Since 1905 millions of motorists have trusted the AA to keep them on the road. The AA and the AA Motoring Trust boast expert knowledge and offer advice on transport issues that are respected by AA members, the public, safety experts and the Government.

Alliance and Leicester's roots go back to 1852. With branches all over the country, an ATM network comprising thousands of machines, a growing online capability and over 5 million personal customers, Alliance and Leicester is a formidable presence in the UK's retail banking market. The personal loan is just one of many financial products offered by this company - it also provides a range of credit cards through its partnership with MBNA, as well as a highly competitive current account.

American Express is synonymous with Amex credit cards, but it also offers the American Express Loan. The American Express Financial Corporation was founded in 1894 by John Tappan, who identified a need for investments with guaranteed returns that allowed individual investors to accumulate savings over time.

The Bank's operations in Great Britain were brought together as one business unit called Bank of Ireland UK Financial Services. The new unit is the largest division of Bank of Ireland, employing over 5,000 staff. The Division includes Bank of Ireland Great Britain, Bristol & West, Bank of Ireland Northern Ireland and Chase de Vere Investments. Bank of Ireland offers a range of financial services and products including credit cards, mortgages, savings, insurance and loans.

Launched in 2000 Black Horse is the consumer brand of the Lloyds TSB Asset Finance Division, and part of the Lloyds TSB Group. Black Horse offers an extensive personal finance product range, including insurance, mortgages and loans. It also operates a network of personal finance centres across the UK, which provide point-of-sale secured loans and unsecured loans, to retail consumers

The Britannia Building Society prides itself on a membership scheme which rewards its customers when it makes a profit. As a mutual building society Britannia has no shareholders to take a cut of the profits. Instead, year on year, it share the profits with its customers through benefits and better deals

Cahoot - the interactive bank - is part of the Abbey National Group, one of the UK's leading financial services providers. Cahoot provide a range of Cahoot credit cards, fixed and flexible loans, home and travel insurance, and mortgages

With over three million customer accounts and a history that dates back to 1872, the Co-operative Bank has a huge range of financial services. The Co-operative is also banker to local authorities, businesses and the retail co-operative movement. As well as loans they also offer Co-operative credit cards, insurance, current accounts and pensions.

Established in 1884, and then known as The Coventry Permanent Economic Building Society, its assets were strengthened through a series of mergers in the 1970s and 1980s. Following a merger with Coventry Provident, the Society then became known as the Coventry Building Society. Its branches are predominantly based in the Midlands, though it also offers a comprehensive online service.

Direct Line started from scratch in April 1985 offering motor insurance. Now they boast over 5 million customers and a wide range of products and services. They do business over the phone and on the internet.