MoneySavingExpert's Money Tips Email

Happy New Year. Sadly, many people will be starting the year with a financial hangover, awaiting Christmas's credit card bills due to drop through the door. This debt can feel depressing, dangerous, and debilitating.

Even though it may feel hard to face, the sooner you tackle it, the sooner it can be improved. So don't wait for a statement, each day's delay just adds more interest, deal with it now. I'll take you through the best deals, how best to use them, and how to get free help if you're in debt crisis.

As Trevor emailed last year: "Hi Martin & co. I was paying £300 for two credit cards, costing £76/mth interest. I took out a 28mth 0% deal and transferred both balances to it for a £164 fee. I'll have it all paid off in 15mths, saving me a bankroll. Bangin'! Keep it coming." (A near £1,000/yr interest saving.)

A 0% balance transfer is where you get a new credit card to pay off debt on your existing cards, so you owe it instead, but with no interest. This means more of your repayments reduce the actual debt, rather than just cover the interest charge - getting you debt-free quicker (just don't borrow more).

As lenders know January is 'debt month', they've pumped out a stronger suite of deals to try to win your custom, so you can now shift debt so it's interest-free until midway through 2027, yet...

1. To protect your credit history, apply via our eligibility calc to find who'll accept you. It shows which cards you're most likely to get, minimising applications to protect your credit score.
2. Go for the lowest fee within a 0% period long enough to clear the debt. Longer balance transfers usually have a bigger one-off fee, so if you can go shorter it's cheaper. Unsure? Play safe & go long.
3. Usually rejected when you apply? MSE's free Credit Club (available via the MSE App on Apple | Android) can analyse the problem, plus you can also access our eligibility calc there.

Top-pick newbies' 0% balance transfer cards Deals change regularly. All links via eligibility calc at providers' request (and so we can update details if the card info changes)
MBNA UP TO 31mths 0% 3.2% fee 24.9% rep APR after	Joint longest 0% Yet has a lower fee than the other & while it's an 'up to', you'll know the length before applying. If transferring under £2,500, this beats Barclaycard due to the lower standard fee. Apply via our eligibility calc (it's a shorter deal if you go direct) and, if eligible for the card, you'll be pre-approved for either 31mths with a 3.2% fee, or 14mths with a 3.49% fee (if the latter, you may be better with another card).
Barclaycard UP TO 31mths 0% 3.45% fee (min £5) 24.9% rep APR after	Joint longest 0% Higher fee, but wins if shifting £2,500+ due to £20 cashback, though an 'up to' card. Shift over £2,500 within 60 days and you get £20 cashback, which effectively reduces the fee. If you're pre-approved in our eligibility calc, you'll get the full 31mths. If not, it could be just 15mths. PS: A slightly higher £25 cashback is available if you apply after a comparison at CTM.
Tesco Bank Definite 29mths 0% 2.95% fee 24.9% rep APR after	Longest guaranteed-length 0% Even lower fee. If you've decent acceptance odds for this card, its advantage is everyone accepted will definitely get the full 29mths. If you can repay in that time, combined with the lower fee, it'll beat the cards above for a decent chunk of people.
Tesco Bank Definite 18mths 0% 0.99% fee 24.9% rep APR after	LOW-FEE guaranteed-length 0% Sweet spot of length & fee. If you can repay quite a bit quicker, this 18mth card is in a sweet spot as it's still pretty long but the fee is just £10 per £1,000 shifted, and all accepted get the full 18mths.
Barclaycard UP TO 14mths 0% NO FEE 24.9% rep APR after	Longest NO-FEE 0% card Plus £20 cashback if you shift £2,500, but it's an 'up to'. Shift over £2,500 within 60 days and you get £20 cashback which, as there's no fee, actually means you make money on the card. If pre-approved in our eligibility calc, you'll get the full 14mths 0%. If not, you may get just 7mths, so then also check NatWest's NO-FEE card, as if eligible, you'll be pre-approved for 12 or 10mths 0%.

If you can't get the top cards, our eligibility calculator will show alternatives, including some specifically for those with patchy credit histories. Some even accept those with past defaults or county court judgments (CCJs).

There's a big thing to watch though... the interest rate after the 0% ends could be higher than 34.9%. So compare that to your current card's rate. If your current card is lower, ONLY shift debt you're certain you can clear within the 0% period, so you're not stuck at the higher rate after. If your current card's the same or higher, shift as much as possible.

