Money
McDonald’s reveals new breakfast menu item that’s a twist on a classic
MCDONALD’S has revealed an all-new item, which will delight lovers of its breakfast menu.
The fast-food giant will soon start selling mini hashbrowns across its 1,300 plus sites in the UK.
The fried snack is expected to land in stores on October 16.
McDonald’s already sells larger hashbrowns as part of its regular breakfast menu which is available from 6am-11am.
These cost £1.19 and contain 127 calories.
However, these new treats will come in a bigger portion but will be smaller in size, with a five-piece single portion costing £1.49.
Meanwhile, the 15-piece sharebox will set customers back £2.99.
It is not yet clear if the hashbrowns will become a permanent menu item or will only be available for a limited period of time.
In 2022, the home of the Golden Arches added mini potato waffles to its morning menu but they were axed the following year.
At the time, fans said they tasted better than its hashbrowns.
The full list of McDonald’s breakfast menu items includes:
- Mighty McMuffin – £ 5.19
- Egg & Cheese McMuffin – £ 2.39
- Breakfast Wrap – £ 4.99
- Bacon Roll – £ 3.19
- Breakfast Roll – £ 3.39
- Cheesy Bacon Flatbread -£ 1.49
- Bacon & Egg McMuffin -£ 2.79
- Double Bacon & Egg McMuffin – £ 3.19
- Sausage & Egg McMuffin – £ 2.79
- Double Sausage & Egg McMuffin -£ 3.19
- Muffin with Jam -£ 1.49
- Hash Brown -£ 1.19
- Pancakes & Syrup – £ 3.49
- Pancakes & Sausage with Syrup -£ 3.99
- Porridge -£ 1.99
However, it is important to note some of these menu items might not be available at your local McDonald’s.
Changes at McDonald’s
News of a new menu item comes just one week after Maccies teased the return of its McRib.
A test notification for the boneless pork burger was sent out on the McDonald’s rewards app, sending customers into a frenzy.
When asked if the McRib is coming back, a spokesperson said: “McDonald’s is always looking to innovate with new and exciting menu items, as well as bringing back the fan favourites.
“If you’re keen to be the first to receive more info from McDonald’s stay tuned.”
The McRib was first added to the main UK McDonald’s menu in 1981 but was taken off just four years later.
All you need to know about McDonald’s
HERE’S all the crucial information about McDonald’s you’ve always wanted to know…
The burger, which comes with a boneless pork patty covered in barbecue sauce and topped with onions and pickles, has made temporary reappearances since.
What else is new at McDonald’s?
McDonald’s regularly shakes up its menu to make way for new items.
Earlier this month, the fast food chain shook up its menu to coincide with the launch of McDonald’s monopoly.
To participate in the game you must collect stickers that represent train stations or colour-coordinated streets.
If you are curious about how the game works and what prizes you can win, read our article here.
To mark the return of its sticker peeling game McDonald’s has brought back a number of fan-favourites
These include:
- Mozzarella Dippers
- Philly Cheese Stack.
- Chicken Big Mac,
- Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry
- Twix Chocolate McFlurry
- Twix Latte
If you are keen to try any of these new menu items you will need to act quickly as they are set to be pulled from restaurants in about three weeks.
How to save money at McDonald’s
Did you know that you can end up being charged more based just on the McDonald’s you choose to eat at?
The Sun previously found that a Big Mac meal can be 30p cheaper at restaurants which are two miles away from each other.
Another way to cut back spending at McDonald’s is by ordering from the Savers menu or by taking advantage of its ‘3 for £3’ deal when it lands in stores.
It is also worth bearing in mind that McDonald’s offers a discount on your next order if you fill out a survey online after visiting its stores.
These can be found on the back of any receipt you get at McDonald’s.
Money
Chocolate fans rushing to ASDA to grab limited Cadbury favourites for just 60p
CHOCCY fans are racing to fill their baskets with limited edition Cadbury favourites for just 60p.
Asda shoppers were overjoyed to discover exciting twists on classic sweet treats were slashed in price.
Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Crunchie, Caramel filled doughnuts are marked up for less that a quid.
The Dairy Milk edition are selling in packs of three for just 90p, while the Crunchie variety can be picked up in packs of two for only 63p.
This makes each doughnut worth roughly 30p each, and no one can argue with that bargain.
A helpful fan shared the information in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group.
She posted: Apologies the child got to em first lol.
