Credit Cards archive

Published in December 2010

The Tesco Clubcard crisis

by John Fitzsimons | A scheme launched by supermarket giant Tesco to reward loyal customers has descended into chaos.

How to make money from your Christmas shopping!

by Robert Powell | Fancy getting rewarded for going Christmas shopping? Here’s my run down of the best ways to earn as you spend...

Published in November 2010

There’s never been a better time to get a credit card

by John Fitzsimons | If you need to take advantage of some credit, you’ve never had such a range of options before.

The best way to pay for your baby!

by John Fitzsimons | A growing family means growing outgoings. But you don’t have to get up to your neck in the red to pay for it all.

The 16 month 0% credit card showdown!

by Robert Powell | The 0% APR balance transfer card scene has got a little crowded of late – Robert Powell takes a look at which card you should have in your wallet.

How ATMs make money

by Jane Baker | How do ATMs make money? Jane Baker finds out.

Top credit cards for Christmas shopping

by Jane Baker | Check out the six best festive flexible friends to cover all your Christmas shopping costs.

The credit card trick that won't die

by Neil Faulkner | Read about a credit card trick that just isn't dying, despite the best efforts of the government, the media and others.

Get a low-rate credit card for life!

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Wait rounds up the best credit cards on the market for those of you wanting a low interest rate for life!

Published in October 2010

Rid yourself of rip-off rates!

by Cliff D'Arcy | A government review of borrowing may lead to rate caps for credit and store cards. About time, too!

16 extremely long interest-free credit cards

by Rachel Wait | If you fancy avoiding paying interest on your credit card for a year or more, check out these top deals....

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.

Five ways to make money from credit cards

by Neil Faulkner | By being smart with your cards, you can make your plastic friend work for you!

A new way to earn rewards on your spending

by Jane Baker | As high street favourite Boots launches a new addition to its rewards scheme, we take a look at how it compares.

8 times when you shouldn’t use your credit card

by John Fitzsimons | Your plastic friend is not always your best bet.

Stop rate hikes on your credit card

by Donna Ferguson | Credit card providers can hike up rates on their credit cards at any moment. Here’s how to stop them doing it to you!

Credit cards that make shopping cheaper

by Neil Faulkner | How can you save money by spending on your credit card rather than your bank card? We review the best cards for this practice.

Published in September 2010

Beware of rip-off card fees!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Companies and councils use ‘plastic piracy’ to con customers who pay by credit or debit card...

The longest new interest-free credit cards

by Serena Cowdy | We round up the best of the best balance transfer credit card options.

Three reasons not to get a 0% card

by John Fitzsimons | Don’t get tempted by interest-free cards – for some borrowers, there is a better choice.

Ditch these credit cards - quick!

by Rachel Wait | If you have any one of these credit cards, the time has come to ditch and switch!

A new credit card to use abroad

by Rachel Wait | Sainsbury’s has launched a new credit card which could be perfect for regular travellers. There’s just one snag...

88% of us don't know this about our credit cards

by Serena Cowdy | Most people don’t know the credit card fact that could save them a packet. Do you?

by Emma Roberts | Finishing University is a really exciting time but the prospect of finding a job and managing your finances can be daunting. So here I’m going to take you through some great tips on how to make your graduate funds go further.

Something you need to know about your credit card

by Jane Baker | Some credit card companies are adopting fairer rules for charging you less. Let’s find out which ones...

Win rewards for spending interest-free

by Rachel Wait | Find out how you can enjoy rewards as well as interest-free spending with your credit card...

Transfer your credit balance for free

by Serena Cowdy | There’s now a balance transfer credit card with a real difference - so does it knock spots off the rest?

Published in August 2010

The top rewards cards revealed!

by Jane Baker | Find out which of these ten high street rewards credit cards offers shoppers the best deal.

A new 16 months interest-free credit card

by Rachel Wait | With Barclaycard extending its interest-free offer to become a market-leader, we reveal which 0% balance transfer cards you should have in your wallet.

