Banking, loans and cards

Poor returns threaten to undermine the chancellor’s efforts to boost tax-free saving

Minimum-funding requirements mean many older people do not qualify for market-leading rates

Latest stats are thought to reflect the impact of the switch guarantee

How to use your flexible friend to your advantage

But financial watchdog says greater awareness of the seven-day scheme is needed

A third of people have £250 or less stashed away in case of emergency

Figures suggest a worryingly-high number of account holders are in arrears

. . . but hard-pressed consumers are still a long way from making up their shortfalls

Initial demand for pensioner bonds proves very high

Most accounts mean your money loses value