Category: Credit Card Read article
What is a Mastercard?
Learn what Mastercard is, how it works, and what it means for your credit, debit or prepaid card when you use it in shops, online or abroad.
2 min read
Finance Guides
Discover everything you need to know about credit cards, loans, mortgages, insurance and more with our in-depth guides. Written by experts, we aim to answer all your burning finance questions - in an easy-to-understand way.
Credit Cards
Loans
Car Finance
Mortgages
Insurance
Credit Cards
Home Improvement-loans
Bad Credit
Debt Consolidation
Loans
Secured Loans
Personal Loans
Homeowner Loans
- Category: Credit Card
How do refunds on credit cards work?
How long does a credit card refund take? Find out how refunds work, what affects the timing and what you can do if something goes wrong.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Home Improvement-loan
Should I get a home improvement loan or remortgage?
Should you get a home improvement loan or remortgage? Compare costs, speed, and flexibility to find the best option for your project.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Bad Credit
Can I get a home improvement loan with bad credit?
Can you get a home improvement loan with bad credit? Yes! Discover your options and how to improve your chances of approval.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you get a credit card with no limit?
Find out if credit cards with no set credit limit exist, how they work, and whether they might be right for you.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
3 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can I withdraw cash from a credit card?
Withdrawing cash using your credit card is known as a cash advance and comes with high interest and fees. See how much a cash advance could cost and what the alternatives could be.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
3 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Quick ways to improve your credit score
Don’t worry if your credit score is low. There are easy ways to boost your score right now, and other actions that could improve it in the next few months.
Read articleArticle written by Emma Lunn
5 min read
- Category: Bad Credit
How to remove mistakes from your credit report
Found an error on your credit report? Keeping your file up to date can help improve your score. Find out how to fix mistakes on your report here.
Read articleArticle written by Josephine Haagen
6 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
Why have I been rejected for a debt consolidation loan?
Find out why you may have been refused a debt consolidation loan and discover ways to improve your eligibility.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
7 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you be in credit on a credit card?
Find out how you can end up being in credit on your credit card, and why it’s not necessarily a good thing.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
4 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
How to consolidate credit card debt
Learn how to consolidate credit card debt. Compare balance transfers, and different loan options. Expert tips for bad credit.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
Is debt consolidation a good idea?
Is debt consolidation right for you? Learn how to combine multiple debts, compare options, and discover possible alternatives.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
Should I get a loan to consolidate debt?
Find out if you should get a debt consolidation loan, and if so, what type of loan would suit you best. Plus, discover how to get approved for a loan and what the alternatives are.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
6 min read
- Category: Loan
Can you get long-term loans?
Learn about long-term loans in simple terms - how they work, their pros and cons, interest rates, and how to get one, even with bad credit.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Can you borrow against your house?
Discover safe ways to borrow against your home. Learn about equity release, remortgaging and alternatives to access your property's value.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Bad Credit
How to get a loan with no credit
Need a loan but have no credit history? Discover your options including guarantor loans, credit unions, and specialist lenders.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Bad Credit
Can a guarantor have bad credit?
Can a guarantor have bad credit? Learn how credit history affects guarantor eligibility, what lenders check, and how it impacts your credit score.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
4 min read
- Category: Loan
Can I borrow more money on an existing loan?
Need to borrow more? Learn how to borrow more on an existing loan, explore your options, and find out what you can afford to repay.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
4 min read
- Category: Credit Card
How to get a credit card for the first time
Find out all you need to know about getting your first credit card, how to apply and what will happen in the process.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you get a credit card with fair credit?
Yes, you can get a credit card with fair credit. Learn what fair credit means, which cards you can apply for, and how to boost your chances of approval.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
How to cancel a credit card
Learn how to cancel a credit card with ease and the steps to take before you do. Understand the potential effects on your credit score and explore options like balance transfer cards to help manage your debt.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
2 min read
- Category: Credit Card
How do I know when to pay my credit card?
Learn when and how to pay your credit card bill to avoid interest charges, late fees, and damage to your credit score.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you have more than one credit card?
Wondering how many credit cards you should have? Discover the benefits and risks of multiple cards, and how they can affect your credit score.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can I freeze my credit card?
Yes, you can freeze your credit card to prevent fraud, control spending, or manage financial difficulties. Learn the steps, reasons, and how freezing your card affects your credit score.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
6 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
What does debt consolidation mean?
