Tom Martin

Moving home tips | Uswitch

Moving home is among the most stressful things to do, but much of that stress can be mitigated by planning in advance. Our advice will help!

Fee-free and low-fee mortgages

The mortgage set up fee, also known as the mortgage arrangement fee, is the cost the bank or building society charges for setting up the mortgage

Are cashback mortgages worth it?

A cashback mortgage will give you a cash lump sum when you successfully apply for one, but do they always offer the best value for money overall? We look at the answer

Rent to Buy | What is it and how can it help you?

What is Rent to Buy? Find out if the government’s Rent to Buy scheme is right for you, and how to find a home under the scheme

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

Discover the costs that could arise when buying your first home and how you could make your money go further

How long does it take to get a mortgage?

The time it takes to get a mortgage will depend on a number of factors, find out more with our comprehensive guide.

How to access equity - remortgaging for a cash lump sum

What is equity and how can you access it? We explain how you can remortgage to release equity, getting cash from your home.

Why buying a home is better than renting

In the long run buying a home is usually better value than renting. Despite the large upfront costs that come with paying a deposit, legal and mortgage fees

Should I choose a fixed, variable or tracker mortgage?

Which mortgage is best for you? Read our guide to fixed rate versus standard variable rate mortgages and what mortgage interest rates mean.

How to save for a mortgage deposit

Saving for a mortgage deposit typically takes around ten years and requires careful planning and discipline with your money

Residential mortgages

Learn all about the largest and most common form of credit in the UK - a residential mortgage, helping millions of us buy homes.

How many different types of mortgage are there?

With fixed rate, variable rate or tracker rate mortgages, the option to pay interest only, capital, offset, finding the right mortgage can be difficult

Banking Questions and Answers

Banks, credit cards and credit scores: get your money concerns and queries answered by our personal finance experts.

Current Account Switching: your guide to the 7-day guarantee

Many people stick with the same account their parents opened for them, but the 7-day current account switch guarantee could change all of that.

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

If you are trying to manage your finances and utilise available credit, you might be wondering "how many credit cards should I have?" Our guide explains the pros and cons of owning multiple credit cards.

Contactless payment cards - what is contactless payment?

Contactless payment was designed to be a quicker card payment method for small purchases than chip and PIN payments or swiping and signing, but you can now spend £100 using contactless. Read onto find out more

Regulated buy to let mortgages

Consumer buy to let mortgages are regulated as residential mortgages aimed at 'accidental' or non-professional landlords

Student loans and finance - how to pay for a degree

A student loan is a loan given to help fund university study and higher education. If you're studying in the UK, there are a number of different loans available, both private student loans and government backed companies.

How to Transfer Money From Credit Card to Bank Account

If you're wondering, can I transfer money from a credit card into a bank account? read the Uswitch guide to find out how. Search for a credit card that will allow you to transfer money into your current account.

Check Your Eligibility for Credit Cards

You can check your eligibility for a credit card without having to apply for it, so you can reduce the risk of being rejected for a card.

Home improvements that can add value to your home

Improving your home can add thousands to its value. Does a conservatory add value? We look at how much home improvements cost, what they add and how to pay for them.

Credit Card Glossary A-Z | Jargon Busting Credit Cards

Fed up with credit card jargon? Read our credit card glossary to get a simple explanation of everything from APR to Transfer fees.

How to use a credit card

Credit cards can be a cheap way to borrow money, but there are good and bad ways to use them. Our guide discusses, how to use a credit card, what can you use them for? What are the benefits? And in what circumstances should they be avoided?

Loans explained: all you need to know

A comprehensive guide about loans with all the information you need before taking out a loan

What is APR, How Does APR Work and What it Means?

What is annual percentage rate (or APR)? How does it work? Our guide explains how APR works and what you need to know about it if you're borrowing money.

Guarantor loans

If you have a bad credit score getting a loan can be difficult, especially getting one with competitive rates, this where a guarantor loan could help.

Are there any risks in opening a joint account?

A joint account is a rite of passage for many couples. Rather than quibbling over every shopping bill you just put your money into the same account.

What is PPI? Can you still make a claim?

What is PPI? PPI, or payment protection insurance, became one of the most notorious financial products in recent years due to the PPI miss-selling scandal.

Loans for unemployed people

Are loans for unemployed people available? Yes, but it's more difficult and potentially much more expensive and therefore more risky. Find out how to get one, and why they pose a risk.

No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards - Travel Money

What are the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees? Find out how to get a 'perfect' exchange rate when spending abroad.

