The Martin Lewis Podcast

Hosted by BBC Radio 5 Live

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204

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, offering valuable money-saving tips.

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60 recent

June 15, 202645 min

Question Time: Pay off my Student Loan with a 0% card? Shift kids cash ISA to shares? Success: ‘Saved £500 on breakdown cover!’

In this episode, Martin is back answering your latest money dilemmas with a few surprises along the way.Should you pay off your student loan using a 0% credit card? Martin breaks down the risks, the maths, and who should and shouldn’t be looking to pay off their student loan early.Energy is in focus as a listener ask: is the Octopus Tracker tariff still a good idea in today’s volatile market? Martin explains who it works for—and who should steer clear.A question on whether to move a child’s Junior Cash ISA into a Stocks & Shares ISA. Martin helps you to decide what’s right for your child’s future.We also celebrate a listener win: how one savvy saver managed to cut £500 off their breakdown cover—and what you can learn from it.Plus, a glimpse behind the scenes: find out what Martin Lewis’s monthly step record is (it’s higher than you might expect), and producer Simon reveals the surprising mix of jobs he’s had before joining the team.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

June 11, 202648 min

Car finance payouts! Will it happen? Have you unknowingly signed up to a claims firm?

The Big Topic in this week’s episode, Martin Lewis explains the latest on Car Finance Mis-selling – what’s going on and why the wait? Martin unpacks it all, with up to 11 million motorists potentially owed a share of £9 billion due to mis-sold car finance deals. So why haven’t payouts started flowing? He explains the key reasons for the delay. Plus, there’s a crucial new development: the financial regulator is now urging consumers not only to complain about the original car finance but also to scrutinise and potentially challenge the claims management firms that many have relied on to handle complaints. Martin lays out what you should be doing right now to protect your claim and maximise any potential payout.Adrian Chiles found himself £15 out of pocket after being charged on his credit card for something he didn’t purchase. Martin explains the simple, powerful consumer protection that can help you reclaim your money quickly. Whether it’s through chargeback or Section 75 protections, he breaks down exactly what to do if you spot an unfamiliar transaction, and how to act fast for the best chance of success.Finally, Martin highlights a worrying trend affecting travellers. He explains how some British Airways customers are being nudged into paying significantly more than necessary for travel permits. If you’re planning a trip, this is essential listening: Martin shares how to avoid overpaying, what to watch out for, and how to make sure you’re only paying what you actually need.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

June 8, 202646 min

Question Time: Get life insurance young, as its cheaper? Keep my bank account but get switchers’ bonus? When to STOP investing?

This week Martin tackles a packed agenda of your questions—ranging from savings decisions in your twenties to navigating the tax system, investing timelines, and even a light-hearted consumer rights query.Martin answers a question from a 25-year-old wondering whether to lock in life insurance early while premiums are low.We look at how to bag lucrative current account switching bonuses without losing your main bank account. Martin explains how you can collect multiple bonuses while keeping your primary account untouched.An NHS employee asks whether moving into the higher tax band means they’ll need to file a self-assessment tax return.A listener calls in with concerns around their investing strategy: wanting to know if they should stop investing five years before needing your money?Things take a lighter turn when a listener asks about their “consumer rights” over obtaining a Question Time audience badge.And, strongman Eddie Hall asks Martin: “What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever lifted?”If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

June 4, 20261 hr 3 min

Why the Price Cap rise is voluntary! £87bn of lost pensions & accounts. Reclaim student loans

In this episode, Martin Lewis unpacks what’s really happening with energy prices and the energy price cap—what it means for your bills right now, what’s likely coming next, and the practical steps you can take to protect your household finances. From fixed vs variable tariffs to whether now is the right time to switch. We dive into the surprising world of lost and forgotten money, shining a spotlight on the billions that could be sitting unclaimed in old accounts, refunds, or schemes many of us have simply forgotten about. Martin explores where this money commonly hides, including dormant bank and savings accounts and unclaimed pension pots from previous jobs. Tell Us is all about when you have found money you didn’t know you had. From rediscovered savings accounts to surprise payouts decades later, the episode celebrates the unexpected windfalls—including a caller who found money in her knicker draw. Steffan Powell is presenting instead of Adrian Chiles this week. In Mastermind Martin asks him about reclaiming student loan overpayments before guiding listeners through how to check if they’ve paid too much and how to get that cash back. It’s quick, practical, and could put real money back in your pocket. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

June 4, 202659 min

Big Energy Bill Hikes Coming: Should You Fix Now, Even If You’re Already Fixed?

Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about your future energy bills. Martin offers a live reaction to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ statement in the Commons on the cost of living. Tell Us this week is all about what’s the most bizarre way you’ve secured a discount? Fancy dress, sublime banter, a secret code phrase? And Mastermind this week is about defaulting on your credit file. Can Adrian earn the elusive hallelujahs? His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

June 1, 202632 min

Question Time: Cancel old credit cards? Martin: What 3 laws would you introduce? Pay v pensions?

In this episode of The Martin Lewis Question Time Podcast, Martin takes on your consumer rights questions including to cancel or not to cancel old credit cards, higher paycheck or higher pension contributions, and if Martin were King for a day, what three laws would he introduce?There's a question about the rules when it comes to paying tax on benefit payments, Martin explains the rules and regulations.With so many competing credit card providers, Martin takes a question on how's best to balance closing old cards with maintaining your credit score, and how to hope between different cards unscathed.There's a question asked about a showdown between an impressively high pension contribution versus a potentially massive increase in pay. Martin explains the pros and cons of each. There’s also a feel‑good moment, with a success story from a listener who successfully used Gift Aid on their charitable donations, and Martin delivers a little refresher on Gift Aid for those who want to use it to the fullest.Plus, Martin considers an alternate universe where he is in charge of Britain, and thinks of three laws he would enact for the good of the consumer.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

May 18, 202638 min

Question Time: Beginner investor: explain the risk? Faulty kitchen: getting money back? Self-employed: how to start a pension?

In this episode of The Martin Lewis Question Time Podcast, Martin tackles a packed agenda of your real-life money dilemmas, bringing practical advice to your most pressing financial questions.For those new to investing, there’s a question from a beginner worried about risk. Martin unpacks what “risk” really means, how to assess your tolerance, and why understanding volatility is key before putting your money into the markets. Martin explains pension options for the self-employed - a crucial topic for anyone without automatic workplace contributions. Martin breaks down the key choices, from personal pensions to SIPPs, explains how to get started and how to make your money work harder for your future.A listener asks what rights they have when a kitchen starts to fail five years after installation. Martin explains consumer protection laws, including how long goods should reasonably last and how to challenge retailers or manufacturers when things go wrong well beyond the guarantee period, going through his SAD FART acronym so you can easily remember your statutory rights under the UK Consumer Rights Act.There’s also a feel‑good moment, with a success story from a listener who successfully claimed on their travel insurance - highlighting the importance of knowing how to navigate the claims process.Plus, Martin reflects on his own biggest money‑saving faux pas, listen to find out if he is on the Energy Price Cap.And, England fast bowler Mark Wood steps up to become the first cricket World Cup winner to also be awarded an ESQ.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

May 14, 20261 hr 1 min

Council Tax Cost Cutting Special: 5 ways to try to cut your bill & possibly get £1,000s back

Martin Lewis dives into council tax. Are you overpaying? Martin breaks down practical, often overlooked ways you could cut your bill—potentially saving hundreds each year. From checking your property band to claiming discounts for single occupancy, students, or disabilities.We also explore what to do if you think your property has been incorrectly assessed—plus the potential risks of challenging your banding. With real-life success stories and clear step-by-step guidance, you’ll find out how to navigate the system and make sure you're not paying more than you need to.Plus, this week’s “Tell Us”— We’re asking: What’s the biggest money secret you’ve ever kept? When was it? Who did you keep it from—and why? We hear your candid, surprising, and sometimes emotional stories.In our regular Mastermind feature, Adrian tackles a question from Martin on Lifetime ISAs (LISAs).And Martin brings you the latest Premium Bonds update—including current prize rates, odds of winning, and whether they still stack up compared to savings accounts in today’s climate.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

May 11, 202630 min

What’s the best way to stooze (pervert 0% cards to make money)? | Top savings for 17yr-old | Will I lose Child Benefit?

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: an explainer on what the best way is to stooze - in other words, how to I get money from a 0% credit card to save it and maximise the gain.Martin answers a question about the best saving account options for a 17yr old.A caller asks if they will lose Child Benefit if they only earn over the limit for some of the year.Discover the advice Martin gives a parent who is nervous of giving their 18 year old a credit card for a first trip abroad. He also explains what alternatives are around.And finally, make sure you listen to the end to find out who, in the week of Martin’s birthday, we get as a surprise special guest last caller…If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

May 7, 20261 hr 1 min

Energy firms sitting on £3bn of our credit – how to get it back | Cheapest way to spend abroad

Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about the energy direct debit cycle. Explaining why this is perfect time of year to check your direct debits, how much you should be in credit or debt with your energy provider and what do you do if you’re too much in credit.Martin explains the cheapest ways to spend abroad and why you should be thinking about it now. A lovely Tell Us which looks at when your children have impressed you with their financial knowledge.And Mastermind this week is all about your rights if you buy a faulty item.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.