to borrow

by Szu Ping Chan | As credit card cheques get a thumbs down from the government - we explore three cheap ways to borrow cash...

Beware of this credit card trap!

by Jane Baker | Credit card companies use this sneaky trick to charge you more interest. Here's how to beat it.

Credit card freebies!

by Alison Hunt | Want to earn money or claim free gifts as you spend? Then you need to make sure you've picked the right card - here's the lowdown on some of the freebies currently on offer.

Three steps to a low-cost loan

by Cliff D'Arcy | Before you start looking for a personal loan, read these three tips to lower your monthly repayments.

The cheapest ways to borrow

by Neil Faulkner | We cut through the fees and charges of the various main ways to borrow in order to compare them properly.

Published in March 2009

Don't be fobbed off by your credit card company

by Jane Baker | Section 75 provides protection for credit card purchases. But claiming refunds isn't always easy.

Grab £100 while you still can!

by Szu Ping Chan | It's your last chance to bag £100 and free European travel insurance. Find out more here...

Switch to a cracking current account today!

by Rachel Wait | Whether you're after the highest interest rate or you regularly use your overdraft, here's the lowdown on the best current accounts in town..

Banks drag their heels on faster payments

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Faster Payments Service should have been up and running in November 2007. Sadly, almost 18 months on, we're still not enjoying its full benefit.

Earn £200+ while you shop!

by Jane Baker | There's a seriously good new credit card that allows you to earn some extra cash when you're doing your shopping.

The new best credit card around?

by Serena Cowdy | Is this credit card the new leader of the pack?

Finally, irresponsible lenders come under attack!

by Neil Faulkner | Neil Faulkner exposes three terrible tactics credit card lenders play - and how we are finally fighting back!

Why you should open an ISA this year

by Melanie Wright | The ISA deadline is fast approaching... Here's a quick round-up of the best cash ISAs out there, plus everything you need to know if you've never opened an ISA before.

Avoid this devious credit card sting!

by Donna Ferguson | Using this little-known trick, companies can take automatic payments from your credit card - even after you've closed it down!

How to crush your credit card

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're fed up with paying rip-off interest rates on your credit card, then here's a quick and easy way to destroy your debt.

Get £100 for switching current accounts

by Jane Baker | Two current accounts are offering you £100 to switch. Jane Baker weighs up the pros and cons.

Two tasty balance transfer deals

by Szu Ping Chan | The pros and cons of the top two interest-free balance transfer cards available right now.

The five cashback credit cards

by Neil Faulkner | There are five cashback cards currently available for new applications. Neil Faulkner rounds up the pros and cons of each.

The Creation Card

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner looks at the pros and cons of the Creation card.

Bank of Scotland Plus Credit Card

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner reviews the pros and cons of the Bank of Scotland Plus credit card

The BarclayCard Platinum credit card

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews the pros and cons of the Barclaycard Platinum credit card.

The Sainsbury's Finance Mastercard

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews the pros and cons of the Sainsbury's Finance Mastercard.

Halifax All In One Mastercard

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews the pros and cons of the Halifax All In One Mastercard.

The Barclaycard Gold Visa Card

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews the pros and cons of the Barclaycard Gold Visa card.

The Lloyds TSB Platinum MasterCard

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner reviews the pros and cons of the Lloyds TSB Platinum Mastercard.

The Halifax Plus Credit Card

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner reviews the pros and cons of the Halifax Plus Credit Card.

Virgin Credit Card Mastercard

by Donna Ferguson | The Virgin Credit Card Mastercard is a great option for paying off your credit card debt. Find out why.

The Saga Platinum Credit Card

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews the pros and cons of the Saga Platinum credit card.

The MBNA Rewards Credit Card

by John Fitzsimons | The MBNA Rewards credit card offers a competitive 13 months of 0% interest on balance transfers, and you can also use it to get rid of your overdraft, with a money transfer into your bank account.

MBNA Platinum Visa

by Rachel Wait | The MBNA Platinum Visa is a great choice if you want to pay off your credit card debt. Find out why.

Egg Visa Credit Card

by Rachel Wait | The Egg Visa Credit Card is great card to use to combat your debt. Find out why.

The Bank of Scotland All in One Mastercard

by Rachel Wait | This credit card is great for both spending and balance transfers! Find out why.

Sainsbury's credit card

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner reviews the pros and cons of the Sainsbury's credit card

Don't become loan shark bait

by Rachel Wait | Desperate times call for desperate measures, and more of us are turning to loan sharks in an attempt to get cash.

