Credit crunch

Households will see an increase in real income next year for the first time since the credit crunch struck, with middle-income earners and poorer families benefiting the most, according to research.

Borrowers who need cheap credit have been urged to consider snapping it up now in case costs soar and the chances of getting a credit card, loan or mortgage diminish.

Borrowers with patchy credit records now stand a greater chance of getting a mortgage as lenders quietly introduce more 'sub-prime' deals.

Thousands of savers with Santander and Alliance & Leicester (A&L) accounts with a combined balance of over £50,000 can withdraw their cash even if locked away.

Tens of thousands of homeowners with mortgages held by two Government-run banks will be able to switch lender without the usual four-figure exit penalties.

Credit card stealth charges have been damaging consumers for years. Yet now the Government's given an opportunity for change, and MoneySavingExpert.com has published its reply to the consultation.

Mortgages lenders are making it a little easier for those with smaller deposits to get a cheap homeloan, according to brokers.

Major mortgage lenders are offering to knock thousands of pounds off borrowers’ homeloans if they move their debt elsewhere.