Mortgage Approvals at 11 Month Low
Mortgage approvals were at their lowest level for 11 months in May, according to the Bank of England, thanks to stricter lending rules and rising prices. The number of mortgages given the go-ahead was 61,707 in May, down from 62,806 in April – the lowest figure since June last year. The impact of the Mortgage […]
Slow UK Uptake of Mobile Payment Technologies
Accepting payments with a smartphone rather than a traditional card machine is still a relatively new concept – but new research shows that an uptake in the UK is slower than expected. The first mobile point-of-sale (MPOS) tools arrived in the UK around 18 months ago, but it seems that only 2% of micro-businesses in […]
Benefits of Prepaid Cards for Public Sector Organisations
In response to government austerity measures and new legislation around crisis loans and community care grants, prepaid cards are increasingly being used by a wide range of public sector organisations. Prepaid cards enable Local Councils, Health Services, and Quangos (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations) to deliver ongoing and one off payments to a range of recipients. Here […]
Strong Pound Opens up American Opportunities
The pound is currently trading at a five-year high against the US dollar, opening up a handful of cheaper holiday opportunities for those looking to get away this summer. For those looking to take advantage, they should point their sights in the direction of the USA as a whole host of bargains could be found […]
e-Wallet Prepaid Cards: How can they Benefit Consumers?
The UK is the ‘most internet-based major economy’ according to researchers at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). And as consumers increasingly turn to the internet to make a range of purchases, e-Wallet prepaid cards present a convenient and time-efficient way of to make payments. Here are just some of benefits that e-Wallet prepaid cards for […]
Consumer Rights Changes to Enhance Online Shopping Experience
Changes to consumer rights legislation could soon alter customer experiences for the better. Those who love online shopping or ordering items over the phone could soon have more time to return products if they’re not happy with them. From today (Friday 13 June), any items not purchased directly in a store will come under a […]
Cash Is Out…..and Cards Are In!
Brits are increasingly turning to the use of contactless payments and self-service to pay for goods and services, according to new data. The use of cash for these purchases it at its lowest ever level according to the British Retail Consortium, with debit cards accounting for 49.6% of sales by value. Cash use, meanwhile, has […]
Business Lobby Groups Positive Over UK Economy
The UK economy is in good health, according to a report produced by two major lobby groups – the Confederation of British Industry and the British Chambers of Commerce. According to the CBI, growth rates recorded in May were at a record high – outperforming all months since data was first collected in 2003. Meanwhile, […]
The Joys of the American West Coast – An Ideal Summer Getaway?
For those of you still on the lookout for a summer holiday destination, the American West Coast could spell the end of your search. From miles of sandy beaches and warm weather, to the metropolis cities of San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, there is plenty to see and do. California is renowned for its […]
Choosing Between The Plastics – What You Need to Know
There is no longer a need to use cash for every transaction – now there are debit, credit and prepaid options, but how do you choose between them? The plastic options provide a different approach to money, increasing the ease at which it can be managed and transferred. Choice is a great thing for many […]
