revolut card uk travel insurance

Revolut travel insurance

I am considering upgrading to premium account . But I am somewhat confused by the travel insurance there seems to be some conflicting information about. Some people say it’s only for 40 days maximum, but on a search on internet I saw this.

What is the maximum trip duration covered by Revolut travel insurance? The >maximum trip duration is 90 days per trip.

Also I can’t see any information regarding the upper age limit. Usually over 65 many other travel insurance companies don’t cover that. Be grateful for any up to date information.

Was this helpful? Let us know.

SG | Community Team

Another quick question I intend to depart in about 12 days time, so I am a bit concerned the card may not arrive on time.

@ro2124 , Your card order can take up to 3 business days to process before we ship. Your card details will be available for you to make online purchases or add to Apple/Google Pay immediately for normal card orders and once the design is approved if customised.

Once we are close to shipping, you will see an estimated delivery date in the ‘Cards’ section (the card icon in the top right).

Ok thanks for info. So I assume, if the worst should happen and the card doesn’t arrive on time, the travel insurance will still be valid?

Travel Erudition

What does revolut travel insurance cover?

If you’re looking for comprehensive travel insurance that covers a variety of eventualities, then you might want to consider Revolut travel insurance. This insurance covers things like medical expenses, lost or stolen property, and even trip cancellation or interruption. So whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can rest assured that you’re covered in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Revolut travel insurance covers a broad range of potential risks, from missed flights and lost luggage to medical emergencies and evacuation. It also provides some financial protection in the event of trip cancellation or interruption.

What is typically covered by travel insurance?

A comprehensive insurance policy is a type of insurance that covers a wide range of potential risks, including delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical costs. This type of policy is often more expensive than other types of insurance, but it provides a greater level of protection for the policyholder.

As a Revolut member, you are automatically covered by our travel and medical insurance while you’re in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom. This includes emergency medical expenses, repatriation, and more.

How does Revolut insurance work

Thank you for choosing to pay for your insurance product through Revolut. We will collect the money from your account as explained on the app and hold your payment as agent of our insurance partner. This means your insurance is effectively paid for without delay when we collect the money from your account. Thank you for your business.

If you need to make a claim under your insurance, you will need to contact our insurance partner directly. You can find out how to do this in the insurance section of the Revolut app. Full details are also set out in your insurance policy, which is accessible on the Revolut app after purchase.

What is not covered by travel insurance?

If you’re considering cancelling or interrupting your trip due to events such as an epidemic or fear of travel, it’s important to know that most travel insurance policies will not cover you. This is because these events are considered to be known, foreseeable, or expected. However, it’s always best to check your specific policy to be sure.

Most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing physical and mental health conditions. Some insurers will cover you if you pay extra. Commonly excluded are: bone and joint conditions.

Why is Revolut good for Travelling?

If you’re looking to save money on international transactions, Revolut is a great option. By using the interbank exchange rate and avoiding transaction fees, you can save a significant amount of money.

The Buyer Protection Policy allows you to make a claim if you have made an eligible purchase using Pay With Revolut and:

– the item is not delivered to you; – the item is materially different to what the business said it would be.

Are you protected with Revolut

Our Buyer Protection Policy is designed to protect buyers on our platform in the event that they do not receive the items they ordered, or if the items they receive are significantly different from what was described to them. There is no cost to use our Buyer Protection Policy and no fees are associated with it. Our Buyer Protection Policy is not a warranty, guarantee or insurance. It is just a mechanism by which we ask sellers to agree to refund you in certain circumstances, if we decide that those circumstances are met.

Thanks for considering upgrading to a global lifestyle with Revolut! With our unlimited foreign exchange, you can book your perfect stay and get up to 5% cashback. Our premium account also gives you full purchase protection and allows you to withdraw up to €400 every month fee-free. Plus, our Revolut app is built specifically for teens so you can manage your money on the go!

Does Revolut premium travel insurance cover family?

We’re sorry to say that we will no longer offer cover for additional companions on your trips. However, we will automatically cover you and any eligible children up to the age of 17 – as long as they are travelling with you.

Revolut Metal is the highest-tier subscription from the UK-based digital banking behemoth This plan offers “ultimate power with the full package” of financial services, offering a contactless Metal card, insurances, purchase protection and up to 1% cashback.

