News Centre: Credit Cards News

Whilst theres only so much champagne you can drink " how exactly do you think you would spend £45 million?... read more

If the cold winter weather has prompted you to think about booking your summer holiday, you may also be considering your options when it comes to managing your money while you're away. Pre-paid cards... read more

Here are our top credit cards for big buys with the best purchase rates around.... read more

We've dived into our bargain box and found a range of cheap ways to keep the kids entertained over half term.... read more

The economic downturn is increasingly causing people to turn to debt generating means to pay for essentials needs such as food, rent and utility bills. Usually the individuals that suffer from financial... read more

Here are some top tips to make sure you love the costs as well as the person you are spending Valentine's Day with.... read more

Banks are engaged in a war over current accounts with new deals springing up on a regular basis. We take a look at the best deals on offer.... read more

Here are a few things to consider when looking to cuts costs on the slopes...... read more

Times are tough and no matter how much you want to declare your love for someone, splashing the cash comes at a price. Here are some cheap tricks to treat your loved ones on a budget.... read more

Having to be more careful with money following the recession has made people more spending savvy in general. According to Ed Bowsher, head of consumer finance at lovemoney.com, it has forced people to... read more

Brits are becoming less satisfied with their credit card providers, with customers claiming to be only an average of 77 per cent content with their service and fees. The annual uSwitch Credit Card Satisfaction... read more

Almost a third of Brits would not have enough money to last them until the weekend if they had to rely solely on their savings. New research by First Direct has found that 28 per cent of households have... read more

People in financial hardship could be missing out on benefits which could prevent the need to turn to payday loans. According to the fifth annual Post Office Consumer Credit Report, 12 million people will... read more

With all the warnings about people overstretching their budgets in the run up to Christmas, it is unsurprising that the number of Brits seeking debt advice doubles in January. According to the fifth annual... read more

Families with young children have been disproportionately hit by the government's austerity measures, meaning that many may struggle to avoid poverty and stay out of debt. Dr Katherine Rake, chief... read more

With rising living costs, pay freezes and now Christmas just days away, many people will have put festive gifts and food on credit. However, buying things on loans, credit cards or store cards is usually... read more

It's no wonder Brits find Christmas such an expensive time of the year given that many celebrate it more than once a year. A new study by American Express found that half of people in the UK will have... read more

With many people splashing the cash this Christmas, it's no surprise that many people could find themselves in financial difficulty in the New Year. So financial planning firm Baigrie Davies have claimed... read more

You've got the turkey, the sprouts, the presents, the tree and everything else for the big day. However, there may be some things on your Christmas checklist you might have forgotten about...... read more

As it emerges that Brits will be withdrawing £6 billion from their savings accounts to fund Christmas, people have been urged to get disciplined about savings and debts. New research from Santander... read more

The success of Credit Action's DebtCred financial education project has caused the organisation to increase the amount of pressure it is putting on the UK government to introduce finance on the national... read more

Having access to the best credit card deals is no good if consumers are living consistently beyond their means. Credit Action has underlined the need for families to ensure they are living within their... read more

Christmas is an expensive time of year for most people. Although many families look forward to the opportunity to spend time together, tuck into some delicious treats and spoil one another with gifts,... read more

On your marks, get set....go! The race to bag a bargain, grab a gift and panic buy parsnips has begun, will you be a winner?... read more

Early bird shoppers looking to avoid last years delivery delays spent £13 billion online on Monday. Dubbed manic Monday 21st November was set to be the busiest online shopping day of the year.... read more

Leading high street shops are fobbing off customers by denying them their legal right to return faulty goods or have them returned.... read more

People are spending a lot less on their 0% credit cards this year despite it being the run up to Christmas, a time when debts traditionally rise as households increase spending on food, gifts and festivities. It... read more

Debt levels will increase this winter as people splash out on 0% credit cards for Christmas, but spending will be more restrained that last year. This is the view of Andrew Hagger, spokesman for moneynet.co.uk,... read more