Apple Pay – Contactless payment with your iPhone

Apple's version of contactless payment, ‘Apple Pay’ is a convenient way of paying with your iPhone or Apple watch. We explain how it works and what to be aware of.

Loan rates - how to get low interest loans

If you want to find good low interest loan rates, then you will need to shop around to find one that best fits your needs, Uswitch explains how.

Credit Cards for the Self-Employed

Compare self-employed credit card options and get access to credit. Find out everything you'll need to know to get accepted.

Store credit cards - the good and the bad

A store credit card is a credit card branded by a particular store or retailer. Some you can only use in that retailer while others can be used anywhere but the benefits and discounts it offers are only available in the retail chain branded on the card.

Main Differences Between Credit Card and Debit Card

This handy guide answers those questions you've always been unsure about, such as what kind of bank card do I have? Do credit cards have sort codes? We help you to tell your debit from your credit cards and your Visas from you Mastercards.

How do I build credit without a credit card?

If you're looking for a credit card to build your credit score, use our comparison service to search for the best credit cards for bad credit. Our guide answers those key questions, such as do you need a credit card to have a credit score?

Home improvement loans

Choosing the best home improvement loans, whether they be secured or unsecured personal loans, can be tricky – read our guide to help make sense of home improvement loans.

Home Insurance for Unoccupied Property

Compare unoccupied house insurance and find out what it covers and how you'll be protected. Learn about how your home insurance policy can be affected if you're not around and your home is left unoccupied.

National Savings and Investment (NS&I) explained

National Savings and Investment, or NS&I, is a government backed national form of saving account, aiming to give savers a secure space to store their money.

Getting a mortgage when you’re older

Once you're over 50 your mortgage options begin to change, so it's worth carefully considering your options. Our guide shows you the options.

Can you get a loan for a mortgage deposit?

How to get a deposit for a house? Is taking out a loan for house deposit an option? Read our guide to find out more.

How to get a second mortgage

A second mortgage is a separate mortgage taken out on an additional or second property. It leaves you with two concurrent mortgages to pay off. Find out how to get a second mortagage with our guide.

Should I pay off my mortgage early?

Is paying a mortgage off early always a good thing? We explain what your options are, and the benefits if you want to clear your mortgage ahead of time. We also explain what the alternatives are if the repayment penalty is just too costly.

Home Buying & Moving Costs | The Facts of Buying a Home

Home buying, moving and mortgage costs. Uswitch guide to all the costs of buying a house, including deposit, solicitor fees, stamp duty and conveyancing.

Loans for Young People - Different Type of Loans

Whether you need extra financing for your studies or trip abroad, getting a loan when you're younger can be difficult. Our guide explains ways to borrow loans for young people.

What's the cheapest way to borrow money?

Take a look at what are typically the cheapest ways to borrow money, and see if you can save next time you want to get a loan or credit card.

Second Home Mortgages - Uswitch explains

A second home mortgage is a mortgage for buying a second home - not to be confused with getting a remortgage or second charge mortgage.

Mortgages for Holiday Lets - Uswitch Guide to Holiday Lets

Learn more about financing holiday home properties. Looking for a holiday let mortgage? Find out if you could get a mortgage for a holiday home

How to Get a Second Charge or Second Mortgage

Second charge or a second mortgage is a loan secured on your home and can be alternative to remortgaging. Our Uswitch guide explains the benefits.

Guarantor and Family Help Mortgages

Parents, families and friends can help out first time buyers with deposits, a guarantor mortgage or family offset mortgages. We reveal what's involved.

How to Cancel a Credit Card - Closing Credit Card Accounts

How to cancel a credit card account? Uswitch guide explains how to close a Halifax credit card, Santander, Virgin and other credit card provider accounts.

Cashback Credit Cards - A guide to Cashback

With cashback credit cards, you get cash back on your spending - learn more and use our credit card comparison tool to find the right one for you.

Guide to Peer to Peer Lending UK - how does it work?

Peer to peer lending in the UK has taken off in recent years, with p2p lending now a permanent fixture on the financial circuit

Mortgage guide page (mock up)

How to get a deposit for a house? Is taking out a loan for house deposit an option? Read our guide to find out more.

Build to rent homes

Build to rent refers to an emerging sector in the housing market involving large scale developments built mainly for the use by private renters

Is the lowest mortgage rate always the cheapest?

