Which Items

Banking customers 'left unsatisfied'

Banking customers are being left unsatisfied by their banking providers, with savings account holders particularly feeling the brunt of this dissatisfaction.

Which? reignites free banking debate

Which? has released research that suggests 'free' account holders are being charged up to £900 a year in fees. The website has called for better regulation throughout the industry.

Banks agree to improve PPI complaints process

The UK’s main banks have agreed to make payment protection insurance complaint and compensation procedures clearer for customers following an investigation by consumer champions Which? and Moneysavingexpert.com.

The Big Switch was 'disappointing', says uSwitch

The Big Switch has ended in disappointment for many households, according to consumer website uSwitch. Just a fraction of the people that signed up the initiative will be able to take advantage of the deal, which is more expensive than a tariff currently being offered.

One-stop shop of Christmas budgeting advice

Consumer group Which? has launched a new one-stop shop full of advice on how people can make their money go further this Christmas. The website includes information on shopping around for the best deal, returning gifts and making the most of the January sales.

Save on treats 'without compromising taste'

Cash-strapped families sticking to a budget this Christmas can still get the champagne corks popping without breaking the bank, according to a new study by Which? The consumer champion put various brands of champagne and mince pies to the taste test, finding that cheaper supermarket options often came out on top.

John Lewis 'top dog' for pet insurance

Dog insurance provided by John Lewis has been recognised as the number one policy in the UK by a consumer champion. The company’s annual lifetime cover for man’s best friend was given an overall score of 89 per cent in the Which? rating, making it the best on offer.

Energy companies tested in undercover investigation

An undercover investigation by a consumer rights group has found evidence of inaccurate information being given to energy customers looking to switch suppliers. According to Which? companies are giving wrong advice on the cheapest deals, potential savings, cashback promotions and fixed prices.

Money Shop customers 'satisfied' with payday loans

Customers are happy with payday loan products and services provided by The Money Shop, according to an independent customer survey. The results found 91 per cent believe information about repayments and charges is clear and easy to understand.

John Lewis home insurance wins Which? award

John Lewis is celebrating after their home insurance products were voted Which? Recommended Provider for the second time. They received a score of 77 per cent with 79 per cent for the buildings insurance policy and 82 per cent for the contents policy.

Investigation uncovers widespread bad practice

An investigation into the payday loans market by consumer group Which? has uncovered evidence of widespread poor practice. The watchdog claims it found potential breaches of the Consumer Credit Act, bad privacy provisions and inflated APRs.

Energy tariffs 'riddled with tricks and caveats,' says Which?

Energy tariffs are ‘riddled with tricks and caveats designed to cost people more money,’ according to consumer champion Which? This was the verdict after 36 people – including an accountant – were asked to work out their bills using only their supplier’s website.

Ryanair decision branded 'insult' to passengers

All Ryanair passengers are to be charged for booking a flight unless they take out the airline’s own prepaid card. Money experts have branded the decision an ‘insult’ to loyal customers.

John Lewis Car Insurance given thumbs up

Car insurance from John Lewis has been recognised by consumer champion Which? as being of a high standard with above average customer service. The retail chain was given a customer score of 78 per cent and a Which? policy score of 64 per cent to give a total of 71 per cent.

Dodgy boiler engineers rip-off customer say Which?

Shoddy boiler engineers are costing consumer because they fail to carry out basic checks and some even recommend expensive and unnecessary repairs, warns consumer champion Which? In an undercover investigation, Which? invited ten boiler engineers to service a boiler in which a lead had been disconnected.

First Direct tops banking poll

After pulling in impressive scores in customer satisfaction surveys, First Direct has landed the 'Best Financial Services Provider' accolade at the 2011 Which? Awards. NFU Mutual and Co-op Bank were runners up in the prestigious banking awards.

Which? gives thumbs up to Escape Travel Money card

Prepaid travel cards are quickly growing in popularity as a safe and cost effective solution to holiday spending. But with many on the market to choose from it can be difficult to know where to look for the best deal.

Banks suspected of data protection breaches - says Which?

Some of the UK’s biggest banks could be breaching data protection rules with ‘alarming regularity’, according to figures obtained by Which? The consumer champion has investigated the number of complaints lodged with the Information Commissioner’s Office about the way banks handle customers’ personal details.

Senior travellers struggle to get insured

Older travellers are finding it increasingly difficult to get insurance cover for their trips abroad, according to a new report by Which? The consumer champion found a quarter of firms which provide annual travel insurance can consider people in their sixties too old to insure.

Nation's top shops revealed

The UK’s top shops have been revealed as part of the biggest customer survey of its kind. The Which? survey has ranked 100 well-known stores after more than 11,000 shoppers gave their opinions of them.

Ombudsman reports busiest year in 10-year history

The Financial Ombudsman Service has reported its busiest year in a decade of dispute resolution. The service, which settles complaints between consumers and financial companies, handled over a million front-line enquiries during the 2010/11 tax year.

Supermarkets top 'best mobile' poll

Looking for a mobile phone? Those who look no further than their local supermarket are more than happy with the service they receive, according to a new report from consumer champions Which? to accompany their annual mobile phone satisfaction survey.

Train journeys cost more 'due to bad advice'

Brits are paying too much for train tickets due to poor advice from station staff and National Rail Enquiries, a Which? undercover report has found. Researchers from the consumer watchdog asked for advice on the cheapest fare for 150 train journeys.

Get in tune with digital insurance

Music lovers taking advantage of the digital age are advised to make sure their downloaded songs are covered by home insurance policies.

Boost savings by switching accounts

Savers could earn hundreds of pounds more in interest by switching their accounts to the current 'Best Rate' deals, according to Which?