Trust
Review Methodology
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How we look at UK money products and services when we write guides and comparisons — in plain English, without hype.
What this page is for
This page explains our approach when we review or compare products on The Finance Lowdown. It sits alongside our Editorial Policy. Commercial links and commissions are covered on How We Make Money and our Disclosure page.
Our guides are educational. They are general information, not personal recommendations and not personalised financial advice.
What we look at
The exact checklist depends on the product type, but we usually weigh factors that matter in everyday decisions, such as:
- Fees and charges — account fees, interest, FX mark-ups, exit costs and other clear costs where published
- Features — what the product does day to day, limits, extras and practical usability
- Eligibility — who it is aimed at, age or residency rules, credit criteria where providers publish them
- Accessibility of information — whether key terms are easy to find on the provider’s own materials
- Customer experience signals — where relevant and publicly available, without treating any single review site as gospel
We try to show strengths and limitations side by side so you can judge what fits your situation.
Sources we use
We rely on public, reputable sources. Depending on the topic, that may include:
- Provider websites and published product terms
- Official government guidance such as GOV.UK
- Regulator material where relevant (for example the Financial Conduct Authority)
- Other established UK institutions or industry bodies when they publish clear, checkable facts
When figures change often — rates, thresholds, promotional offers — we point you to the live source so you can confirm before you act.
How we present comparisons
Comparisons on this site are for education and orientation. They are not a personal “you should buy this” message.
We do not let commercial relationships decide which facts appear or how limitations are described. Referral links may appear on some pages; they do not buy better placement or rewrite our conclusions. See How We Make Money and Disclosure.
Remember: the right product depends on your own circumstances. If you need personal advice, speak to a suitably qualified professional.
How often we revisit pages
We aim to review active guides when products, rates or official rules change in ways that would mislead a reader who relied on the page. High-change topics (for example savings rates or promotional cashback offers) need more frequent attention than slow-moving explainers.
We also correct errors when we find them or when readers tell us. Contact details are below.
Limits of our reviews
- Offers, rates and eligibility can change without much notice.
- We cannot test every edge case or every reader’s personal situation.
- Third-party summaries can lag behind a provider’s live terms — always verify on the provider site and official sources before you apply or switch.
- Past features or historical rates on a page may not still apply.
Treat every guide as a starting map, not the final word.
Where to read more
Contact
Spot something out of date, or want to ask how we approached a page? Email:
Or use our Contact page.