Cards

Hundreds of thousands of prepaid card users, including those with Pockit, Anna Money and FairFX, have had their accounts frozen after action by the UK regulator, with many left unable to buy essentials, pay bills or access their cash. But the regulator now says it's working to lift its restrictions, and MSE founder Martin Lewis says there are signs those locked out may be able to access their money later this week.

MBNA credit card customers who agreed a payment holiday because they are struggling due to coronavirus have been mistakenly sent text messages chasing 'overdue' payment. If you're received one of these texts you can safely ignore it – so long as you're sure your payment holiday has been confirmed.

The financial regulator has written to credit card firms telling them to review how they treat customers in 'persistent debt', amid fears some lenders are planning a 'blanket' suspension of cards.

Gambling businesses will be banned from allowing consumers in England, Scotland and Wales to use credit cards to gamble from April.

Challenger bank Tandem has announced it is to start charging for its popular cashback credit card, with existing customers unable to use their cards from 9 March unless they pay a £5.99/month membership fee.

'All-in-one' debit card service Curve is to close a loophole which essentially allowed customers to make payments to HMRC using a personal credit card – even though the taxman doesn't usually accept them.

Lloyds is revamping its legacy Trustcard credit card reward scheme, meaning customers will earn cashback rather than points – but some will have just weeks to redeem hundreds of pounds of points to avoid losing them.

NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank will cancel thousands of customers' PPI policies from 11.59pm on 29 December 2019 – if you need a policy, you'll have to find another provider.

Shoppers paid for almost £300 billion of purchases on their credit and debit cards last year, according to data from the British Retail Consortium, while just £78 billion of purchases were paid for in cash.

Customers who apply for the Barclaycard Platinum Cashback Plus card from 24 June will pay a fee every time they buy something or withdraw cash overseas – but if you got the card before this you'll continue to be able to use it for free abroad.