September 2021

Monzo has become the first major bank to launch its own buy now, pay later (BNPL) scheme. The bank's 'Flex' service enables its current account customers to make interest-free repayments in three instalments over three months on purchases worth between £30 and £3,000. But interest of 19% APR will be charged if you need to repay in more than three instalments. Here's what you need to know. 

Almost half (47%) of MoneySavers prefer to contact customer services via phone, a new MoneySavingExpert.com poll has found. However, this varies greatly by age, with most younger respondents (aged 49 and under) preferring to use Live Chat services over phone. 

It's been over two years, and a pandemic, since we last had so many top banks throwing cash out to vacuum in new customers. This month alone, four new deals have launched. So if you're not deliriously happy with your existing bank account, carpe payem (seize the payment) and do it now while the choice is wider than a whale's yawn.

Energy suppliers People's Energy and Utility Point have both ceased trading today, affecting more than half a million households. If you're with either firm, your energy supply will continue and credit balances are protected. But DON'T switch now – sit tight and wait until your new supplier has contacted you. 

Martin Lewis has warned that anyone coming off a cheap, fixed energy deal faces a huge bill shock, with the cheapest tariffs now costing 40% more than they did last year. In a new video, the MoneySavingExpert.com founder explains why energy prices are at an all-time high and what you can do about it.

Six Covid-19 test providers have formed a new body called the 'Laboratory and Testing Industry Organisation (LTIO)', in a bid to represent and self-regulate testing firms. Members will need to follow a code of conduct and have decent customer service reviews. It comes after the competition watchdog launched a review into the industry amid concerns over misleading prices and unfair practices.

Costa Coffee loyalty account holders will be moved onto a new membership scheme across the course of this month. Under the revised loyalty offering you'll earn 'beans' instead of points and you can earn freebies more quickly, although you won't be able to redeem rewards on any anything other than drinks. The new membership scheme will also replace the existing one for new joiners from the same date. 

Fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test before they depart for England from 4 October. In addition, they'll only need to take a cheaper lateral flow test on arrival to England from later next month under an overhaul to the 'traffic light' travel system. Eight destinations will also come off the red list from 22 September. 

The next update of the coronavirus 'traffic light' travel system, used to govern the action holidaymakers take when they return to the UK from overseas, is due to take place on Friday 17 September. This is expected to provide the latest information on which destinations will feature on the Government's 'green', 'amber' and 'red' travel lists - but it could also see an overhaul of the system entirely.

Three is to start charging new and upgrading pay monthly and Sim-only customers roaming fees of £2/day to use their monthly allowances in Europe from 23 May 2022. In addition, the mobile provider will ditch a core deal that allowed many customers to use their inclusive minutes, texts and data in 22 non-European destinations and instead charge customers £5/day.