MARTIN Lewis has explained how people can get “dirt cheap” deals when borrowing cash.The money expert said borrowing is easy at the moment – but also warned of the risks of overspending due to unplanned purchases.
2Martin Lewis said loan rates are at their cheapest level at the momentCredit: ITV
Speaking on the ITV Money Show last night, he explained that loan rates are at their cheapest level, but with an interest rate rise on the cards, this could change soon.
Mr Lewis, the founder of the Money Saving Expert website, said: “Banks will even pay you £130 to get 0% overdrafts.
“But with an interest rate rise on the cards that may soon change.”
He said the easiest way for people to borrow money is a 0% credit card, meaning that for a set number of months, no interest will need to be paid.
However, he said credit cards should not be used to borrow money regularly, but only for one-off purchases, for example, a new fridge.
He warned: “Debt is like fire – it’s a useful tool but it can burn.
“The problems with credit cards are they are easy to overspend on and payments aren’t fixed.”
On his blog, Mr Lewis said urged people not to borrow money unless they really need to.
And if they need to borrow, people should be able to repay the loan as soon as possible, the expert said.
He said 0% credit cards are convenient when used for borrowing between £100 and £5,000.
He wrote: “Done right, 0% credit cards offer super-cheap borrowing, as there is NO COST WHATSOEVER for up to nearly two years.”
At the moment, the expert’s favourite deal is M&S Bank’s 22mths 0%, which gives people £25 cashback if they spend more than £100 in the first 90 days.
He also mentioned Tesco Bank’s ‘up to’ 23mths 0% card which has no cashback but gives Clubcard points on spending.
Debt is like fire – it’s a useful tool but it can burnMartin Lewis
Mr Lewis added: “Credit cards take discipline not to overspend on. So only do planned borrowing on these cards, then don’t use them for anything else.
“If you don’t trust yourself, put the card in a bag in a bowl of water and put it in your freezer, so you need smash the ice to get it out.
“The 0% is only for spending on the card, not for withdrawing cash, so avoid that.
“Ensure you plan your repayments to clear the debt before the 0% ends or it jumps to the 21%+ representative APR.
“The best way to do this is to set up a direct debit to repay a fixed amount like a loan.”
2The money expert said people should borrow only if they really need toCredit: Rex
Last week, Mr Lewis explained people can get up to £130 free cash before Christmas.
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