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Jafar Hassan

Jafar Hassan

Articles and guides written by Jafar Hassan

Jafar Hassan

Jafar Hassan

Content editor

About the Author

Now living in Canada, Jafar previously wrote and edtied British consumer finance news and guides for Uswitch.

He has provided spokesperson comments to media publications including The Guardian, Daily Mail, The Telegraph and The Sun on a broad range of personal finance topics and also directed content strategy for Money.co.uk, Uswitch's sister site.

Comparing life insurance: step by step

Comparing and Switching Life Insurance Policies

Finding the right insurance policy can allow you to relax in the knowledge that your family is protected. Compare, buy or switch life insurance policies within minutes.

Guide on how do balance transfer cards work?

How balance transfer credit cards work

Compare 0% balance transfer credit cards with Uswitch - our guide answers your key questions, such as how do balance transfer credit cards work? Follow our top tips to find out the best balance transfer credit cards for you.

Who owns your credit card?

Who owns your credit card?

Many credit cards come under the umbrella over a wider banking group. Find out who owns your credit card provider, such as NewDay, American Express and Barclaycard and why knowing your banking groups could be important.

Guide - Top tips for getting the most from your cash ISA

Best savings rates: Uswitch's tips to get the best saving rates

Uswitch explains how to find the best savings rates. Find the best savings account for you with our tips for getting the best saving rates

Should you pay annually or monthly for your home insurance? coin purse

Bank accounts available - Find the right account

Read the Uswitch bank account guide - find the right bank account available to help you manage your money.

coins education

Child Savings Accounts: A Guide To Children's Bank Accounts

Want to know more about child savings accounts and how to find the best children's bank accounts around? Use Uswitch to find the best accounts for child savings.

Student bank accounts

How to Choose the Best Student Bank Account for your needs

Whether you're studying full-time for a degree, a degree-equivalent or a postgraduate course, compare the benefits of a student bank account, and find the best student account for you with Uswitch.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Ethical investments | Socially responsible investments

Looking to build up an investment portfolio without compromising on your ethical beliefs? Learn how with Uswitch's guide to ethical investing

Investment: the Uswitch guide

Investment guide - Learn the basics of investing money

New to the idea of investments but not sure where to start? Uswitch explains the basics of investing money and suggests further reading to help you.

What is an overdraft?

What is an overdraft? Uswitch explains

Uswitch explains what an overdraft is, when to use one and where you can find an interest-free overdraft.

Guide - Top tips for getting the most from your cash ISA

Cash ISAs - What is a cash ISA?

Find out the cash ISA basics, including how they work, the types of cash ISA available and how much you can invest tax-free.

Junior ISAs - the basics

Junior ISAs - the basics

Want to know how Junior ISAs can help you save? Read the Uswitch guide for choosing a Cash ISA and find out how to get the most out of your Junior Individual Savings Account (ISA).

Pen and notebook written with ISA (individual saving account) on white wooden background.

Share ISA rules and Stock ISA rules

A stocks and shares ISA can be a great way to invest, but it's not right for everyone. Uswitch explains the advantages and risks of stocks and shares ISAs.

Couple in a car driving into sunset on holiday abroad

Driving abroad - what you need to know | Uswitch

There's more to driving abroad than keeping to the other side of the road - find out about the local rules and customs when driving on holiday.

Car Insurance: Your Questions Answered

We've answered common car insurance questions to help you understand what you need and to decide what car insurance is best for you.

How to buy cheap life insurance

How to buy cheap life insurance

Do you have dependents? You could benefit from life insurance. We explain what to consider when searching for cheap life insurance and how Uswitch can help.

How to buy stocks and shares

Stocks and shares | Buying shares and what to do

Want to know how to buy stocks and shares and invest in the stock market? Our guide will explain what is a share, how to buy shares, and how risky are shares so that you can decide whether buying shares is a good idea for you.

Commercial delivery vans in row at parking place of transporting carrier shipping service company

5 steps to finding van insurance using Uswitch

Based on the details you provide, we'll get van insurance quotes from the UK's leading insurance providers and provide a list of van insurance policies.

Laptop on white table

Personal loans UK - Find a Personal Loan Now

Filter through the personal loans UK market using Uswitch's free and independent UK loans comparison service. Read more in our expert guides to loans.

How to Calculate Home Insurance Costs

How to Calculate Home Insurance Costs

Looking to find out how much would home insurance cost for your property? Read our guide and decide how much cover your home needs.