The cost of a mortgage is almost entirely defined by the interest rate, so the lower the rate, the cheaper your mortgage will be - Read the Uswitch Guide

How to Get a Mortgage if You're Self-Employed - Uswitch.com

If you work for yourself as a freelancer or contractor or are classed as self employed and are looking for a mortgage? Read our self-employed mortgage guide

Timber frame house insurance

If your house is made from timber, you may wish to speak to a non-standard home insurance provider to get a quote specific to your requirements.

Mortgage repayment holidays

A repayment holiday is an agreement with a lender to allow you to take a break usually for a month or two or perhaps longer from your usual payment plan.

How to become a buy to let landlord - Uswitch

Investing in buy to let property has become a popular in recent years, what do you need to know before you become a buy to let landlord?

How to Calculate Credit Card Interest Rates

How is credit card interest calculated? The Uswitch guide explains, how to calculate credit card interest, based on companies rates for their credit cards.

Best credit cards for 2018 Christmas shopping and January sales

What's the best credit cards for Christmas shopping? We look at cards that will reward you for spending or let you borrow for free.

What does the base rate cut mean for your finances?

The Bank of England cut interest rates to 0.10% in March 2020. The lowest rate it's ever been. This could mean cheaper mortgage payments but much lower returns on savings.

Compare mortgage protection insurance with Uswitch

Mortgage protection insurance is one way to help cover your debt repayments in the event of losing your income. Learn more about mortgage protection cover.

Prepaid Travel Cards - the Best Way to Spend Overseas?

Prepaid travel cards are plastic payment cards pre-loaded with currency that enable you to spend as if you were using a credit or debit card

Uswitch Current Account Awards 2013

Find the UK's best current account providers, as voted by customers. The Uswitch Current Account Awards shine a light on the best current account providers.

American Express - Amex Credit Cards

What is Amex or American Express? How do they differ from Visa and MasterCard credit cards? Read on to find out the pros and cons

Get the best euro exchange rate on a credit card

What's the best way to spend as you travel around Europe? Take the euros as cash or spend on a travel credit card?

First Credit Card - How to Establish Credit History

Applying for a first credit card can have its complications - our guide can help with the preparation needed to build up your credit history

How to Find the Best Card for Travel Abroad

Credit cards are convenient for making travel arrangements, and can also allow you a little more spending leeway when you are on holiday

Money Transfer Credit Cards - Interest Free Cash Loans

Can money transfer credit cards give you interest free cash loans? Read the Uswitch guide to find the best interest-free money transfer credit cards

Student car insurance |Taking your car to university - Uswitch

Our guide explains how to save money on student car insurance if you're taking your car with you when you move away to study. Compare insurance quotes here.

Understanding the credit card summary box

Credit card comparison tables can be quite tricky, so it's worth knowing how to read the credit card summary box to decode the legal jargon.

Should I take cash with me on holiday?

The world of travel money is notoriously difficult. Do you take money or change there? Do you take cash, card or cheque? We answer your questions.

Current Accounts, Savings or ISAs? Which is best for you?

Can your current account provide a better rate of return than your savings? When interest rates are rock bottom the answer could be 'yes'. Find out more

Credit Cards Q&A - Get Your Credit Card Questions Answered

Confused about credit cards or just want more information? Use our Q&A to find the answers you're looking for with our money experts

3 tips on credit card pre-approval process

Learn more about the credit card pre-approval process and see if it can really help your chances of getting a credit card if you have bad credit.

What is LTV? How to Calculate LTV - Loan to Value Ratio

LTV, or loan-to-value, is the size of mortgage compared to how much your property is worth. Do have enough equity to qualify for the best mortgage rates?

NISAs - The new combined ISA

NISAs were one of the big announcements in the 2014 budget, but what are they exactly, how do they differ from ISAs and savings, and are they right for you?

Level term life insurance | Term insurance

Level term life insurance covers a fixed period with a fixed payout. Read our guide to help find you the cheapest life insurance on the market.

Mortgage Market Review - What is the MMR?

The mortgage market review is a fundamental change to the UK's mortgage market, but what is the mortgage market review or MMR?

Car Loans and Car Financing. What is my best option?

Buying a car requires a large amount of money so if you don't have the cash, a large personal loan can seem like the easiest option, but is it the best?

Deposit Protection Schemes - Guide to Renting a Home

The deposit protection scheme is a vital safeguard for the millions of tenants renting their property across the UK. Learn how it all works in our guide.

Mortgage Guide: Essential Information on Mortgages

Looking for mortgage information? Use the mortgage guide for the essential facts you need to make an informed choice about your mortgage today.