This plan is the most comprehensive and expensive plan offered by Revolut, and as such, offers the most benefits. If you are looking for the full package of financial services, then Revolut Metal is the plan for you.

Does travel insurance cover 100%

If you have to cancel or interrupt your trip due to coronavirus, most policies will reimburse you 50% to 75% of your trip costs. This coverage can come in handy if you’re feeling uncomfortable traveling due to COVID-19 cases or quarantine recommendations.

If you don’t have travel insurance you will have to pay out of your own pocket to deal with a problem while you’re away. Or you may lose money if you have to cancel a trip and can’t get your money back. This could cost you thousands of pounds.

Is travel insurance necessary for international travel?

There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing health insurance for traveling abroad:

1. Make sure the policy covers medical expenses as well as evacuation and repatriation.

2. Check to see if the policy has any exclusions, such as for preexisting conditions.

3. Make sure the policy is valid for the length of your trip.

4. Compare prices and coverage levels from different insurers to find the best policy for you.

There are a lot of different options for medical coverage when you are traveling. It can be difficult to know which one is the best for you. We have compiled a list of our top picks for the best medical coverage while you are traveling.

Travelex: This company offers a variety of different plans that can fit your needs. They have a wide network of providers and offer 24/7 assistance.

Allianz Travel Insurance: Allianz offers a variety of plans that cover you for different types of medical emergencies. They also have a 24/7 assistance line to help you in any emergency.

InsureMyTrip: This company offers a variety of plans from a variety of different companies. This gives you the ability to compare different plans and find the one that is best for you.

World Nomads: This company offers a variety of plans that are specifically designed for travelers. They have a wide network of providers and offer 24/7 assistance.

HTH Travel Insurance: HTH offers a variety of plans that cover you for different types of medical emergencies. They also have a 24/7 assistance line to help you in any emergency.

Nationwide: Nationwide offers a variety of plans that cover you for

Revolut travel insurance covers a wide range of eventualities, from emergency medical expenses to lost or stolen belongings. It also offers some great benefits like concierge services, 24/7 assistance, and cover for pre-existing medical conditions.

In conclusion, revolut travel insurance covers a wide range of items including luggage, medical expenses, and cancelation fees. While it does have some limitations, such as not covering pre-existing medical conditions, it is a good option for those who are looking for a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson is passionate about traveling. He loves exploring new cultures and places, and discovering the world around him. He believes that travel can open up new perspectives and opportunities for growth and development. Scott has visited many countries in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, and he continues to seek out new destinations for his adventures.

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Revolut Travel Card Review: Is Revolut Good For Traveling?

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 5, 2023 | Travel Finances , Travel Tips

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve probably already heard about the Revolut card. Revolut is a digital bank that was launched in 2015.

One of the main reasons it has gained so much popularity in such a small window of time is primarily due to the fact it has everything you would need from an online bank in a simple, modern, and easy-to-use app.

Before we do a complete Revolut review and how travelers can use the Revolut travel card abroad, let’s first look at the basics.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Revolut is good for traveling, especially if you choose a paid plan.
• You can use Revolut safely abroad, and you can block and unblock your card as much as you want. This can be helpful if you think an ATM or a shop seems a bit dodgy.
• The Revolut Premium and Metal plans offer travel medical insurance options and discounts on airport lounges, which are ideal for travelers.

Revolut Card: The Basics

Revolut has three different card types and four main plans, including Standard, Standard Plus, Premium, and Metal.

The Standard card has no fee and offers some basic benefits.

However, the Premium and Metal cards provide some exciting features, especially if you are a frequent traveler.

Here is a quick breakdown of the main benefits/prices of each of the cards:

**Revolut also has Revolut Business for companies, big and small, that do business beyond borders.  

Get Revolut Now

Another major advantage of the Revolut card is that it takes minutes to open an account.

All you need is a working phone number, and with that, you’ll be able to open an account and get a virtual bank card.

To get a physical card, you’ll need to order one, and it takes around 14 days to deliver. You will also need to veri f y your identity . 

One of the disadvantages of Revolut is that, at the moment, it isn’t available to residents of all countries.

Currently, only legal residents of the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, and the United States can download the online bank.  

