Your weekly money saving deals and news from money expert Andy Webb

My top content this week

BLOG: Is PayPal still a good way to pay?

From next week PayPal will be charging an annual fee for "inactive" accounts. And by the end of 2021 eBay will no longer require sellers to use it for payments. So do you still need it?

As well as explain how to avoid the new charge, I've had a look at the pros and cons, including whether it's safe to use and hidden features you might not know about such as Money Pool.

My PayPal review

BLOG: Don't make these last-minute Christmas mistakes

We're now two weeks away from the festive travel window open, so there's not long left to get everything sorted for Christmas.

The later you leave it the more likely it is you'll have to pay more than you planned or miss out on what you need. Already some retailers have said they might not be able to deliver before the 25th.

From buying gifts and sending post through to booking travel and planning your food, I've got a checklist of the festival tasks to get sorted.

Avoid spending more than you need at Christmas

UPDATE: Chip +1 review

Last week Chip changed the fee structure for using its app, which has an impact on the new savings account I reviewed in last week's newsletter.

Despite the fact that this was a complete shambles of a product launch (the change took place two days after the account opened!), the account is still a decent option for your savings.

So I've updated my review with these changes - it's important you see the impact this could have on your return. . Plus, if you didn't sign up you can get the code that'll give you access.

How to get 1.25% interest

PODCAST: Cash Chats #153: Your credit report questions answered

I asked for your questions about credit reports and scores, and in this week's episode I've put them to Experian's James Jones.

Tune in to hear about building a score from scratch, challenging missed payments, how credit utilisation impacts your score and more.

You can listen via all the normal podcasting routes or over on the blog.

Listen on the blog

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Google Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

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COMPETITION: Win a one-hour video chat with me

To celebrate 200,000 all-time downloads of the podcast (thank you!) I'm running a competition to win a one-hour video or phone call with me to go through your money questions!

This literally is a prize money cannot buy! All the details on how to enter can be found here.

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The top deals this week

I only share deals and special offers on the blog which I think are really good value. Click the titles or links for more information.

I've also set up an extra Instagram account dedicated to the deals and offers I spot throughout the week. Do follow me there so you don't miss out on offers that are already finished by the time this email goes out on a Thursday.

1. How to make the most from Amex Shop Small 2020

This is my favourite promotion of the year and it's back! American Express cardholders can get up to £50 back by shopping with small retailers over the next week and a bit.

Here's my full guide to how it works and how to make sure you get the most of the offer.

2. Free £5 worth of Nectar points

Nectar and Sainsbury's are giving away 1,000 points (worth £5) if you take part in it's "Spin to Win" competition. All entries get the fiver, but you could win more.

3. LAST CHANCE: £50 Metro bank switching bonus

Bank switching deals are thin on the ground right now, and one will end soon!

You can get £50 from Metro Bank if you are referred by a friend (don't worry I've got a link too).

The deadline to take advantage is the 18th December, but if you have an account and want to share it with friends you have to register for a link by tomorrow.

4. LAST CHANCE: Free £10 when you spend £100 at Amazon

Though I'm avoiding Amazon I know many of you will be regular users, so this is a good way to get a free tenner.

The smart card Curve is giving customers £10 in rewards if they spend £100 at Amazon before Monday. That can be across a single or multiple transactions. It can even be a gift card or top-up if there's nothing you need right now.

Plus if you're new to Curve then there's a code to get £5 when you sign up.

5. £20 back at PayPal

Make three transactions of £30 from a choice of six retailers (including Asos, Lego and Waterstones), you can get a £20 PayPal credit.

Plus, if you're new to PayPal you can get a £10 bonus for signing up. You can earn a tenner yourself if you refer someone to this offer.

Here's more on these deals. Both end 31st December 2020.

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Your Facebook community

If you want to ask me questions, share your money saving or spending experiences and chat to other fans, then do head over to the Be Clever With Your Cash Facebook community

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Quick deals

Banking offers

Top free cash: £50 reward for switching
The best cash savings accounts - inc up to 3% interest
Student bank accounts: 0% overdrafts & freebies
Best business bank accounts: Free accounts

Cards and bills deals

Shopping vouchers and other deals

Entertainment deals

Food and drink offers

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Recent articles you might have missed

I know it can be tricky to read everything I write every week, so here are my main articles from the last few weeks.

Are you following me on YouTube?

If you haven't already I'd really appreciate it if you could head over to YouTube to click "subscribe" and the little notification bell that appears next to it.

Please do tell any friends you think would find it useful too. Thanks!

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Credit report Q&A | Last-minute Xmas tips | £5 Nectar giveaway | Beat PayPal fee | £50 bank bribe ending | More