Credit unions | What is a credit union? Uswitch explains

Credit unions can sometimes offer better rates than the high street and help those struggling with debt - read our guide to see if they can save you money

Claims Management Companies - PPI

Do claims management companies keep calling you? Find out why, what they do and if they can be useful for you. Claims management companies have been in the news since the PPI mis-selling scandal broke but how do claims management companies work?

Payday loans: everything you need to know

You may be tempted to borrow money using a payday loan, but with interest rates as high as 2,000% APR or more they could prove very expensive!

Car Loans - Compare and Find Cheap Loans for your Car

Wondering how to buy a new car? Read our guide to car loans and other financing options, including hire purchase plans, personal contract purchase

How to get the best exchange rates

You could get the best exchange rate for your travel money by shopping around and buying currency at the right time

How to pay for your holidays

Paying for a holiday can be one of the most expensive decisions of the year: flights, hotels and travel money. What's the best way to pay for it all?

How can you manage your finances in Brexit Britain?

As Britain leaves the European Union the only certainty ahead is uncertainty, we explain what it means for you and how you can try to protect your finances

Quick Access to Cash Your Options

There are few loan companies that will give you instant decisions - the ones that do will often leave you saddled with an extremely high rate of interest

Loans for Medical Procedures to Pay Off Medical Bills

Loans for medical procedures is not available on the NHS. However, many medical procedures offer their own financing plans. Take a look at our guide

Borrowing with a poor credit history

With a bad credit history it can be difficult, but not impossible to borrow money, whether it's a credit card, loan or mortgage.

Loans for People with Poor Credit History

Poor credit history? Take a step to improve your credit score by registering on electoral roll. This lowers your risk of fraud in the eyes of lenders

Holiday loans

Wondering how you can finance your next holiday? Explore three of the main options available to you!

Alternatives to payday loans

Payday loans have come under close scrutiny, because of their very high effective interest rates. What are your alternatives to payday loans?

Wedding loans for credit - finance your wedding

Looking for a wedding loan for bad credit? Read on to learn more about what your options are for getting a wedding loan even if you have bad credit.

Logbook Loans - Secured Lending For Your Vehicle

What are logbook loans? Consider taking out a logbook loan? Read our guide to learn more about logbook loans and what the alternatives financing option.

Should You Get Your Mortgage From Your Bank?

Your bank already knows your circumstances and can get an idea of your reliability with less effort when it comes to assessing your mortgage application

When should I remortgage?

Whatever your reason for remortgaging, timing is everything. We look at when remortgaging can be most beneficial, and when it may be best to avoid it

Moving home tips | Uswitch

Moving home is among the most stressful things to do, but much of that stress can be mitigated by planning in advance. Our advice will help!

Fee-free and low-fee mortgages

The mortgage set up fee, also known as the mortgage arrangement fee, is the cost the bank or building society charges for setting up the mortgage

House valuation – find out what your home is worth

A house valuation will tell you about the property and how much it is worth. Our guide explains how to get a free house valuation.

Are cashback mortgages worth it?

A cashback mortgage will give you a cash lump sum when you successfully apply for one, but do they always offer the best value for money overall? We look at the answer

Rent to Buy | What is it and how can it help you?

What is Rent to Buy? Find out if the government’s Rent to Buy scheme is right for you, and how to find a home under the scheme

How to apply for a mortgage

Mortgage applications can be complex, but a bit of research and preparation can help the process go more smoothly. Below we explain how to prepare

Can I get a mortgage without a credit check?

Your credit score will be looked at when you apply for any type of mortgage and have more stringent lending criteria to loans - Read the Uswitch Guide

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

Discover the costs that could arise when buying your first home and how you could make your money go further

How long does it take to get a mortgage?

The time it takes to get a mortgage will depend on a number of factors, find out more with our comprehensive guide.

How to access equity - remortgaging for a cash lump sum

What is equity and how can you access it? We explain how you can remortgage to release equity, getting cash from your home.

Why buying a home is better than renting

In the long run buying a home is usually better value than renting. Despite the large upfront costs that come with paying a deposit, legal and mortgage fees

Should I choose a fixed, variable or tracker mortgage?

Which mortgage is best for you? Read our guide to fixed rate versus standard variable rate mortgages and what mortgage interest rates mean.

How to save for a mortgage deposit

Saving for a mortgage deposit typically takes around ten years and requires careful planning and discipline with your money

Residential mortgages

Learn all about the largest and most common form of credit in the UK - a residential mortgage, helping millions of us buy homes.