Once you have your card and your identity is verified, you are ready to take full advantage of your Revolut card. This is where the fun begins.

If you are a meticulous traveler who loves planning and budget travel , then the Revolut travel card is the perfect solution for you.

Revolut Travel Card: Spending, Budgeting & Saving

The best part of the Revolut card is that the account section grants you the ability to look at all of your transactions by day, week, and even month.

You can also group transactions into specific categories. So, for example, if you budgeted 200 dollars for restaurants at X location for June, you can track all those costs in the app. 

You can also download statements, upload receipts and add notes to each transaction to keep track of your spending.

You can even split the bill if you are traveling with someone or send them money by scanning their QR code.

If you are traveling abroad, the app allows you to create multiple accounts in various currencies.

This means that you can exchange your US dollar for Euro and have two separate accounts in two different currencies.

This also means that whether you are traveling in France or the US, you can pay in the local currency. Be aware that not all currencies are currently available.

Nevertheless, if you are paying for something in a different currency, Revolut converts your account balance into the local currency using the real interbank exchange rate.

This allows you to avoid being charged a fee and a mediocre exchange rate set by the ATM provider or merchant acquirer.

Another great feature is that the app sends you a notification the second you pay with your card, even before the receipt has finished printing (as long as you are connected to the Internet).

The app also has vaults, where you can save money for travel . You can create multiple vaults, like a “travel to Egypt” vault or a “weekend spa getaway” vault.

You can fund the vaults with a one-time transfer, recurring transfer, or something the Revolut card calls spare change.

Spare change means the app will round up the spare change from your Revolut card spending and place it in this vault. 

Using Revolut Abroad

Can Revolut be used abroad? Yes! 

Now, you may be wondering “Is Revolut good for traveling?” It is!

I’ve been using Revolut abroad for a few years now, and it’s my go-to card.

So, how does Revolut work abroad?

With the Revolut travel card , you can transfer money abroad in 30+ currencies with the interbank exchange rate , with a small 0.5% fee for anything above €1,000 each month during the weekdays.

However, one disadvantage is that when markets are closed on the weekend, fees are charged at 0.5% and 1% on currency exchange rates no matter the transfer amount.

Revolut also charges an international fee, which will be listed in the payment breakdown when you are sending your money. 

The major advantage of Revolut is that it offers the ability to send money around without hidden fees and provides fast and secure money transfers.

The foreign exchange rate can be viewed on the Revolut app before exchanging currency or making a bank transfer involving foreign exchange.

The Revolut travel card also allows you to withdraw cash from an ATM using your Revolut card without fees.

The disadvantage of this is that if you have the standard plan, that means that you’ll only be able to take out 200 dollars per month. 

That being said, using a Revolut card abroad is fairly easy and safe.

Security: Preventing Fraud

One of the worst feelings in the world is realizing that your main travel card has been lost or cloned.

What usually ends up happening is a mad dash to call your main bank abroad to freeze the card and ask for a replacement.

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. The problem is that some banks can take up to 3-4 weeks before they can send you a replacement card, which can ruin your time abroad. 

Revolut claims that it is 7x better than a regular bank in stopping card fraud. This is due to their anti-fraud system that helps keep fraudulent transactions under 0.01%.

But that’s not all. Revolut allows users to freeze and unfreeze their cards easily in the app, it takes seconds. 

You can also enable location-based security to reduce fraudulent transactions, disable contactless, online, swipe payments or even choose a monthly card spending limit for extra peace of mind.

And, if you do lose your card, you can order a replacement card in the app and ask for express delivery, which usually takes around 2-3 days, depending on your location.

Also, if you lose your phone, Revolut has an automated phone line to block your card instantly.

Extra Perks When Using Revolut Abroad

Although there aren’t many perks with the Standard and Standard Plus plans, if you are a frequent traveler, then you might consider opting for the Premium or Metal Plans. 

These plans have perks like pay-per-day travel medical insurance, which means that you can get location-trigger coverage and only pay for the days you use.

You can also upgrade for the delay and lost baggage insurance, emergency dental, and medical coverage, and even insure up to three adults and all your children. 

These plans also have lounge access to +1000 airport lounges globally and SmartDelay, which allows you to get an airport lounge pass if your flight is delayed more than an hour.

