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Gas & Electricity Latest News Switching energy supplier 'isn't difficult'

Switching energy supplier 'isn't difficult'

Switching energy supplier 'isn't difficult'

Switching energy supplier is simple, but can lead to significant savings, one expert has advised.

Cutting down on household gas and electricity bills by switching suppliers could not be easier, it has been suggested.

That is according to one expert who has explained that, while a significant proportion of UK consumers are likely to be hit hard by their next gas billing after cranking up their heating through one of the coldest winters on record, many are in a position to save money by shopping around for the cheapest deal.

Writing for lovemoney.com, gas electricity comparison specialist Rachel Robson explains that, due partly to the fact that there are regional differences in energy prices, it pays to make an extra effort to find a deal suitable to individual circumstances.

"Taking the time to compare energy tariffs is really important if you want to ensure you're getting the best deal for you because unfortunately, there's no 'one size fits all' rule," she says.

As well as the volume of gas and electric used each month, households should also take into account their location, with certain suppliers offering better deals for urban customers, while rural consumers could benefit from other energy firms, Ms Robson adds.

This advice comes soon after the Observer newspaper suggested that "now could be the time" for people to seek out more competitive energy deals.

By Mark HornbyADNFCR-2079-ID-19593592-ADNFCR
Tuesday, 02 February 2010 00:00
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Card Balance Transfers Purchases Typical APR (variable) Apply
View Full Table >
Virgin Credit Card
0%
16 mths
0%
3 mths
16.6%
Barclaycard Platinum
0%
15 mths
0%
3 mths
15.9%
Egg Visa Card
0%
until May 2011
0%
until Jun 2010
16.9%
Tesco Clubcard
0%
6 mths
0%
12 mths
16.9%
MBNA Platinum
0%
13 mths
0%
3 mths
16.9%

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 16 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% for 15 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% 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% until May 2011
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% until Jun 2010

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
22.9% 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 6 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 12 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Cash Advance:
24.9% 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 an income over £10,000 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 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:
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

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:
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% until Apr 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:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£25,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE AN EXISTING NATWEST CUSTOMER
  • You are at least 25 Years of Age
  • You have a Good 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 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:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£25,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE A RBS CURRENT A/C HOLDER
  • You are at least 25 Years of Age
  • You have a Good 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 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:
19.16% 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:
7.80% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
7.80% 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:
19.3% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 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:
0% for 9 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 9 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 9 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 9 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 6 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 10 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
18.9% 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

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:
0% for 6 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Typical APR

Purchases:
17.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
17.9% 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 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:
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:
18.9% 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

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:
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

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
4.90% for 9 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
19.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£10,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE A NATWEST CURRENT A/C HOLDERS
  • 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:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
4.90% for 9 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
19.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£10,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE A RBS CURRENT A/C HOLDER
  • 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