The cost of using a Nationwide credit card for cash advances is rising, with increases to both the APR and fees for cash advances.

Effective 4th May 2006, the following changes will be made:

• The cash advance interest rate on the Classic credit card is increasing by 2% (from 16.9% to 18.9%)
• The cash advance fee on all credit cards (Classic, Comic Relief and Cash Reward) is increasing to 2.00% (or minimum £2.00)

Plans to introduce a traffic light system denoting whether or not a customer must pay to use a cash machine have been thrown into doubt by Abbey believing that the scheme will compromise their brand image.

The idea, backed by many banks and consumer organisations, is to require cash machines that charge for cash withdrawals to show a clear red notice, whilst fee free machines will show a green notice. The scheme enables customers to see whether a machine charges from a distance, and helps remove confusion where customers are unsure as to whether or not they will be charged.

Cashback credit cards are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Nationwide becomes the latest issuer to remove the benefit, and those that remain offer minimal returns.

The decline of the perk indicates that the cash back incentive is not particularly attractive to consumers. With the Nationwide benefit standing at just 0.25%, you'd be receiving just £2.50 for every pound spent.

If you have poor credit or are bankrupt then you will struggle to get access to mainstream banking services. Most major banks offer basic banking facilities that will allow you to have your salary paid in, operate direct debits, access your cash through a machine and some will provide a debit card.

We've spotted some so-called advice sites charging up to £149 for this information. Read on and you can have it for free.