Get Revolut

Revolut Sign-Up Bonus Promotion

Upgrade to a global lifestyle with Revolut. Transform your finances when you level up to Premium with Revolut’s Premium trial .

You’ll get features to help you save, spend and invest smarter than ever.

Get a 3-month Revolut Premium subscription trial, effective today.

Note that this promotion work everywhere except for Australia and Singapore, where the offer is a cash bonus of $15 AUD in Australia and $15 SGD in Singapore.

All new Revolut customers are eligible.

Final Thoughts On Revolut Travel Card

It seems as if the Revolut card is the travel card of the future.

Not only can it be one of the best cards to use while you are abroad, but it also can be a great day-to-day bank card. 

Although the card has a lot of advantages, it is also important to note that there are still some countries where the card might not work.

For example, Revolut users have noted in previous years that the Revolut card didn’t work in many establishments in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Also, be wary that their online support service is not always the best, unlike your local bank.

If you do run into problems, there isn’t a physical location where you can go and talk with a manager. You’ll need to use the chat feature on the app, which can be better than having to call from abroad.

All in all, the Revolut card is a great card to travel with, but it shouldn’t replace your main bank card and instead might be a great backup card that you can use when abroad or if you’re a European expat.

If you’re American, read our Revolut USA review .

Read more about the best banking options for expats .

If you’re not sure if Revolut is the right card for you, you may want to open a multi-currency account with Wise . Learn more about Wise here or compare both Wise and Revolut .

If you want to keep cash flowing even while abroad, you must check out these ways to make money while traveling !

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

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GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

Ultra Boosted Cashback Promotion 2024

What is this promotion about.

Revolut is offering selected existing Personal customers on Standard, Plus, Premium and Metal residing in England, Scotland, Wales, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia and Slovakia (together, the “ Eligible Markets ”) the opportunity to upgrade to the Ultra paid plan* and receive up to 5% of the value of each Revolut card transaction (the “ Cashback ”) for one calendar month, subject to an overall cap equivalent to the Ultra plan monthly fee (the “ Cashback Cap ”).

These terms and conditions (the “ Promotion Terms ”) set out the rules that apply to the Promotion, and you must comply with these Promotion Terms, the Personal terms and also the Paid Plan Terms that apply to your Revolut Personal account and the Ultra plan at all times when participating in the Promotion.

To take part in this Promotion, you must meet the eligibility criteria and complete the required steps set out in these Promotion Terms between 01:00 UTC 26 April 2024 and 23:59 UTC 29 April 2024. We call this the “ Promotion Period ”.

*a monthly or annual subscription fee applies to the Ultra paid plan depending on your billing choice, you can find Ultra plan fees here.

Who is eligible for this Promotion?

You are only considered an “ Eligible Participant ” if you receive an email, push notification, in-app Inbox message from Revolut and/or can see the promotional banner in-app inviting you to participate in this Promotion.

You will also need to complete the following “ Required Steps ”:

• click on the unique link provided to you and follow the steps for upgrading to the Ultra plan with annual or monthly billing; and
• make genuine card transactions (the “ Eligible Transactions ”) to earn your Cashback. For example, transactions to payment service providers, other bank accounts and e-wallets will not be genuine. Your card payments can be made using a physical or virtual Revolut card linked to your Revolut Personal account.

How do I get my Cashback?

You will earn Cashback at a rate of 5 % on all Eligible Transactions for one month from when you upgrade to Ultra. The maximum amount you can earn in the form of a cashback is the equivalent to the Ultra Plan monthly fee.

Revolut will credit the cashback amount to your Revolut Personal account within 1 business day after each eligible transaction is completed and only for payments that complete during the Promotion Period.

Right to cancel

You have the right to cancel your subscription to the Ultra plan within 14 days from activating it (your “ cooling off period ”), after which normal cancellation rules will apply. This means that normal fees for downgrading your Paid Plan subscription will apply (see the “Fees for downgrading your Paid Plan subscription” section of the Paid Plan Terms for more information).

Please note that if you cancel your subscription to the Ultra plan within the cooling off period, we reserve the right to reverse any cashback you’ve received in relation to this Promotion. We will consider the reversal of the Cashback to have been done with your consent and the payment to have been authorised by you.