Learn how debt consolidation works, who qualifies, and how long it takes. Compare balance transfer cards vs loans to simplify your debt repayment.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Can you get a secured loan with no mortgage?
Learn about secured loans, whether you can get them when you don’t have a mortgage, and their alternatives.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
4 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Can I get a secured loan with bad credit?
Can you get a secured loan with bad credit? We explain eligibility, rates, risks and how to apply successfully.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
How to get approved for a debt consolidation loan
Learn how to get approved for a debt consolidation loan. Compare rates, check eligibility, and discover if consolidation is right for you.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Is it better to get a secured loan or remortgage?
Secured loans vs remortgaging. Learn about the costs, risks to your home, and which option might work best for you.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
How to get help with debt
Struggling with debt? Get free help from charities and government schemes plus learn how to manage loan and tax debts. Help is available.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
3 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you pay someone with a credit card?
Wondering if you can pay friends, family, or even your builder with a credit card? Learn your options, costs, and the best ways to pay someone safely with your credit card.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
4 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you buy a car with a credit card?
Can you buy a car with a credit card? Learn when it’s possible, the pros and cons, and how to protect yourself and manage costs effectively.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you get a credit card with no credit?
Find out how to get a credit card with no credit history, how credit builder cards work, and simple tips to start building your credit score.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
4 min read
- Category: Credit Card
How to read a credit card statement
Learn how to read your credit card statement with our simple guide. Understand balances, dates, and transactions easily.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Can a secured loan be written off?
Can a secured loan be written off? Learn about write-offs, refinancing, priority debts & what to do if you can't pay.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
What is the minimum payment on your credit card?
Learn the importance of making the minimum payment on your credit card. Find out how it works, why paying more is better, and how to manage payments to avoid extra interest and debt.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
4 min read
- Category: Credit Card
How to switch credit cards
Thinking of switching credit cards? Learn how it works, what to look for, and how to choose the right card for your needs with confidence.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
6 min read
- Category: Personal Loan
How many personal loans can you have at once?
Can you have multiple personal loans? Learn the risks, lender policies, and safer debt management alternatives.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Can you get a secured loan on a joint mortgage?
Can you get a secured loan on a joint mortgage? Our guide explains requirements, pros, cons, and what to consider before applying.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Can I get a secured loan against my car?
Learn how logbook loans work, the risks involved and the alternatives.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Can I sell my house with a secured loan against it?
Read on to discover how to sell your property with a loan secured against it. We discuss loan repayment options, and what to expect.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Loan
Can I pay off a loan early?
Can you pay off loans early? Discover early repayment charges, how to save on interest, and the pros & cons of paying loans off sooner.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
Do you need a solicitor to consolidate debt?
Learn if you need a solicitor to consolidate debt. Find out how to get free advice, compare options, and manage your debts more easily.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Loan
Can I get a loan on benefits?
Can you get a loan on benefits? Yes. Our guide covers Universal Credit loans, government help, alternatives & how to apply safely.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Bad Credit
Can I get a loan with bad credit and no guarantor?
A simple guide to getting a no-guarantor loan with bad credit. Learn about options, costs, and how to improve your chances of approval.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
What is persistent debt and how do you get out of it?
Learn what persistent debt means, why it happens, and five simple ways to get out of it. Free help and advice is available, so take control today.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you get a credit card with no credit check?
Worried about your credit score? Find out if you can get a credit card without a credit check, explore your options, and learn how to build your credit with confidence.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Loan
Can I get a loan if I’ve just moved to the UK?
New UK resident? Get loans with our expert guide covering loan types, approval tips, credit building advice, and financial support options.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Charge card vs credit card: what’s the difference?
Charge cards must be paid in full each month, while credit cards let you spread the cost. Learn how they work and which one suits you best.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
4 min read
- Category: Loan
What to do if you can't afford loan payments
Struggling with loan payments? Get free advice on payment holidays, debt plans, budgeting tips and the help available.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can my credit card get declined?
Yes - your credit card can get declined just like a debit card. Find out the reasons why and learn what to do if your card is declined in our helpful guide.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Loan
Can I get a 0% interest loan?