Five savvy ways to use credit cards

by Serena Cowdy | Credit cards can be heroes as well as villains. Here are five top tips to make them work harder for you.

Get a £2,000 refund from your credit card provider

by Neil Faulkner | Credit-card providers should refund us when a purchase goes wrong, but how does it work in practice?

My baby will pay for my holiday

by John Fitzsimons | All that spending on nappies and cots can be used to cover the costs of jetting off for some sun.

This week's top credit cards

by Emma Roberts | Emma Roberts gives the lowdown on some of the best credit card deals around.

Get £120 for using this credit card

by John Fitzsimons | This new credit card offers a phenomenal return on modest spending

Get paid to spend interest-free

by Jane Baker | The American Express Platinum Cashback Card has always been a popular choice, but now it’s offering you even more benefits.

The top ten 0% credit cards

by Serena Cowdy | We highlight the 0% cards knocking spots off the competition.

Published in July 2010

The card you must have for purchases

by John Fitzsimons | One of the best purchase cards around just got even better!

Credit card rates reach 8-year high

by Jane Baker | If you’re paying the standard APR on your credit card, you’re being ripped off more than ever. Check out all the best interest-free deals.

When prepaid cards beat credit cards

by Serena Cowdy | Prepaid cards seem to be everywhere at the moment. We show you what they’re all about.

The best ever 0% balance transfer credit cards

by Jane Baker | Fancy 16 months interest-free credit on your balance? Well, look no further…

Ten credit cards I hate

by Cliff D'Arcy | Cliff D’Arcy reveals a deck of cruel credit cards!

Debit cards vs credit cards

by Cliff D'Arcy | Plastic cards are all the same, right? Wrong! Debit and credit cards go head-to-head over ten rounds -- and a winner emerges!

Make the most of your loyalty cards

by Serena Cowdy | Follow these tips and double, triple or even quadruple the value of your loyalty points!

Why I love all-round credit cards

by John Fitzsimons | If you like to keep your credit cards simple, an all-round card is for you. And what’s more, there’s now a great selection to choose from

How Section 75 can protect you

by Jane Baker | Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act can help when your credit card purchases go wrong

How Section 75 can protect you - Video script

by Jane Baker | Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act can help when your credit card purchases go wrong

5 tips to protect yourself from ATM fraud

by Donna Ferguson | Card skimming scammers managed to steal £80 million in the past year. Here's how to protect yourself from ATM fraud.

Credit cards you can trust

by Jane Baker | You can now enjoy generous interest-free periods on spending and balance transfers using just one credit card.

Good news about your credit card

by Neil Faulkner | The credit-card industry has had big changes forced upon it that'll save us money, and some are beginning to take effect.

Nine extremely long interest-free cards

by Rachel Wait | With many balance transfer credit cards offering 15 months interest-free, how do you really know which one is best? We take a closer look.

Published in June 2010

The six best credit cards

by Neil Faulkner | With the credit-card market shifting around a lot recently, it’s worth rounding up the very best currently out there.

Last chance to grab free British Airways flights!

by Rachel Wait | Find out how to fly for free on British Airways....

The worst credit cards in Britain

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

Now is the time to get a 0% credit card!

by Rachel Wait | If you’re paying a high rate of interest on your credit card, now’s the time to do something about it!

New 10% cashback credit card!

by Jane Baker | Egg’s new credit card offers a whopping 10% cashback, but is this deal as great as it seems?

A credit card for lazy people

by Christina Jordan | Forget switching and relax with a long-term credit card...

Easy ways to borrow thousands of pounds

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Wait weighs up the pros and cons of taking out a low APR credit card versus a personal loan...

The advantages of a low APR credit card

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson takes a look at why you might be better off using a low interest credit card.

Great news for credit card borrowers

by John Fitzsimons | Warnings of the demise of balance transfers were somewhat premature – 0% periods are growing again!

