Gas & Electricity - Consumers 'should seek help if struggling with utility bills'
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Latest News Consumers 'should seek help if struggling with utility bills'
Consumers 'should seek help if struggling with utility bills'
People concerned about the cost of utility bills are advised to make sure they are on the most efficient tariff they can find.
Consumers struggling with the cost of their gas and electricity should ensure they are on the most cost-effective deal possible.Such is the advice of Fergus Muirhead, who notes in a BBC article that those with concerns about meeting electricity and gas bills should "check that the tariff you are paying is as efficient as it can be".
Britons worried about such household commitments should also get in touch with their supplier as soon as possible to discuss any difficulties, he adds, as "the companies point out that they can't start to help people unless they know that there is a potential problem".
However, he points out that as the recent cold spell followed a milder than usual December "some bills may actually have been lower".
Writing in the Observer, Lisa Bachelor claimed that now may be an ideal time for people to switch electric and gas suppliers as a number of firms have recently introduced cheaper tariffs.
By Kate Guthrie
Friday, 29 January 2010 00:00
| Card | Balance Transfers | Purchases | Typical APR (variable) | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Full Table > | ||||
 |
NatWest Platinum | |||
|
0%
16 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
16.9%
|
||
 |
Barclaycard Platinum | |||
|
0%
16 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
16.9%
|
||
 |
Nationwide Credit Card | |||
|
0%
15 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
16.9%
|
||
 |
Virgin Credit Card | |||
|
0%
14 mths
|
0%
3 mths
|
16.6%
|
||
 |
Egg Visa Card | |||
|
0%
until Nov 2011
|
0%
until Dec 2010
|
17.9%
|
||
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 16 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £10,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 16 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are 21 years or over
- You are a permanent UK resident
- You have no history of bankruptcy, had an IVA's or CCJ's.
- You haven't missed a payment on either a credit card or mortgage in the last 12 months.
- You have a regular income of more than £20,000 per annum
- You have not been declined for credit in the last six months.
- You do not have debts on other credit cards greater than £20,000
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have an Excellent Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £25,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 14 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.98%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.6% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.6% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 25 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are in full time employment
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a Bank or Building society account
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% until Nov 2011
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% until Dec 2010
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 23.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 45 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- Any Income Considered
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Cash Advance:
- 24.94% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 51 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You have an excellent Credit History
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have a gross annual income of £5,000+
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Balance transfer must be made within 90 days
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 16 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You earn over £10,000 per year
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 19.95% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £25,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 59 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You have a permanent UK address
- You are 18 or over
- You have not been declined for credit in the last month
- You do not have a history of bad credit
- You are not an existing Sainsbury's Bank Credit Card holder
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 10 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 10 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Balance transfer must be made within 90 days
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
- You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
- You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
- You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
- You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
- You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
- You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
- You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
- You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £25,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Balance transfer must be made within 90 days
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% until Oct 2011
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.50%
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 19.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You haven't missed multiple payments on a credit agreement within the last 12 months
- You don't have a CCJ (County Court Judgement) or IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) and haven't been registered bankrupt
- You don't already have a Barclaycard
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £10,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 15 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.90%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.7% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- YOU ARE AN EXISTING HSBC CUSTOMER
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You have been a permanent resident/citizen of the UK for atleast the last 3 years
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £10,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2.98%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.1% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have an income over £8,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 6.80% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 6.80% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 15.8% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 21 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £20,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 9 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 11.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 11.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 23.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 55 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are over 50 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £12,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 10 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 10 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
- You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
- You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
- You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
- You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 10 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 10 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 15.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
- You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
- You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
- You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
- You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 5.90% For Life
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 2%
- Purchase Rate:
- N/A
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 4.90% for 12 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 11.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 11.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are at least 18 Years of Age
- You have a Good Credit History
- You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
- You have a bank or building society account
- You have an income over £25,000 p.a
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- N/A
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 6 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 17.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 27.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- £50,000
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 56 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- I am aged 18 or over
- I have a current UK bank or building society account
- I have a permanent UK home address
- I have a household income of at least £30,000
- I have no history of bad debt
- If self-employed, I have been working for more than one year.
Introductory Offer
- Balance Transfer Rate:
- 0% for 13 mths
- Balance Transfer Fee:
- 3%
- Purchase Rate:
- 0% for 3 mths
Typical APR
- Purchases:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Balance Transfers:
- 16.9% p.a.
- Cash Advance:
- 24.9% p.a.
Standard Features
- Credit Limit:
- Subject to Status
- Interest Free Days:
- Up to 50 days
- Online Banking:
- Yes
Approval Criteria
- You are currently employed
- You are over 23 years of age
- You are a homeowner
- You have an income of over £20,000
- You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
- You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
- You have not applied for an MBNA or Virgin Credit Card within the last 6 months
Special Offer
HomeServe
Protect yourself from unexpected bills resulting from a faulty boiler or central heating system, blocked drains or electrical faults for a little as £4.84 per month!