How many different types of mortgage are there?

With fixed rate, variable rate or tracker rate mortgages, the option to pay interest only, capital, offset, finding the right mortgage can be difficult

What size mortgage can I get and how much can I borrow?

Finding the size of mortgage you can get before you start house hunting is a sensible move and can help you set your budget.

Step by step guide to buying a home

In this step by step guide to buying a home, we explain different steps that one needs to take before buying a home

How to buy a house

To buy a house you need to set a budget, find a home you can afford, apply for a mortgage and transfer funds to the seller

Who are the biggest mortgage lenders in the UK?

The largest UK mortgage providers are often Lloyds, Santander, Nationwide, Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland and HSBC

No deposit mortgages

No deposit mortgages are mortgages that give you a 100% Loan to Value ratio (LTV), aimed at customers who do not have a deposit to put up to buy a home

Banking Questions and Answers

Banks, credit cards and credit scores: get your money concerns and queries answered by our personal finance experts.

Current Account Switching: your guide to the 7-day guarantee

Many people stick with the same account their parents opened for them, but the 7-day current account switch guarantee could change all of that.

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

If you are trying to manage your finances and utilise available credit, you might be wondering "how many credit cards should I have?" Our guide explains the pros and cons of owning multiple credit cards.

Contactless payment cards - what is contactless payment?

Contactless payment was designed to be a quicker card payment method for small purchases than chip and PIN payments or swiping and signing, but you can now spend £100 using contactless. Read onto find out more

Regulated buy to let mortgages

Consumer buy to let mortgages are regulated as residential mortgages aimed at 'accidental' or non-professional landlords

Student loans and finance - how to pay for a degree

A student loan is a loan given to help fund university study and higher education. If you're studying in the UK, there are a number of different loans available, both private student loans and government backed companies.

How to Transfer Money From Credit Card to Bank Account

If you're wondering, can I transfer money from a credit card into a bank account? read the Uswitch guide to find out how. Search for a credit card that will allow you to transfer money into your current account.

Check Your Eligibility for Credit Cards

You can check your eligibility for a credit card without having to apply for it, so you can reduce the risk of being rejected for a card.

Home improvements that can add value to your home

Improving your home can add thousands to its value. Does a conservatory add value? We look at how much home improvements cost, what they add and how to pay for them.

Credit Card Glossary A-Z | Jargon Busting Credit Cards

Fed up with credit card jargon? Read our credit card glossary to get a simple explanation of everything from APR to Transfer fees.

How to use a credit card

Credit cards can be a cheap way to borrow money, but there are good and bad ways to use them. Our guide discusses, how to use a credit card, what can you use them for? What are the benefits? And in what circumstances should they be avoided?

Loans explained: all you need to know

A comprehensive guide about loans with all the information you need before taking out a loan

What is APR, How Does APR Work and What it Means?

What is annual percentage rate (or APR)? How does it work? Our guide explains how APR works and what you need to know about it if you're borrowing money.

Guarantor loans

If you have a bad credit score getting a loan can be difficult, especially getting one with competitive rates, this where a guarantor loan could help.

Are there any risks in opening a joint account?

A joint account is a rite of passage for many couples. Rather than quibbling over every shopping bill you just put your money into the same account.

What is PPI? Can you still make a claim?

What is PPI? PPI, or payment protection insurance, became one of the most notorious financial products in recent years due to the PPI miss-selling scandal.

Loans for unemployed people

Are loans for unemployed people available? Yes, but it's more difficult and potentially much more expensive and therefore more risky. Find out how to get one, and why they pose a risk.

No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards - Travel Money

What are the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees? Find out how to get a 'perfect' exchange rate when spending abroad.

Apple Pay – Contactless payment with your iPhone

Apple's version of contactless payment, ‘Apple Pay’ is a convenient way of paying with your iPhone or Apple watch. We explain how it works and what to be aware of.

Loan rates - how to get low interest loans

If you want to find good low interest loan rates, then you will need to shop around to find one that best fits your needs, Uswitch explains how.

Credit Cards for the Self-Employed

Compare self-employed credit card options and get access to credit. Find out everything you'll need to know to get accepted.

Store credit cards - the good and the bad

A store credit card is a credit card branded by a particular store or retailer. Some you can only use in that retailer while others can be used anywhere but the benefits and discounts it offers are only available in the retail chain branded on the card.

Main Differences Between Credit Card and Debit Card

This handy guide answers those questions you've always been unsure about, such as what kind of bank card do I have? Do credit cards have sort codes? We help you to tell your debit from your credit cards and your Visas from you Mastercards.

