Running a bank account

To receive Universal Credit and other benefits, you’ll need a bank or building society current account, or an account with an alternative provider like a credit union. The accoun...

If you’ve ever forgotten to pay a bill, you know the hassle it creates. Direct Debits and standing orders change all that – they make sure your bills are paid automatically. Find out how and when ...

There are many con artists out there trying to part you from your money. Follow these tips to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. ...

There’s an estimated £850 million lying unclaimed in lost bank accounts. If you think some of it’s yours, don’t let it go to waste! It’s simple and free to check whether you hav...

If you have incurred excessive overdraft charges or other bank fees, you could try to reclaim them or come to an arrangement with your bank, especially if you’re in financial hardship. Start by talk...

A bank transfer is when money is sent from one bank account to another. Transferring money from your bank account is usually fast, free and safer than withdrawing and paying in cash. Read on for more ...

There are several ways to pay cash and cheques into your bank account – and people can also transfer money to you directly. This guide explains the different options and how to use them. ...

This guide to choosing the right bank account is for you if you’re trying to decide what type of account best fits your needs or you want to know which features of an account you should compare. It ...

A fee-free basic bank account may be worth considering if you don’t have a bank account or can’t use or open a standard current account. You can use a fee-free basic bank account to receive money ...

Running your bank or building society account needn’t cost much – in fact, if you stay in the black and use your cards carefully, you might pay nothing at all. But you can rack up high charges ver...

A current account is great for managing your day-to-day money. You can receive regular payments such as wages, benefits, tax credits or pensions into your account, and set up payments out of your acco...

With so many different bank accounts available these days, it’s worth checking to see if you can find a better one - you could save hundreds of pounds with an account that better suits your ...

No matter what your income or financial situation, it makes sense to stay in control of how you spend your cash. The jam-jar method– dividing your money into separate pots for different exp...

The right way to handle a problem with payments or transfers depends on how the payment is made. This guide covers the full range of payment methods, with advice on how to handle problems that aris...

Scams are getting more and more sophisticated, particularly when it comes to targeting you online and through mobile devices. In this guide we take a look at how you can recognise a scam, protect your...

A joint account lets you manage any money you share with your partner, housemate or others. It’s really convenient for shared expenses, but there are always risks to giving several people control of...

A debit card is the first payment choice for a lot of people who don’t like to pay on credit. You can take out cash at cash machines, use your card at the till or pay online and by phone. ...

For a monthly fee, packaged accounts offer you benefits like travel insurance, preferential rate overdrafts and more. But these extras aren’t always worth the fee. Here’s what you need to know bef...

One of the first steps to taking control of your money is learning the best way to manage your bank account. There are many types of account and bank card, so it’s up to you to pick the ones that be...

When you go into your overdraft, you’re getting into debt. An overdraft should be for short-term borrowing or emergencies only. It’s important you manage an overdraft like any other debt to make s...

If you’ve had difficulty opening an account with a bank or building society, a credit union current account could be a good option for you. Credit unions are also popular with people who prefer to m...

If your bank, building society or credit union went bust you would be entitled to compensation through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme for a maximum of £85,000. Find out ...

Worried about giving out your credit or debit card details online? There is another option – an e-money account from a payment company like PayPal or Google Checkout. ...

Banker’s drafts and cheques are deposited in much the same way, but are issued differently. A banker’s draft is prepaid and issued by the bank. A cheque, on the other hand, is not prepaid. Both ca...

Online shopping is a great way to compare prices, find bargains and save money from anywhere with an internet or mobile data connection. But as its popularity has increased, so have the risks, with mo...

If you’re unhappy with the service you got from your bank, financial adviser or any other financial company, it’s often easy to sort out. If talking things through doesn’...

Falling victim to a scam, having your identity stolen or your card cloned can be distressing. But, if you’ve had money stolen from your account there are some things you can do. Find out ...

Online banking, also known as internet banking, has become increasingly popular over the past decade. It’s a great way to take control of your finances and an easy way to make sure you’re keeping ...

Whenever you buy something, be it a product or a service, on the high street or online, you have rights. Knowing your rights can help if what you have paid for does not meet your expectations or is fa...

You might think that your current account is free, and doesn’t cost you anything. But depending on how you’re using your account, it might be costing you tens or hundreds of pounds. Maybe you’re...

Scams can come in many different disguises, so it’s important to know the warning signs to look out for and what to do if you have, or think you have been targeted. Phishing...

There are literally hundreds of different cryptocurrencies available, and all have different values. Think of them as a type of unregulated digital money although most are not particularly easy to spe...