Abbey National has announced the introduction of 2 new student bank accounts, one aimed specifically at those from other countries coming to the UK to study.
The international student account that Abbey National has introduced pays interest of 6 percent on credit balances up to GBP500, no charge for the presentation of foreign cheques and an opening balance required of just GBP5.
The other student bank account is aimed squarely at the regular student market, with the key aspect being the overdraft, which steps up each year to a maximum of GBP2000. Credit balances are rewarded with an interest payment of 4 percent per annum and the Abbey National are kindly offering to fund part of the Freshers Ball with a cash payment upon opening the account of GBP50.
The first half of 2008 has seen Lloyds TSB profits fall 70 percent compared with the same period last year, at GBP599 million.
The biggest cause of the reduced profit figures was a devaluation of the banks assets thanks to the global economic downturn. Taking this factor out of the equation Lloyds TSB has actually performed very well, especially in the retail banking sector. On this basis they actually increased their shareholder dividend, putting it up by 2 percent to 11.4 pence per share.
A Lloyds TSB spokesman, discussing the results, said that the bank was not directly associated with the American sub-prime market that collapsed so spectacularly and so has been quite well sheltered. The actual performance of the bank when their asset devaluations are removed has been an increase in pre tax profit of 11 percent, something that bodes very well for the future.
A new five year contract has been agreed between the Alliance and Leicester and Payzone, a 17,000 site network where consumers can pay water bills.
Estimated figures for the year are that around 6 million transactions will be processed by the Alliance and Leicester on behalf of Payzone, consumers using either a booklet or credit card style payment card. The relationship between the two companies began in 2007 so this five year deal shows the belief they have in each other now.
The commercial side of Alliance and Leicester works with around 1,500 businesses to collect payments from consumers, with most utility companies signed up as well as 8 out of 10 local authorities.