The advantages of a low APR credit card - Video script

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson takes a look at why you might be better off using a low interest credit card.

Don’t let your bank rip you off!

by Jane Baker | Find out why packaged current accounts are a waste of your money

Don’t let your bank rip you off! - Video script

by Jane Baker | Find out why packaged current accounts are a waste of your money

Published in May 2010

Three top tips for a successful balance transfer

by Rachel Robson | If you’re applying for a balance transfer credit card, make sure you follow these top tips.

The cards you’re conned into using

by John Fitzsimons | More than 40% of us are pushed into taking out these awful cards which do nothing but harm.

Three top tips for a successful balance transfer - Video script

by Rachel Wait | If you’re applying for a balance transfer credit card, make sure you follow these top tips.

14 very long interest-free credit cards

by Jane Baker | Want to take advantage of a fantastic 0% balance transfer deal? Find all the best ones here.

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!

Use these credit cards to avoid this rip-off!

by Rachel Wait | If you don’t want to get stung by negative order of payment, make sure you use one of these seven credit cards...

Royal Bank of Scotland Platinum card

by Donna Ferguson | The Royal Bank of Scotland Platinum card is one of the best cards you can use to pay off your credit card debts. Find out why.

Natwest Platinum card

by Donna Ferguson | The Natwest Platinum card is one of the best cards you can use to pay off your credit card debts. Find out why.

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!

The top cards for stoozing!

by John Fitzsimons | Fancy making some free money just by being clever with your credit card? These are the plastic friends you need!

The top cards for stoozing! - Video script

by John Fitzsimons | Fancy making some free money just by being clever with your credit card? These are the plastic friends you need!

The ultimate guide to stoozing

by John Fitzsimons | Fancy making some easy, free money? Play this clever trick with your credit card.

Published in April 2010

Hey big spender! Get the right plastic

by Christina Jordan | Summer’s on its way, and there are holidays, sun cream and ice cream to pay for, but it’s essential you get the right credit card to avoid financial meltdown.

Celebrate the death of cash

by Serena Cowdy | Cash is no longer King. Throw everything out of your wallet except your cards!

My favourite card for 0% on purchases

by John Fitzsimons | This market-leading credit card offers 12 months' interest-free credit on new purchases - with an extra bonus feature that is truly the icing on the cake for John Fitzsimons...

This dangerous mistake could cost you £10,000

by Szu Ping Chan | Make this mistake and a £2,500 credit card debt will take you 50 years to pay off and cost you over £10,000...

Don't use your credit card to do this!

by Serena Cowdy | Serena Cowdy looks at the perils of withdrawing cash with your credit card

Don’t use your credit card to do this!

by Serena Cowdy | Serena Cowdy looks at the perils of withdrawing cash with your credit card

Borrowers: Your worst nightmare just came true

by John Fitzsimons | Calling all rate tarts and credit card borrowers - if you want a new 0% card, you'd better hurry because we have some very, VERY bad news...

5 reasons not to take out a loan today

by Jane Baker | Thinking of taking out a small personal loan? Here are five reasons why you shouldn't.

Best all-round credit card!

by Jane Baker | This brand new credit card offers a fantastic 0% deal which won’t deviously rack up your interest bill like most other cards.

Top credit cards for spending!

by Rachel Wait | If you’re planning to spend on your credit card, make sure you use one of these top cards...

The UK's nastiest credit card tricks!

by Cliff D'Arcy | If Cliff D’Arcy was running for parliament this election, the first thing he’d do would be to clean up these five dangerous credit card rip-offs....

The Tesco Clubcard Credit Card - Video Script

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

Don’t use your credit card to do this!

by Serena Cowdy | Find out about four things you should never do with your flexible friend…

The clever way to beat your credit card debt

by Jane Baker | Find out how to pay less interest on your credit card spending, and kick you debts into touch more quickly

The clever way to beat your credit card debt - video script

by Jane Baker | Find out how to pay less interest on your credit card spending, and kick your debts into touch more quickly.

