Everyday money
The protections behind Direct Debits and card payments, and how to read the credit file lenders see.
The long read
What the Direct Debit Guarantee actually covers, and where it stops
Most household bills leave by Direct Debit. The Guarantee behind it promises notice of changes and an immediate refund for errors, but it does not settle disputes about what you bought.
Explainer
When a card purchase goes wrong, the way you paid decides the route back
Section 75 makes a credit card provider jointly responsible for purchases between £100 and £30,000. Chargeback covers debit cards and smaller amounts, with tighter time limits.
Explainer
Three credit reference agencies, three versions of your credit file
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion each hold their own record about you, and each must show it to you free. What is on a credit file, how long it stays, and how to correct a mistake.
Explainer
Three credit reference agencies, three versions of your credit file
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion each hold their own record about you, and each must show it to you free. What is on a credit file, how long it stays, and how to correct a mistake.
The Sunday LetterOne story about money, every Sunday morning.
A single household-money topic, from pensions to mortgages to card payments, explained calmly with a link to the official source.
Free. Confirmation by email, unsubscribe at any time.