How do I build credit without a credit card?

If you're looking for a credit card to build your credit score, use our comparison service to search for the best credit cards for bad credit. Our guide answers those key questions, such as do you need a credit card to have a credit score?

Home improvement loans

Choosing the best home improvement loans, whether they be secured or unsecured personal loans, can be tricky – read our guide to help make sense of home improvement loans.

Home Insurance for Unoccupied Property

Compare unoccupied house insurance and find out what it covers and how you'll be protected. Learn about how your home insurance policy can be affected if you're not around and your home is left unoccupied.

National Savings and Investment (NS&I) explained

National Savings and Investment, or NS&I, is a government backed national form of saving account, aiming to give savers a secure space to store their money.

Getting a mortgage when you’re older

Once you're over 50 your mortgage options begin to change, so it's worth carefully considering your options. Our guide shows you the options.

Can you get a loan for a mortgage deposit?

How to get a deposit for a house? Is taking out a loan for house deposit an option? Read our guide to find out more.

How to get a second mortgage

A second mortgage is a separate mortgage taken out on an additional or second property. It leaves you with two concurrent mortgages to pay off. Find out how to get a second mortagage with our guide.

Should I pay off my mortgage early?

Is paying a mortgage off early always a good thing? We explain what your options are, and the benefits if you want to clear your mortgage ahead of time. We also explain what the alternatives are if the repayment penalty is just too costly.

Home Buying & Moving Costs | The Facts of Buying a Home

Home buying, moving and mortgage costs. Uswitch guide to all the costs of buying a house, including deposit, solicitor fees, stamp duty and conveyancing.

Remortgage to get a buy-to-let property

Remortgaging to buy a rental property, or a buy-to-let property, could be one way to raise enough cash for a mortgage deposit or possibly to buy it outright.

Loans for Young People - Different Type of Loans

Whether you need extra financing for your studies or trip abroad, getting a loan when you're younger can be difficult. Our guide explains ways to borrow loans for young people.

What's the cheapest way to borrow money?

Take a look at what are typically the cheapest ways to borrow money, and see if you can save next time you want to get a loan or credit card.

Second Home Mortgages - Uswitch explains

A second home mortgage is a mortgage for buying a second home - not to be confused with getting a remortgage or second charge mortgage.

Mortgages for Holiday Lets - Uswitch Guide to Holiday Lets

Learn more about financing holiday home properties. Looking for a holiday let mortgage? Find out if you could get a mortgage for a holiday home

How to Get a Second Charge or Second Mortgage

Second charge or a second mortgage is a loan secured on your home and can be alternative to remortgaging. Our Uswitch guide explains the benefits.

Guarantor and Family Help Mortgages

Parents, families and friends can help out first time buyers with deposits, a guarantor mortgage or family offset mortgages. We reveal what's involved.

How to Cancel a Credit Card - Closing Credit Card Accounts

How to cancel a credit card account? Uswitch guide explains how to close a Halifax credit card, Santander, Virgin and other credit card provider accounts.

Cashback Credit Cards - A guide to Cashback

With cashback credit cards, you get cash back on your spending - learn more and use our credit card comparison tool to find the right one for you.

How long do I have to save to get a mortgage?

The average deposit size to get a mortgage is generally 20% of the property value, which means you will likely need somewhere between £20,000 and £50,000

Guide to Peer to Peer Lending UK - how does it work?

Peer to peer lending in the UK has taken off in recent years, with p2p lending now a permanent fixture on the financial circuit

Mortgage guide page (mock up)

How to get a deposit for a house? Is taking out a loan for house deposit an option? Read our guide to find out more.

Build to rent homes

Build to rent refers to an emerging sector in the housing market involving large scale developments built mainly for the use by private renters

Is the lowest mortgage rate always the cheapest?

The cost of a mortgage is almost entirely defined by the interest rate, so the lower the rate, the cheaper your mortgage will be - Read the Uswitch Guide

How to Get a Mortgage if You're Self-Employed - Uswitch.com

If you work for yourself as a freelancer or contractor or are classed as self employed and are looking for a mortgage? Read our self-employed mortgage guide

Timber frame house insurance

If your house is made from timber, you may wish to speak to a non-standard home insurance provider to get a quote specific to your requirements.

Mortgage repayment holidays

A repayment holiday is an agreement with a lender to allow you to take a break usually for a month or two or perhaps longer from your usual payment plan.