Top-pick poorer-credit 0% balance transfer cards All links go via eligibility calc at providers' request
Virgin Money Definite 16mths 0% 3% fee 29.9% rep APR after	*Long 0% and accepts some* past credit issues.** All accepted get the full 16mths at 0%. Even if you've had CCJs or defaults, you may still be accepted if you've recent history of managing credit, a UK bank account, and either personal income of £7,000/yr or household income of £15,000/yr (including non-salary income such as pensions).
Fluid Definite 9mths 0% 3% fee 34.9% rep APR after	Lower minimum income needed on shorter 0% period. You may still be accepted if you've been declared bankrupt, had a CCJ, or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) as long as it's more than 3yrs old. You need £5,000/yr min income, 12mths' UK address history & a UK bank account.
Capital One Definite 6mths 0% 3% fee (min £3) 28.9% rep APR after (not available direct)	Shorter 0%, but lower rep APR after. You must have a recent history of managing credit, even if you've had past CCJs or defaults. It doesn't publish what the min income is. If the above cards don't work, this may help some. The rep APR after is lower too, which may be useful if you're already on a high-rate card (though the 'representative' before APR means up to 49% of people could get a higher APR than the one listed).

Getting the right card's just the start. Here are my golden rules...

a) NEVER miss the minimum monthly repayment. Or you can lose the 0%. Preferably pay it by Direct Debit (you can opt to pay a fixed monthly amount) so you never miss it. If you want to vary what you pay each month, for safety set up a Direct Debit for the minimum, then make manual overpayments on top of that each month.

b) Clear debt before the 0% ends. Clear it or transfer again before the 0% ends or you'll pay the representative APR, which with all these cards is at least a costly 25%.

c) Don't spend/withdraw cash on the card. It's usually at the costly APR, not the 0% rate, and it's best not to build up other debt while trying to repay what you've already got. It can also make it harder to access credit in the future.

d) Do the transfer at application. It'll then contact the lenders and transfer the debt for you. If you don't do it then, cards normally have a 60- or 90-day time limit to do it, so check that.

So those are my golden rules, but I get lots of questions too, so let me try and pre-empt some of them...

Should I apply if my best eligibility score's only 20%? Cutting debt costs is important (usually only trumped by a mortgage application), so go for it. While 20% odds are low, it means it's likely two in 10 who apply will succeed - and it could be you. And if you're rejected, barring a minor credit file application mark, you're no worse off.

As (a different) Martin wrote in our forum last month: "I've tried many times to get a decent 0% balance transfer card and have never been eligible. After your recent newsletter, I tried again and was accepted for a 30mth 0% card... so I can transfer over my expensive debt. Many thanks for your tools that let me do this."
What if the credit limit they give me isn't enough? In most cases, you won't know your credit limit until after applying, though some cards in the eligibility calc will show some people a guaranteed credit limit before applying.

If you find the limit given after applying is too low, while it's frustrating, don't just sack the card off. The application is on your credit file, so shift as much of your highest APR debt as you can to the new card (usually you can move up to 90% of the credit limit).

Then, once done, go back to the eligibility calc to see your chances of acceptance for other providers' cards to move the rest. Though each subsequent application can get harder, especially if done quickly, as too many can indicate you're desperate for credit.
Should I pay an equal amount on every card (spoiler... NO). List all your debts in APR order from highest to lowest. Include your overdraft if you have one (as these days overdrafts are often the most expensive form of mainstream borrowing).

Then, if possible, focus every penny of spare cash at trying to clear the debt with the highest interest rate (APR), as it's growing quickest, and just pay the minimums on all the others. Once the highest one is clear, shift focus to the next highest.

If your overdraft is the highest APR, just pay the minimums on the credit card, and let the cash sit in your bank account to reduce it, until the overdraft is gone (see Cut overdraft costs for more options).
What if the eligibility calculator says I've "no chance" for all cards? That can happen, especially for those on lower incomes or with a poor credit history (see how to improve it in MSE Credit Club).

Yet if your credit limits on existing cards aren't full, try to see if you can shift debt from one card to another if it's cheaper. So if one credit card charges 18%, and has half the credit limit left, and the other card is at 30%, ask the cheaper card's firm if you can shift debt from the more expensive one to it, saving you cash. Even better, some cards also have 'existing-customer balance transfer offers', eg, 12mths at 0%. See the credit card shuffle for how it works.

