American Credit card companies are to see restrictions on the amount they can charge in fees, as well as how much they can raise interest rates on existing balances.

Brits are increasingly checking their financial history ahead of applying for credit cards and other financial products, according to new figures.

The credit card industry has seen many changes throughout the last quarter of 2008 to present, largely due to the credit crunch. Although providers have become more selective over who they will approve credit to, the market has seen an increase in competition over the last 2 months which has led to improved deals and in turn increased consumer appetites for making use of credit cards.

For those Britons currently planning a getaway abroad, it has been suggested by one industry commentator that packing a debit or credit card could be a particularly effective means of spending money while away.

Those looking to find a great value holiday with a bit of adventure this year should definitely consider Iceland, as their money will now stretch more than 40% further than last summer. This is due to the collapse to the Icelandic krona, pushing this holiday spot to the top of the annual Post Office Travel Services’ Best Value Holiday Destinations report.

In taking steps to clear off money owed on credit cards as soon as possible, people should find they have more cash to spend on purchasing items, it has been reported.

Credit card cheques are to be banned by the government as part of a new consumer protection scheme.

Aussies are showing a steely determination in getting to grips with their finances, it has been suggested.

With the economic downturn continuing to rumble on, one financial expert has revealed how Britons are taking an increasingly sensible approach to their overall money management.

With the economic downturn continuing to rumble on, one financial expert has revealed how Britons are taking an increasingly sensible approach to their overall money management.

A group of women are increasingly looking at ways in which to save money in the current economic climate, it has been revealed.

An appeal in the House of Lords is due to begin this week that may determine the future of overdraft fees incurred by millions of customers across Britain.

Since the UK scrappage scheme was detailed in the 2009 budget, new government figures reflecting data from the end of April when the scheme was announced, to 7 June, shows that more than 60,000 orders for new cars have been placed, showing the success of the scheme through a clear spike in sales.

Barclays has revealed plans to sell its fund management division - Barclays Global Investors (BGI) to US money management firm Blackrock.

It has been reported that around 19,000 shops have been forced to close this year in England and Wales, made up of about 12,000 independent outlets and almost 7,000 branches of major chains.

It has been revealed that Nationwide - the UK's largest building society, believes there is a "reasonable chance" that 2009 will end with house prices standing higher that they were at the start of the year.

The Investment Management Association (IMA) have revealed that last month, investment ISA net sales reached around £247million, marking the highest quarterly ISA sales seen in six years.

The housing market has shown further signs of improvement throughout the summer, recent figures have revealed.

Lloyds Banking Group are the next major bank to reveal losses after releasing the first half year figures from 2009. The group has put the mounting losses down to its acquisition of HBOS, which took place in January.

According to new research carried out by financial group Moneyfacts, almost 50% of all current accounts offered to consumers provide no return on their money.

The Bank of England has today announced plans to inject a further £50billion through its quantitative easing programme – a process used to help stimulate the economy by putting more money into circulation.

According to UK lenders, the total number of mortgages granted to home buyers in June increased by 23% compared with May.

Britons are becoming more responsible with the way they handle money as a direct result of the financial downturn, new research indicates.

Despite the falling cost of travel, those going away are being reminded to make themselves aware of the various expenses that jetting off can incur.

It is common knowledge that Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) have been offered as the “no-brainer” tax free method for saving without having to pay tax on the interest earned. But recent surveys show that they may no longer be the best option.

Savers are beginning to enjoy better rewards again after banks and building societies continue to offer more competitive deals in order to raise money to fund new mortgages and clear previous wholesale borrowing before the financial crisis.

The independence of mortgage brokers will be under threat in coming months, after the bigger banks joined into a new policy dictating a minimum limit to the number of loans expected for approval, penalising those that fail to meet this number through "re-accreditation" classes costing up to $500.

Over the last year, the financial sector has witnessed some extremely turbulent times, beginning with the credit crunch and moving into the recession. This has made us all more aware of our financial well-being, encouraging people to become more frugal with spending and consider their futures.

Protecting credit card details and other financial and personal information should be the utmost of importance for businesses, it has been suggested.

Britons have been given guidance on how to make 0% balance transfer credit cards work best for them.

A large number of students are still waiting to hear back on the progress of their maintenance and tuition fee loans from the Student Loans Company just weeks before their courses are due to begin.

Internet banking has become a widely used tool among todays consumers, but many are unaware of the potential risk of losing money when transferring cash between accounts.

RBS and NatWest customers will be happy to hear that overdraft fees are to be slashed, saving many consumers hundreds of pounds per month.

The Bank of England has today announced its base rate will remain at the record low of 0.5% for the sixth month running.

Charging consumers multiple times for single credit card transactions is unjustifiable and unfair, a number consumer groups have agued.

Aussies should be aware of the effect applying for credit cards and other products has on their financial report.

People wishing to change credit card deals may want to do so carefully following the case of one Adelaide man.

UK savers were badly hit during the worst parts of the recession, as base rates continued to fall to their lowest level in history to just 0.5%, the rate at which they still remain today, marking the sixth month in a row.

A decline in the nation's saving optimism has been deemed "disappointing".

Students attending university in the UK should be made to pay more for maintenance loans and higher tuition fees as, says a report from business leaders.

As the beginning of a new university year draws closer, students are left with an important decision that could determine the bank that wins their custom for life.