How to become a buy to let landlord - Uswitch

Investing in buy to let property has become a popular in recent years, what do you need to know before you become a buy to let landlord?

How to Calculate Credit Card Interest Rates

How is credit card interest calculated? The Uswitch guide explains, how to calculate credit card interest, based on companies rates for their credit cards.

Best credit cards for 2018 Christmas shopping and January sales

What's the best credit cards for Christmas shopping? We look at cards that will reward you for spending or let you borrow for free.

What does the base rate cut mean for your finances?

The Bank of England cut interest rates to 0.10% in March 2020. The lowest rate it's ever been. This could mean cheaper mortgage payments but much lower returns on savings.

Compare mortgage protection insurance with Uswitch

Mortgage protection insurance is one way to help cover your debt repayments in the event of losing your income. Learn more about mortgage protection cover.

Prepaid Travel Cards - the Best Way to Spend Overseas?

Prepaid travel cards are plastic payment cards pre-loaded with currency that enable you to spend as if you were using a credit or debit card

Uswitch Current Account Awards 2013

Find the UK's best current account providers, as voted by customers. The Uswitch Current Account Awards shine a light on the best current account providers.

American Express - Amex Credit Cards

What is Amex or American Express? How do they differ from Visa and MasterCard credit cards? Read on to find out the pros and cons

Get the best euro exchange rate on a credit card

What's the best way to spend as you travel around Europe? Take the euros as cash or spend on a travel credit card?

First Credit Card - How to Establish Credit History

Applying for a first credit card can have its complications - our guide can help with the preparation needed to build up your credit history

How to Find the Best Card for Travel Abroad

Credit cards are convenient for making travel arrangements, and can also allow you a little more spending leeway when you are on holiday

Money Transfer Credit Cards - Interest Free Cash Loans

Can money transfer credit cards give you interest free cash loans? Read the Uswitch guide to find the best interest-free money transfer credit cards

Student car insurance |Taking your car to university - Uswitch

Our guide explains how to save money on student car insurance if you're taking your car with you when you move away to study. Compare insurance quotes here.

Understanding the credit card summary box

Credit card comparison tables can be quite tricky, so it's worth knowing how to read the credit card summary box to decode the legal jargon.

Should I take cash with me on holiday?

The world of travel money is notoriously difficult. Do you take money or change there? Do you take cash, card or cheque? We answer your questions.

Current Accounts, Savings or ISAs? Which is best for you?

Can your current account provide a better rate of return than your savings? When interest rates are rock bottom the answer could be 'yes'. Find out more

Credit Cards Q&A - Get Your Credit Card Questions Answered

Confused about credit cards or just want more information? Use our Q&A to find the answers you're looking for with our money experts

3 tips on credit card pre-approval process

Learn more about the credit card pre-approval process and see if it can really help your chances of getting a credit card if you have bad credit.

What is LTV? How to Calculate LTV - Loan to Value Ratio

LTV, or loan-to-value, is the size of mortgage compared to how much your property is worth. Do have enough equity to qualify for the best mortgage rates?

NISAs - The new combined ISA

NISAs were one of the big announcements in the 2014 budget, but what are they exactly, how do they differ from ISAs and savings, and are they right for you?

Level term life insurance | Term insurance

Level term life insurance covers a fixed period with a fixed payout. Read our guide to help find you the cheapest life insurance on the market.

Mortgage Market Review - What is the MMR?

The mortgage market review is a fundamental change to the UK's mortgage market, but what is the mortgage market review or MMR?

Car Loans and Car Financing. What is my best option?

Buying a car requires a large amount of money so if you don't have the cash, a large personal loan can seem like the easiest option, but is it the best?

Deposit Protection Schemes - Guide to Renting a Home

The deposit protection scheme is a vital safeguard for the millions of tenants renting their property across the UK. Learn how it all works in our guide.

Mortgage Guide: Essential Information on Mortgages

Looking for mortgage information? Use the mortgage guide for the essential facts you need to make an informed choice about your mortgage today.

Credit unions | What is a credit union? Uswitch explains

Credit unions can sometimes offer better rates than the high street and help those struggling with debt - read our guide to see if they can save you money

Claims Management Companies - PPI

Do claims management companies keep calling you? Find out why, what they do and if they can be useful for you. Claims management companies have been in the news since the PPI mis-selling scandal broke but how do claims management companies work?

Payday loans: everything you need to know

You may be tempted to borrow money using a payday loan, but with interest rates as high as 2,000% APR or more they could prove very expensive!

