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

The Martin Lewis Podcast30mMay 11, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this special Question Time edition of The Martin Lewis Podcast, host Martin Lewis is temporarily replaced by podcast producer Simon, who steps in as the curator of listener questions. The episode covers a range of personal finance topics, starting with a deep dive into 'stoozing'—using 0% credit cards to generate interest on savings. Martin explains that using a 0% purchase card for regular spending is far more effective than money transfer cards due to high transfer fees, making the purchase route the clear winner for maximizing returns. The discussion then shifts to child benefit, where a caller earning just over £60,000 temporarily but below the threshold for the full year is advised to do nothing, as the system averages income over the tax year. A teenager seeking better savings rates is guided toward the Nationwide FlexOne Saver for children, which offers 5% interest. For an 18-year-old’s first international trip, Martin recommends a Chase debit card or Revolut prepayment card to avoid credit card risks, while suggesting the parent cover the required credit card deposit. The episode ends with a heartfelt birthday tribute to Martin, featuring a playful exchange with his wife Lara, who 'steals' his birthday, and a surprise badge for their daughter Sapphire. The tone is warm, humorous, and informative, blending financial advice with personal anecdotes.

Key Takeaways
1

Use a 0% purchase credit card for regular spending to stooze—avoid money transfer cards due to high fees.

2

Child benefit is based on annual income; if you're just above £60,000 for part of the year, you likely still qualify.

3

Children under 18 can open high-interest savings accounts like the Nationwide FlexOne Saver (5% on up to £5,000).

4

For young travelers, use a debit or prepaid card (e.g., Chase or Revolut) instead of a credit card to avoid overspending.

5

Parents can cover a required credit card deposit for a rental abroad to avoid giving their child a credit card.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Introduction & Special Guest Announcement

Martin Lewis introduces a special Question Time episode with a surprise twist: podcast producer Simon is stepping in for regular host Professor Sir Matthew Burnham Esquire. The episode begins with playful banter and the announcement of ESQ badges for callers.

5:00
13 min

The Stoozing Strategy: Purchase vs. Money Transfer Cards

It is a very easy win for the purchases credit card route. There's no cost. So all of that is profit.

Highlight
18:20
7 min

Child Benefit & Income Thresholds

A caller earning just over £60,000 for part of the year is reassured that child benefit is based on annual income and that no action is needed if the total is below the threshold. Martin recommends self-assessment only if income exceeds £60,200.

25:00
8 min

Best Savings Accounts for 17-Year-Olds

The best payer... is the Nationwide FlexOne Saver for children. You must open a Nationwide FlexOne current account to get it. It pays 5% interest on up to £5,000 in there.

Highlight
33:20
8 min

Travel Cards for 18-Year-Olds: Debit or Credit?

The best thing is to be sensible and not drink too much, but let's be honest, no-one's going to listen to a boring old fart 53-year-old like me saying it, are they?

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
All I want to do, I'd love to go out with the dinner with my two girls who I love and just have the two of you there. I don't need anything more than that.
Martin Lewis28:28
Viral: 90.0
It is a very easy win for the purchases credit card route. There's no cost. So all of that is profit.
Martin Lewis16:55
Viral: 85.0
The best thing is to be sensible and not drink too much, but let's be honest, no-one's going to listen to a boring old fart 53-year-old like me saying it, are they?
Martin Lewis24:17
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Host

Martin Lewis

Guests

Simon (Podcast Producer)Joe (Caller)Michaela (Caller)Kate (Voice Note Caller)Lara (Caller)
Topics Discussed
Stoozing Strategies95%Savings Accounts for Minors90%Child Benefit and Tax Thresholds85%Travel Finance for Young Adults80%Debit vs Credit Cards for Teens75%Financial Education for Youth70%Birthday and Family Traditions60%Podcast Production and Behind-the-Scenes55%
People & Brands

Martin Lewis

person

120xPositive

Simon

person

45xPositive

Lara

person

12xPositive

Joe

person

10xPositive

Michaela

person

8xPositive

BBC

organization

8xNeutral

Kate

person

6xPositive

Rosie

person

6xNeutral

Sapphire

person

5xPositive

Nationwide FlexOne Saver

other

5xPositive

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