Credit Cards - In the News
8 January 2009 - Credit card care abroad
Holidaymakers planning to rely on their debit or credit card when they enjoy an overseas getaway this year should take care to ensure that they do not become a target for fraudsters.
A spokesperson ... More
31 December 2008 - Banks 'to get tougher'
In the new year, the banking sector is likely to get tougher over what it will let customers have in terms of available credit, one sector commentator has claimed.
David Kuo, head of personal finance at money website Fool.co.uk, said that More
12 December 2008 - Taking steps against fraud
Consumers should take care to follow the simple steps of making sure that when they use a credit card they are in control of it to decrease the risk of becoming a victim of fraud, one sector commentator has ... More
12 December 2008 - 'Fair principles' agreed on by credit card firms
Credit card providers are set to delay increasing interest rates for customers who have fallen into arrears on meeting payments, it has been reported.
This means that customers will have the right to ... More
10 December 2008 - More Britons going interest free
The number of adults in the UK applying for an interest free credit card increased by more than 15.6 per cent in November, new figures suggest.
According to research by MoneyExpert, the number of ... More
9 December 2008 - Christmas on credit
It has been revealed that 21 per cent of consumers intend to pay for their Christmas shopping and related expenses with a credit card or another form of credit.
According to research by Abbey, this is... More
28 November 2008 - Credit card summit 'means nothing'
The recent meeting between the government and credit card companies has been accused of being a "classic summit communique", according to one sector commentator.
Kevin Mountford, head of ... More
26 November 2008 - Credit card companies receive warning
Peter Mandelson has issued a warning to credit card companies that an Office of Fair Trading investigation may be launched if they do not make an effort to reduce bad practice in the sector.
The ... More
24 November 2008 - Credit card Christmas concerns
Individuals who opt to fund all their Christmas spending on credit cards this year may find that their debts stay with them for many years to come.
Research conducted by moneysupermarket.com has found that those who choose only to make minimum payments each month could see their debts ... More
14 November 2008 - Kids get credit happy
Over a third of children in the UK are using a credit card owned by their parents to purchase goods online, it has been revealed
According to Michael Lynch, a CPP fraud expert, adults are acting naive... More
12 November 2008 - Credit card firms 'should act on rate cuts'
The prime minister is set to call for a new approach to lending, particularly when it comes to credit cards, it has been reported.
Gordon Brown is planning the move following the news that recent interest rate cuts by the Bank of England - which last Thursday (November 6th) slashed the ... More
23 October 2008 - Britons advised to start saving
Britons have been advised to start budgeting their income and to make cutbacks where possible by one sector commentator.
Cesarina Holm-Kander, business and personal finance journalist and host of Channel 4's Your Money or Your Wife, said that some people may even consider seeking ... More
8 October 2008 - Care urged on credit card use
Consumers in the UK have been advised that they should not use their credit card for a transaction if they know they do not have the available finances.
David Kuo, head of personal finance at ... More
1 October 2008 - Holidays with a partner "is where it's at"
Going on vacation with a partner and enjoying some quality time with each other is "really where it is at", according to one sector commentator.
In news that may be of interest to couples who share a More
29 September 2008 - Disposable clothing trend "cannot continue"
The trend for buying disposable clothing is one that cannot continue, according to one sector commentator.
In news that may be of interest to fashion-conscious credit card users, Antony Waller, public... More
26 September 2008 - Plans for the festive season
It may still be three months away but already the UK is getting into the festive spirit in time for Christmas.
Britons on the hunt for a new credit card may be interested to hear that Edinburgh has a ... More
25 September 2008 - A crunchy taste of the Orient
Oriental food suppliers have seen an increase in the popularity of their products since the onset of the credit crunch, it has been claimed.
In news that may be of interest to credit card customers, ... More
24 September 2008 - Britons "more worse off now"
People are now financially more worse off than they once were, one sector commentator has claimed.
In news that may be of interest to those seeking a new credit card, Michelle Slade, press and public ... More
23 September 2008 - "No respite" in use of cheques
There appears to be no respite in the fall in use of cheques as a method of payment, one sector commentator has claimed.