If none of this is a goer, the priorities are repaying in the right order, as I explained above, and reading this section below...

The tips above are for those who can afford to meet their credit card payments and want to make them cheaper. If you can't, you'll likely need a different tack. I devised these three simple questions many years ago as a snap test...

1. Do you struggle to meet minimum monthly payments or pay all bills?
2. Is your total debt (not mortgage/student loan) over a year's salary?
3. Do you have sleepless nights or depression/anxiety over debt?

If you answered yes to any of these, I'd forget balance transfers, you need a stronger intervention, so get free, one-to-one debt-counselling help from Citizens Advice, StepChange, or National Debtline. They have powers to give you breathing space on your debt, or can put you in a repayment plan or similar. While this may impact your ability to access credit, it's usually worth it to get you out of the debt hole.

And if you need emotional support, try CAP. They're there to help, not judge. The most common thing people tell me after going is: "I finally slept last night."

And don't feel alone, there's no stigma, you can sort this. Read inspiring stories in our Debt-free wannabe forum, and see our Mental Health & Debt and Debt crisis help guides.

DON'T believe the fake 'Martin Lewis' or 'MSE' ads
Lots of scam ads litter social media and even newspaper websites - some of these lie that we or Martin promote Bitcoin, binary trading etc. See Fake ads warning.

Warning. Always get travel insurance...
ASAB
(As Soon As you Book)
Travel cover can cost as little as £7 for a week's holiday or £11 for all a year's trips. Waiting leaves you unprotected

We're in the peak holiday booking month. Saturday just gone was likely the peak day. If you've just made your travel plans, don't forget an essential step - getting travel insurance NOW. This isn't just about being organised, Martin's ASAB rule is far more important than that...

Martin: "Heartbreakingly, each year one or more people who've been diagnosed with cancer or other serious conditions usually ask me about their holiday, as they can no longer go and the airline/hotel won't give them a refund (as the ticket isn't faulty). I suggest they contact their travel insurer, as that's a key gap it's designed to cover, and then they say they haven't got around to getting it yet. It's a painful moment. Half the point of travel insurance is to protect you if things happen beforehand that stop you going, so delay and you're not getting all its value. Get it ASAB."

The cheapest travel insurance policies
Including for under-66s, over-65s, and pre-existing conditions

Below we list the cheapest bog-standard, no-frills, Financial Conduct Authority-regulated options we can find that meet our minimum cover levels, judged purely on price, NOT feedback - for those not too fussed about extras or add-ons, and who just see it as a backstop. Want a higher-end policy? If you want stronger feedback, to cover airline failure, natural disasters etc, or higher cover levels, go straight to our Travel Insurance Finder tool which includes these options.
The exact price depends on age & circumstances, so we give the three cheapest options - do check at least a couple.

Annual policies... for those holidaying more than once this year. If you'll go away at least twice, even just for weekends, annual cover usually works out cheapest. It covers virtually all trips away, though often has a duration limit (eg, 30 days per trip). More info below on when to get annual cover if you already have it in place.

For under-66s: From £11 for singles in Europe, from £93 for a family worldwide. Check Coverwise (Bronze)*, Admiral* (use discount code MSE15), Leisure Guard Flexi (Bronze) and A to Z Insurance (Essential). Full info: Cheap travel insurance.
For over-65s: Costs rocket with age, so we've put a lot of work into our Over-65s' travel insurance guide. Annual prices are from £38/yr if you're aged 66, and from £113/yr if aged 76. Check Admiral* (use discount code MSE15), Leisure Guard (Standard), Avanti (Classic)* and Staysure (Comprehensive)*. There are couples policies available too, though family policies are trickier unless you have a child at home who is under 18 (or in full-time education).

Single-trip policies... to cover a one-off holiday. For those not choosing an annual policy, or who need special cover, enter the dates you are travelling (even if months ahead) and you'll be covered for cancellation from the moment you pay.