Find out if 0% interest loans exist. Discover government schemes, interest-free credit options, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
7 ways you can consolidate your debt if you have bad credit
Find out what debt consolidation options are available to you if you have a bad credit history and are struggling to get credit to pay off your debts.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
7 min read
- Category: Credit Card
What is a balance transfer fee?
You could save money on interest, combine your debts and pay off what you owe faster with a balance transfer card. See how these fees affect your financial goals before applying.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
3 min read
- Category: Credit Card
What is residual interest?
Learn what residual interest is, how it works, and how it differs from regular interest. Understand how residual interest can still accumulate on your credit card balance even after making a payment and discover practical tips to avoid it.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
3 min read
- Category: Credit Card
What is credit card utilisation?
Learn what credit card utilisation is, how to calculate it, and why it matters for your credit score. Discover tips to manage it and improve your chances of being approved for borrowing.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Homeowner Loan
Will a homeowner loan affect my mortgage offer?
Find out how taking out a homeowner loan can affect the rates you’ll receive on a new or additional mortgage with our guide.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
4 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Advantages and disadvantages of secured loans
If you’re a homeowner, you can borrow money against your property. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of secured loans here to see if it’s right for you.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
4 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
What lending criteria are applied to secured loans?
What exactly do lenders look for when you apply for a secured loan? Find out the criteria here in this simple guide from Ocean Finance.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
6 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
How many secured loans can I have?
Find out the difference between a first and second charge mortgage and how many secured loans you can have on a single property.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
6 min read
- Category: Homeowner Loan
How to get a homeowner loan
Find out what information and criteria you need to provide lenders in order to get a homeowner loan.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
7 min read
- Category: Homeowner Loan
Can I get a homeowner loan with bad credit?
Find out what lenders look for when you apply for a homeowner loan, and if it’s possible to get approved with a bad credit history.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
7 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
How does a secured loan affect my credit score?
Do you need to borrow but feel worried about the impact on your credit score? Find out how a secured loan can affect your credit score here.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Secured Loan
Secured loan application process
A secured loan is where you borrow money against an asset like your home. Learn how to apply for a secured loan with these 3 simple steps.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Personal Loan
Can I get a loan with a fair credit score?
Learn how to get approved for personal loans with fair credit. Understand UK credit scores, find the best rates, and explore alternatives.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Personal Loan
What are instant loans?
Learn what instant loans are, how to get one even with bad credit, and important things to consider before borrowing.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Loan
Can I get an emergency loan?
Learn what emergency loans are, how to get one quickly, options with bad credit, and whether they're right for your situation.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Should I get a credit card?
Thinking about getting a credit card? Discover the pros, cons and whether it’s the right choice for your finances.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
7 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Lost credit card? Here’s what to do
Lost your credit card? Don’t panic – act fast. Here’s how to report it, protect your money, and get a replacement quickly.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
4 min read
- Category: Personal Loan
Can you get a loan for 12 months?
Learn what a 12 month loan is, how to apply, options for bad credit, and alternatives in this simple UK guide to short-term borrowing.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Bad Credit
What are guarantor loans?
Learn what guarantor loans are, how they work, and if they're right for you. A simple guide to borrowing with someone else's support.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation loan vs balance transfer credit card: Which is right for you?
Struggling with multiple debts? Learn whether debt consolidation or a balance transfer would work better for your situation in this simple, straightforward guide.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Loan
Can you get guaranteed loan approval?
Discover the truth about guaranteed loans, what lenders check, how to improve your chances, and where to find help if you're struggling with debt.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Loan
Can I get a loan with no credit check?
Discover the truth about 'no credit check loans'. Learn about soft vs hard credit checks and find better options if you have a poor credit history.
Read articleArticle written by Zubin Kavarana
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Should you close an unused credit card?
Wondering whether to close an unused credit card? Learn how it can affect your credit score and what to consider before making a decision.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
4 min read
- Category: Credit Card
Can you pay bills with a credit card?
It’s possible to pay your bills with a credit card. Learn which bills you can pay, the pros and cons, and how it affects your credit score.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
4 min read
- Category: Credit Card
What is credit card fraud and how can you protect yourself?
Learn how to spot and avoid credit card fraud. Our guide covers common scams and tips to help you stay safe and protect your details.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
6 min read
- Category: Credit Card
How to get a credit card
Learn how to activate your new credit card with our simple guide. From online activation to digital verification methods, we cover all the ways to get your card ready to use.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
How do credit cards work?
