Archive for the ‘Credit’ Category
Money And Finance Online In The UK
Online banking in the UK has seen amazing changes in recent times. Now you can bank online with almost all UK banks and building societies.
Credit Cards
Most credit card companies will give you internet access to your account. This is really useful for keeping an eye on your account. You can see transactions before your monthly statement arrives and see your balance at any time. Check to see if your bank allows online access for your card. If not think about changing cards.
If you are going to switch, look at cashback credit cards. You can find the latest cashback credit cards here. It can pay you back thousands, and all you have to do is fill in the application form.
You will normally find cashback rates are 0.5% to 1% (but you can get a limited offer of an amazing 5% at the moment with one of them – check the link above). So if you spend £100 on anything, and your card pays 1% cashback, you get £1 back. Not a fortune, but over the years it builds up. Especially when you ensure you buy things on your credit card that you would otherwise pay for with cash or debit card.
So Should I Get a Cashback Card?
Only if you clear your balance every month (you know, because those lottery tips paid off…). If you carry over debt every month the interest charged will more than wipe out the cashback you earn. But if you do pay off your balance then interest free offers are of no interest to you, so grab a cashback card instead.
Current Accounts
The options available vary, but generally online current accounts provide all the daily transactions you would normally need your branch for.
You can transfer money to your savings any time of day. Cancel a Direct Debit, check your balance, statements, pending transactions. Some allow you to download your statements, and some can integrate with Microsoft Money or Quicken for a complete home banking experience.
Savings Accounts
A quick word about savings accounts. In the online banking world it is easy to hold accounts with different banks and transfer money between them. So don’t just take the standard savings account your current bank offers. The interest rate could be many times better elsewhere. For the best UK savings account check here.
In Conclusion
Personal finance will only continue to get bigger online, especially as levels of security and consumer confidence grows. It gives us cheaper products, and services we can access at our own convenience. It may occasionally lack the personal touch, but it’s definitely here to stay.