Instant decision credit cards - Quirky credit card image

Find instant decision credit cards

Many credit cards are described as 'instant decision' cards, but what does this actually mean and can you really get an instant credit card without the wait?

Choosing the right secured loan for you

Choosing a secure loan with Uswitch.com

Finding cheap loans, whether they are personal or secured loans in the UK is easy with Uswitch. Compare all lenders rates, terms and monthly repayments.

Ultimate first time buyer guide: how much money do you need to buy a house?

Your credit score and your housemates | Credit reports Q & A

I live in shared accommodation, will my housemate's credit rating affect my likelihood of getting a credit card? Read our credit reports Q&A to learn more.

Uswitch's Top Tips To Find The Best Car Finance Deals

There are plenty of cheap cars out there - don't ruin your bargain with an expensive car loan. Read our top tips for finding cheap car finance deals.

Charity credit cards

Compare Charity Credit Cards

Charity credit cards allow you to donate to charity when you spend. Find out more about charity credit cards and how they compare to cashback credit cards.

family in a field

Life insurance tips | Choose the best life insurance

Choosing the best life insurance policy can be confusing - read our life insurance tips before you compare and buy life insurance.

Credit card cash advanced withdrawals

Credit Card Advance Cash Withdrawals - The Costs

Find out about the cost of withdrawing cash using a credit card as well as the best alternatives to credit card cash withdrawals.

Home insurance claims

Home insurance claims - Know what to do with Uswitch.com

Find out how to make a claim on your home insurance and the things you need to have to hand before you do.

Online Banking Explained

Online Banking Explained - How To Stay Safe Online

Understand how online banking works, and how to keep safe and secure whilst accessing your accounts.

Debt consolidation loans

Debt consolidation loans - How do they work?

Debt consolidation loans might sound like a great idea to ease a financial burden, but are they a wise choice for you? We reveal all.

Charge cards close up

Charge Cards UK | Find The Best Charge Credit Cards | Uswitch

Charge cards allow you to pay for goods and services on credit, as long as you pay off your balance in full at the end of every month.

Debt advice companies and charities

Free debt advice companies and charities

Check our list of organisations, including debt charities in the UK, companies and government bodies that can help you take control of your debt.

How to improve your credit rating and credit score

How to improve your credit score and credit history

Whether you're looking for a credit card, loan, or even a mobile phone deal, your credit score is important - find out whether phone contracts improve credit score, how to improve credit ratings.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Basic bank accounts - find out about basic bank accounts

Basic bank accounts tend to be used by people without access to standard bank current accounts - find out more about the basic current account advantages and disadvantages.

Bad credit rating - How to improve credit rating

How to dispute your credit report

Have you checked your credit rating and found incorrect information on credit report? Read our guide to learn how to dispute your credit report, and prevent errors from damaging your credit score.

Guide to buildings and contents insurance cover

Building and Contents Insurance Quotes

Compare cheap building and contents insurance quotes to see if you could save on your premium. Learn how to make buildings insurance cheaper.

High Interest Savings Accounts

Looking for the best interest rates on savings? We've found the highest interest savings accounts so you can beat inflation with high interest savings.

Zopa - make money with social lending

Zopa social lending - Is it suitable for you?

A return of 8.1% on your investment might sound too good to be true, but with social lending sites like Zopa it's possible. Find out how Zopa and social lending works.

woman holding jar of coins signifying savings

Best Cash ISA Rates Find ISA Rates ISA comparison

Compare our best cash ISA rates and run a cash ISA comparison with Uswitch. Compare cash ISA rates on our tables.

Loan companies - Find the best loan company

Loan companies - Find the best loan company for you

Looking for good loan companies? The easiest way to go about it is to learn a bit about the loans market and decide what type of loan you need.

Tablet hand writing

How to Run a Loan Comparison

Make a free loan comparison with Uswitch.com and we'll find the best personal or secured loan for you. Why comparing loans is so important — and so easy.

Compare loans: step-by-step

Compare loans: step-by-step

Need a loan? Read our step-by-step guide on how to compare loans with Uswitch and apply online for a personal or secured loan today

Airline credit cards - Airmiles & Avios points

Airline Credit Cards | Airmiles & Avios points

Airline credit cards help earn you Avios points the replacement for Airmiles when used for credit card purchases

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Credit report and credit score | Why check your credit rating?

Your credit score can be a deciding factor when taking out credit. Find out how you can use your Experian credit report and score to your advantage.