What other legal information should I know?

• We may change, suspend, extend or end the Promotion earlier than the end date we’ve mentioned above if, in our reasonable opinion, the Promotion is being abused or may negatively affect Revolut’s goodwill or reputation. We may do this on an individual or promotion-wide basis.
• If we need to change, suspend or end the Promotion before the end of the Promotion Period, we will announce this in the same way the Promotion was announced and, where possible, we will try to give you notice through an email, push notification and/or in-app Inbox message. Any changes to the Promotion Terms will not affect your rights, if you have already participated in the Promotion.
• Revolut will not be liable for any loss, whether directly or indirectly suffered, as a result of an event outside of its control which means we are unable to continue running the Promotion as planned. Please contact Support if you believe you qualify for a particular benefit in relation to the Promotion that has not been awarded to you as a result of early suspension or termination.
• We reserve the right to reverse the Cashback awarded to you if the payment that earned you the Cashback is refunded to you, you earned the Cashback fraudulently, if you breach the terms that apply to your Revolut Personal account in order to get the Cashback, or if we become aware you were not compliant with these Promotion Terms. We will consider the reversal of the Cashback to have been done with your consent and the payment to have been authorised by you.
• If you close your Revolut Personal account, cancel your Ultra subscription or your account becomes suspended or restricted before we were due to credit your account with the Cashback or between the time of qualifying for the Cashback and receiving it, you will lose your entitlement to the Cashback.
• Revolut needs to process your personal data to perform our obligations under these Promotion Terms. For more information about how we handle personal data, see our Customer Privacy Notice .
• These terms are published in English and any translation is a courtesy and an unofficial translation only. Participants of the Promotion cannot derive any rights from the translated version. The English language version of these terms shall apply and prevail and be conclusive and binding. The English version shall be used in any legal proceedings. If, however, by law the local language should be used, the local language shall prevail.

This Promotion is organised and offered to you by the Revolut group entity that provides you with your Personal account. If you have a complaint about this Promotion, you can raise it directly with them. Please see below for the registered addresses of each Revolut group entity and the relevant laws and courts that have jurisdiction to determine any dispute you may have in relation to this Promotion. You can rely on the mandatory consumer protection rules and law of the country where you live.

Money latest: McDonald's to start selling bigger burgers - as it makes very rare changes to classic items

The fast food giant has revealed its chefs have created a "larger, satiating burger" in a bid to boost sales. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment in the box.

Wednesday 1 May 2024 17:49, UK

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Essential reads

• You're probably washing and storing your clothes wrong. Here's what you should do instead
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Ask a question or make a comment

Are you struggling because of high interest rates? Sky News is keen to hear from people who are due to refix their mortgages this year or are on a variable rate or tracker mortgage or trying to get on the housing ladder. 

Email us your stories at  [email protected]  - or WhatsApp us  here .

UK supermarkets could soon see a "healthier" version of white bread, according to scientists.

A team of researchers at Aberystwyth University will be studying the milling and blending process for white flour.

Peas, beans and oats could be added to wheat flour to boost its nutritional value.

The research project has been funded by Innovate UK, the UK's national innovation agency.

Read the full story here ...

Parents taking their kids to Taylor Swift concerts this summer might be worried their lack of knowledge will leave them feeling a bit left out.

But what if we told you you could be a mastermind?

That's the promise of a new college course ahead of the biggest pop star in the world hitting the UK in June.

The 7 May course, which is run by the  Glasgow Cylde College and is free, will give members of the public a jam-packed session that will leave them ready for the singer's upcoming  Eras Tour.

Those who enrol in a one-off college masterclass will learn about the pop star's music, set lists, crowd chants and even her "evolving wardrobe and hairstyles".

A statement on the college website reads: "Ahead of her hugely anticipated arrival, Glasgow Clyde College is offering a one time-only masterclass aimed at preparing parents and plus ones of Taylor superfans, providing the full Love Story on all things Eras Tour to help them have the best night of their lives.

"From set lists and crowd chants to need-to-know information on each Era, the masterclass, which is being delivered by a Taylor Swift expert, will give people a whistle-stop lesson that'll leave them ready for the gig."

You can book your Swiftie masterclass here .

