Readers reply: Why do Visa and Mastercard advertise to consumers?
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts
January 2023
How to get a grip on your personal finances in the new year
It’s been a tough year for millions of people, and 2023 is looking even worse. Here are some remedies to try
October 2022
Your problems, with Anna Tims
Depositing a sealed envelope with Lloyds proved rather unsafe
It was left 19 years ago at my local branch, now it’s been lost
August 2022
Barclays pulls financial safety net as cost of living crisis bites
Current account holders are being told their arranged overdraft facility will be withdrawn
March 2022
Your problems, with Anna Tims
Lloyds won’t close my alcoholic father’s joint account with mum
He is running up an overdraft on a Gold account but the bank won’t help
June 2021
HSBC whistleblower claims vindication after bank’s £200m payout to customers
Nicholas Wilson says redress scheme is a direct result of his campaign over excessive charges
February 2021
Banks are back with handouts to lure in new customers
If you are tempted to switch accounts for the promise of free money or wine, weigh up the costs
January 2021
The best (and the worst) that could happen to your money this year
As we bid farewell to 2020, with its gains for those who could keep working, and losses for those who were furloughed or put out of work, what could 2021 hold?
Digital bank says it is confident its mainly younger customers will pay for extra services
July 2020
Banking watchdog drops threat of inquiry into overdraft charges
FCA says it will keep a close eye on situation, after major banks set virtually identical rates
June 2020
Fewer ATMs, no more cheques and lower e-payment fees predicted for Australia in wake of coronavirus
Reserve Bank says societal shifts around shopping amid pandemic likely to become ‘permanent change in behaviour’
January 2020
UK banks told to explain 40% overdraft rates
Sharp rise in UK consumer debt among less well-off, thinktank warns
December 2019
HSBC overdraft rate to quadruple for some customers
Eight million users will pay more for going into the red after FCA’s borrowing shakeup
September 2019
Consumer champions
Nationwide’s 39% overdraft interest is ‘taking advantage’ of fees ban
It is a totally disproportionate charge at a time when savings rates are below 2%
July 2019
Nationwide doubles overdraft rate for many banking customers
Other banks expected to move to higher rates after FCA clampdown on excessive fees
March 2019
Mentally ill people pay higher bills – and banks are partly to blame
Emily Reynolds
Bad debt and mental health problems can be a vicious circle. Only by forcing banks to provide more help can this be addressed, says author Emily Reynolds
June 2018
Holiday money: how to find the best cards and currency rates
Our guide on avoiding bank charges and making your cash go further this summer
May 2018
FCA urged to extend cap on payday loan fees to other forms of credit
Debt charities and MPs want action when City watchdog’s 18-month review is published
January 2018
‘Open banking’: radical shake-up, or a threat to your private data?
Few people have heard of them, but new rules that come into effect next week could change the way we bank
