current accounts

Don't dismiss VISA chargeback

Rebecca Atkinson — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:58:47 +0000

As no-frill airlines continue to go bust, and with Ryan Air warning that many more face collapse next year, people booking flights are rightfully concerned about losing their money.

Abbey ups packaged account stakes

Rebecca Atkinson — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:15:29 +0000

Abbey has launched into the packaged current accounts market with two deals aimed at families and frequent travellers.

The bank has never before offered packaged – or fee-based - current accounts but now joins several of its competitors in offering tailored deals targeted at specific types of customers.

Banks squeeze overdraft fees

Rebecca Atkinson — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:28:16 +0000

As Britain’s biggest banks return to court to defend overdraft fees, new research reveals average interest charges on overdrafts have increased to over 13% since June.

Banks back in court

Rebecca Atkinson — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:34:40 +0000

Britain’s biggest banks are back in court today to challenge an earlier ruling that gave the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) the right to decide whether overdraft charges are fair or not.

Should we really challenge bank charges?

Rebecca Atkinson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:44:47 +0000

“So how many times a month can I use the account for free,” I asked the clerk helping me open my first British bank account several years ago. “As many as you like,” she replied, seemingly confused by my question. “And how much does it cost if I take money out of another bank’s cash machine?” I asked. “Nothing,” she replied with another quizzical glance.

Lloyds TSB introduces mobile phone banking

Rebecca Atkinson — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:00:32 +0100

Lloyds TSB has become the first bank to allow its customers to transfer money between accounts and check their balances using their mobile phones.

Beware current account incentives

Rebecca Atkinson — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:06:14 +0100

Customers with incentives linked to their current accounts aren’t getting value for money, new research has claimed.

According data provider Defaqto, there are 32 different current account incentives on offer, from home insurance to concierge service. Such incentives are normally attached to fee-based current accounts, which cost consumers an average £1.27 each per month.

Lloyds TSB launches 5% current account

Rebecca Atkinson — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:45:14 +0100

Lloyds TSB has launched a new fee-free current account paying 5% credit interest on balances as high as £7,000.

Although experts say the account offers a competitive interest rate compared to other fee-free deals, its specific features mean it is not for everyone.

Tesco considers current account offering

Rebecca Atkinson — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:13:34 +0100

The Royal Bank of Scotland is to jack-in its 50% stake in Tesco Personal Finance, as the supermarket unveils plans to expand its savings range and potentially offer current accounts for the
first time.

Moneywise awards: best current accounts for 2008

Chris Thomas — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:03:38 +0100

Once upon a time current accounts were seen as a necessary evil, barely warranting a mention, but today they are one of the most talked-about financial products. But it’s not interest rates or the size of the overdraft facility that’s got people talking, it’s the ongoing row about reclaiming unfair bank charges.