Gavin Shepherd

Money Analyst – Banking and Insurance

Having left uni with a degree in German studies, Gavin joined MSE via the unorthodox route of Lufthansa cabin crew, followed by Windsor Castle visitor services.

Now that he's been here over two years, he's a bit of an expert on all things banking, including current accounts, packaged bank accounts and bank switch offers.

Gavin's day-to-day tasks include keeping our bank account guides up to date, as well as regularly assisting the MSE News team with money-related articles. When he's not busy breaking down the latest banking jargon, Gavin spends a lot of time at his local church, where he plays violin in the music group and helps to lead activities for teenagers.

Latest from Gavin Shepherd

Packaged bank accounts are the Marmite of banking – some love 'em, some hate 'em. They usually have a monthly fee but, used right, they can save you £100s off the cost of breakdown, travel and mobile insurance. Our guide will help you check if a packaged account is right for you, and show you the top-pick accounts.

13 May 2025

Many are paying over the odds for breakdown cover as they let it auto-renew year after year. This guide reveals the cheapest full-service policies, how to get AA and RAC cover for less, and other tips to really drive the savings.

12 May 2025

Switching to a new current account is quick, easy and can earn you up to £175 in free cash. Yet you can get plenty of perks without switching bank account, including 1% cashback on spending or bills and decent savings interest. This guide explains it all and helps you compare the top-pick accounts.

6 May 2025

Robo-funds are far simpler than normal investing, but you're tied to a 'portfolio' of funds. We think this is somewhat restrictive, though sometimes these robo-funds offer cashback, giving you a head start over other funds

2 May 2025

If you're planning an overseas trip, or regularly buy from overseas websites, a specialist travel credit or debit card is one of the cheapest ways to spend as it gives near-perfect exchange rates worldwide. This guide includes the top-pick travel cards, the cards to avoid, and how to check what your card's charging you.

29 April 2025

Close-up of a sign showing a red L on top of a driving instructor's car.

Car insurance can be expensive, especially if you're new to driving. And unless you're learning with a professional driving instructor, you'll need some sort of cover in place as you practise. This guide runs you through car insurance for learner drivers, and how to get the best deal.

25 April 2025

Trading in shares can be a good way to make a return on your money, but is less rewarding if you're paying through the nose for someone to make that trade for you. This guide runs you through the basics of what shares are and what you need to know before investing.

16 April 2025

Two HyperJar cards against a purple background

Our top-pick children's prepaid card will charge a £3 a month inactivity fee from 3 June if you fail to use your account in 12 months. But it's not an issue for most as you can easily avoid the new HyperJar fee. Here's how.

15 April 2025

Free 0% overdrafts, free railcards and free cash – banks love to reel in new students with goodies, and this year's no different. This guide's about bagging the best deal.

8 April 2025

If you were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 (or have a child who was), you could be one of 670,000 missing out on as much as £2,200 in savings, lying dormant in a Child Trust Fund. It's quick and simple to check and claim the account if so – we've step-by-step help below.

7 April 2025

Digital and app-based banks come without the branch networks of the traditional banks, but typically offer slicker digital experiences. In this guide we'll run you through our top-pick app-based accounts, plus the ones you've rated the best. Though do take a look at our Best bank accounts guide as well, which includes the top accounts for upfront freebies, ongoing rewards and savings interest.

7 April 2025

For the past two years Nationwide has given some existing customers a £100 'Fairer Share' bonus. It’s likely, though not guaranteed, to do the same again this year. In previous years, the scheme has been announced in May and paid in June, though whether you got it depended on if you met the qualifying criteria in the first three months of the year – so you still have a bit of time left to maximise your chances.

18 March 2025

Open Banking allows you to share certain financial information that only you and your bank can see, such as your balance and transaction history, with other financial providers or services of your choosing. The idea is to make it easier for other organisations to use your data to personalise products or make suggestions on areas you can save. This guide takes you through how it works and if it's safe.

17 March 2025

Taking on a credit card is not something to rush into. The sheer number of different types out there and the jargon attached can be baffling, making it hard to decide which card is right for you – if any. Here we break down the most important things to bear in mind when considering your first credit card.

28 February 2025

Heading off to uni is a milestone – marking the start of real financial independence for many. Used right, student credit cards can be a useful budgeting tool that helps build your credit profile, but get it wrong and it can burn. This guide covers what student credit cards are and if getting one is the right option for you.

28 February 2025

Unlike other financial products – such as mortgages, bank and savings accounts – you can't take out a credit card in joint names. Instead, the credit card remains the responsibility of one person, with an additional cardholder granted permission to spend on the card. This short guide takes you through how they work and what to watch out for.

20 February 2025