The AnswerBank Articles

Unauthorised Current Account Upgrades 'Must Stop'

The unauthorised upgrading of current accounts must stop, as it does not benefit consumers, one expert has claimed. A financial advice website made the assertion, noting that thousands of consumers have monthly fees charged to their accounts, after providers elevate the status of products that were initially free. Es...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Credit Card Landscape 'Set To Be Reshaped'

Government proposals are set to "reshape” the credit card landscape for consumers, one expert has predicted. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) made the comment after legislative plans were revealed to tackle unfair practices by credit card companies. Under the new measures, lenders would be ba...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

One-In-Three Households Too Lazy To Switch Utilities Suppliers

Since the birth of the internet, shopping around for the best energy deals and switching utilities suppliers has been made easier than ever, with consumers able to make use of price comparison sites to easily assess their options.   Sadly, as charities and consumer groups continue to point out, some of the most ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Direct Debit Scheme To Benefit Consumers

Current account customers will benefit from new direct debit systems being introduced, it has been claimed. According to the European Payments Council (EPC), banks' decision to allow both companies and individuals with current accounts to make direct debits in any of the 32 Single Euro Payment Areas (SEPA) from a sing...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Current Accounts 'To Be More Transparent'

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced that banks have agreed to a series of measures, including telling customers the size of the fees charged annually on current accounts. The OFT's announcement follows an investigation into the fees being levied on current accounts when consumers cross their overdraft limit...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Pre-Paid Credit Cards 'Could Save Holidaymakers Cash'

Holidaymakers have been advised to take advantage of credit cards that can be topped up with foreign currency at times when the pound is doing well. According to a well known comparison website, by topping up a card on a day when the pound is exchanging favourably - even if it is a few months before the traveller depa...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

How to shop for loans online

Loans present a viable lending option for borrowers who seek an alternative to credit cards - thanks to the internet these loans are only a mouse click away. With a variety of customised loans that cover specific requirements you are guaranteed to find the one tailored to fit your needs. Types of loans: It seems ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Credit Cards Can Be Useful With Care

During the recession debt has come to be a dirty word for many people. We have been repeatedly told by the media that reckless borrowing, unchecked spending and the thoughtless dishing out of credit cards and loans were all contributors to the demise of the economy. It is time, consumers were told, to get frugal and s...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

'There Is Still A Stigma Around Online Banking'

A stigma remains around online banking, which could deter current account holders from managing their finances on the web. A company, which helps customers secure their PCs and protect their data assets, claims that consumers are worried about online banking being insecure and making them vulnerable to fraud. Accordi...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Shopping Around Gets Better Deals On Credit Cards

Consumers have been advised to shop around for credit cards by one financial expert, who says that doing so could bring about significant financial rewards. An advice website has made the claim, explaining that there is a lack of trust in the financial markets which is encouraging consumers to stick with what they kno...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

'Credit Card Debt Has Gone Up'

The level of credit card and loan debt has risen during the credit crunch despite the overall level of money consumers owe having fallen. According to a leading firm for insolvency and business recovery advice, people are using credit cards as a short-term solution to manage their bills during the recession. A repres...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Credit Cards: A Girls Guide to Finding the Perfect One.

We all know that girls love to shop till they drop, so it’s essential to make sure you are armed the best credit card to help you splash the cash. While shopping the only interest you want is in what you're looking for; you don’t want to have to worry about the interest creeping up while you are browsing th...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

Credit Card Customers Learn Tough Lesson

It has been a tough couple of years for many of us. With much belt tightening and penny pinching; we are all slowly coming round to realise the true value of money. Consumers will have learned how to manage financial products such as credit cards better during the recession, one expert has said. According to impartia...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Boosting Your Credit Rating

Buying things on credit and borrowing money can be a pain for everyone, particularly those with poor credit ratings. Sometimes it can seem that you are losing the battle with your credit score, but do not despair. There are actions you can take to make your credit rating look better. What Is a Credit Rating A cr...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Business Accounts

Business banking differs from personal banking in multiple ways, so if you are looking for a bank account for your business it is important to know how they work and what is out there on offer. What Is a Business Account A business account is a form of current account (such as the personal ones) that is specific...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

An Introduction To Current Accounts

It does not matter who you are, there will probably come a time when you will need to consider opening a current account. This is generally a straight forward process, but a lot of people fall into traps because they have no prior knowledge of what current accounts are and what they should be looking for. What Is a ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

An Introduction To Notice Savings Accounts

If you do not need your money immediately, a notice savings account could be an option for you. Many people consider depositing their spare cash into a notice savings account because it often yields a higher rate of interest, so it is important to understand how it works. What Is a Notice Savings Account Notice-...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Savings and Investments For Children

A parent has to think about a lot when it comes to their children, this includes their financial future. Many children will grow up and need a car, university funding or even a deposit on a new house and finding the money can be difficult. This is why a lot of people are investing money for their children. Children ...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Guide To Individual Savings Accounts

It is becoming increasingly common to invest money into high interest savings accounts. Whether it is for your children, your retirement or even for your next house, ISAs can be very useful. What Is an ISA An Individual Savings Account is a way to save and invest money without incurring the usual income or capit...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010

A Beginners' Guide To Inheritance Tax

With increasing speculation and rising house prices, a lot of people are worrying about inheritance tax. It is important to know the facts and where you stand if you come to inherit from your loved ones. What Is Inheritance Tax Put simply, inheritance tax is a tax on wealth (money, property, etc.) passed from on...16:37 Mon 24th May 2010