Credit cards and credit ratings

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How to improve your credit score

Building a good credit score, also known as a credit rating, is crucial because it can affect your ability to borrow money or access products such as credit cards or loans. You can check your score fo...

Reclaiming unfair credit card charges

If you’ve had charges added for late or missed credit card payments or for going over your credit card limit you might be able to reclaim some of them, particularly if you’re struggling with debt....

A guide to store cards

Handle with care. That’s the most important thing to know about store cards. They can be useful if you’re disciplined enough to always pay back what you owe each month, but if not they can be expe...

A simple guide to credit cards

Used well, a credit card is a secure and flexible way to pay and can be a good way to spread the cost of major purchases. But if you only make minimum payments or run up a bill you can’t pay back, c...

Credit card cheques

If you don’t have enough money in your account, credit card cheques might seem like a great option if the shop or tradesman doesn’t accept credit cards. However, they are likely to leave you in a ...

Managing your credit card account

Credit cards can be a handy way to borrow if you use them in the right way - but get it wrong and you could find that your debts spiral out of control if you’re not paying off your balance in full o...

Recurring payments for payday loans

Before giving a loan, payday lenders might ask you to agree to a recurring payment (also known as a continuous payment authority or CPA). It’s important to make sure you understand how these work be...

In-store credit and hire-purchase

There are many different forms of in-store finance, each with ‘buy now and pay later’ offers. They’re often promoted in a way to attract you into taking them out but make sure you know what you

Catalogue credit or shopping accounts

When you shop using a catalogue you will normally be offered the option of spreading your payments over a period of time. This can make large purchases seem more affordable. But if you’re not discip...

Cashback credit cards

Cashback credit cards offer you the chance to earn cash from the money you spend, by paying you a percentage back or giving you reward points. What is cashback?...

Paying off your credit card

Using a credit card for your spending can have many benefits, from added legal protection to cashback or collecting loyalty points at your favourite retailer. However, credit card debt can quickly mou...

How to check your credit report

Have you ever wondered how a bank or other lender decides whether to give you credit? One of the tools they use is your credit report. This tells them about your credit history and helps them assess h...

How to get credit for the first time

To be accepted for a credit card, personal loan, mortgage, overdraft or most other forms of credit in the UK, you will usually need to have a good credit history (and credit score). Find out how to st...

Charge cards

Charge cards and credit cards are similar, but not the same. So, if you’re not sure whether a credit card or a charge card is right for you, here are the pros and cons of getting a charge card befor...

How to find the right credit card

Comparison websites can be helpful to help you find the right credit card. You’ll need to know the difference between a best buy table and a ‘whole of market’ search first though. Also, be...

Find an adviser

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