“If you fancy a little treat Asda have these limited flavoured Donuts at a great price.
“Cadbury dairy milk filled Caramel pack 3 for 90p.
“Cadbury Crunchie filled Caramel pack 2 for 63p.”
Fans of the delicious choccy goodies hailed them online.
“Quality tasty and in my opinion delicious,” penned one.
It comes as shoppers are racing to stock up on their chocolate treats for Christmas – don’t miss out.
Choccie fans were thrilled to see tubs of the nation’s favourites at amazing slashed prices in Tesco ahead of the festive period.
The mega deal starts online and in stores tomorrow, Wednesday September 25.
Customers will need a Clubcard to bag the discount – which will see Cadbury Heroes, Celebrations, Cadbury Roses and Quality Street reduced from £6.00 to £3.95.
This means shoppers will be pocketing a 34 per cent discount on the sweet treats and saving £2.05.
Meanwhile, Asda shoppers were delighted after discovering a Cadbury chocolate advent calendar is selling for just 85p in stores.
The deal has been shared on the Extreme Couponing and Bargaining Facebook group and users are shocked by the reduced price.
It is a Cadbury Dairy milk advent calendar, containing 24 milk chocolates in various festive shapes.
On the Cadbury website, the calendar sells for £2.25, meaning this Asda bargain is 62% discounted from the original price.
Plus, B&M shoppers are rushing to buy festive chocolate treats that are perfect for kids’ Christmas Eve boxes.
The bargain retailer’s festive selection box has social media users going wild as they plan ahead for Christmas.
How to save at Asda
Shop the budget range
Savvy shopper Eilish Stout-Cairns recommends that shoppers grab items from Asda’s Just Essentials range.
She said: “Asda’s budget range is easy to spot as it’s bright yellow! Keep your eyes peeled for yellow and you’ll find their Just Essentials range.
“It’s great value and I’ve found it has a much wider selection of budget items compared to other supermarkets.
Sign up to Asda Rewards
The savvy-saver also presses on the importance of signing up to Asda’s reward scheme.
She said: “Asda Rewards is free to join and if you shop at Asda you should absolutely sign up.
“As an Asda Rewards member, you’ll get exclusive discounts and offers, and you’ll also be able to earn 10% cashback on Star Products.
“This will go straight into your cashpot, and once you’ve earned at least £1, you can transfer the money in your cashpot into ASDA vouchers.
We’ve previously rounded up the best supermarket loyalty schemes – including the ones that will save you the most money.
Look out for booze deals
Eilish always suggests that shoppers looking to buy booze look out for bargain deals.
She said: “Asda often has an alcohol offer on: buy six bottles and save 25%.
“The offer includes selected bottles with red, white and rose options, as well as prosecco. There are usually lots of popular bottles included, for example, Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot, Oyster Bay Hawkes Bay Merlot and Freixenet Prosecco D.O.C.
“Obviously, the more expensive the bottles you choose, the more you save.”
Join Facebook groups
The savvy saver also recommends that fans of Asda join Facebook groups to keep in the know about the latest bargains in-store.
Eilish said: “I recommend joining the Latest Deals Facebook Group to find out about the latest deals and new launches in store.
“Every day, more than 250,000 deal hunters share their latest bargain finds and new releases.
“For example, recently a member shared a picture of Asda’s new Barbie range spotted in store.
“Another member shared the bargain outdoor plants she picked up, including roses for 47p, blackcurrant bushes for 14p and topiary trees for 14p.”
Money
Shoppers are rushing to Iceland to stock their freezer as supermarket’s offer any 10 for £10 is back – The Sun
BARGAIN hunters are rushing to fill up their baskets as Iceland brings back a “favourite offer”.
The frozen food retailer has launched it’s 10 for £10 deal – and shoppers can’t wait to get their hands on the goods.
Many families are desperately on the lookout for cheap buys.
Luckily, supermarket chain Iceland has introduced its bargain deal where you can nab 10 frozen goods for just £10.
Taking to Facebook, the retailer said: “Your favourite offer is back! Grab any 10 for £10! Stock up your freezer for less!”
Foodies can choose from a variety of ready-made dishes – including delicious fish fingers, chicken, fries or sausages.
Pizza lovers will also be delighted to hear that the bargain offer also included the customer favourite Goodfella’s Stonebaked Thin Pepperoni Pizza which would set you back by £3 at other stores.
Customers can also nab Green Cuisine’s Veggie Fingers – which are typically selling for £2.