Bank charges victory still years away

by Neil Faulkner | Although the Court of Appeal resoundingly backed claimants, the banks still have years of fight left in them.

There's no interest in 0% interest

by Cliff D'Arcy | It's bad news for British consumers and businesses, as current (and even savings) accounts stop paying interest on credit balances.

Bad news for Nationwide customers

by Szu Ping Chan | Britain's biggest building society is abandoning its 'no-fee' policy on overseas debit and credit card transactions. We tell you why holidays will no longer be as rosy with Nationwide...

Published in February 2009

The UK's deadliest plastic

by Rachel Wait | Don't let tasty benefits and offers tempt you into applying for these credit cards.

Another victory against unfair bank charges!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Eight banks have lost an appeal aimed at stopping the investigation into overdraft charges, so the legal battle goes on.

Watch out for misleading `best buy' loans

by Neil Faulkner | Taking out a loan? Been offered one with a low rate and a `payment holiday'? Read this before you go any further.

A deck of different credit cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | How many different brands of plastic do you have in your purse or wallet? It's important to check, as switching between credit cards can be tricky...

Three credit cards I like

by Donna Ferguson | Donna Werbner tells us about her three favourite flexible friends.

A handy alternative to credit cards

by Szu Ping Chan | If you have trouble getting credit, or frequently travel abroad, here's one alternative to a flexible friend that could shave pounds off your spending...

Egg Cracks Up With 7% Rise

by Cliff D'Arcy | Half a million users of Egg Visa and Egg Money cards are in for a shock as Egg raises its yearly interest rate by up to 7%, despite Bank base rate being at a record low.

Steer Clear Of Secured Loans

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Bank of England's base rate has dived from 5% in October to 1% today. However, secured personal loans and second mortgages remain stubbornly expensive.

Barclaycard Slashes Interest Rates

by Szu Ping Chan | Barclaycard is slashing the purchase interest rates on some credit cards by up to 5%. What does this mean for customers?

We Love Our Banks

by Harvey Jones | Many bank customers are apparently happy with their banks' service, but that doesn't mean they're being well treated.

The Latest In The Bank Charges Case

by Neil Faulkner | We review the latest ruling on bank charges and consider what happens next.

What To Do If You Can't Get A 0% Card

by Serena Cowdy | If you've been rejected for a 0% credit card, don't panic. Here's how to tackle your debt demons.

Pick A Better Credit Card!

by Alison Hunt | Discounts off train travel, supermarket shopping, petrol and more are all up for grabs for those that pick the right card.

Yet Another Credit Cutback

by Cliff D'Arcy | Lenders have cut back on the availability of credit and pushed up non-mortgage interest rates. They're also cutting back on interest-free periods.

Published in January 2009

Ditch That Rubbish Account!

by Jane Baker | If the great rate on your current account or ISA has now disappeared, where do you go next?

Five Tips For A Successful Balance Transfer

by Szu Ping Chan | Think balance transfers are piece of cake? Here are five tips to ensure you don't become a victim of the balance transfer blues.

An Alternative Place To Stash That Cash

by Alison Hunt | With most savings rates barely worth bothering with, here's a way to earn 6.5% AER on your money, and still get instant access!

Four Cracking Credit Cards For 2009

by Rachel Wait | Looking for a first-class credit card to help get your finances in order? Here are my top four credit cards for the new year.

Ten Credit Card Pitfalls

by Harvey Jones | Don't fall for these ten dirty credit card tricks!

The Return Of The Loan Arranger

by Cliff D'Arcy | If you're fed up with paying high rates of interest on credit and store cards, then a fixed-rate personal loan may save you money.

Five Fabulous Credit Cards To Use Abroad

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson rounds up the best credit cards to use abroad!

Don't Lose Money When Companies Collapse

by Cliff D'Arcy | When it comes to paying for goods in advance, or leaving a deposit, some payment methods are safer than others. Here's how to stay secure.

Fantastic Plastic For 2009!

by Alison Hunt | If you always pay off your credit card balance in full, by switching card you could earn enough cash to pay for an iPod or new games console by this time next year. Check out my top picks and find out how.

Barclays Launches Contactless Debit Card

by Szu Ping Chan | From March, all new Barclays debit cards are to be equipped with contactless technology. But what exactly are contactless payments, and more importantly, how safe are they?

Use These Credit Cards To Beat The Recession!

by Serena Cowdy | If your New Year's Resolution is to get out of debt, read this article!