The cocoa market is in a particularly turbulent period, with the price of the ingredient falling to its lowest level in a month. 

It comes after prices reached their highest peaks in more than four decades earlier in the year, making it reportedly more expensive than copper. 

Traders had been betting on an acute supply shortage driven by poor harvests in West Africa. 

However, the rally made it more expensive to maintain positions and prompted traders to pull out of the market - leaving the product vulnerable to big price swings. 

The price has now fallen by 16% since the end of last week, offering some relief to chocolate makers/eaters.

The fast food giant has revealed its chefs have created a "larger, satiating burger" in a bid to boost sales, according to Bloomberg. 

The mega-sized burger is reportedly designed to attract customers who want more filling patties. 

It will be introduced in certain markets first to test its appeal. 

McDonald's unveiled plans in December that bosses hope will boost growth by focusing on core menu items. 

The chain has seen sluggish sales, partly due to its perceived support of Israel in Middle East and Muslim-majority markets. 

McDonald's has denied taking any position in the ongoing conflict and said it is not responsible for the actions of its franchisees.

So far, it has launched an ad campaign highlighting what it says are improvements to its Big Mac, quarter pounder with cheese and double cheeseburger.

This is apparently the first time in the company's 84-year history that it has made changes to its classic burgers.

By Emily Mee , Money team

Discovering a hole in your favourite pair of jeans or a rip in your well-worn cosy jumper is certainly irritating - but it doesn't mean those items are destined for the bin. 

In fact, ethical fashion campaigners say that's the last place your items should be going. There is usually plenty you can do to repair them - or even to avoid damage in the first place. That way, you can keep your best-loved pieces in your wardrobe for years to come. 

Katrina Caspelich, from fair fashion campaign Remake, takes the Money blog through what you can do...

Store your clothes better

Clean them before storing them: Always ensure that clothes are clean before storing them. Launder or dry clean them according to the care instructions on the label. Stains and dirt can attract insects and cause fabric deterioration over time.

Use breathable storage containers: Opt for breathable storage containers such as cotton canvas bags or boxes instead of plastic bins. This allows air circulation and prevents moisture build up, which can lead to mould and mildew.

Avoid direct sunlight: Store clothes in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause colours to fade and weaken fabric fibres over time.

Hang clothes properly: Invest in quality hangers that provide adequate support to garments. Use padded or wooden hangers for delicate items like suits, dresses and knits. Avoid using wire hangers, as they can cause garments to lose their shape. Don't hang wet clothes on hangers - they can stretch.

Use garment bags: For long-term storage of formal wear or seasonal clothing, consider using garment bags to protect items from dust, insects, and moisture.

Rotate clothing: Rotate your wardrobe seasonally to prevent garments from being stored for too long without use. This helps to prevent fabric deterioration and ensures that all pieces are worn regularly.

Avoid overcrowding: Avoid cramming clothes into storage containers or closets. Overcrowding can cause wrinkles, stretching and distortion of fabric fibres. Leave some space between garments to allow for air circulation.

Store leather items properly: Leather garments should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use padded hangers to maintain their shape and avoid folding, as creases can become permanent.

Does how you wash clothes make a difference?

What exactly makes a gentle wash gentle? For delicate fabrics, you should always use cool to lukewarm water. (Hot water isn't needed unless you are concerned about bacteria and diseases like COVID-19). 

Pro tip: Be wary of wringing out your wet clothes. It can seriously alter the shape of your garments.

Other options

Wash your stuff less. The only clothes that should always be washed after one wear are underwear and sweaty clothes. Most garments worn regularly should be okay to wear two to three times before washing. Unless your denim has a bad habit of stretching out, experts say you should wash them after three or four wears so they age better. You can also throw them in the freezer to kill bacteria.

Spot clean your clothes. To clean a spot, start by removing any excess spillage and blot away as much moisture as possible with a paper towel or hand towel. NO RUBBING. Use some stain remover or gentle detergent on just the stained spot. Let it air dry or use cool air to speed up the process.

Air dry. Hang your clothes outside, Italian style. For heavier items that could stretch when hanging, lay them out flat on a surface to dry.

When should you dry clean?