And Birds Eye Cod Fish Fingers that are around £2.10 at rival Sainsbury’s.
Other items included are Birds Eye Southern Fried Chicken normally costing £2.50.
And a pack of four Birds Eye Breaded Cod Fish Cakes are included in the amazing deal too.
The deal has left dozens of money-savers amazed – with many flocking to the comments section to tag their pals and share their thoughts.
Praising the deal, a savvy user said: “Wow extremely cheap!”
Another said: “I got this today.”
A shopper tagged their friend and commented: “Look what’s in the 10 for £10!”
And: “Need to go back to get this deal.”
It comes as Iceland revealed its Christmas 2024 range and it includes a pigs in blankets Yorkshire pudding.
The big day is still a while away, but it’s always good to plan ahead for the merry season.
Luckily, Iceland has unveiled its Christmas menu which will be available in stores and online from November 12.
The items will also be available to buy at Iceland’s The Food Warehouse.
Iceland‘s menu this year offers customers everything they’ll need for Christmas lunch or dinner, but there are some quirky items included as well in case you’re after something a bit different.
Shoppers will be able to feast on mini fish, chip and ketchup sarnies, prawn tacos and an unbelievable XXL pigs in blankets Yorkshire pudding.
The supermarket is also launching battered lobster tails, mini garlic and herb kievs and even some exclusive brands items like Harry Ramsden’s battered mini sausages.
Also returning are familiar favourites such as the turkey crown, mince pies, Christmas pudding and of course all the trimmings like roast potatoes and veg.
Those who want to feast on the exclusive brands range like Galaxy, TGI Fridays and Harry Ramsden’s can do so with the mix-and-match deals like three items for £10.
Iceland’s head of development David Lennox said: “We’ve focused on perfecting the classics and making them the best and most delicious yet, as well as offering our customers a range of innovative and affordable new Christmas products which are sure to delight everyone at the dinner table.
“Iceland has some extra special products on offer this festive season.”
And here’s the full list of festive items Iceland shoppers can get their hands on.
Iceland is yet to confirm some of the prices so keep your eyes peeled when you visit its stores later this year.
Christmas traditional favourites:
- Iceland Xmas Dinner in a box – £25.00
- Iceland Battered Lobster Tails – £20.00
- Butterball Turkeys – £35.00
- Iceland Beef Wellington – £26.00
- Iceland Ultimate XL Cooked Lobster – £15.00
- Iceland Pigs in Blanket Pinwheel – £5.00
Exclusive Brands Party:
- TGI Fridays Loaded Fries X2 Flavours – £5.00
- Harry Ramsden’s Battered Mini Sausages 16 Pack with Chip Shop Curry Sauce – £4.00 (3 for £5)
- TGI Fridays Hunters Chicken Potato Bites – £4.00
Luxury Party:
- Iceland Doughball Xmas Tree – £4.00
- Iceland Mini Cottage Pies / PiBS Yorkshire Puddings – £4.00
- Iceland Prawn Tacos – £4.00
- Mini Lemon Meringue Pies – £4.00
Innovation products:
- Iceland Beechwood Smoked Treacle Gammon – £14.00
- Iceland Lobster Thermidor – £15.00
- Iceland Pigs in Blanket Yorkshire Pudding XXL – £4.00
- Iceland Hunters Pigs in Blankets – £4.00 (3 for £10)
- Iceland White Chocolate Snowman – £8.00
- Luxury Mince Pies – £2.75
- Iceland Lemon Meringue Baked Alaska – £6
- Iceland Mini King Prawn Ring – £2.50
- Iceland Chicken Nugget Lollipops – £2.50
- Iceland Spring Roll Platter – £6.00
- Iceland Cheesy Potato Swirls – £1.00
- Iceland Potato Trees and Stars – £1.00
- Iceland Duck Skewer with Hoisin Sauce – £4.00
- Iceland Mini Cheesecake/ Cake Selections – £4.00
Buy Two, Get One Free Party Food:
- Iceland Mini Fish & Chip Butty – £2.50
- Iceland Crispy Duck Nuggets – £2.50
- Iceland 8pk Mini Orange Choc Ices – £2.50
- Iceland Choc Hazelnut Churro Bites – £2.50
- Iceland Onion Bhaji Rings – £2.50
Embrace picky bits – Greggs and TGI Fridays:
- TGI Fridays Coated Skewer with Tennessee Glaze and Sesame – £4.00
- TGI Fridays Cookie Cups – £4.00
- TGI Fridays Mini Ribs – £4.00 (3 for £10)
- Greggs 16 Pack Mini Sausage Rolls – £4.00
Desserts and Bakery:
- Iceland Ultimate Raspberry & Vanilla Macaron Wreath 575g- £10.00
- Galaxy Caramel Fondue Cheesecake – £12.00
- Daily Bakery Cinnamon / Chocolate Wreath – £5.00
- Galaxy Caramel Salted Chocolate Bar – £8.00
Veggie and Vegan:
- Iceland 15 Pack Vegetable Spring Rolls – £1.00
