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'Pay-day' loan firms under fire for offering unsecured loans to fund plastic surgery

Glossy websites promote short-term payday deals alongside unsecured loans to pay for operations including face lifts, breast enlargements, tummy tucks, gastric bands and liposuction.

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Expensive lenders tempt women to borrow, but firms want self-regulation

Financial Mail has discovered several websites featuring pictures of young women laden with colourful shopping bags, though the industry claimed last week it was capable of 'setting the standard of self-regulation and consumer credit'.

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Miquita Oliver faces bankruptcy due to unpaid tax bill

Former T4 star Miquita Oliver is the latest celebrity to show that high earnings don't always translate to lasting wealth.

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New rules for payday lenders to stop borrowers from 'rolling over' debt more than three times

While the FLA has amended its guidelines, they are not going to impact any payday lenders other than Wonga, which already has the rule in place.

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Personal insolvencies at a three year low but experts warn of 'zombie' debtors who fall official figures

The number of people who have become personally insolvent has dropped to its lowest level since 2008, despite the tough economic conditions, official figures showed today.

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American Express Platinum credit card ups cashback from 2.5% to 5%

Anyone who uses a credit card for much of their spending and clears their balance every month could be missing a trick if they aren't using a cashback or reward credit card.

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Handsworth Breakthrough and Hull East of the River credit unions close down

The collapse of two credit unions has cast doubt on new rules to encourage savers and borrowers to choose them in place of High Street banks and building societies.

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Should I use a credit card or spend savings to buy a boiler?

I want to borrow £2,500 to install a new gas boiler. Which is the best way of borrowing the money or should I just take out of my current account?

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Short-term payday loan firms, store card providers and other lenders mounting fightback

The Finance & Leasing Association, which includes Britain’s biggest payday lender wonga.com – whose rates can exceed 4,200% APR – will unveil a beefed-up, 75-page code of practice on Wednesday.

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Stranded: Fury of bank victims in the big PPI payout shambles

Thousands of PPI complaints are being mishandled or bungled, causing further anger and dismay among customers.

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Why won't my Asda store card insurance pay out now I've lost my health?

I had an Asda store card which included insurance if I lost my job. But now, more than a year later, it has still not paid out. The card is operated by Santander, can you help?

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6% best buy loans: Are they as good as they seem?

If you need a loan the good news is that a recent flurry of activity has resulted in three providers – M&S Money, Sainsbury’s Finance and Tesco - offering rates of 6.0 per cent and 6.1 per cent.

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Lloyds to ask long-standing customers, 'Do we know you?'

If you have been with your bank for years, you might find it annoying to undergo new security checks to prove your identity before opening a new account or taking out a loan.

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Debt advice services offer lifeline as crunch drives more borrowers to despair

The combination of credit crunch, recession and financial austerity means that hundreds of thousands of people are facing significant debt troubles.

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Security warning after Fortnum & Mason asks customer to send credit card details for hamper refund on email

Fortnum & Mason has been accused of putting customers’ financial security at risk by asking them to email credit card details when requesting refunds.

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Nationwide launches market-leading 18 month 0% purchase credit card - but there¿s a catch

Britain's biggest building society is offering a cracking new credit card with 18 months of zero credit on spending and 0% on balance transfers for 17 months. And you even get cashback. But there's one sticking point.

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Credit card vs loan: The cheapest way to repay Christmas debt

If you're currently juggling different credit card debts, or paying a high rate on your credit card, then it might be tempting to consolidate all your debts into a loan and pay just one monthly repayment.

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How to get out of debt

If your finances are in a mess, now is the time to take control. Read our ten-step guide to getting back into the black

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Choose the cheapest personal loan

If you are thinking of taking out a loan, read our guide to the key factors you must consider

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Best credit card guide

Thinking about how to get the best credit card? Here are the basic issues about plastic to help you get started

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