For under-66s: For a week, from £7 for individuals in Europe, or from £48 for a family worldwide. Check Coverwise (Bronze)*, Leisure Guard Flexi (Bronze) and CoverForYou (Silver)*.
For over-65s: Full info & options in Over-65s' travel insurance, but it can be from £26/wk for an individual in Europe (£64 worldwide). Check Coverwise (Bronze)*, Leisure Guard Flexi (Bronze), Avanti (Classic)*, Admiral* (use discount code MSE15) and Staysure (Comprehensive)*.

Got pre-existing conditions? There are too many variables to summarise the options, so please jump straight to our Top pre-existing medical conditions travel insurance guide. It worked for Terence, who emailed to tell us: "A few years since I was diagnosed with cancer, I tried for some travel insurance for a single trip and was quoted £1,273. I then saw the info on your app [get it via iOS | Android] and tried it. I got insurance for £77, so thanks very much Martin and team. Keep up the good work."

Travel insurance need-to-knows...

Hitting the pistes? Get a winter sports add-on. All the providers above let you add winter sports cover, for both annual and single trip, usually for lost or damaged gear, piste closures, and medical costs from accidents. This crucially also includes public liability cover, in case you injure someone while on the slopes. Do be aware that if you go off-piste (or do any extreme sports), these WON'T cover you. More in winter sports info.
If you've got an annual policy, when should you start it for? If it's a totally new policy, you need the start date to be the time you book the holiday (or as soon after as possible), otherwise if something happens before the start date you won't be covered. If you've already got annual cover, but your holiday dates are after the cover ends, get another policy to start as soon as the current one ends (most policies, including all the ones we list, will cover you if something happens while it's live that stops you going on a holiday booked after it ends - but there are a few that don't, so do check).
Holidaying in Europe? Ensure you've an in-date European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) - if not, apply for a free GHIC. This entitles you to treatment at state-run hospitals or GPs at the same cost as a local (so if it's free for them, it's free for you). See it as an addition to, not a substitute for, travel insurance.
Many could save with a packaged bank account. These give good quality travel insurance, mobile phone cover and breakdown cover for a £15ish monthly fee - if you need all of them, you can save £100s. See top packaged bank accounts.
What if my travel insurer unfairly turns my claim down? Knowing how firms will respond to claims is tough. You can always formally complain to the insurer and, if rejected, go to the free Financial Ombudsman to adjudicate.

Pizza Express 2for1 for £1 and more restaurant codes. Restaurants are quieter in Jan, so chains including Toby Carvery, BrewDog, Harvester, Franco Manca and more have restaurant discounts to entice you.

Energy Price Cap UP 1% and likely to rise again, yet you can lock in now for 7% less. On 1 Jan, the Energy Price Cap rose 1%, and a 2% rise is predicted in April. Currently you can fix for 12 months at 7% less than the Cap - use our whole-of-market Cheap Energy Club comparison to speedily find your winner.

New. Top 5.01% easy-access savings + £10 cashback. A cash ISA's just a savings account you never pay tax on. And the current top rate beats the top normal easy-access savings, so for those who've not used this year's ISA allowance, Plum's 5.01% AER variable* is made up of 3.79% interest and a 1.22% newbies bonus paid after a year. You can put up to £20,000 in and it allows three annual penalty-free withdrawals - plus you can earn £10 cashback if you keep £100 in the account for first 90 days. Do note its complex structure. Saving £10,000+? You could get equivalent 6.6%. Savings marketplace Raisin* lets you save and move money via different banks after filling in just one form. Until 17 Jan, newbies who open it using code SAVINGS100 get £100 cashback after 6mths, if you hold a min £10,000 in a qualifying account. That includes Paragon Bank's 4.55% easy access (on £10,000 with the £100 boost, that'd be an effective 6.6% rate over 6mths) and some fixes that pay even more. More options: Including top fixes in Top savings and Top cash ISAs.

British Airways customers 'hugely disappointed' by loyalty scheme revamp. From 1 April, only those spending £1,000s a year will earn status perks. See BA Executive Club news.

New. Sub-6% personal loan - cheapest rate seen since early 2024. There are two new cheapest loans for £7,500 to £25,000. Novuna's 6% rep APR (1 to 5yrs), which you can access via our Loans Eligibility Calc (Novuna has requested we don't link direct) and, from 12.01am tomorrow (Wed), it'll be joined there by TSB at 5.9% (TSB's also requested you go via our eligibility calc as its credit scoring is tight). Full best buys in cheap personal loans. Golden rule: Never borrow willy-nilly. Only for a planned, NEEDED one-off, where you've budgeted that you can afford the repayments. Borrow as little as you can, and repay as quickly as you can. If in doubt, don't.