With rising unemployment and reductions in benefits, it is easy for those seeking the best credit card deals to fall into debt. Carole Spiers, chief executive of the Carole Spiers Group, said that careful... read more

The clocks go back and British Summer Time comes to an end this weekend and people have been urged to use their extra hour to switch their current accounts and look for better credit card deals. Norwich... read more

Brits could end up with more money to put in their accounts with the best savings interest rates by re-evaluating their priorities. A new poll by LV= revealed that people in the UK are spending more than... read more

People looking for the best credit card rates have been advised that worrying about debt will not help them address it. Caroline Carr, hypnotherapist and life coach at Mypartnerisdepressed.com, said that... read more

Credit cards can prove to be a useful payment tool for a wide range of customers to call upon. The use of such products - in addition to pre-paid cards - offers a handy way to fund purchases or meet pressing... read more

People looking for credit card deals have been warned that long-term stress about debts can have a negative impact on their health. Caroline Carr, hypnotherapist and life coach at Mypartnerisdepressed.com,... read more

Students who have, or are looking for, the best credit card offers have been urged to keep up with their payments should they go on a gap year. Paul Lewis, vice president of Credit Confidential, said that... read more

If people not on 0% credit cards knew how much interest they were paying they would demand clearer information. David Fox of The Word Centre said that while people are demanding more transparency they... read more

Brits should be very careful about taking out credit, an expert has advised those looking for the best credit card deals. Liz Dunscombe, director of project and partnership development at Credit Action,... read more

A combination of the rising cost of living and stagnant wages mean that more people are having to seek out the best loan rates, an expert has claimed. Liz Dunscombe, director of project and partnership... read more

Research by leading instant online credit information provider, Equifax, has revealed that over a third of consumers surveyed had been turned down for a new credit card and 27% of those thought it was because they had a poor credit rating.... read more

Has your credit rating taken a beating in recent months or years? Dont worry, you are not alone and there are some simple things you can do to repair your credit history.... read more

Prepaid cards have become increasingly popular in recent years. With identity theft and online fraud on the increase, not to mention improvements to the features available on the cards themselves, prepaid cards are now far more attractive to consumers than they once were.... read more

If you need a helping hand with your finances, credit card deals could help - so what kind of benefits could you reap from these? You may have come across various offers that are available on different... read more

Although the summer holidays have only just ended, Christmas will already be on the minds of many and the majority of those will be wondering how they are going to pay for it.... read more

Christmas is just around the corner, and some of us will be thinking about using the Credit card to spread the cost of Christmas into 2012. Very wise, but it is not the only way.... read more

Before you start worrying about Christmas 2011 you need to ensure you have cleared the decks from Christmas past.... read more

If you're planning to buy a new car or van soon and have been looking at the variety of different automobiles you can get, don't forget to keep in mind insurance costs. Indeed, finding the perfect... read more

Before taking out plastic, people may want to assess the different options available to them so that they know they have made the right decision. When deciding between taking out a credit card and opting... read more

The market for balance transfer cards has become a fiercely fought battle ground for all the top providers which makes it very fertile ground for customers looking to move their balance... read more

It can be difficult to choose a savings account if you don't know where to start looking, but these tips may help you find a product that will earn you a nice profit on your cash in the long run. Once... read more

People who struggle to manage their money could find that pre-paid cards offer a simple and easy solution that can help them get back on track. Pre-paid cards can be an excellent tool to help teach budgeting... read more

Barclaycard first to offer 18 months interest free on balance transfers. Longest ever 0% balance transfer in the UK market. £20 off handling fee for new Barclaycard Platinum customers until 28th February... read more

New research from the Institute of Financial Planning IFP has shown that women are more careful with their money. According to the IFP, almost two thirds of people surveyed in a recent YouGov poll claimed... read more