- Iceland 16 Pack Onion Bhajis – £1.00
- Iceland 16 Pack Vegetable Samosas – £1.00
- Iceland 10 Pack Mozzarella Balls – £1.00
- Iceland 10 Pack Mac ‘N’ Cheese Bites – £1.00
- Iceland 12 Battered Salt and Pepper Vegetable Spring Rolls -£2.50
- Iceland 16 Pack Mozzarella Sticks – £2.50
- Iceland Jalapeno Cream Cheese – £2.50
- Iceland 10 Pack Brie Wedges – £2.50
- Iceland 14 Pack Cheese & Garlic Bites – £2.50
- Luxury 4 Pack Camembert Rounds with Cranberry Sauce – £3.50
- Luxury 12 Pack Halloumi Fries – £3.50
- Iceland 80 Pack Indian Platter – £6.00
- TGI Fridays Mozzarella Sticks (FWH) – £3.50
- TGI Fridays 6 Pack Southern Fried Mozzarella XL Dippers – £3.50
- Cathedral City 12 Pack Cheese Bites – £3.75
- TGI Fridays Battered Cheese Toastie – £4.00
- Cathedral City Cheddar with Caramelised Onion – £3.75
- Cathedral City Cheddar with Triple Cheese Bite – £3.75
- TGI Fridays Bacon Mac Cheese Bites – £3.75
- TGI Fridays Jalapeno Poppers – £4.00
- Cathedral City Mac n Cheese Bites – £3.75
- Mozzarella sticks 60 Pack – £6.00
- No Meat No Meat Turkey Roast (vegan offering)
- No Porkies 6 Pack Sausage Roll (vegan offering)
- Iceland Vegan Mac & Cheese Bites (vegan offering)
If you are keen to snap up some of the items from Iceland’s Christmas range, most of its stores are usually open from 7am or 8am until 7pm, and in some cities, they are open until 9pm.
However, hours might vary depending on where you are in the country.
You can find your nearest Iceland store by using the store locator tool on its website.
How to save money on your food shop
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year:
Odd boxes – plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price.
Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30.
Sainsbury’s also sells £2 “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash.
Food waste apps – food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public.
Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio.
Too Good to Go’s app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount.
Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses.
Yellow sticker bargains – yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap.
But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here.
Super cheap bargains – sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they’ve found on the cheap, including food finds.
“Downshift” – you will almost always save money going for a supermarket’s own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands.
The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as “downshifting” and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.
Money
Women shun pensions and Isas in favour of savings accounts
Almost half of women (46%) are deciding to hold their long-term savings in a savings account instead of “more tax-friendly options” such as a pension or Isa.
This is according to research by Scottish Friendly and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).
The research also found 33% of men opt to use pensions, compared to 24% of women.
In the study, long-term savings were defined as “thinking longer than five years ahead”, such as saving for retirement, a deposit on a property or starting a business.
Despite the Bank of England’s (BoE) recent decision to keep interest rates on hold at 5%, there is speculation it could still be cut gradually before the end of the year.
This could negatively impact women, as the real term value of money held in savings accounts will be eroded with each rate cut.
Additionally, official government data shows that women are still being paid just 91p for every £1 their male counterparts earn.
Scottish Friendly savings specialist, Kevin Brown, said: “Women are already having to work harder for their money so it would be a travesty that they then lose out on further building up their hard-earned savings through tax-efficient wrappers and jeopardising future plans as rate cuts start biting.
“Whatever sits at the root of what appear to be gender choices, as an industry and as a socially responsible modern mutual, we need to ensure parity of savings’ growth opportunities.”
To obtain these results, Scottish Friendly and the Cebr spoke to 2,600 UK adults aged between 18 years and 65+.
Short-term financial goals were described as being goals up to six months ahead and medium-term goals as being between six months to five years ahead.
