Energy rebate, Ikea hacks, 34mths 0%, NHS codes

We explain when it’ll come, how it’ll be paid and when it needs to be paid back. Plus who may not get it in their pocket even though it’ll appear on their household’s bill. Full story: The Money Edit’s £200 energy ‘rebate’ explainer

Interest-free periods on balance transfer credit cards are getting longer, with the average deal at 600 days according to analysis from Moneyfacts, but the best deals are even longer than that.

So if you have debt on expensive cards, now could be the time to save hundreds of pounds on interest as your new card will pay off the balance on old cards (subject to the credit limit being high enough) with no interest cost for many months. This could be crucial given the cost of living crisis.

We’ve listed some of the top balance transfer cards below but it’s best to use the balance transfer card eligibility checker from our sister brand GoCompare first, to see if you’re likely to qualify for them.

Therefore, the links below go to that eligibility checker (just select 0% interest on balance transfers from the drop down menu when you get to it).

Longest 0% periods

Virgin Money | up to 34 months’ interest free | Fee: 2.7% | 21.9% rep APR
HSBC | up to 33 months’ interest free | Fee: 2.7% | 21.9% rep APR

Longest period with no transfer fee

Natwest/RBS | up to 22 months’ interest free | 21.9% rep APR
Santander | up to 21 months’ interest free | 21.9% rep APR

If you get a 0% interest balance transfer card, always pay off the minimum amount each month and don’t spend on it. Aim to clear it before the 0% period ends, as interest payments will shoot up after.

If accepted, the actual 0% period you get can depend on your circumstances, while fees mentioned are a percentage of the amount transferred

Use our balance transfer eligibility checker.

Avoid splurging on new and expensive furniture with these IKEA hacks from the team at Ideal Home. Upcycle, repurpose and personalise your budget buys to create a bespoke look at a fraction of the price. Full story: Ideal Home’s Ikea hacks

If you work for the NHS or you’re a care worker, as a thanks for the immense work you do, many firms offer discounts on food, drink, travel and more. To find lots of deals, see MyVoucherCodes’s round up, written by Britain’s Coupon Kid Jordon Cox.

Did you know that you could claim a tax rebate if you wear a uniform to work? The Money Edit explains who is eligible for a uniform tax rebate, how you can claim it and how much you could get. Full story: The Money Edit’s uniform tax refund explainer

It’s never been more important to protect your money. According to Lloyd’s Bank the number of WhatsApp scams doing the rounds has risen by 2,000% in the last 12 months. The Money Edit highlights the scams to look out for to keep your money safe.
Full story: The Money Edit’s WhatsApp warnings

There’s new data for the price cap increase in October and what could happen in January if proposals to review the cap four times a year come into force. The Money Edit analyses what you may have to pay. Full story: The Money Edit’s energy price prediction analysis