In news that may be of interest to those using a credit card to carry out ... More
22 September 2008 - Brides 'shouldn't rush dress decision'
Soon-to-be brides have been advised not to rush into purchasing the dress they intend to walk up the aisle in.
In news that may be of interest to women using a credit card to carry out their online ... More
17 September 2008 - TV to the rescue
A new television campaign is to be launched to educate Britons on how best they can keep their energy bills down during the ongoing economic downturn.
In news that may be of interest to credit card ... More
16 September 2008 - Rural dwellers 'bigger spenders'
Britons who live in the more rural areas of the country have been found to be among the UK's biggest spenders, according to recent research.
Those with a credit card may be interested to know that NFU... More
15 September 2008 - Energy and food costs 'rising together'
The climbing expense of food produce is linked to consistently increasing energy costs, along with some other factors, it has been asserted.
In news that may be of interest to credit card customers, ... More
11 September 2008 - Budget time for students
Students planning to pack up and head to university this month have been advised that they will have to learn to budget if the number of part-time jobs are scarce.
In news that may be of interest to young people thinking of applying for a More
10 September 2008 - Costly living in the capital
Londoners can expect to receive higher salaries due to the rising costs associated with living in the capital, it has been asserted.
In news that may be of interest to credit card customers, Ian ... More
4 September 2008 - People won't "trade down" in quality
Britons are unwilling to trade down in food quality, it has been claimed.
In news that may be of interest to credit card customers, celebrity chef Phil Vickery and Paul Foley, managing director of ... More
3 September 2008 - Britons pick up the art of haggling
More Britons are making the decision to haggle over the price of items such as a car or television set, it has been claimed.
In news that may be of interest to credit card customers, research by ... More
2 September 2008 - Gap year costs 'rising'
The average cost of taking a gap year has risen, according to recent research.
In news that may be of interest to those looking for a credit card, students taking some time out before university to go... More
29 August 2008 - Worries over rising living costs
The public is "very worried" about the rising cost of living, it has been asserted.
However, in news that may be of interest to credit card customers, Keith Haggart, director of lifetime ... More
28 August 2008 - People 'able to choose sustainable transport'
Britons are now able to choose more sustainable levels of transport, it has been claimed.
In news that may be of interest to credit card customers, John Torrance, campaigns director for Campaign for ... More
27 August 2008 - Back-to-basics during crunch time
British shoppers are getting back to basics as the credit crunch continues to bite, it has been claimed.
In news that may be of interest to those with a credit card, research conducted by the ... More
26 August 2008 - Dogs "do not need extra treats"
Dog owners should treat their pets during the day by offering them a small handful of their normal food, one sector commentator has suggested.
John Bower, former president of the British Veterinary Association, also recommended that Britons do not spoil their pooches.
With advice... More
22 August 2008 - Holidaymakers "complacent" about credit cards
Holidaymakers that jet off abroad for their vacation "are often complacent" with their debit and credit card when on a break, it has been claimed.
Kerry D'Souza, plastic fraud expert from ... More
22 August 2008 - Money worries 'keeping people off the roads'
Financial concerns and poor weather conditions are keeping drivers off the roads this August bank holiday, it has been suggested.
In news that may be of interest to those seeking a new credit card, ... More
20 August 2008 - Credit card 'can offer protection'
Consumers who use a credit card to purchase tickets online could be ensuring that they are protected from cyber-scams, it has been asserted.
Such security measures could allow victims to claim ... More
19 August 2008 - Beware the terrible teens
Parents of teenagers preparing to throw a party to celebrate their A-level or GCSE results have been advised to keep an eye on the proceedings.
In news that may be of interest to those seeking a credit ... More
19 August 2008 - Toddlers 'bring down the house'
Toddlers, kids and teens in the UK are causing costly damage to their parents' homes, it has been asserted.
In news that may be of interest to people financing replacements with a credit card, ... More
18 August 2008 - Bupa: 'Keep healthy and save money'
Consumers have been advised that they could save up to £500 a month and keep healthy at the same time.
Health advisers at Bupa recommend that Britons give up smoking, saving £170 within 30 days of kicking a 20-a-day habit, while also reducing the risk of lung cancer, heart ... More
18 August 2008 - Online banking 'may help with budgets'
Many people may find it easier to stick to a budget using the facilities provided through online banking, it has been asserted.