Its a holidaymakers worst nightmare; the holiday you have been looking forward to all winter is suddenly grounded as the recession continues to force some holiday companies to the wall. What can you do to protect yourself from potential disaster?... read more

In addition to cheap savings interest rates, Halifax has announced that its current account customers are to benefit from up to £120 a year in cash rewards. Those who put £1,000 or more into... read more

A new study indicates that many credit card customers may be failing to read the small print on their contracts. Research conducted by Nationwide found that 63 per cent of credit card customers do not... read more

Shoppers need to be aware of their rights this Christmas as they embark on a credit card spending splurge, it has been suggested. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills' Know Your Consumer... read more

Over half of all consumers would be disappointed to find their credit card provider pays off their cheapest debt first, it has been reported. According to a new study conducted by Nationwide, 38 per cent... read more

Consumers seeking 0% credit cards this December should act quickly, it has been reported. According to Subprime Blogger, making a late application for the best credit card deals is not an option during... read more

A record amount will be spent on plastic cards during December, Barclays has predicted. According to the bank, £23 billion will be spent on debit cards during the month, while £17.8 billion of... read more

Consumers are not only seeking the best credit card deals, but also contactless payment options, it has been suggested. Amer Sajed, chief executive of Barclaycard UK, said consumer feedback highlights... read more

Almost a third of consumers have been a victim of fraud after seeing their credit card lost or stolen, according to new figures. Card protection service CPP reports that the average amount fraudulently... read more

More than three-quarters of all parents will spend more than they can afford on children this Christmas, it has been reported. According to research conducted by Egg, the average family will spend almost... read more

Consumers travelling abroad during the winter break should consider which credit cards are cheapest to use overseas, it has been claimed. Emma Roberts, director at Santander Cards, noted that with the... read more

Consumers who use the Saga Platinum credit card benefit from fair ordering of repayments, it has been reported. The firm says that, unlike many other cards, the most expensive debt is cleared first, once... read more

Consumers should keep a record of all communication they make with credit card companies, it has been claimed. According to industry commentator Daniel Indiviglio, individuals should take precautions when... read more

The Finance & Leasing Association FLA has warned people to keep on top of their spending during the busy festive period. It says that last year, consumers spent 11 per cent more on credit cards during... read more

British consumers are set to rein in their credit card spending this Christmas, according to a new study. Saga Platinum says adults are set to spend an average of £435 on presents, compared to £516... read more

Incidences of identity fraud increased by 12 per cent during 2009, credit card users have been warned. According to CreditExpert, there has been "a significant rise" in the number of fraudsters... read more

American Express is launching a new credit card, where reward points earned on spending can be redeemed for high street retail vouchers or gift cards. The Express Rewards Credit Card offers bonus points... read more

Ryanair passengers can avoid paying a debit and credit card booking fee by signing up for a MasterCard prepaid card, the carrier has announced. Spokesperson Stephen McNamara said that when the firm's Visa... read more

Accessing the best credit card offers may make little difference to consumers this Christmas if they are unable to keep their banking details safe from thieves. CIFAS - the UK's Fraud Prevention Service... read more

Consumers who have a successful track record of managing debt may be more likely to qualify for the best credit card deals than those with no debt at all. This is the claim of My Finances, which says responsible... read more

UK consumers repaid a record level of outstanding debt during October 2009, latest figures have indicated. According to the Bank of England, outstanding credit card, loan and overdraft debt fell by £579... read more

UK consumers will spend over £175 million on Visa cards today November 30th, the credit provider has claimed. On what the firm refers to as 'Mega Monday', it predicts that £122,330 will be... read more

Credit card customers need to exercise caution if they are using their plastic when shopping on the web, it has been claimed. According to internet security firm McAfee, there are a number of risks credit... read more

The Financial Services Authority needs to take steps to improve access to low interest credit card deals, it has been claimed. Writing for the Financial Times Adviser, Hal Austin, the publication's senior... read more

