Credit Cards

Lloyds Bank has launched a new balance transfer card. The card offers a 15-month interest-free period on balance transfers-with a balance transfer fee of 0.70 per cent-and 6 months interest-free on new purchases.

Smartphone apps

HSBC customers can now open a Loyalty Cash ISA via their HSBC mobile banking app. The ISA currently pays between 1.4 per cent and 1.6 per cent interest AER depending on the current account you hold. The application form will be pre-filled out; all existing app users will receive this feature through an automatic update.

Fidelity has also launched a smartphone mobile app, which will give users access to tools and information including a personal report on their investments, access to their Fidelity accounts and a tool to review risk levels. Customers can also use the app to make changes to risk levels and savings.

Loans

Metro Bank has launched a new Professional Studies Loan. Postgraduate students at the University of Law can borrow between £1,000 and £25,000 to cover all or part of their course fees, while an additional 20 per cent can be used towards living expenses. There are no early repayment charges, payments can be deferred up to six months after graduation and fromer students have five years to repay.

Mortgages

Lloyds Bank will refund two months’ worth of interest on mortgage borrowing for qualified homemovers, up to £1,000, starting today. Intended to help with the cost of moving house, the cashback is available on all homemover mortgages, including those under the Help to Buy scheme.

Mobile Phones

EE has introduced a new entry-level 4G monthly plan costing £13.99 per month. The 4G Extra pay monthly plan offers inclusive roaming calls and texts for £21.99 per month.