Everyday Banking
A Payment Reference Helps the Recipient Match Your Bank Transfer
A payment can reach the right bank account but remain unmatched to your invoice. Use the recipient’s reference and keep a useful transfer record.
MONEY, MADE UNDERSTANDABLE
Money guides
Everyday Finance
Before You Take Cash From a Credit Card, Check These Costs
Compare the fee, interest start date and repayment rules before using a credit card to withdraw cash.
Borrowing Decisions
A Balance Transfer Fee Belongs in the Debt Comparison
Compare a balance-transfer offer using the fee, repayment period and terms that apply after the introductory rate ends.
Borrowing Decisions
Before Using Buy Now, Pay Later, Map Every Instalment
Put buy-now-pay-later instalments beside rent, bills and other purchases so a small checkout payment does not hide a crowded repayment month.
Everyday Money
An Overdraft Limit Is Not Extra Income
Separate your bank balance from an overdraft allowance, then build a spending check that shows what you actually own and what you would borrow.
Borrowing Decisions
A Small Monthly Loan Payment Can Leave a Large Final Payment
Look beyond the monthly instalment and find out whether a loan leaves a larger final payment, when it falls due and how you would fund it.
Everyday Banking
A Deposited Cheque Can Show in Your Balance Before the Risk Has Passed
Understand why an available cheque deposit can still be reversed, and how to respond when someone asks you to send part of it elsewhere.
Everyday Finance
A Joint Account Needs an Agreement About Everyday Use
Before sharing a bank account, agree what it pays for, when contributions arrive and how both people can follow the money.
Everyday Money
A Standing Order and a Direct Debit Give Different People Control
Identify who controls a regular payment before changing its amount, cancelling it or arranging a replacement with the organisation you pay.