In news that may be of interest to credit card customers, Michelle ... More
15 August 2008 - British youth "suffer image envy"
Young people in the UK are breaking the bank in order to satiate their image envy, it has been claimed.
In news that may be of interest to those with credit cards, research by Alliance and Leicester ... More
13 August 2008 - Shoppers should 'watch for the sting'
Consumers thinking of heading out to update their wardrobes this summer should watch out for the sting-in-the-tail that may befall them if they use a store card, it has been claimed.
In news that may be of interest to people looking for a More
12 August 2008 - Off to pastures new
With many young people preparing to leave home for university next month, it has been revealed that youngsters want an overdraft and credit card when they make the move.
Research by AXA has found that... More
11 August 2008 - Time for a night in?
More and more Britons are spending their evenings and weekends at home in an attempt to save money, it has been suggested.
In news that may be of interest to credit card owners, research by Halifax ... More
1 August 2008 - Prepaid credit cards 'worth £4.5bn by 2010'
The prepaid credit card market will be worth £4.5 billion in two years' time, an independent online finance portal has revealed today.
Research from Fairinvestment.co.uk found that these cards ... More
31 July 2008 - Consumer confidence 'dives to record low'
A barometer of consumer confidence hit a record low during this month after the current economic situation badly affected people in the UK, research has shown.
The GfK NOP measuring scale hit minus 39 in July, the lowest level recorded since 1974 when the company started its survey and ... More
28 July 2008 - Credit card rates 'soar in time for holidays'
Credit card companies are hiking interest rates as families are heading out for their holidays, the Daily Mail today reported.
The newspaper added that the American card provider MBNA, which supplies ... More
23 July 2008 - Consumers hit by credit card firms
Nearly a third of credit card owners have had an annual percentage rate (APR) rise on their existing accounts over the last year, research from an online comparison website has revealed.
Moneysupermarket.com found that five major providers were responsible for a lot of the rate changes, ... More
22 July 2008 - Credit card firms 'cash in on ATMs'
Credit card companies are "cashing in" on customers who use their cards in ATM machines, new research from an independent finance website has suggested.
In a report released today by MoneyExpert.com, the average APR charged to customers who do not clear their balance after ... More
17 July 2008 - Credit card rewards are 'absolutely worthwhile'
Credit card schemes are worthwhile for most consumers, a supermarket's finance subsidiary has said.
Recent research by Sainsbury's Bank found that over eight million people collected rewards from their credit cards during the last twelve months but only three million of them collected ... More
15 July 2008 - Credit cards change because of crunch
A recent study has revealed that there has been a large increase in credit cards changing rates and charges since April.
Research conducted by Moneyfacts found that 19 credit cards had purchase rate increases, another 14 had cash rate rises and eight have made additional charges to their ... More
9 July 2008 - Credit cards 'reach boiling point'
British consumers have the potential to spend up to £253.5 billion on their credit cards, a price comparison website has revealed.
Moneysupermarket.com found through research that, although 28 per cent of people do not have a credit card, a further nine per cent - four million people... More
8 July 2008 - Over 50s resort to credit cards
People in the over-50 age group are using credit cards more due to the credit crunch, the Post Office reveals.
The postal firm believes that the trend is due to rising inflation in the country, which it claims is forcing 47 per cent of such people to fund day-to-day living costs with ... More
3 July 2008 - Up to 7% of people took out a personal loan in the past year
Rising costs in the property market have forced seven per cent of consumers to take out a personal loan, claims new research.
Findings from a study by moneysupermarket.com showed that ... More
2 July 2008 - 'Credit unions will need to demonstrate their stability'
Credit unions will need to show they are financially stable if the government's recommendations on providing credit are to succeed, one financial expert has claimed.
Moneysupermarket.com said that the government's proposal to use credit unions to supply More
1 July 2008 - Lenders could "do a bit more" to find out an applicants income
Credit card lenders could "do a bit more" to find out what an applicant earns per year, according to one financial expert.