Car Loans - Compare and Find Cheap Loans for your Car

Wondering how to buy a new car? Read our guide to car loans and other financing options, including hire purchase plans, personal contract purchase

How to get the best exchange rates

You could get the best exchange rate for your travel money by shopping around and buying currency at the right time

How to pay for your holidays

Paying for a holiday can be one of the most expensive decisions of the year: flights, hotels and travel money. What's the best way to pay for it all?

How can you manage your finances in Brexit Britain?

As Britain leaves the European Union the only certainty ahead is uncertainty, we explain what it means for you and how you can try to protect your finances

Quick Access to Cash Your Options

There are few loan companies that will give you instant decisions - the ones that do will often leave you saddled with an extremely high rate of interest

Loans for Medical Procedures to Pay Off Medical Bills

Loans for medical procedures is not available on the NHS. However, many medical procedures offer their own financing plans. Take a look at our guide

Borrowing with a poor credit history

With a bad credit history it can be difficult, but not impossible to borrow money, whether it's a credit card, loan or mortgage.

Loans for People with Poor Credit History

Poor credit history? Take a step to improve your credit score by registering on electoral roll. This lowers your risk of fraud in the eyes of lenders

Holiday loans

Wondering how you can finance your next holiday? Explore three of the main options available to you!

Alternatives to payday loans

Payday loans have come under close scrutiny, because of their very high effective interest rates. What are your alternatives to payday loans?

Wedding loans for credit - finance your wedding

Looking for a wedding loan for bad credit? Read on to learn more about what your options are for getting a wedding loan even if you have bad credit.

Logbook Loans - Secured Lending For Your Vehicle

What are logbook loans? Consider taking out a logbook loan? Read our guide to learn more about logbook loans and what the alternatives financing option.

Should You Get Your Mortgage From Your Bank?

Your bank already knows your circumstances and can get an idea of your reliability with less effort when it comes to assessing your mortgage application

PSD2 - what is the second payment services directive?

The second payment services directive, known as PSD2, is a plan to change up the retail banking sector, and give consumers more choice.

Mortgage Terminology - A to Z - What You Need to Know

We have put together a mortgage glossary to help even the experienced homeowner get to grips with all of the important terminology

Could you afford your mortgage if rates rise?

The mortgage interest rate determines how much your monthly repayments will cost. The higher your interest rate, the higher your mortgage repayments.

Do you need a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker is someone who compares the market for mortgages and provides impartial advice to help you find the right deal

What Mortgage Fees are there and how do they work?

The final true cost of you home move can be calculated when you consider and understand all fees associated with your mortgage - Read the Uswitch Guide

Joint tenancy home buying

A joint tenancy when home buying means you have joint ownership with someone else sharing the ownership, responsibilities and rights.

Credit card charges explained

Credit card charges can affect your ability to apply for credit and your credit rating. Find out how to understand credit charges in our Uswitch guide

What puts you at risk of being a fraud victim?

Types of scam

Financial fraud takes on many forms and scammers are always creating new ones, but there are few common scams you should be aware of.

What can I do if I'm a victim of fraud?

If you've been a victim of fraud where you've been left out of pocket, you should be able to get your money back.

Credit card fraud: the biggest card frauds in history

Credit card security has improved but card fraud is still on the rise, we take a look at two of the biggest credit card frauds ever

Bank Charges - How to Claim Back Bank Charges

You can claim back on bank charges that arise from going over your overdraft limit or a bounced cheque or direct debit payment

What's the best frequent flyer reward: Avios or Virgin?

There are two main UK credit card airline rewards schemes: Avios (the new Airmiles) and Virgin Miles. Which one is better?

Cashback is being cut back: which cards are safe?

RBS and Capital One cardholders are seeing their cashback and rewards scaled back, but why? And is your card safe?

How to change your bank account - alternatives to the 'big four'

It has never been easier to switch your current account to get a better deal, but who is challenging the old big banks and offering these better deals?

Questions about credit cards

There is a lot of confusion around credit cards and a lot of questions around a few key terms.

What is a minimum repayment on credit

The minimum payment on a credit card can vary but it is typically the highest of the total balance under a fixed amount or the interest

Cashback credit card wars - Santander vs AmEx

Cashback credit cards allow you to earn back money as you spend as a reward, but which card will give you the most back? American Express or Santander?

Longest 0% balance transfer cards - which is best?

Several 0% balance transfer cards are currently offering interest free periods as long as three years - we take a closer look to decide which one is best.