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.
Balance transfer cards cut credit card debt with lower rates, while money transfer cards provide cash to your bank for a range of needs. Learn which card is right for you.
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.
Learn what happens to your old credit card after a balance transfer. Understand its impact on your credit score and get tips for managing the transition smoothly.
Some actions can improve your credit score in months, while others will take longer. Making payments on time and having utility bills in your name will boost your 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.
Being on the electoral roll will boost your credit score. Find out how to get on the electoral roll and how to check your voting registration shows on your credit report.
Being self-employed doesn’t have to be the end of your credit card road. Discover what your employment status means and lots of application-boosting tips here.
Do you work part-time but you’re not sure if you'll get accepted for a credit card? Read our guide to applying for a credit card with a part-time job here.
When is the right age to think about applying for a credit card? Find out how old you need to be to get credit and build your score in our Ocean Finance guide.
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.
You might be able to do a balance transfer for someone else, but there are some things to consider. Learn what you can expect if you’re looking to balance transfer from someone else’s credit card.
Balance transfer cards could help you save money on interest or consolidate your debt. However, there are many things to consider before deciding whether a balance transfer card is right for you.
If you’re considering taking out a second credit card, make sure you know all the pros and cons that come with it first. We’ve aimed to cover the most important ones here.
Your credit score has a major impact on whether you will be eligible to borrow money and the interest rate you’ll be charged. Find out how to check and improve your credit score.
In this day and age applying for a credit card is easy, but there’s still a lot to bear in mind. We’ve aimed to cover all of the most important points here.
Find out exactly what documents you’ll need to apply for a credit card online or in person. Here are the details UK banks and providers need for your application.
Deliberating over whether to take out a credit card? We’ve put together a summary of the most important information you need to know, to help you come to a decision.
Are you putting your credit score at risk by not using your credit card? Read more about the effects of an inactive credit card in this Ocean Finance guide.
If you want to make some home improvements, but don’t have enough to cover the cost, you can use a credit card. However, there are a few things to consider.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you need to move quickly to secure your dream car, or you’re concerned about your eligibility, find out whether you can get an instant decision on your car finance application and how to speed up the process.
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.
If you're considering using a credit card for your business, it's best to make sure you're using the correct type. Read on to find out how corporate cards and business cards differ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you looking to remortgage but you have some debts you want to clear? Discover if you can remortgage to consolidate debt and the pros and cons involved.
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.
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.
While an IVA can be an effective solution if you’re struggling to repay your debts, it may affect your chances of securing a car loan. Check out our guide to find out more about IVA car finance and how to find the right deal for you.
Considering buying a car on finance for someone else? Find out the options available and the potential drawbacks with our guide to car loan terms and conditions.
Guarantor car finance is a type of car loan where someone else agrees to step in and make the repayments if you can’t. Read our guide to find out more about guarantor loans, their pros and cons, and whether they might be a suitable option for you.
If you’ve ever considered taking out PCP car finance, you may have heard about balloon payments. But what are they and how do they work? Find out more in our guide.
If your circumstances have changed and your current car finance deal is no longer right for you, a refinance loan could help you keep your car and find terms better suited to your needs.
If you’re currently facing bankruptcy or have been bankrupt in the past, it can affect your chances of securing a car loan. Check out our guide to find out more about bankruptcy and car finance.
Nobody wants to think about being a victim of theft, but there are steps you should consider if your vehicle is stolen during your car finance agreement.
Whether you’re selling your car to a private buyer, giving it to a family member, or trading it in at a dealership, you’ll need to transfer your car ownership. Find out how to complete the process online or through the post with this guide.
Whether you’re looking for interest-free car finance or have seen 0% APR loans advertised, our guide will explain exactly how these work to help you decide whether they’re the right choice for you.
If you’ve been unable to keep up with your repayments in the past, black box car finance with its in-built reminders could be a great option for you. Find out more in our guide.
