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Budgeting & bank accounts

Discuss bank accounts, banking apps, budgeting hacks and how to organise your money.

AceMoney Database Size Limit?
This is one for AceMoney users... Historically, I've started a new AceMoney database every five years. My current one is just coming up for five years, so I've started thinking about closing it down and starting a new one. But is it necessary? Has anyone found a limit to the size of database with which AceMoney can cope?…
First Direct App
I read somewhere recently that you can only have the First Direct app working on one device due to the fingerprint technology. Is this true?
Conversion to GBP
Hi, I have 200 Euros (in notes) that I want to exchange into sterling, either directly with my bank into my account or into cash... What would be the best way to do this so I can get the best deal? Post Office? Bank? Thanks
How do you stay motivated with budgeting?
As above really. How do you stay motivated with budgeting long term. I tend to do it for about a month and then slip back to bad habits which is what I've been doing recently. I have pots for spending and saving but what else? A job for every pound? Write down all your spends? Both are things I don't do. What would you…
Receiving foreign currency options
Hello, I'm hoping to be able to move a fairly large amount of foreign currency (a mix of US and Canadian) over a 3 month period to the UK to build up my deposit to buy a home. I've done a bit of research and online platforms like Wise and Revolut seem to be options, as well as Lloyds and HSBC. Has anyone done this before…
Offshore Bank Account
I've jus been informed by Barclays that they are going to close my bank account as I am overseas (bit of background here - my intention was to keep using my uk contact address and keep the account open but I've cancelled my uk mobile contract & when I enquired about setting up the app on an overseas mobile, it raised a red…
Does anyone recommend a bank account?
Hi. After yesterday's experience with Barclays I need to switch bank accounts. In short, my mother has had a few spells in hospital this year and I have been taking care of her bill paying. Every time she gets a big bill to pay, Barclays anti fraud team call her to verify the payment and if she doesn't pick up the phone to…
Changing current account switch date not possible?
Hi, I recently got a new account and want to switch my other account to it to get the reward. During the application process I picked a date for the switch to start (mid-January as I was expecting some payments to arrive and didn't want to risk the switch offer being withdrawn while I waited). I now want to switch to…
Child bank account
Child will be 11 yrs old in the new year and wants his own bank account and bank card. He already has his own BS savings account where he puts his pocket money etc but they are not a banking BS. He has no wish to do debit cards that you pay a monthly fee for - he prefers the money to stay in his pocket - he is very money…
lloyds
logging on to my lloyds bank account from a MacBook air laptop, it is not showing my current account transactions just the circle of dashes going round and round. it does show the transactions onboard my regular saver though. have cleared cookies but no difference any help gratefully received, tried online chat and phone…
Starling removing interest on Current accounts
Bit of a blow in my messages today. I'd just set one up to receive my pension payments. From their help page: "Upcoming interest rate changes We’re removing the interest rate from our personal and joint current accounts on 10 February 2025. If you have an account with us, you can carry on earning interest on balances up to…
little direct debits and gocardless
Hi Folks!I had an email today from little direct debits saying that gocardless are unable to process their direct debits and that my current direct debits that I have with them won't be taking payment for the forseeable. I have these direct debits on my tsb account ready for the switching incentive and I believe these…
Current accounts accepting euros for free
Hi, other than revolut and HSBC global money, which current accounts accept euros being transferred in for free please? With no % margin etc.? Thanks
Top Bank Accounts Discussion Area
This discussion relates to the updated Top Bank Accounts Article Click reply to discuss
Barclays Bank app now only showing DD and STO in Alphabetical Order
Am I the ony one who finds this new format useless? The old list - in date of payment order was so easy. I could see at a glance when the next DD or STO would be paid from my account. This new format means I have to use a calendar on another page with the dots representing the debits.
virgin money account blocked
hi My disabled wife has an account with these,which got locked when they introduced 2FA into the login proceedure. As she is deaf,she couldnt phone up and request it to be unblocked,which is what virgin said she had to do as its an online saver. They wouldnt deal with me,until i got a POA for financial affairs,which in…
Sainsburys Bank ATM Faulty or Cash Trapping Scam
I went to an ATM at a Sainsbury Large Supermarket to withdraw cash. The ATM was Sainsburys Bank .I used my Nationwide Flexplus Card to withdraw £70 with a receipt .The cash appeared in the slot I removed the receipt and card went to remove the cash and it shot back into the ATM faster than "Ronny Barkers Till in Open ALL…
Pending Transaction
Hello, Is there an ombudsman or regulatory body who I can complain to about pending transactions being well over the amount actually charged after the event. My example is EV charging. Monta app has taken £50 and is still holding it yet the total charge only came to £10. I'm now overdrawn and unable to pay my rent. Who can…
Post Office debited not credited account
I went to the post office counter today and put £250 in my bank account. Later in the evening i realised the post office had taken the £250 out instead of crediting it to my account. What am i supposed to do? The clerk counted the money in front of me? and gave me the receipt but i've lost it. I checked my app after the…
Ageing father - options to keep his account(s) secure
My parents are in their mid 80s and my father was close to being scammed recently. ‘Microsoft’ spoke to him over several days and eventually got him to download software onto his laptop. My mother is a bit more savvy and was begging him to hang up but it took a long time for him to do so. My brother was able to go over and…

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MSE News

Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payments this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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Budgeting & bank accounts

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