Ends Thu. £70 Eurostar returns (plus get extra 5% off). For travel from 14 Jan to 3 Apr. Your(o) star deal

Buyers beware... eBay's charging new fees. You'll soon pay up to 4% AND 75p/item when buying from private sellers. See new eBay fees.

Ends 11.59pm Fri. Travelled with South West Trains in 2015 to 2017? Quickly check if you're due £30+. It's paying up to £25m in compensation for alleged historic overcharging, but go quick. Check & claim

Money, marriage & divorce: What are the financial benefits of marriage? | Are pre-nups worth it? | How to divorce cheaply | Splitting pensions, mortgages & more. With new data out this week showing one in five couples who want to separate are locked together due to money worries, a reminder of October's Not The Martin Lewis Podcast - where Martin asked specialists key marriage & divorce questions. Listen via BBC Sounds | Apple | Spotify or elsewhere podcasts are listed. And as it's such an important topic, we put a transcript right here on MSE.

BLAGGED FOR MSE

- Rush hair salon 35% off haircut codes 1,000 available

DID YOU MISS?

- January sales, including Argos, Boots, Ikea & John Lewis
- Santa bring you a new smartphone? 15 tips to keep it secure
- Can you save £667.95 in 2025 with the 1p Savings Challenge?
- Sign up for FREE MSE Academy of Money course

New. 370,000 people on minimum wage were UNDERPAID in 2024
Even if your payslip shows you get over £11.44/hr, that mightn't be the whole story. Check (& recover what's due)

Big names such as Easyjet, Greggs & Moss Bros have got it wrong. Spread word

New 2024 figures from the Low Pay Commission show that 370,000 people on minimum wage were paid less than they should've been. With the minimum wage set to jump in April, it's even more important all those on lower incomes don't just assume their employers are following the rules - even big names get it wrong. For example, in Feb 2024, Easyjet, Greggs, Moss Bros and Estée Lauder were among those included in the Govt's list of 500 firms named for underpaying min wage, though some of the reasons were complex - a new list's due soon. So it's worth checking...

The UK's statutory minimum wage rates
	Apprentices & under-18s	Aged 18 to 20	Aged 21+
Current: (1 Apr 24 to 31 Mar 25)	£6.40/hr	£8.60/hr	£11.44/hr
April's rise: (1 Apr 25 to 31 Mar 26)	£7.55/hr	£10.00/hr	£12.21/hr
Applies even if not paid hourly. So aged 21+, working 35hrs/wk is a £20,820+/yr salary (£22,222+/yr from April)

How you may be underpaid when on or near the minimum wage. Here's a summary of the key ways, though do read full info in our Minimum wage: Are you being paid enough? guide...

Most common fail. UNIFORM, TOOLS & SAFETY CLOTHING. If you must buy them, the cost shouldn't take what you get below the equivalent minimum wage over your pay period (eg, monthly, if paid monthly).
YOU SHOULD BE PAID FOR ALL WORKING TIME. Including overtime, security checks, handovers, opening up, being on call & more. So if you get less than minimum wage once these hours are factored in, you're owed.
CAN'T 'TOP UP' WITH TIPS OR OVERTIME. These must be on top of minimum wage.
COMMISSION ONLY? Employers must top up with a salary to meet the minimum wage if you don't earn it.
ACCOMMODATION COSTS. Pay can only be reduced by a maximum £69.93/wk below minimum wage if your employer provides accommodation. This includes charges such as rent, gas, electricity, furniture and laundry.
NOT 'REAL' APPRENTICESHIPS. Aged 18+ & apprenticeship has no structured training? You may be on the wrong rate.
ENSURE YOU GET THE MIN WAGE RISES. It is due to increase in April, plus it should increase on your 18th and 21st birthdays, taking effect in your first full pay period after the change.

If any of this possibly rings true, jump to our Are you being paid enough? guide for a full explanation.

How to complain if you think you're being or have been underpaid. You've a legal right to be paid more and to back pay going back a maximum of six years. Of course, some people are scared to complain and don't want to rock the boat. You cannot lose your job for raising this. If you're unsure, you can call the ACAS helpline to talk through your options. Our how to claim back underpaid minimum wage takes you through it, but as a brief idea...