Money
Another big bank brings back £175 free cash offer just in time for Christmas – and £50 interest-free overdraft
A MAJOR bank has announced it’s offering free cash for switching accounts just in time to give your balance a boost for Christmas.
It’s also giving account holders a £50 interest-free overdraft buffer to ease burden at what can be an expensive time.
Nationwide Building Society has launched a new offer of £175 to switch to its FlexDirect, FlexPlus or FlexAccount current accounts.
In order to get the free money, you must switch through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
Banks often offer incentives like free cash to attract new customers.
Until recently several bank switch bonuses were up for grabs, but were pulled in the past few weeks.
But that could be set to change as Nationwide is the second bank to bring one back.
Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts Compare, said: “The £175 free-cash perk is a joint-market leading sum with First Direct, so it will be interesting to see if any other providers launch a switching incentive to compete for business in the weeks ahead.
“The FlexDirect (account) will pay up to £5 per month in cashback, but this is not diluted by any account management fee, which is a plus.”
The lender is also set to launch a £50 interest-free overdraft buffer in November, with the exact date to be confirmed closer to the time.
The buffer will apply to overdrafts on the lender’s three main current accounts, which are the FlexPlus, FlexDirect and the FlexAccount.
It’s worth noting that the FlexPlus account does charge a monthly fee in return for benefits such as insurance and breakdown cover.
Springall says Nationwide’s £50 interest-free buffer could also be useful to some people as the Christmas shopping season draws nearer.
She says: “This safety net can make a difference for those who might overspend by a small amount.”
Springall suggested that, in general, current account holders should weigh up the benefits they use as well as the charges for using their account “to see if it’s working hard enough”.
The FlexDirect account gives the holder 5% credit interest on balances up to £1,500 for the first 12 months.
This account also offers an interest-free overdraft for the first 12 months.
Those who open a new FlexDirect account will still get the 5% credit interest rate, and will also receive 1% cashback for the first 12 months on debit card purchases, capped at £5 per month.
For new FlexDirect account openings, the previous interest-free overdraft offer will be withdrawn.
But if you are an existing customer who is benefiting from an interest-free overdraft offer then don’t worry, this will continue until the end of their 12-month period.
We’ve asked Nationwide if there’s a minimum amount you need to pay in to the accounts to qualify for the bonus and will update when we hear back.
While the £175 might look enticing, it is important to consider all aspects of a bank account when planning to change.
So for starters, it is important to look at what fees and charges are associated with an account.
There is no account fee on the FlexDirect or FlexAccount current accounts.
The FlexPlus account fee is currently £13, it will increase to £18 per month from December.
You should consider account opening fees, transaction fees, monthly maintenance fees, any overdraft changes and fees if you plan on spending abroad.
Account management, in terms of your preference for online or in a branch, and eligibility criteria, such as a good credit score, should also be looked at.
Finally incentives and mobile banking are two more important considerations when choosing whether to change accounts.
How to switch bank accounts?
Switching bank accounts in the UK, in the vast majority of cases, can be done using the CASS to move your money and close your old account.
The first step to setting up a new account is done by contacting your chosen bank or building society to open an account.
This can be done by applying online, in branch, by phone, or via the lender’s app.
Step two involves your chosen lender checking your eligibility for an account, and to switch using the CASS.
Following this, you need to select the date you want your old account to close and your new account to open.
You will be required to provide information about yourself and your finances, and present a form of photo ID.
The bank will check your credit report to verify your identity and assess the risk of lending money to you.
Lastly, it is just a case of counting down the days until the switch is complete, with the minimum being seven working days.
What other banks are offering bonus switches?
Right now, options are quite limited with only one other major lender offering incentives to switch.
But don’t fret, lenders often introduce these incentives from time to time, so simply stay on the lookout if you have a particular bank or building society you want to switch to.
FirstDirect are currently offering £175 to customers who choose to make the switch.
To be eligible for the bonus you cannot have had any account with First Direct in the past, and you can’t have opened a current account with HSBC since January 2018.
If this is you, then all you need to do is open the account in app, and switch in an account from a different bank including two direct debits or standing orders within 45 days.
You will also need to pay in £1,000 and make five or more debit card payments within 45 days.
The £175 is paid by the 20th of the following month after you meet the switch bonus criteria.
What is an overdraft and how does it work?
The ins and outs of an overdraft are simple enough to understand, for starters there are two types.
