Bank switching, credit, budgeting and financial resilience for everyday households.
What do you need to work out?
Pick the closest match. Each path leads to a curated cluster of guides.
I want to switch bank
The switch guarantee, what moves, what to check.
5 guides →I want to understand my credit
Credit files, scores, how to improve them.
6 guides →I'm thinking longer term
Savings, budgeting, planning ahead.
6 guides →I'm struggling to make ends meet
Hardship support, debt help, your rights.
2 guides →Editor’s picks
See all 19 guides →Key Guide
4 guidesCore Guide
4 guidesDeep Dive
4 guidesSupport & Rights
2 guidesThe full library
Showing 6 of 19 guidesOverdrafts Explained
• An overdraft is borrowing on your current account • Arranged overdrafts are agreed in advance; unarranged are not • Overdraft interest is usually charged daily • Long-term overdraft use can become very costly • If you’re persistently overdrawn, you may be eligible for support from your bank
Core GuideCredit Scores Explained
• Your score is based on your credit report, but lenders use their own models • Payment history and missed payments matter a lot • High credit utilisation can reduce your score • Stable personal details and electoral roll registration help • Improvements usually take time, not days
Core GuideAPR & Interest Rates Explained
• Interest is the cost of borrowing money • APR includes interest plus compulsory fees • Representative APR applies to 51% of approved applicants • Higher credit risk usually means higher APR • The lowest APR advertised may not be the rate you receive
Core GuideBuy Now Pay Later Explained
• BNPL is a form of short-term credit • Many offers are interest-free if paid on time • Missed payments can trigger fees and collections • Multiple BNPL plans can build up unnoticed • It should be used for planned purchases — not essential bills
Core GuideDirect Debits & Standing Orders Explained
• Direct Debits are controlled by the company taking payment • Standing orders are controlled by you • Direct Debits are covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee • Standing orders must be manually amended or cancelled • Both can impact your credit file if payments fail
Core GuideHard vs Soft Credit Checks Explained
• Soft checks are for eligibility and identity; they do not affect your score • Hard checks are linked to credit applications and can affect acceptance • Multiple hard checks in a short time can look risky to lenders • Eligibility tools help you avoid unnecessary hard searches • You can check your credit file for free through major services