Wondering how car finance might affect your mortgage (or your chances of getting one)? Find out how a new or existing car loan can impact your credit score and affordability.
If your car is worth less than your outstanding finance, you’ll be in negative equity. Find out what you can do in this situation and whether negative equity car finance could be an option for you.
Whether you’re struggling to keep up with your repayments or simply need to change vehicle, you may be able to return a car on finance. Find out how in our guide.
If you’re struggling with debt and bailiffs get involved, your car may be at risk. But what if it’s on finance? Learn more about your rights in our guide.
Discover how secured loans work, how they differ from unsecured loans, what you can use them for and how lenders decide whether to accept your loan application.
Whether you’re looking for interest-free car finance or have seen 0% APR loans advertised, our guide will explain exactly how these work to help you decide whether they’re the right choice for you.
Had a little scrape or wondering whether you should claim on your insurance for that dent on the bumper? Find out when it is – and isn’t – worth making a claim on your insurance.
Find out the difference between a personal credit card and a business credit card and if you can use a personal credit card for business purposes or not.
Your essential guide explaining the steps you need to take to get a business credit card if you are a sole trader and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
Wondering whether a business credit card could be right for you? Find out what sort of business purchases you could make with a business credit card and how to go about getting one.
Whether you're an established business or just starting out, having a business credit card could offer some benefits. Find out whether a business credit card if right for you and how to get one.
Unless you're own a large established business, the chances are you will need a personal guarantee in order to get a business credit card. Find out what this means and whether you will need one.
Find out how to apply for a business credit card if you have a new business. If you’re running a startup, sole trader or brand new company, follow our five steps to help you get approved for a business credit card..
Find out if being a sole trader or taking out a business credit card impacts your credit score. Plus how to apply for a business credit card of you're self-employed.
Getting a business credit card can be harder if you've got less than perfect credit, but it isn't impossible. Find out what you need to consider before applying for a business credit card.
A business card can be one way to improve your personal credit score, but this depends how responsibly you use it. Find out whether a business credit card is the best option for you.
You don't need to own a car to insure it, and doing it this way could work out cheaper than buying a car yourself. Not all types of insurance will be right for this type of situation, so read on to find out which insurance cover you will need.
Adding a named driver to your insurance policy can sometimes help you get discounted premiums, but this isn't always the case. Find out everything you need to know about named drivers.
If you’re a first-time driver it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to insurance. Find out how you can get affordable new driver insurance in our guide.
If you’re considering getting an automatic car, then it’s a good idea to do your research first. Get an idea of how much your insurance is going to cost before you commit.
If your car has been stolen, you’ll want peace of mind that your insurance will cover it. Find out the type of insurance you need, and what is and isn’t covered when your car is stolen.
If you’ve never made a claim on your car insurance, you could have several years no-claims bonus saved up – but how long does it last? Find out everything you need to know here.
Wondering what insurers are basing their premiums on? Your car insurance claims history tells insurers everything they need to know – find out how you can check yours today.
Is it ever a good idea to take out more than one insurance policy on one car? Find out how you can avoid paying double the money for the same level of cover.
Unsure whether your car insurance is due? If you've opted-in for auto-renewal, you may not need to do anything. However, you might be missing out on the best deals available.
If you share a house with other drivers and have multiple cars at your property, you could save money by taking out multicar insurance. Find out how this type of policy works and whether it could be right for you.
If you find a surprise County Court Judgement on your credit report, don’t ignore it. Read on to find out the steps you need to take to deal with a CCJ.
Lenders check your credit history when you apply for a homeowner or secured loan. Find out what they look for and what to do if you have bad credit here.
If you need a temporary break from paying your loan, you can freeze it. Find out more about freezing your loan repayments and the effects in our guide.
With so many types of mortgages, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best option.
Saving up for a property deposit can sometimes feel unachievable, but if you follow our saving tips - you can lay out a plan to help you reach your goal amount.
