http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/credit-card-squeeze-has-borrowing-on-plastic-had-its-day-1820495.html http://www.independent.co.uk/money/loans-credit/credit-card-squeeze-has-borrowing-on-plastic-had-its-day-1820495.html <p>Borrowing on plastic could soon be a distant memory. The days of interest-free credit cards could soon be over as we move to a world of higher charges and monthly or annual fees. Meanwhile more and more borrowers are facing being turned down by mainstream credit cards, forcing them to turn to expensive alternatives.</p> Loans & Credit Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 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