Independent standards
Behind every answer
Our editorial process is designed to keep banking information useful, source-led and separate from commercial influence.
Independent, practical and accountable
Our goal is to help readers understand UK banking without pretending that every rule is universal or permanent. We distinguish verified facts from explanation, flag provider-specific differences and make corrections when reliable evidence changes the picture.
1. Editorial independence
Editorial decisions are based on usefulness, relevance and evidence. Advertising, commercial relationships or a provider’s marketing priorities do not determine our conclusions or the wording of our editorial guidance.
2. Research and source hierarchy
We prefer first-party and authoritative sources: regulators, government bodies, payment-system operators and bank or provider documentation. Secondary sources can add context, but they should not replace stronger primary evidence when that evidence is available.
3. Verification before publication
Important details such as fees, limits, eligibility, payment timings, complaint routes and regulatory rules should be checked against current sources. Where a fact varies by account, customer or provider, we say so rather than presenting one number as universal.
4. Writing for clarity
We favour direct explanations, concrete steps, realistic examples, tables and exceptions. Jargon is explained rather than repeated. Headlines and summaries should match what the article actually supports.
5. Uncertainty and judgement
Banking rules and operational processes can be conditional. When evidence is incomplete or multiple outcomes are possible, we describe the uncertainty and identify the source that can confirm the reader’s specific situation.
6. Corrections
When a material error is identified, we aim to correct the page promptly. Readers can report possible errors through the Contact page. Corrections should address the factual issue rather than quietly preserving an outdated claim.
7. Reviews and updates
Pages should be reviewed when major rules change, when providers update processes, or when a topic is especially time-sensitive. Publication or update dates are useful signals, but current source verification remains more important than date alone.
8. Advertising and commercial separation
Advertising supports the publication but should remain visually and editorially separate from the article’s conclusions. Sponsored or commercial material, if introduced, should be clearly labelled.
See where our facts come from
Our Sources page explains the types of institutions, provider documents and official data we prefer.