MPs are pressing for tougher rules on the unsolicited credit card cheques sent to customers.

The cheques, which often bear interest far higher than other transactions, should not be sent to customers under 25 unless there are far stricter conditions under measures to be included in the revised Banking Code they say.

Meanwhile the Department of Trade and Industry has been criticised for letting credit card companies off the hook over charges.

Under new proposals lenders will not be required to use a standard formula when calculating interest charges.

Mike Naylor, of Which?, the magazine published by the Consumers' Association, said: "It will be virtually impossible for even the most sophisticated consumers to compare cards."