Read the care tags! Don't be so quick to adhere to every garment's dry clean only tag - there's lots of chemicals involved that lurk on dry-cleaned wool, cotton and polyester. Plus, lots of brands put those tags on when they lack confidence in our ability to properly and gently wash our clothes.

If it is made of wool, linen, silk, cotton or cashmere - which is likely a majority of your closet - these fabrications can handle gentle hand washes so long as you pre-treat and single wash anything with stains, as well as wash items in groups determined by fabrication and colour.

If you aren't 100% sure what exactly a garment is made of, you can always test a little spot under the sink water to see if you get a ton of colour bleeding, warping or shrinkage before going all in.

If your garment has any fancy embellishments, flocking or beads attached by glue then you should probably take it to the cleaners if it's not just in need of a little spot clean.

Pro tip: When you find yourself at the dry cleaners, you can try asking for alternatives like a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, which uses pressurized CO2 mixed with other gentle cleaning liquids as opposed to perc.  Another option is requesting a wet cleaning method , a wash that resembles a normal washing machine but utilises special soaps and conditioners for an extra gentle wash.

How do you know when a broken item is repairable, or when it's no longer usable?

It's important to always assess the extent of the damage. Small tears, missing buttons, loose hems or minor stains are usually repairable with basic sewing skills or by taking them to a tailor. 

Considering the condition of the fabric is also important. For example, if the fabric is in good shape apart from the damaged area, it may be worth repairing. 

However, if the fabric is severely worn out or faded in multiple places, it may not be worth repairing. Also, some types of damage such as large holes, extensive fraying or irreparable stains may render the garment unusable or not cost-effective to repair. 

Finally, it's important to consider the sentimental value of the item. If the piece holds sentimental value or is a high-quality piece, you may just want to hold on to it and invest in repairs.

If the item is no longer usable, you could upcycle or repurpose it. Get creative and turn the item into something new. Some ideas include turning old jeans into shorts, using fabric scraps for quilting or crafts, or transforming a worn-out tee into a cleaning rag. 

Donation is another option. If the clothing item is still in decent condition despite the damage, consider donating it to a local charity or thrift store as some organisations accept damaged clothing for recycling or repurposing.

Finally, look for textile recycling programmes in your area. Many communities have textile recycling centres or programmes that accept old clothing, even if it's damaged, to be recycled into new textiles or other products.

How about shoes?

Like clothing, extending the wear of your shoes requires proper care and maintenance. Some ideas include rotating your shoes between different pairs of shoes every day to allow each pair to air out and recover their shape between wears. 

Clean your shoes regularly to remove dust, dirt and stains. 

It's also a good idea to apply waterproofing spray to protect your shoes from water, stains, snow and other environmental damage. Like clothing, it's important to attend to any signs of damage or wear as soon as possible, replacing worn-out soles, repairing loose stitching, and fixing damaged heels to prevent further deterioration. Definitely consider taking your shoes to a professional cobbler for these regular repairs! 

By Connor Sephton , news reporter

Bitcoin has suffered its biggest monthly loss since June 2022 - amid signs that market euphoria is starting to cool.

The world's biggest cryptocurrency saw its price plunge by almost 15% in April.

Even though we're just 12 hours into a brand-new month, Bitcoin is continuing to fall further.

This digital asset is often valued in dollars rather than pounds - and certain price points tend to have psychological significance for traders.

Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin had successfully managed to avoid a big fall under $60,000 (about £48,000).

But all of that changed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

After the $60,000 threshold crumbled, a sharp drop to $57,000 soon followed.

So... with Bitcoin down 7% over the past 24 hours, what happens next?

Well - traders are now engaged in what can best be described as an arm wrestle.

If Bitcoin manages to hold stable around $57,000, its value may start to recover.

But if selling pressure grows as American investors start to wake up and see what's happened, further declines are to be expected.

Bitcoin has now fallen by 22% since hitting an all-time high of $73,750 in March - which technically puts this cryptocurrency in a bear market.

However, avid enthusiasts will insist this is nothing more than a healthy correction, and Bitcoin's longer-term prospects are good.

One thing is clear: this is a volatile asset, and investors should only put in whatever they can afford to lose.

In what seems to be becoming a daily occurrence, four more lenders have announced mortgage rate rises.