Happy to raise it with your employer? For bigger employers, this should be easier as it's less personal, especially if it's a one-off mistake. If you're in a union, you can speak to it about this and get it to represent you. If it isn't resolved with an informal chat, you can submit a formal complaint in writing. If the firm doesn't reply, or you're unhappy with the outcome, you can fill in this ACAS complaint form or call 0300 123 1122.
Prefer to complain anonymously (or it's about a former employer)? You can sort it anonymously via HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by submitting a form, then you needn't be involved directly. (Tip: Make sure you tick 'yes' when asked if you're willing to be contacted by HMRC - it told us it's really difficult to investigate if you don't.) Of course, if you're at a very small firm and are the only employee, they'll work out that it's you - there's very little way round that sadly, yet these are your legal rights.

PS: The real living wage is different. Each year, a panel of professionals for the Living Wage Foundation calculate the minimum workers aged 18 or over should be paid for a basic standard of living. Until Oct 2025, it's set at £12.60/hr (£13.85/hr in London). 15,000+ businesses have volunteered to sign up to the scheme, so all their employees aged 18 or over must earn at least this. Martin's a big supporter - see his vid on why employers should sign up.

Ends Thu. Up to 50% off Great Western Railway. For 9 Jan to 13 Apr travel, 150,000 tix available. Track 'em down

The Sun '£9.50' holidays are back... but are they really £9.50? Rarely, but savings are still possible. Sun hols

Rush hair salon 35% off haircut, 1,000 codes. MSE Blagged. For a cut & finish. Cut to the chase

5.4m people haven't filed their 2023/24 tax return yet. Do it ASAP or risk a £100 fine & 7.25% interest. If you've been told to file a self-assessment tax return (or you were self-employed, earnt £150,000+, earnt £50k+ and get Child Benefit, or have £10k+ in savings interest), the deadline's 31 Jan. Full help in tax return deadline.

FREE National Running Show tix (norm £18). At the NEC Birmingham, 25 & 26 Jan. 5,000 available. Jog on

How do you rate your mobile's network? We want to know how each provider rates for service (how it treats you) and coverage (how strong the signal is when you need it). Please vote in this week's poll.

Want an MSE Charity grant? Funding's available soon. Know of a non-profit group that could benefit from a cash boost? Our charity's launching its winter funding round next Mon (13 Jan), offering grants of up to £10,000 to organisations that help people to improve their money skills. Check whether your group qualifies and see how to apply.

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AT A GLANCE BEST BUYS

Longest 0%: MBNA (check eligibility) up to 31mths 0%, 3.2% OR 3.49% fee, 24.9% rep APR
No-fee 0%: Barclaycard (check eligibility) up to 14mths 0% + possible £20 cashback, 24.9% rep APR

Free £175 + TOP service: First Direct 1st Account
Free £175 + 5% interest: Nationwide FlexDirect

Fibre (30Mb+): Vodafone '£20.67/mth'
Fast fibre (100Mb+): Virgin '£20.73/mth'
Superfast fibre (500Mb+): Vodafone '£25.46/mth'

On Universal Credit or similar? Check all discounted social tariffs

Car: Use our Compare+ Car Insurance tool

Home: Try our new Compare+ Home Insurance tool (beta)

Cheapest for £5,000 to £7,499: Santander (check eligibility), 7.2% rep APR
Cheapest for £7,500 to £15,000: Novuna Personal Finance (check eligibility), 6% rep APR

Top easy-access cash ISA: Plum 5.01%, min £100
Top easy-access savings: Chip 4.85%, no min
Top one-year fix: Vida Savings 4.77%, min £100

Try our relaunched Cheap Energy Club

Up to 3GB data: Lebara, '£2.78/mth' for 3GB
4GB to 9GB data: Lebara, '£3.05/mth' for 5GB
10GB to 30GB data: Lebara, '£3.50/mth' for 15GB
31GB+ data: iD Mobile, '£3.17/mth' for 50GB

Ends in a week: Top triple reward credit card deal
Get a FREE £165 of Amazon / Sainsbury's / M&S AND £10/mth Deliveroo cashback AND 4 airport lounge passes

While this is about a credit card, it ISN'T ABOUT DEBT, it's about using it to earn yourself free money and rewards. Credit cards want you to spend on them, so much so that some pay you to do it. Yet there's a way to neuter their ability to charge interest. Set up a Direct Debit to repay the card IN FULL each month and then you can reap the profit and not pay a penny in interest (just don't withdraw cash on it, bust your credit limit or see it as an excuse to overspend). Right now one of the best payers is about to end - it's perfect for those who are debt-free and have a reasonable income.

