Short, jargon-free explainers on how UK rates actually work. General information only — not a personal recommendation.
01MORTGAGES: FIX VS TRACKER
A fixed rate locks your monthly payment for a set term (e.g. 2 or 5 years); a tracker moves with the Bank of England base rate. Also weigh the loan-to-value (LTV) band and any arrangement fee, not just the headline rate.
COMPARE THE TRUE COST, NOT JUST THE RATE
02CAR LOANS: APR IS THE NUMBER
For a personal loan the Representative APR bundles the interest and standard fees into one comparable figure — but only 51% of accepted applicants must get it, so your rate may differ. Shorter terms cost less overall even if the monthly payment is higher.
REPRESENTATIVE APR IS A GUIDE, NOT A GUARANTEE
03SAVINGS: AER AND ACCESS
AER shows the yearly return with compounding. Easy-access rates can change any time; fixed-term bonds lock your money (and the rate) for the term. Check whether it is a cash ISA (tax-free) and the FSCS protection limit of GBP 85,000 per banking licence.
CHECK THE LICENCE, NOT JUST THE BRAND, FOR FSCS COVER
04CREDIT CARDS: 0% WINDOWS
Intro 0% purchase or balance-transfer deals last a set number of months, then revert to the standard purchase APR. Balance transfers often carry a one-off fee. Always clear the balance (or move it) before the 0% window ends.
DIARISE THE DATE THE 0% PERIOD ENDS