CashPlus was quietly launched last year as the UK's first prepaid Mastercard. It's available to everybody, including those with bad debt or in bankruptcy.

Backed by Broadcastle Bank, part of Siemens Financial Services, the card costs £10 to setup, up to £5 a month to hold and funds can be loaded at any Post Office.

It has all of the functionality of a traditional Mastercard, accepted in stores, online and can be used for telephone payments. Funds must be preloaded on to the card in order to be able to use it. Customers are not offered credit, and can only spend available funds on the card.

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.