Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning against using a common payment option at online checkouts. Taking to X/Twitter this week, the British Money Saving Expert said that the new payment option actually offers you little protection. Martin revealed that the 'pay by bank' option, which he claimed is on popular websites such as JustEat and RyanAir, could be dangerous for large transactions. The 52-year-old finance guru said that while it may be tempting as a 'quicker and easier' option, it's not always the best way to make a purchase.

The payment method requires users to open their banking app to approve the transaction rather than inputting their bank details, meaning it is registered as a bank transfer rather than a card payment. Pay by bank has been hailed as the 'next revolution' in payments, as it doesn't require a password or payment details. But in an urgent statement, Martin wrote on social media: 'WARNING: Have you started to notice "pay by bank app" options at online checkouts. If so it's quicker, it's easier but be aware there's LITTLE PROTECTION.

'It's on the likes of Just Eat and Ryanair. You don't give card details, just pick your bank, and log into the app (via biometrics) then its done. Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning against using a common payment option at online checkouts. 'Yet ultimately its just a bank transfer, which means you don't get the same refund rights like chargeback or Section 75 if things go wrong that you do when you pay by card. So for small things its no biggie, but beware with big important transactions.'.

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 protects customers using a credit card to make purchases and gives the right to claim a refund. Claims can be made for poor quality goods or services, items that never turned or cancelled purchases. Meanwhile, chargebacks - or disputes - mean customers can ask their bank to refund payments for goods and services on a debit or credit card. Martin added that if the real HMRC were using the payment method he would be 'less worried' as that would be paid by bank transfer anyway.

On Twitter, hundreds rushed to the comments to thank Martin for his advice - while others fretted that they'd already used the method to make large purchases. One person said: 'Thank you for clarifying, because it was directly by bank app, I thought it meant "even more protection". 'Makes sense what you describe and I will stick to pay by card (or Apple pay).'. Martin said that the new 'pay by bank' option, which he claimed is on popular websites such as JustEat and RyanAir, could be dangerous for large transactions (stock image).

Taking to X/ Twitter this week, the Money Saving Expert said that a new payment option actually offers you little protection. Others wrote: 'It's one of those things where the tech makes it seem like ultimately the same thing, but the law hasn't yet reflected the fact';. 'Oh I’d hope it’s secure enough! I e just forked out for flights directly to an airline using this method';. 'I use that way to pay my credit card so I’m grateful for your tweet. I’ll do it the long way in future';.

'Well done on raising this Martin, be crazy to use this for travel or large purchases.'. It comes after Martin revealed four medical conditions that could entitle sufferers to a substantial discount on their council tax bill and, in some cases, bring it down to zero. The discount, said the Money Saving Expert founder, is both 'under-publicised' and barely known about. Martin explained that those living with dementia or Parkinson's disease, as well as those who have suffered a stroke or brain injury, may be eligible to claim the UK government's 'severely mentally impaired' council tax discount.

On Twitter, hundreds rushed to the comments to thank Martin for his advice - while others fretted that they'd already used the method to make large purchases. It comes after Martin (pictured) revealed four medical conditions that could entitle sufferers to a discount on their council tax bill. Speaking on his ITV show, The Martin Lewis Money Show, Martin said: ‘A severe mental impairment – horrible term, not mine – is defined as a severe mental impairment of intelligence and social functioning, which appears to be permanent.'.

The savings guru added that the medical condition 'must be medically certified' to access the discount. 'To qualify to be discounted, it must be medically certified. You need a doctor to sign this,' he said. Martin, from Manchester, elaborated: 'It is common with severe dementia, stroke, severe Parkinson’s, brain injuries and other conditions.'. In order to receive the discount in the UK, the person must also be on a 'qualifying benefit' - another state benefit, for example, Attendance Allowance.