These are arranged and unarranged. An arranged overdraft is a pre-arranged limit that you agree with your bank, while an unarranged overdraft occurs when you go overdrawn without an arranged overdraft.
You will usually be charged interest for using an overdraft, but some providers offer an interest-free amount. This is common with student accounts.
If you manage an arranged overdraft well it is unlikely to have any impact on your credit score.
But, if you do not pay it off regularly, have payments declined, or use the unarranged overdraft, it is likely to have a negative impact.
You should also know that if you do not pay your overdraft off in time, your bank may turn your account over to a collection agency.
Money
Major bank to axe credit card for all customers in DAYS
A MAJOR bank is set to discontinue credit card services for all customers in a matter of days, The Sun can reveal.
Cahoot, a subsidiary of Santander, will stop offering credit card services for all customers next week.
Cahoot ceased offering new credit cards to customers back in 2006.
However, over 1,000 existing customers are still using these credit cards today.
Many more may still have a Cahoot card knocking around.
All these credit cards will stop working from September 30.
This means you will no longer be able to pay for goods or services in-store or online with the card.
Customers will need to find another credit card provider to continue to make purchases in this way.
A spokesperson for Cahoot told The Sun: “Following a review of our product range, we have made the decision to close the cahoot credit card account from September 30, 2024.
“We have written to Cahoot credit card customers to outline the options available to them, including transferring to a Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card as a replacement.”
If you still have an outstanding balance on your card after this date, you can continue to make repayments as usual – there’s no time limit on repaying the debt.
Once you’ve repaid your balance in full and it’s at £0, Cahoot will then close your account and write to you to confirm this.
You won’t be forced to pay off your debt in full.
The bank says that all repayment options will continue to be available to affected customers.
Your statement will continue to show the minimum repayment amount required each month.
You must pay the minimum payment on or before your payment due date.
The minimum payment is the highest of:
- The full credit card balance if it is less than £5
- Any arrears payable, plus the greater of 2.5% of the credit card balance or £5
Remember, if you only make the minimum payment, it will take longer and cost you more to clear your balance.
This is because interest is added to your outstanding bill.
Martyn James, consumer rights expert, says: “If you’ve got a big debt on your credit card, you might be worried about paying off the bill now the Cahoot card is being withdrawn.
“However, in situations like this, the business should allow you to keep paying off the debt by the minimum payment.
“If you’re in financial difficulties, they should set up a payment plan at a rate you can afford – and not charge excessive interest.”
Santander says that customers who actively use the Cahoot credit card can apply for a replacement credit card with Santander and complete a balance transfer.
SUBSCRIPTION WARNING
IF you have an ongoing monthly subscription that you pay using your Cahoot credit card, you’ll need to update your details now.
From September 10, 2024 any requests for authorisation on your Cahoot Credit Card will be declined.
You need to make alternative arrangements for future payments with each subscription provider or organisation before this date to ensure that services continue and any required payments are made.
If you fail to do this and are paying a contract with a specified term, your missed payment could be reported to the credit reference agencies and may reduce your credit score.
However, Cahoot will also allow customers to transfer their existing credit card debt onto a new credit card with a different bank.
This means those who can’t afford to pay off their balance in full could transfer it to an interest-free balance transfer credit card.
These cards allow customers to temporarily stop paying interest for up to 29 months for a small processing fee of 2-4%.
If you want to pay your debt down completely, you should avoid spending extra money on these cards.
With HSBC‘s market-leading offer, customers can stop paying interest for 29 months, with a 3.49% transfer fee.
Those with less-than-perfect credit scores might be eligible for a 16-month Virgin Money card with a 3% transfer fee.
Those with poor credit scores could be eligible for Fluid’s nine-month interest-free balance transfer card, which also charges a 3% transfer fee.
FIND THE BEST CREDIT CARD DEALS
You should always use an eligibility calculator before applying. That’s because every credit card application leaves a mark on your credit file and can affect your credit score.
To assess all the available cards, visit price comparison websites like MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Credit Club or Compare the Market.
Once you run your details through an eligibility calculator and you’ve been shown that you’re likely to be accepted, make a formal application.
To do this, you will need to provide your name, address and email address as well as details of your income so a provider can assess your eligibility.
You will also need to provide details of how much money you want to transfer to the new card, but you can often do this after you have been accepted.
If your application is approved, you will need to transfer the balance within a set period, usually around 60 or 90 days.
