Jargon buster for loans, investments, mortgages and insurance
Here are some of the types of loans and 'jargon' used by lenders. We have compiled this reference to help you understand what exactly may be being offered. Always ask the supplier of a loan for details of the product, but in the mean time this can be used as a rough guide to some of the jargon they use.
This site and its information is for guidance only. The responsibility for any financial decision is with yourself. You must be fully aware of the terms and conditions applied to any finance arrangement before you proceed.
Click on the buttons above for more detailed information on mortgages, credit cards, investments or insurance in the UK. Below is a quick reference to common phrases used for all financial dealings.
Credit cards
This term often refers to credit, debit or charge cards but they are all different. MasterCard and Visa are the most popular credit card companies and you can get 'credit' like a loan which will need to be paid off. Debit Cards like Switch, Maestro and Visa Electron are paid off each month.
Mortgage
A loan from a lender, usually a bank or building socielty, to purchase a home with the property as security.
Cashback
Rewards can be given as cash or a points scheme each time you use your card.
Unless you pay off the card each month, these schemes are often designed just to lure you in and they charge high interest rates if you do not pay off the loan within the interest free term. Be wary of anything free!
0% Balance Transfers
Another scheme to attract business and one you can use to your advantage if you are confident you can pay off the loan before the interest rate kicks in. Basically they are offering to take on your debt from another lender and give you an interest free period so that you have a chance to pay off the capital rather than crippling interest as well. Periods of interest free loan run from 3 to 12 months in most cases. Remember that any additional borrowing may not be interest free. Interest free may be offered on the balance transferred or for purchases over a certain period, read the details carefully. The sting in the tail may be when the interest free credit period runs out, with rates potentially being high. Consider looking to move again if you are not going to make all the loan payments before the interest free credit runs out.
Poor credit history
If you have no credit history or have experienced difficulties in the past, you can still get credit from firms and banks that specialise in 'poor credit history'.
Flexibility
This is a very good new innovation whereby you can create your own 'package' with cash back, low purchase rate or other features offered, tailor made to suit you.
A good site for insurance matters is at Insurancefactfile for all types of insurance help. Also, for money exchange, try ExchangeCurrency where you can exchange your currency at very competitive rates.
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