Struggling with a bad credit score? Here is our guidance on what options are available to those people with bad credit looking to remortgage their property.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to remortgage your property, this guide will help you find the options available to help you out.
Having a CCJ can seriously impact your chances of getting a loan, however it’s not impossible. We talk you through how a CCJ can affect your ability to borrow.
When you work for yourself, it can affect your ability to get accepted for some forms of credit. We've put together a handy guide to show you what lenders look for.
Loans are available with a range of terms to suit the borrower; this guide will help you decide whether a longer or shorter lending period is best for your circumstances.
If you’ve taken out a loan that you’re struggling to repay and are wondering whether it’s possible for someone else to take on the debt for you, this guide will fill you in on the available options.
If you’re looking to apply for a personal loan but are concerned that you won’t be approved, this guide explains how a guarantor could help you access the funds you need.
If the worst happens, it’s important to know how to manage any outstanding financial obligations you may take on from the deceased – read on to find out how to navigate this difficult time.
If you’re unsure what to look for in a good interest rate on a personal loan – we’re here to help. Read on to find out what APR you should expect to see and how this can affect repayments.
If you’ve applied for a personal loan and your circumstances have changed, read on to find out more about cancellation terms and what options are available to you.
If you’re considering taking out a personal loan to finance the purchase of a property, read our guide to ensure you’re making the right decision and what alternatives are available to you.
If you’re thinking of applying for a personal loan to use for business purposes whether it be starting up or stocking up, read our advice to learn more about the best way forward.
If you’ve heard of a debt consolidation loan but don’t know what it is, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover the difference between the two main types of debt consolidation loan, and what you can use them for.
Are you unsure what the difference is between debt consolidation and debt management? We discover the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is the best option.
Find out if it’s possible to get a mortgage on benefits, what income is used to qualify for a mortgage, and what schemes are available to help disabled people get on the housing ladder.
Are you looking to buy a house but don’t know whether to go for a fixed or variable mortgage? We explain the pros and cons of each to help you to decide.
Find out if you can apply for a joint loan online as well as the pros and cons of having joint finances, to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Find out what mortgage underwriters check when you apply, how to boost your chances of approval and what you should do if you have an outstanding loan.
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.
Credit cards can be a little confusing if you’re not sure which kind to get. We at look the different types available and how you can choose the right option.
Could temporary car insurance cover be the perfect short-term solution you’ve been looking for? Find out if short-term cover is the best option for you.
Have you got a birthday coming up? Your car insurance rates could be due to come down. Read on to find out how your age can impact your insurance premium.
Voluntary termination is your legal right to end a car finance agreement early and walk away. Find out how it works, how it affects your credit score, and whether it could be the best choice for you.
A full UK driving licence is often required when applying for a car loan, but getting car finance without one isn’t impossible. Find out more about the options available in our guide to getting car finance without a driver’s licence.
Car insurance is one of the most important things to consider when buying a car on finance. But what are the different types available, how can you find the cheapest policy, and should you get gap insurance?
Torn between leasing vs buying a car on finance? Discover the differences between each option, the restrictions that may apply, and how to decide which is right for you.
If you're receiving benefits because you have health conditions, a disability, are unemployed or for any other reason, find out how you can get a loan in the Ocean Finance guide.
If you have a CCJ or bad credit history, your options for finance will be limited. However, may still be eligible for a credit card if you show lenders you can borrow responsibly.
If you’re considering filing for or have been declared bankrupt, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get credit. However, there are other ways of repairing your credit history.
If you are struggling to borrow money with bad credit, there may still be loans and credit cards available to you. Read on to find the borrowing option for you.
Whether you’re starting a new job or planning to study further, there are various options available. We look at the different credit types available to graduates.
Thinking about getting a loan? Read the advantages and disadvantages in the handy guide from Ocean Finance and see if it’s right for your circumstances.