Thomas Charles, a debt consultancy firm, said that part of the ... More
30 June 2008 - Debit cards first choice for consumers
Debit cards are the preferred spending method for consumers, according to a new survey.
Findings from the Apacs, the UK payments association, showed that debit cards were the first choice for the majority of consumers for the seventh year running with 62 per cent of the vote. ... More
27 June 2008 - Credit card schemes can offer "long-term value"
Schemes offered as part of credit card deals offer consumers "long-term value", according to one expert.
Sainsbury's More
26 June 2008 - People still spending on their credit cards despite the crunch
Despite the economic uncertainty that is dogging consumers in the UK, nearly £8 billion is expected to be spent in the sales during the summer, according to new research.
Findings from Sainsbury's Finance revealed that 25.78 million people are planning to spend an average of ... More
25 June 2008 - Consumers using credit cards 'wisely' could save money
When paying off their credit cards consumers should look to pay off more than the minimum amount to save themselves money, one financial expert has warned.
Moneyfacts.co.uk said that in the current ... More
18 June 2008 - Up to £17m lent on credit without income proof
An estimated £17 million was lent to consumers on credit cards without any proof of income being provided, one financial expert has claimed.
Findings from uSwitch.com's annual Credit Card Affordability programme revealed that 4.8 million credit cards were issued during the last year... More
17 June 2008 - Credit crunch hits richest and poorest consumers the most
The effects of the credit crunch are hitting both the richest and the poorest of consumers hardest, according to a new survey.
Findings from the MGM Advantage Retirement Nation study showed that up to one in twenty would rather save their money in their mattress than in a bank. ... More
13 June 2008 - Rising fuel prices are driving motorists out of their jobs
Up to one in six Brits are considering leaving their job and looking for work closer to where they live due to the rising cost of fuel, one financial expert has claimed.
Research from insurance.co.uk revealed that a quarter of drivers have decided to leave their cars at home and try ... More
13 June 2008 - Inflation expected to rise to 4.3%
Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned by fears of rising inflation with the consensus being that it will increase by a further 4.3 per cent, according to a new study.
Findings from the Bank of England's (BoE's) quarterly survey showed that although the official rate of inflation ... More
9 June 2008 - British consumers need to be doing more saving
Consumers in the UK need to be doing more saving and become less reliant upon credit cards and loans, one financial expert has claimed.
Transact, an independent network encouraging financial inclusion, said that the banking industry is in agreement that a culture of saving needs to be ... More
3 June 2008 - Consumers relying on credit to find themselves out of pocket
Those spenders relying on credit are going to find themselves increasingly out of pocket, new research has revealed.
A study by Moneyfacts has shown that purchase and cash rates, as well as charges, continue to increase.
The findings show that there have been up to 22 purchase ... More
21 May 2008 - 'Teenagers want loans when they cannot budget'
Teenagers are looking to take on credit cards, overdrafts and loans when they reach 18 - despite not being able to understand basic financial budgeting, one economic expert has claimed.
New research from the Axa Group showed that as many as 44 per cent of 15 to 17 year-olds are planning ... More
20 May 2008 - Lying on a loan application will make future credit hard to come by
Lying on credit applications now will make obtaining credit in the future difficult for a consumer, a financial expert has warned.
Fool.co.uk said that increasing numbers of consumers are lying on their applications as it is becoming ever more difficult to obtain credit in the current ... More
15 May 2008 - People need to be careful 'they are not too reliant on credit'
Consumers should be careful about getting into debt as the cost of living and household spending increases, one financial expert has claimed.
According to Credit Action, lenders are more unwilling to give credit to consumers than they were 12 months ago with products such as overdrafts, ... More
14 May 2008 - Over 2.5m credit cards affected by credit card 'shake-up'
More than 2.5 million credit card users have been affected by a recent credit card 'shake-up', according to one financial expert.
Research from comparison service uSwitch.com showed that these consumers have been hit with an annual or monthly fee, had their credit limits reduced or been ... More
9 May 2008 - Cutting APR rates could reduce credit crunch effects
Nothing has been done to reduce the charges on outstanding credit card balances despite the three cuts in interest rates, one financial expert has claimed.