This credit card beats the longest 0% cards

by Jane Baker | Find out why this brand new credit card is better than even the longest 0% balance transfer and purchase cards. Move over Virgin and Tesco - we think this new credit card kicks ass!

Published in March 2010

Get £339 for using your credit card

by John Fitzsimons | Which credit card gives you the most valuable return on your spending? Reward cards, cashback cards or airmiles cards? John Fitzsimons investigates.

13 very long interest-free credit cards

by Neil Faulkner | Choice is returning to credit-card customers with there now being 13 deals lasting 13 months or longer. Neil Faulkner examines the pros and cons of each credit card.

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.

New market-leading 0% balance transfer card

by Rachel Wait | A big shake-up in the credit card market means there's a new market-leading, interest-free balance transfer card - but this is not the good news it appears to be...

Don’t get caught out by negative order of payment

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson explains how negative order of payment works and how to avoid it.

Avoid this credit card!

by Serena Cowdy | This credit card from a market-leading provider appears to offer you a great deal, but get it and you’ll regret it, says Serena Cowdy.

Don’t get caught out by negative order of payment - Video Script

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson explains how negative order of payment works and how to avoid it.

A new way to earn free money!

by Serena Cowdy | We review the new rewards scheme hoping to knock spots off the competition.

The best loyalty schemes for shoppers

by Jane Baker | Do the rewards on offer from your favourite retailers really offer you a good deal?

The very best cashback credit card

by John Fitzsimons | Get a cashback card and you can make some serious cash, simply by using your credit card regularly. But which is better - Egg or Amex?

The six best credit cards

by Neil Faulkner | With the credit-card market shifting around a lot recently, it’s worth rounding up the very best currently out there.

Make this credit card mistake and lose £11,834

by Rachel Wait | By simply changing your credit card habits, you could save a fortune.

Published in February 2010

Three very good credit cards for borrowers

by Serena Cowdy | Whether you're looking for a top 0% balance transfer deal, a lifetime debt-busting solution or a 0% loan, these credit cards can help you knock your finances into shape.

13 very long interest-free credit cards

by Neil Faulkner | Choice is returning to credit-card customers with there now being 13 deals lasting 13 months or longer. Neil Faulkner examines the pros and cons of each credit card.

Great credit cards for frequent flyers

by Rachel Robson | Rachel Robson checks out a brilliant credit card for keen travellers

Great credit cards for frequent flyers

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson checks out a brilliant credit card for keen travellers

The top six rewards cards

by John Fitzsimons | There are a number of new credit card promotions offering you phenomenal returns for your spending. John Fitzsimons takes a closer look at the top six.

Bag a free holiday with your credit card!

by Rachel Wait | Use your credit card to get a free holiday this year.

Credit card rate hike warning

by Rachel Wait | Today, Capital One raised the interest rate on its credit cards by 90%, and similar increases may soon be on the way from other providers. Here's how to fight back against the rate hikes!

Five weapons of money destruction

by Cliff D'Arcy | Avoid these five financial traps at all cost, or you'll end up losing a fortune!

Get the perfect credit card

by Rachel Wait | Rachel Robson reveals which market-leading credit card is the perfect credit card for you.

Breathe easy with this new balance transfer card

by Jane Baker | This new 0% credit card offers 15 months interest-free on balance transfers, so you can finally demolish your debts. Plus, you can make sure you avoid getting rejected.

A great new balance transfer card

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews a terrific new credit card to rival Virgin

Improve your chances of getting credit

by Neil Faulkner | Here are some tips to help you get that good credit card deal, despite a less than perfect credit record.

A great new balance transfer card

by John Fitzsimons | John Fitzsimons reviews a terrific new credit card to rival Virgin

The best rewards credit card in Britain!

by Rachel Wait | We reveal which credit card provider you voted the best for rewards in our recent poll...