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

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

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

If you have children under the age of 18 then a card could be a great alternative to cash to teach them how to spend wisely. There are two main alternatives – prepaid cards or debit cards that come with children's bank accounts. This guide takes you through the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you choose.

19 February 2025

If you have more than £85,000 and want to keep it in cash savings, this short guide runs through some top tips to keep it safe, maximise your returns and manage it easily – including how to find professional financial advice.

12 February 2025

Smartphone showing the Zing app next to a sleek black Zing physical card

If you're a Zing user, you should spend, move or withdraw your funds before it shuts down on 22 May 2025. It's unclear if you'll still be able to access your cash after this deadline, so it's best to move your money beforehand.

30 January 2025

Chase Bank's debit card beside a pound coin

If you took out Chase's popular boosted saver before 9 December 2024, your rate will drop from 4.5% to 3.5% after your boost comes to an end on Thursday 16 January. Chase will also cut the rates on ALL its savings by another 0.25 percentage points in February. The changes mean you can earn more on your savings elsewhere – though Chase is still worth keeping for its debit card cashback.

16 January 2025

Though interest rates on savings accounts remain relatively high, many are turning to investments to improve returns. While there's still the very real risk of getting less than you put in, funds are a popular way to get started. We run through the basics, key warnings and platforms to buy and sell funds – if you decide it's right for you.

9 January 2025

Nationwide has raised the fee on its popular FlexPlus packaged bank account from £13 to £18 a month – a £60 a year increase. So now's a good time to check if you're still getting value from the perks or whether you should ditch and switch.

3 December 2024

The base rate has been cut to 4.75% from 5% by the Bank of England. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money, so the move can impact mortgage and savings rates.

13 November 2024

HSBC UK Visa credit card set against background of beach pebbles

If you've got an HSBC Visa credit card, you may be able to earn up to £100 cashback on groceries, fuel and transport over the next two months – but you've only got until 11.59pm on Thursday 31 October to check if you're eligible and opt in. It's a no brainer if you were planning to make these purchases anyway – as long as you pay your card off IN FULL, so the interest doesn't wipe out your cashback earnings.

29 October 2024

If you're a club or society using Lloyds or Bank of Scotland's 'Treasurer's Account' you'll soon be moved to a new paid-for version costing up to £8.50 a month. The shake-up takes force on 14 January 2025 unless you move your money elsewhere beforehand. Here's what's happening – and your options.

25 October 2024

Santander has cut the rate on its popular easy-access savings account – which paid 5.2% at launch – to 4% from today (Tuesday 1 October). Yet you can easily beat this new rate by switching elsewhere – which you're allowed to do without penalty.

1 October 2024

If you bought (or just got quotes for) car or home insurance on Friday 19 July, it's possible you didn't see some of the cheapest deals, as some insurers were unable to offer quotes due to widespread IT problems. It means you may have been offered fewer options and/or higher prices than normal. Here's what you need to know.

25 July 2024