Your old balance will then be cleared and you can start making interest-free repayments on your new card.
HISTORY OF CAHOOT
THE Cahoot brand was set up in 2000, becoming Abbey National’s internet-only division.
Santander retained the banking division when Abbey National was bought out by the Spanish banking giant in July 2004.
In addition to credit cards, Cahoot provided current accounts but halted new account openings in February 2010.
In June 2015, Cahoot stopped paying interest on current account balances.
Further changes occurred in April 2020 when Cahoot withdrew the interest-free overdraft facility on its current accounts.
The online-only bank now specialises in offers savings accounts.
Money
Millions of households to get automatic winter payment starting in DAYS – it’s not just for those on state pension
MILLIONS of hard-up households will receive a key energy bill discount worth £150 starting in just days and it’s available even if you’re not on the state pension or get pension credit.
The Warm Home Discount (WHD) is a £150 cut to your electricity or gas bill and is applied by your energy supplier once a year.
In most cases those who qualify will receive the reduction automatically and do not need to apply.
If you live in England and Wales you will be eligible if you get the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.
The scheme could provide a lifeline to millions this winter after the Government last month cut the number of households that will receive Winter Fuel Payments.
The scheme is administered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which will contact households who qualify for the discount by post between October and December.
Read more on energy bills
These letters will let customers know that they are eligible for the discount and when the deduction will be applied.
If you think you are eligible for the scheme but have not received a letter by early January then you should check your energy account to see if it has been credited by £150.
If you have not been sent the cash then you should contact the Warm Home Discount helpline.
The phone number will be available via the Government’s website from next month.
You have until February 28, 2025 to contact the helpline depending on what qualifying criteria you meet.
But it is best to call before this date to make sure you do not miss out on the payment.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is usually applied between October and March as credit on your account, but this will depend on how you pay for the energy you use.
Usually the £150 is deducted from your electricity bill but if you have a dual fuel tariff then you can also get the money off your gas bill.
If you have a credit meter, your Warm Home Discount will be credited directly to your account.
Once it has been applied it will show on your next bill.
If you are a prepayment meter customer you will receive the voucher in the post with instructions on how to redeem it at your local Post Office.
If you are eligible then your energy supplier will apply the discount to your bill by March 31, 2025.
How do I qualify for it?
To qualify for the credit, households in England and Wales must fall into one of two categories – “core group 1” and “core group 2”.
Core group 1 is for customers who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit and will be identified by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What is pension credit and how do I apply?
PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
This is known as “guarantee credit”.
If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.
However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:
- Attendance allowance
- The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
- The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
- Armed forces independence payment
- The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.
ou could get the “savings credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:
- You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
- You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension
This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.
Pension credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions, the winter fuel payment and the Warm Home Discount.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
Meanwhile, core group 2 is made up of households who receive certain means-tested benefits or tax credits and have a “high energy cost score”.
This is based on the type, age and size of your property and is assessed by the Government.
The benefits that put you in core group 2 are:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- The “Savings Credit” part of Pension Credit and Universal Credit
If you were not claiming any of these benefits on August 11, 2024 then you will not be entitled to the payment.
You may also be eligible if your household income falls below a certain threshold and you get tax credits.
If you do not fall into these groups then you need to apply directly via your energy supplier.
When will I receive the discount?
The dates that you will receive the reduction will depend on your energy supplier and when it is notified that you are eligible.
Ovo Energy will aim to pay the discount by the end of December or within six weeks of being told by the government which customers are eligible at the beginning of October.
But a select number of customers could be paid between January and the end of March if it takes longer to confirm that they qualify.
British Gas and Scottish Power have said that they will make all payments by March 31, 2025 at the latest.
EDF said that it will try to provide customers with their rebate by February 28, 2025.
All payments will be made by the end of March 2025.
What other help is available?
If you do not qualify for the Warm Home Discount then you may be able to get help with your bills through the Household Support Fund.
Last month the fund was extended to next spring and a further £421 million was added to the pot, which has been shared between councils in England.
It is up to each council how they allocate their portion, which means that how much you get and whether you are eligible will depend on where you live.
If you are on benefits, have a low income or are classed as vulnerable then you are likely to receive the help.
Contact your local council to see what help is on offer.
There is a tool on the Government’s website to help you find which council area you fall under.
You may also be able to get a grant on your energy bills if you are in debt.
Several energy firms including British Gas, Octopus Energy and Ovo offer up to £2,000 to help customers.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
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