Credit card company Barclaycard has announced it is taking steps to support flood-hit Cumbrians in Cockermouth and Workington. The company said it appreciates that its customers are experiencing problems... read more

New research from Sainsbury's Finance shows that just 13 per cent of credit card providers offer cash back on spending. This is a dramatic reduction when compared with figures from 2005, which showed that... read more

The National Customer Satisfaction Index NCSI-UK dropped slightly for a second successive quarter, owing to a loss of confidence in the financial services index. Credit card services, retail banking... read more

A number of test cases are to be held this month, clearing up a variety of issues with the Consumer Credit Act CCA. The BBC reports how five days have been set aside at the High Court in Manchester to... read more

Santander Cards has been voted Best Cards Provider in the 2009 Personal Finance Awards. Now in their eleventh year, the awards aim to recognise achievements and celebrate new initiatives within the industry. Santander... read more

Credit card users should be aware of foreign usage charges, it has been claimed. According to Moneyfacts analyst Michelle Slade, such fees can be as high as 2.99 per cent for both purchases and cash transactions. She... read more

The need for consumers to seek the best credit card deals may be set to increase, following the findings of a recent study into UK charges. According to research conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers PwC,... read more

Stability is the key to ensuring a good credit record, according to one industry expert. Writing for the Times, James Jones of credit reference agency Experian explained what is necessary for consumers... read more

Consumers seeking the best credit card deals this Christmas should exercise caution, it has been claimed. According to David Black of Defaqto, applying for every single deal – especially those which... read more

The UK Cards Association is again running its online safety campaign - Be Card Smart Online - helping to protect consumers against the risk of credit fraud. It claims that more than 32 million consumers... read more

Existing Nationwide customers are being offered the chance to win one of two VIP trips for two to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Credit card customers who make more than eight Nationwide Visa credit... read more

The popularity of debit and credit cards mean that small businesses must allow their customers to pay using them, it has been claimed. According to Merchant Accounts, many smaller enterprises such as restaurants,... read more

Innovation may be one way of improving the credit card business model, it has been claimed. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' PwC Precious Plastic report, the industry is currently unsustainable,... read more

A rise in personal insolvency rates will be seen if fixed fees and higher annual percentage rates become a feature of credit provision, it has been claimed. David Rodgers, managing director of Debt Advice... read more

Households in Britain will spend an average of £5,000 over the coming year, simply paying off the interest on loans, it has been reported. According to the Precious Plastic report, published by professional... read more

Consumers who can only afford to make minimum monthly repayments on credit cards may have debt problems, it has been suggested. Writing for lovemoney.com, Rachel Ronson said these are set at "ridiculously... read more

It is now more difficult for consumers to run up huge plastic card debts unchecked, according to Credit Action. Chris Tapp, director of the money education charity, said it is harder now to get a credit... read more

Many consumers are still as reliant upon credit cards and borrowing money as they have been in the past, it has been claimed. Commenting after the Bank of England reported that lending to consumers increased... read more

New government regulations on credit cards could help reduce the number of people seeking debt advice, it has been suggested. According to a spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service CCCS,... read more

The government has announced plans to tackle 'unfair' credit card practices and charges. According to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, such charges could be outlawed under new proposals,... read more

Families wishing to take holidays during the October half-term break can avoid running up debts by using the Santander Zero credit card, it has been claimed. Commenting after the bank reported that the... read more

The Saga Group has offered free debt advice to consumers, urging them to switch credit cards in a bid to reduce their outgoings. According to the firm, if all credit card providers had acted to reflect... read more

Halifax has confirmed that it will continue to provide access to credit for both new and existing customers. The firm made the announcement after Natwest changed the way it administers credit cards, with... read more

A woman has been freed from an £8,000 credit card debt following a court ruling. MBNA had sought repayment from Lynne Thorius, although a judge decided this was unfair because of the way she had been... read more