Amex Gold: Free £165 shopping + Deliveroo cashback + airport lounge passes. The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold credit card (link goes via eligibility, so you can see if you'll be accepted) temporary sign-up points boost ends next Tue (14 Jan). So apply before, and as long as you haven't had an Amex card in the last two years, if you're accepted you get...

1) Bonus points worth £165 at Amazon, M&S or Sainsbury's if you spend £3,000 on it within 3mths. Spend a total of £3,000+ over the first three months (so £1,000 a month of family spending) and you can currently get 30,000 bonus points (normally it's 20,000) on top of the standard one point per pound spent. So hit the trigger and you'll have at least 33,000 points, enough to be exchanged for...

- £165 in Amazon, M&S and Currys vouchers, or £165 worth of Sainsbury's Nectar points.
- OR airline points, eg, 33,000 Avios (for BA or Qatar), 33,000 Virgin points, 33,000 Etihad Guest miles, or 24,750 Emirates Skywards miles.
- OR hotels points, such as 66,000 Hilton Honours points, 49,500 Marriott points or 99,000 Radisson points.

2) Two £5 Deliveroo cashbacks a month (worth up to £120/yr). Save the offer to your card (found under 'offers' in the Amex app or online banking) and use the card to pay for Deliveroo (min spend £5), and you'll automatically get £5 credit on two orders a month.

3) Four free airport lounge passes a year (worth around £50 each). These should come within six weeks of acceptance and they're usable in many airport lounges worldwide.
WARNING. The card is fee-free in year one, but £195/yr after. So diarise to cancel before year two if you don't want to pay the £195. Plus if you don't repay IN FULL each month, it charges a horrific 30.7% APR on purchases. Make sure you've a Direct Debit in place to pay in full to ensure that never happens.
Pay off IN FULL, means IN FULL, not nearly in full. The words IN FULL are Martin's catchphrase for a reason. If you spend £1,000 in a month and clear the card entirely, there's no interest. Spend £1,000 and pay off £999, and you usually pay interest on the whole £1,000, not just the £1 left.

THIS WEEK'S POLL

How do you rate your mobile network's service and coverage? We want to find out how each provider rates for service (how it treats you) and coverage (how strong the signal is when you need it). In truth, there are only four main networks providing signals - the rest use these, but under their own brands (see our mobile networks guide for who piggybacks on who). Please rate the firm that sends your mobile phone bill. Vote in this week's poll.

MoneySavers' favourite selection choc is a Maltesers Teaser. Last week, we asked for your favourite chocolate selection box and favourite individual chocolate. After nearly 13,000 votes, Quality Street is the selection box most likely to contain a MoneySaver's favourite chocolate (28%). But it's actually the Celebrations box which contains the most popular individual chocolate - the Maltesers Teaser (11% of all votes). See full poll results.

MSE NEWS

- Top story: Coventry Building Society completes takeover of Co-op Bank

MONEY MORAL DILEMMA

Should I pay half the Stamp Duty on the house I'm buying with my boyfriend? I'm buying a house with my boyfriend, which will be the first property I own. But I won't get first-time buyers' relief on the Stamp Duty, as my boyfriend already owns a property, so we'll have to pay an extra £5,000 in tax. Should I pay half of it, as half of the house we're buying will be mine, or should he pay the whole cost, as his circumstances are the reason we have to pay it? Enter the Money Moral Maze: Should I pay Stamp Duty on the house we're buying? | Suggest a Money Moral Dilemma (MMD) | View past MMDs

MSE TEAM BLOG

- Doing Veganuary? Try these MoneySaving vegan meals

MARTIN'S APPEARANCES (TUE 7 JAN ONWARDS)

Thu 9 Jan - Ask Martin Lewis, BBC Radio 5 Live, 1pm
Tue 14 Jan - This Morning, phone-in, ITV1, 10.30am
Tue 14 Jan - The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, ITV1, 8pm

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