Halifax, BM Solutions and Virgin are all doing so for the second time in around a week. They're joined by Nottingham Building Society.

Halifax are increasing rates on purchase products by up to 0.2%; BM Solutions by up to 0.24%. These begin tomorrow.

Virgin increased rates on products between 0.08% and 0.2% yesterday evening, while Nottingham has lifted rates this morning by up to 0.25%.

Mortgage rates have spiked in the last two weeks as financial markets have moved from pricing in a base rate cut in June to thinking it will come in August. Expectations of three cuts this year are now two.

The backdrop is sticky inflation in the US - and concern the global and domestic battle against rising prices isn't over yet.

Skipton had actually announced some decreases - but any optimism from this proved momentary.

Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Albion Financial Advice, told Newspage: "The atmosphere in the mortgage market is rather grim, with major players like Halifax, BM Solutions, Virgin and Nottingham Building Society repeatedly raising their fixed rates.

"This pattern of frequent rate hikes, sometimes occurring multiple times within a week, is casting a shadow over market sentiment. 

"The anticipated 'spring bounce' is nowhere in sight; instead, we're witnessing a continuation of mortgage woes. 

"Higher rates are expected to dampen buyer enthusiasm and potentially delay any positive momentum. 

"As for when borrowers can expect relief, it hinges on broader economic stabilisation. For now, the outlook remains cautious and subdued."

As April rolls into May, let's take a look at the key money dates to add to your calendar this month. 

A small note before we jump in - May is a month with a couple of bank holidays, so if any of your benefits payments would normally fall on those days, you'll get the money on the previous working day instead.

1 May - Prescription price change

The cost of your NHS prescription, in England, increases by 25p today - from £9.65 to £9.90.

Repeat prescription customers can apply for a prepayment certificate (PPC) which charges a fixed amount for a set period of prescriptions.

However, the cost of a one-year PCC will also rise to £114.50 from £111.60 - a rise of almost £3.

If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you don't have to pay for your prescriptions.

9 May - Interest rate decision 

Next week, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet for its latest review of interest rates. 

The MPC has decided to freeze the base rate at 5.25% over recent months.

While nothing is guaranteed, the BoE is widely expected among economists to hold the rate once again - thought to be waiting for inflation to get closer to the Bank's 2% target. 

12 May - Free childcare applications open

From 12 May, eligible working parents of children from nine-months-old will be able to register for access to up to 15 free hours of government-funded childcare per week.

You won't be able to claim the hours until September. 

Check if you're eligible here . 

15 May - Subway loyalty points changes

Sandwich giant Subway has outlined a series of measures in its branches regarding its loyalty schemes. 

Customers have until 14 May to use the current scheme before it changes to a new app-only loyalty scheme. 

From 15 May, any points will expire and become unredeemable.

May 24 - Energy price cap announcement

Regulator Ofgem will announce the new energy price cap for the period 1 July to 30 September.

The current price cap (£1,690 a year) is expected by analysts at Cornwall Insights to fall by just over £100 to around £1,559 for the average household per year. 

Spotify hikes 

As we reported in the Money blog, Spotify will hike its prices by around £2 per month...

Depending on a customer's billing date, payment change to the higher rate will fall in either May or June. 

Spotify has said it will email existing customers with one-month's notice of the increase.

By James Sillars , business reporter

A piece of good news to bring you: a welcome fall in oil costs.

A barrel of Brent crude started the week close to $88.

It is trading at $85 today after three days of declines – the latest in Asian trading today.

The major move lower, however, came yesterday afternoon.

Analysts credited increasing hopes of a ceasefire agreement in the Middle East and on rising US crude inventories and production.

It's been another positive start to the day for the FTSE 100 - rising 0.1% to 8.157 points in early deals.

The index has started higher each session this week but, in truth, it has struggled to make big inroads since last week's record closing high.

Banks and miners are leading the way.

Next, however, was among the fallers despite posting a strong rise in full price sales.

The first quarter increase of 5.7% was above market expectations but the retailer, usually renowned for keeping expectations low and over-delivering, maintained its guidance for annual sales and profits.

Its shares were 1.2% lower.

Among the fallers in the wider market was Aston Martin Lagonda.

The luxury carmaker's stock was almost 9% down after posting bigger than expected quarterly losses.

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