Bad credit rating - How to improve credit rating

Free Credit Reports - Get a Free Credit Check

What is a statutory credit report? How do I get a free credit report? We show you some of the best free credit reports and explain how free credit reports work.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Applying for too many credit cards | Credit report Q&A

Could applying for too many credit cards affect my credit rating? Read our guide to learn how credit card application affect your credit rating and score.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

I have bad credit. Can I still get credit cards with rewards?

Get your credit rating and credit card questions answered by our money experts. I have a bad credit rating. Can I still get a credit card with rewards?

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Credit cards to improve credit rating? | Credit score Q&A

I've been told that I should get a credit card to improve my credit rating. Is this true and how so? Read on to learn what can improve your credit rating.

Driving in the UK on a non-UK licence

The car insurance jargon buster - Uswitch.com

Don't be left confused by complicated terminology - read our car insurance jargon buster. From black boxes to underwriters, our guide simplifies key terms.

Pen and notebook written with ISA (individual saving account) on white wooden background.

Uswitch explains: why you should stick with your ISA.

New research shows many people are thinking about dropping their cash ISAs. Uswitch explains why you should keep your ISA

Home insurance accidental damage cover

Home & Contents Insurance Accidental Damage Cover

Home insurance that includes additional accidental damage insures the policyholder's possessions against spillages and breakages at home.

Identity fraud protection | Credit reports & identity theft protection

Credit reports & identity fraud protection

Find out how checking your credit report can help to protect you against identity fraud - read our top ten tips to protecting yourself against ID fraud.

Guide to home insurance in flood risk areas

Flood Risk Home Insurance - Getting the Right Cover

If your home is at risk from flooding then it's a good idea to have contents as well as buildings insurance. Find out what you can do to help prepare for possible floods, and how it could affect your home insurance policy.

Over 50s life insurance | Life insurance over 50

Over 50s life insurance | Life insurance over 50

Over 50s life insurance could save you money and better protect your family. Our guide to life insurance for the over 50s can help you decide what you need.

Getting life insurance after surviving a critical illness

Finding life insurance companies|Life insurance types

Find out about level term life insurance, mortgage protection, critical illness and more - compare life insurance online with Uswitch today.

Store Cards | Learn The Benefits And The Alternatives

Find out all you need to know about store cards and whether you could be better off with a reward or balance transfer credit card.

Jar of coins on table

Savings accounts & ISAs: the Uswitch guide

What different types of savings accounts are available? In this Uswitch guide we explore the different savings accounts & ISAs.

What is a cash ISA? Top ten ISA questions answered

What is an ISA allowance, what is the cash ISA allowance?

Your ISA questions answered - Uswitch answers ten of the most common questions about ISAs. Find out everything you need to know about ISAs.

Guide - Top tips for getting the most from your cash ISA

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Are your savings safe? Learn about the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and how to protect your savings with the Uswitch guide to the FSCS.

Guide - Top tips for getting the most from your cash ISA

Cash ISAs: Uswitch's top tips for getting the most from cash ISAs

Looking for a cash ISA? Read Uswitch's top tips for choosing a cash ISA and find out how to get the most out of your cash ISA savings.

Seven steps to get out of debt

How To Take Action on Debt

We speak to David Rodger, Managing Director of debt advice charity, Debt Advice Foundation about the importance of facing up to your financial problems.

Investment risk

Investment Risk: Your Essential Guide to Investments and Risk

How risky are certain kinds of investments likely to be and does that suit your risk profile? Read the basics of investment risk with this Uswitch guide.

Property investment

Investing in property - investment property for sale

Like the idea of investing in property but not sure where to start? Learn the basics of property investment and find investment property for sale.

Step by Step Guide to Comparing Personal Loans

Need an unsecured loan? Read our step-by-step guide to comparing personal loans with Uswitch and apply online for a personal loan today.

Small loans: what are your options?

Small loans: what are your options?

A small personal loan may be the obvious choice if you're looking for a small loan, but you've got more options than you might think.

Loans for bad credit and poor credit

Loans for bad credit and poor credit

Looking to find the best loan for bad credit? Uswitch.com can help with our guide on how to get the best loan for you.

Bad credit rating - How to improve credit rating

Credit reports: Learn about credit reporting agencies

Credit reports: what's your credit rating? Get free online access to your credit report with Uswitch and find out the facts about credit ratings.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Bad credit bank accounts: your options explained

Have you got a bad credit rating? Not sure what your bank account options are? Read the Uswitch guide to bad credit bank accounts.

Bad credit rating - How to improve credit rating

Bad credit rating - How to improve credit rating

Do you have a bad credit rating? Learn how to improve a bad credit report with Uswitch

Seven steps to cheap home insurance

Finding discount home insurance may require luck but there are genuine steps you can take to find cheap home insurance policies.

