WORK ON A STUDENT ACCOUNT

HSBC is the first bank to extend the availability of its student bank account to include those taking higher apprenticeships (level 4+).

Higher apprenticeships are work-based qualifications, equivalent to foundation degrees and above, where those studying split their time between university and their workplace.

Becky Moffat, HSBC UK’s head of personal banking, said: “It is easy to see why apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular – apprentices get a real job with real training, earning real money while getting a foot in the door of an organisation.

“They provide a great route to skilled employment for people from all backgrounds and age groups, and are great for business too.”

Security is the most important factor when choosing a bank or savings account as more than nine out of 10 people want to know their money and personal details are safe from hackers or a data breach.

Interest rates follow in a close second place, followed by good customer service, according to research from Aldermore Bank.

Other big financial concerns were a provider going bust or becoming a victim of a fraud.

Two-thirds of those surveyed said they would not consider using a firm that was not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme which protects up to £85,000 per person per provider.

Grandparents taking their grandchildren on holiday this summer are being urged to check the youngsters are properly insured.

Research from comparison site Compare Cover reveals that if a child is covered on a parent’s annual travel insurance policy that does not necessarily mean they are covered if they travel without that parent. Provision differs from policy to policy.

Grandparents need to check the small print and may need to add grandchildren to their own policy, take out family cover or buy a group insurance policy for the trip.