Before you sign a contract for a loan or credit card, please check the following:

• The name of the business or person lending you the money

• Details of the loan including the need for you to offer an asset as security

• How interest is calculated and charged

• Fees and charges

• What happens if you can't meet your repayments - will you be charged a higher rate of interest or extra fees?

• If and when you'll receive account statements and how you will be told of any changes to the terms and conditions of the contract