According to financial advisory service Fool.co.uk, the domestic effects of the credit crunch on consumer purse strings could be ... More
2 May 2008 - Expert: Be certain of credit card approval before applying
People need to be "almost certain" they will be approved for a credit card before applying for it, according to an expert.
Unsuccessful applications can count against people's credit rating in the future, said David Kuo, head of personal finance at Fool.co.uk.
In ... More
2 May 2008 - No cut in interest rates predicted
Ahead of the impending interest rate decision, expected by the Bank of England (BoE) next week, many economists feel no change will occur at all.
The Centre for Economics and Business Research has predicted the chance of no change occurring to interest rates next week is at 70 per cent ... More
18 April 2008 - Credit card rate change costs consumers in interest
Since the Office for Fair Trading (OFT) forced card providers to cut their late-payment fines, credit card borrowers are being charged more, according to a new study.
Figures from financial experts MoneyFacts.co.uk has revealed that the average purchase rate on credit cards has risen to... More
7 April 2008 - Up to £3.1bn withdrawn from consumers by credit limit cuts
Credit card companies have withdrawn up to £3.1 billion by cutting the spending limits of their customers, new research has shown.
Findings from MoneyExpert have revealed that the average reduction is £1,600 with an estimated 1.8 million credit card customers having had their ... More
1 April 2008 - Consumers urged to take care when using credit
Britons have been advised not to become reliant on credit as a means of paying for everyday items.
Fool.co.uk believes many consumers in the UK could fall foul of the market should credit become harder to come by in future.
A survey by the company found that almost one in three ... More
18 March 2008 - UK consumers are finding it harder to get cards at low-rates
UK consumers are finding it harder to get credit cards with low rates of interest due to the effects of the credit crunch, one financial expert has claimed.
Credit Action stated that credit for consumers is now not as widely available as it was 12 months ago and when credit can be found,... More
17 March 2008 - Card donations 'top £1bn'
Consumers donated more than £1 billion to charity using their credit or debit cards in 2007, according to financial services trade body Apacs.
Last week the organisation revealed the average donation hit £44.75 and the number of total donations had increased by 23 per cent on ... More
12 March 2008 - Credit card fraud hits £535.2m
Credit and debit card fraud has increased by a quarter with losses reaching £535.2 million in 2007, according to new figures.
Findings from the Association of Payment Clearing Services (Apacs) revealed that fraud levels for last year rose to a record high for the first time in three ... More
11 March 2008 - Credit card holders urged to 'be careful' when abroad
Britons travelling overseas should make sure they are cautious when spending their money, according to Apacs, the UK's payments association.
Mark Bowerman, a spokesperson for Apacs, advised consumers that it may be best to pay with a credit card rather than a debit card while abroad so ... More
4 March 2008 - Graduates 'shouldn't have any trouble getting a loan'
Despite tighter lending conditions created by the global credit crunch, graduates should not have any trouble in getting a loan, one financial expert has claimed.
Moneyfacts said although graduates may leave university in debt, lenders will judge them on different criteria to how they ... More
21 February 2008 - ''Generational'' use of credit cards replacing cheques
The ongoing decline in the use of cheque payments has been led by consumers and "generational" differences, according to an industry body.
Payments association Apacs said that the use of cheques has fallen as the volume of credit card and debit card payments increases, with many... More
18 February 2008 - Consumers warned against multiple credit cards
British consumers have been advised against taking out several credit cards to fund their spending habits.
Spokesperson for the Consumer Credit Counselling Service James Ketchell said that using multiple credit cards can easily become "confusing" and often means that people feel... More
18 February 2008 - Brits 'reducing credit card spending'
The UK's credit card holders have significantly reduced their spending over the last three years, according to new research.
Moneyextra.com has stated that total credit card expenditure in January this year was 25 per cent down on the corresponding month last year and 36 per cent lower ... More
15 February 2008 - Card holders 'struggling with balance transfer deals'
Many credit card holders are finding it increasingly difficult to access the best deals on balance transfers, according to a new report.
Financial advice website Moneyfacts.co.uk has said that although the length of balance transfer offers and zero per cent interest deals has been ... More
15 February 2008 - Credit card payments 'unfair', says survey
The order of payments used by credit card providers is resulting in a poor deal for the majority of British consumers, a new report has claimed.
