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Travel money

What should you consider when buying money for your holiday? Plus the state pension age change, extra charges for credit or debit card use and bank competition.

It's been a difficult few days for sterling and many holidaymakers may find themselves paying the price. This week the foreign exchange rate at Cardiff airport hit a low of 88 euro cent to the pound. James Daley, founder of the consumer group Fairer Finance outlines what people should think about when buying and using their travel money.

The government has announced its decision to phase in the state pension age rise to 68 between 2037 and 2039, seven years earlier than planned. The law will have to be changed in order to bring the rise forward which won't happen until the next review of the state pension age takes place in 2023. Hugh Nolan, President of the Society of Pension Professionals, and an actuary, examines the life expectancy issues which shape pension policy.

From January next year businesses will be banned from charging extra when customers pay by credit or debit card. The new rules will also apply to local councils and government agencies like the DVLA. The fees are also commonly applied by airlines. James Daley, founder of the consumer group Fairer Finance and Julia Lo Bue-Said Managing Director of the Advantage Travel Partnership discuss.

The panel that advises the Financial Conduct Authority on consumer issues says it's time for industry regulators to stop telling financial services customers to shop around and switch bank accounts in order to get better deals. Guest Sue Lewis, Chair of the Financial Services Consumer Panel explains why that measure is not working and also suggests alternative ways for regulators and authorities to drive competition in a way that works more effectively for consumers.

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporter: Tony Bonsignore
Producer: Charmaine Cozier
Editor: Emma Rippon.

Available now

30 minutes

Chapters

  • Holiday Money

    Where and how to get your cash

    Duration: 03:59

  • State Pension Age

    Why does it need to rise?

    Duration: 05:05

  • Card Surcharge Ban

    Extra charges to pay by card will be banned from next year

    Duration: 08:29

  • Financial Services

    How can competition work for customers?

    Duration: 04:07

Related links:

Travel Money

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State pension age

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Card surcharge ban

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Consumers and competition

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Tax Credits deadline

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Broadcasts

  • Sat 22 Jul 2017 12:04
  • Sun 23 Jul 2017 21:00

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