Halifax

Thousands of Lloyds TSB, Halifax and Bank of Scotland customers have been left frustrated after being unable to send or receive Faster Payments. In the worst cases, people have been left without their wages, but the banks say they will refund charges.

House prices rose by an average 1.3% in December but are unlikely to change much this year, mortgage lender Halifax says.

Halifax is to cut some of the benefits of its Reward current account — which pays customers £5 a month — from May, in a blow to users.

Halifax has launched the longest fee-free overdraft, but the deal is limited to those with good credit records, while there is a sting in the tail once the 12-month offer ends.

Halifax and Lloyds TSB customers have reported that they cannot access their cash from ATMs, while online banking isn't working and even debit cards are not working in shops, on one of the biggest party nights of the year.

Borrowers with mortgages where the interest is calculated once a year could save hundreds of pounds by overpaying in the next few weeks.

House prices are likely to remain flat throughout next year as first-time buyers continue to struggle to get on the property ladder, says Halifax.

Nationwide has launched a current account paying interest, but it can be beaten by a host of other deals.

Banks are being urged to slash the length of their small print after a consumer group found terms and conditions can take an hour-and-a-half to read.