A credit card lets you borrow money from a lender to pay for things. You can use it in shops, online, or over the phone – just like a debit card – but instead of spending your own money, you're borrowing it. You’ll repay what you owe later, either in full or in instalments.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
5 min read
- Category: Credit Card
How long does it take to get a credit card?
Learn how long it takes to get approved for a credit card, and how long you can expect to wait until your card arrives. Plus, things you can do to speed up the process.
Read articleArticle written by Fiona Peake
3 min read
- Category: Car Finance
How do I apply for car finance?
If you’re considering applying for car finance and are unsure about the process, this guide will help you through the key steps.
Read articleArticle written by Sarah Neate
5 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Can I get car finance with bad credit?
Car finance isn’t off the table if your credit score is going through a rough patch, but there are some considerations to keep in mind.
Read articleArticle written by Sarah Neate
5 min read
- Category: Car Finance
What is PCP car finance?
Our guide will define PCP (personal contract purchase), break down exactly how it works, and give you the information you need to help you decide whether it could be a suitable finance option for you.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
5 min read
- Category: Car Finance
What happens if I fall behind on car finance payments?
If you think you might struggle to make a car finance payment, our guide will help guide you towards support and available solutions.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
7 min read
- Category: Car Finance
What is hire purchase car finance?
Our guide explains how hire purchase works, compare its advantages and disadvantages, and help you decide whether it might be the right finance option for you.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
5 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Should I apply for car finance or buy outright?
Undecided whether it’s better to buy or apply for finance? We run through the pros and cons of each to help make the decision that bit easier.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
6 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Who is the legal owner of a car on finance?
Discover the difference between being a car owner and a registered keeper, and find out who legally owns a car when you have outstanding finance.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
6 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Can I get car finance with a CCJ?
If you’ve had a CCJ in the past it may affect your chances of securing car finance, but it’s not impossible to find a deal. Check out our guide to find out more about CCJ car finance and how to find the right option for you.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
7 min read
- Category: Car Finance
What checks are done for car finance?
When applying for car finance, eligibility checks are performed to predict what type of borrower you’ll be and whether you can afford the loan. Read our guide to learn more about the most common checks you can expect to face.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
5 min read
- Category: Car Finance
What happens when a car on finance is written off?
Discover what classifies as an insurance write off and how it could impact you if you have outstanding car finance.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
6 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Can you part exchange a car on finance?
Part exchanging a car could help you cut the cost of your next vehicle or provide a deposit for a new car finance deal. But how does it work and what can you do to ensure you receive the best value? Our guide is here to help.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
6 min read
- Category: Car Finance
How to sell a car on finance
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your car or are struggling to make your repayments, it may be possible to end your agreement early and sell a car on finance.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
8 min read
- Category: Car Finance
What is car finance?
With a range of different types of car finance available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you and your circumstances. Check out our guide to find out more so you can make an informed decision.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
5 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Am I eligible for car finance?
Considering car finance? Find out where you stand without affecting your credit score by using our free car finance eligibility checker to get a no- obligation quote in minutes.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
4 min read
- Category: Car Finance
The pros and cons of car finance
Whether you’re looking to spread the cost of a new car, improve your credit score, or explore the different types of loan available, read on to find out more about the pros and cons of car finance.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
8 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Is it hard to get accepted for car finance?
Find out what car finance companies look for when you apply and how you can improve your chances of approval.
Read articleArticle written by Adele Kitchen
6 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Can I buy a used car on finance?
Considering used car finance? If you’re looking to spread the cost of buying a second-hand car into affordable monthly repayments, this guide should help.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
9 min read
- Category: Car Finance
What credit score do you need for car finance?
There isn’t a minimum credit score needed for car finance, but a higher score can result in a cheaper deal. Some car finance companies specialise in car buyers with bad credit.
Read articleArticle written by Emma Lunn
4 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Can I end my car finance agreement early?
Read our guide to find out more about the options available if you need to end your car finance agreement early.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
9 min read
- Category: Car Finance
Can I swap finance from one car to another?
If your circumstances have changed, you may need to swap your car or finance deal before reaching the end of your term. Find out more about the options available to you.
Read articleArticle written by Verity Hogan
8 min read
