Over-burdened borrowers - Take advantage of zero per cent interest offers.

January is a good opportunity to compare credit cards and take advantage of zero per cent interest offers, it has been claimed.

According to Paymentcare.co.uk, which provides independent payment protection insurance (PPI), over-burdened borrowers could benefit from a wealth of offers during this period.

However, consumers are also being warned that purchasing PPI from the same company which supplied the credit card can often cost more than it might from an independent provider.

And choosing a highly-priced PPI plan could counteract the benefits of a zero per cent credit card, maintains Paymentcare.co.uk.

In related news, the Financial Services Authority recently announced its plans to improve PPI sales standards.

It intends to ensure that consumers are informed fully and clearly about the optional cover, while being recommended a policy that is appropriate to their circumstances.

"Customers should come away from the sale having been given the best possible chance of understanding that PPI is almost always optional," remarked Clive Briault, the FSA's managing director of retail markets.

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