According to Moneysupermarket.com, most card companies allocate payments to the cheapest debts first, meaning that customers continue to run up ... More
12 February 2008 - Survey reveals cost of romance
New research has revealed that the average British male credit card holder spent £82 on eating out in February 2007.
This was not the only Valentine's Day expense for romantic men, the survey from Halifax Credit Cards discovered, with an average of £44 also spent on flowers ... More
11 February 2008 - Card switching 'on the increase'
A growing number of British consumers are swapping credit card deals in a bid to exert more control over their finances, new research has indicated.
The survey from MoneyExpert.co.uk states that 5.9 million card holders have switched their accounts in the last six months, representing 13 ... More
8 February 2008 - Romantic holidaymakers 'waste money on card charges'
Couples celebrating Valentine's Day abroad be losing more than their hearts, one building society warns.
Britons on romantic breaks lost more than £27 million due to credit card foreign usage fees last February, points out Nationwide.
The financial services provider notes ... More
7 February 2008 - Survey reveals fall in credit card spending
Consumers cut back on credit card spending in the run-up to Christmas and preferred to use debit cards to make festive purchases, according to new figures from UK payments association Apacs.
The data shows that in December 2007 some £11.3 billion was spent on credit cards, compared ... More
7 February 2008 - Consumers given ''simple steps'' to combat card fraud
Credit card holders can avoid becoming victims of fraud by taking a few simple measures, it has been claimed.
Danny Harrison, a security expert at card protection firm CPP, said that consumers should be vigilant when using the plastic on the high street and online.
By taking ... More
6 February 2008 - Holidaymakers warned over ski trip credit cards
Consumers could be paying more for credit transactions on their ski holiday than they would through taking out a personal loan, it has been suggested.
Research by Nationwide has revealed that holidaymakers wasted more than £34,000 at four popular European ski resorts during last ... More
28 January 2008 - Consumers advised to make post-Christmas switch
A personal finance expert has urged UK consumers to beat the January blues by sorting out their money matters.
Head of news at Moneyfacts.co.uk Andrew Hagger said that people should see the first month of the year as an opportunity to save money by switching their financial products to ... More
23 January 2008 - Brits 'waste money with impulse buys'
The habit of making impulsive purchases is leading many British people into financial difficulty, a new survey has claimed.
According to findings from online insurance firm Swiftcover.com, 91 per cent of UK shoppers admitted to buying something which they later regretted during ... More
22 January 2008 - January 'is time to deal with card debt'
An industry expert has urged consumers to make sorting out credit card debt their new year's resolution.
Donald MacLeod, head of cards at Sainsbury's Bank, advised card holders not to shy away from their bills this month but to view the period as a chance to improve their financial ... More
15 January 2008 - Britons ''struggling with Xmas card debt''
Many consumers will be unable to pay off their credit card balance in full by the end of January, according to a new report.
Research from Sainsbury's Finance stated that 39 per cent of the nation's card holders do not expect to clear their outstanding card debts by the end of this month,... More
10 January 2008 - Consumers ''increasingly reliant on credit cards''
British people are more dependent on their credit cards than ever before, it has been claimed.
According to new research from the Post Office, one in four UK consumers are more reliant on their plastic at the beginning of 2008 than they were last year.
The findings state that 41 ... More
9 January 2008 - New year ''should mean new start financially''
People should view the new year as a chance to make a new start and confine their bad financial habits to the past, a consumer group has stated.
With many people reaching the end of fixed rate mortgage deals and utility bill inflation continuing, homeowners should take the opportunity to ... More
8 January 2008 - Credit card firms ''provide limited choice''
Many British consumers are currently struggling to come to terms with the extent of their credit card spending over the Christmas period, it has been claimed.
This is because the majority of card providers offer a limited choice on balance transfer deals, according to a report from ... More
4 January 2008 - Card companies ''should encourage customer loyalty''
Credit card providers must work harder to retain their customers in the recent economic climate, it has been claimed.
According to financial research firm Defaqto, UK card firms have ignored existing customers in recent years, instead focussing on attracting new users through introductory... More
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