Whether you need a new bike or want to get your laptop fixed, feel like a holiday or want to splurge on a luxury handbag, often, when people want what they can’t afford, credit card providers are who they turn to. But despite the hardships of graduating into a recession-hit world, Gen Y are saying no to credit.

Since the mortgage crisis, for those with bad credit, borrowing meant high-interest, short-term loans. The Build Card offers an alternative. It monitors your spending and provides payment targets, helping you develop a stronger credit score. Will it help those with bad credit get back on their feet?

With UK consumer confidence increasing, competition among banks is stronger than ever. Austerity has left consumers cautious, while 24/7 banking has given more access and control over personal finance. But what do people want, and how can banks entice them to switch?

How often do you get your hair cut? When was the last time you ate out? Do you subscribe to Netflix? Questions more akin to filling out online dating profiles will soon be asked by mortgage providers across the UK. But is it another case of a step too far for big data?