http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-loans-1816650.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-loans-1816650.html <p>Loan providers have received much criticism recently as personal loan rates have been rising, even though the Bank of England base rate is at a record low of 0.5 per cent. Marks & Spencer Money's decision to cut its loan rate is therefore welcome news. </p> Loans & Credit Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/ten-tips-to-avoid-crafty-credit-card-tricks-1814669.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/ten-tips-to-avoid-crafty-credit-card-tricks-1814669.html ]]> <p> This month, the government unveiled plans to crackdown on credit card companies and help give consumers a fairer deal. But what can you do to protect your pocket in the meantime? </p> Loans & Credit Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:21:07 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/big-creditcard-shakeup-could-hit-you-in-the-pocket-1812642.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/big-creditcard-shakeup-could-hit-you-in-the-pocket-1812642.html ]]> <p>The world of credit and store cards is heading for a massive shake-up. The Government wants to call time on much-criticised practices such as lenders raising credit limits without being asked by customers; taking only tiny minimum monthly repayments; and arranging it so that the most expensive debt gets paid off last. These seem like much overdue reforms and a win-win situation for consumers – but is this really the case?</p> Loans & Credit Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/beginners-guide-to-credit-card-order-of-payments-1812408.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/beginners-guide-to-credit-card-order-of-payments-1812408.html <p>The government has announced a new consultation into credit cards, proposing a raft of measures designed to "clean up the industry" and bring an end to practices it deems unfair. </p> Loans & Credit Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-aa-credit-card-1812418.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-aa-credit-card-1812418.html <p>It's not only cards with 0 per cent offers on purchases that are popular in the run-up to Christmas. Cards that reward you for spending are a great option for those who pay off their credit card bill each month. And The AA has joined the reward card club.</p> Loans & Credit Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/money-insider-regulator-pushes-affordability-tests-for-loans-1808309.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/money-insider-regulator-pushes-affordability-tests-for-loans-1808309.html <p>The Financial Services Authority this week unveiled a raft of new proposals as part of its much-anticipated Mortgage Market Review. The additional burden of red tape from the regulator has been criticised by some as too little too late; however there are elements within the 118-page review that look positive.</p> Loans & Credit Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-islamic-bank-of-britain-deposit-account-1804195.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-islamic-bank-of-britain-deposit-account-1804195.html <p>With inflation at a five-year low, there seems little chance of interest rates rising any time soon. In fact, the Centre for Economic and Business Research expects the base rate to remain at 0.5 per cent until 2011. Savers looking to maximise returns in this low-rate environment may be attracted to a fixed rate account as this is where the highest returns are to be had.</p> Loans & Credit Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/money-insider-rate-cuts-open-up-loans-market-1804199.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/money-insider-rate-cuts-open-up-loans-market-1804199.html <p>There are more signs that competition in the mortgage market is growing. Following rate reductions last week from Abbey, Woolwich and Northern Rock, First Direct has now launched two new keenly priced base-rate tracker mortgages.</p> Loans & Credit Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-sainsburys-credit-card-1800507.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/spotlight-sainsburys-credit-card-1800507.html <p>Activity in the credit card market is warming up as we start to think about those all-important Christmas shopping purchases. </p> Loans & Credit Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100