Money: Loose change

Scottish Widows is launching a new credit card with Royal Bank of Scotland. The MasterCard charges interest at 15.9 per cent APR and has no annual fee. Transferred balances will be charged an APR 4 per cent below the current rate for 12 months. The cards are available through independent financial advisers. Call 0117 9711177 for an IFA near you.

First Direct, the telephone bank, is offering pounds 20 to all new customers who open a Direct Interest Savings Account before 31 July with a minimum balance of pounds 1,000. The account pays tiered rates of interest, up to 5.65 per cent gross on deposits above pounds 5,000. Call 0800 482448.

Bradford & Bingley Building Society is promising to review savings rates in its First Choice Instant Access Account each month in order to beat its banking rivals. It presently pays between 3.4 and 4.05 per cent gross on deposits above pounds 25,000, including bonuses.

Stalwart Assurance is to offer better annuity retirement income rates to people with diabetes. It says its rates will beat competitors by 5 per cent. Call 01303 876581.

Cannon Lincoln is launching a term assurance policy, Premier Protection, which also offers terminal illness cover. Call 01452 371371.