Identity fraud - What is identity theft (ID theft)?

Identity fraud - What is identity theft (ID theft)?

Identity theft is a growing problem - but are you at risk from identity theft and how can you protect yourself? Find out with Uswitch.

Debt consolidation loans explained

Debt Consolidation Loans | Learn About Consolidating Debt

Debt consolidation loans could help you to get in control of your debt by combining all your debts into one. But consolidating debt isn't right for everyone

Seven steps to get out of debt

Debt Management Plans | Debt management services and help

Debt Management Plans are one way to get free of debt. This Uswitch guide explores the benefits and drawbacks of debt management services.

What is bankruptcy? Bankruptcy explained

What is bankruptcy? Going bankrupt and bankruptcy

What is bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a form of insolvency, read on for bankruptcy information to help you consider your options.

Seven steps to get out of debt

IVA debt advice - Individual voluntary arrangement and debt tips

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is an alternative to bankruptcy as a debt management solution. But what is an IVA and how do they work?

Seven steps to get out of debt

Getting out of debt - tips and help with debt problems

Determined to get out of debt, but don't know where to start? Take control of your finances and beat debt with our Uswitch 7-step guide.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

The current account switching service - learn more

From September 2013, a new bank account switching service will make it faster and easier to switch provider - Uswitch looks into how it will work.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Find The Best MasterCard Credit Cards

Compare MasterCard credit card deals with Uswitch - find the best low APR, balance transfer and cashback credit cards.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

How current account interest rates work Uswitch explains

If you're confused about interest rates and current accounts, Uswitch can help - read about current account interest rates today.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

What affects your credit rating?

Learn how the credit scoring system tends to work between credit reporting agencies and what affects credit rating and how to improve your credit score.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Low Rate APR Credit Cards

Low rate APR credit cards could save you more money in the long run - find out how and compare low rate credit cards with Uswitch to find a great deal.

Credit card cheques

Credit Card Cheques - What is a Credit Card Cheque? - Uswitch

Credit card cheques were a means of paying for goods or services without cash and when you couldn't use your credit card.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Average credit rating

Checking your credit history means you can identify ways to improve your credit rating, which could help you to get a better rate.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Good credit rating - How to improve my credit rating

What is a good credit rating and how can you improve your credit rating if you're struggling to get credit. We take a closer look and offer our top tips for improving your credit.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Questions to ask yourself before your credit card application

A rundown of some of the important questions you should ask yourself before you apply for credit - it could save you a fortune in the long-run.

Social networking privacy - Facebook safety and online safety

Social networking privacy - Facebook safety and online safety

Social networking privacy - how not paying attention to privacy settings on social networking sites can put you at risk and how to protect yourself.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Why you should check your credit rating

Checking your credit rating can help you improve your credit score and protect you against fraud - read our top 10 reasons for checking your credit rating.

Seven steps to get out of debt

Debt Questions and Answers | Find debt help with our Q&A

Are you liable for your partner's debts? Which debts should you pay off first? What action can your creditors take against you? Get these answers and more.

Seven steps to get out of debt

Dealing With Debt: How Others are Finding Their Feet

Find out how other people have got control over their debt

Seven steps to get out of debt

Debt Relief Orders: What is a DRO and Who Can Get One?

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is an alternative to bankruptcy for people on a low income and with few assets. Find out if a DRO is right for you at Uswitch.com

Seven steps to get out of debt

Help with debt: Find out how to get out of debt | Uswitch guides

Find out how to get out of debt and read about debt solutions with this Uswitch guide to debt management help.

Eight tips for dealing with debt stress

Dealing with debt | How to deal with debt stress and anxiety

Coping with debt is tough, but you're not alone - get advice on coping with debt stress and depression from Uswitch today.

Administration Orders explained

Budgeting tips to help you shrink your debt and save money

Budgeting advice and tips for getting your finances in shape and clearing your debts faster. Includes downloadable budget planners.

Seven steps to get out of debt

Administration Orders: what is an admin order?

An Administration Order is a way to pay off your debts in monthly instalments and can help stop calls from your creditors. Find out more with Uswitch.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Current Accounts: Your Essential Guide From Uswitch

What's the right current account for you? Use Uswitch to find the current accounts that make your money work harder and pick the right current account today.

Check your eligibility for credit cards and credit reports, cash coin purse

Opening a new current account with Uswitch.com

Opening a new current account is easy. We talk you through what you need, what to look our for, and how long it will take.