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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 12/01/2023

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Eleanor Williams, Press Officer
Eleanor Williams, Press Officer / Finance Expert T: 01603 476200 E: Email the Press Team
12/01/2023

Moneyfacts Pick of the Week

The Moneyfacts.co.uk Pick of the Week showcases the best of the latest products or rate changes to hit the consumer finance market.

Brief product details, together with independent Moneyfacts analysis, can be used with confidence in your finance sections. You can select one or two products to sit beside a relevant story or use them all as a general feature provided they are sourced to our expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk.

This week, our resident Finance Expert, Eleanor Williams, has analysed the following deals, along with their perks, of note:

Moneyfacts Pick of the Week

The Moneyfacts.co.uk Pick of the Week showcases the best of the latest products or rate changes to hit the consumer finance market.

Brief product details, together with independent Moneyfacts analysis, can be used with confidence in your finance sections. You can select one or two products to sit beside a relevant story or use them all as a general feature provided they are sourced to our expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk.

This week, our resident Finance Expert, Eleanor Williams, has analysed the following deals, along with their perks, of note:

Savings

Ford Money – Fixed Saver 2 Year

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Ford Money has removed its existing customer restriction and reduced rates on a selection of its Fixed Saver accounts this week, but the two-year option remains market-leading compared to similar accounts currently available. Paying a rate of 4.50%, the Fixed Saver 2 Year takes a prominent spot in our top rate tables and may attract savers who are comfortable to tie their money up for the duration of the deal, as earlier access to their savings pot is not permitted. However, unlike many of its peers, this account has a smaller minimum investment requirement of £500 and will allow further additions within the first 21 days of opening the account, both features which may further boost its appeal. The account secures an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.50% gross / 4.50% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest rate option of 4.41% gross / 4.50% AER also available
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £500
  • Maximum investment amount: £2,000,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 21 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16. Joint account option available.

 

QIB (UK) – Raisin UK – 18 Month Fixed Term Deposit

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“QIB (UK) has increased the expected profit rates on a selection of its Raisin UK - Fixed Term Deposit accounts by up to 0.40% this week. Its 18 Month deal now pays 4.25% and may well be a tempting option for savers as it offers a competitive return compared to other bonds with similar terms currently available. As is common with fixed accounts, savers must be comfortable with their initial deposit and duration of the fixed term, as early access is not permitted until maturity. Overall, this account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating and a place in our top tables.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.25% gross / 4.25% AER, payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: 18 months
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Account available via Raisin UK. Shari’ah compliant account – rates shown are an expected profit rate.

 

Close Brothers Savings – 95 Day Notice Account (Issue 14)

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Savers looking to strike a balance between earning a competitive rate of return, but who also want to ensure they have some flexibility to access their savings pot if needed, might be pleased to see that Close Brothers has launched a new 95 Day Notice Account. Paying 3.10% gross, this secures a position in our top tables when compared to other notice accounts on offer at the moment and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.10% gross / 3.10% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: 95 days
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £2 million
  • Access: Permitted, subject to 95 days’ notice
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available.

 

Coventry Building Society – Limited Access Saver (Online) (7) 

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“This week Coventry Building Society has launched a new issue of its Limited Access Saver account. Paying a competitive rate of 2.85% on anniversary, this account can be opened with minimum investment amounts of £1. Savers are able to make up to six penalty-free withdrawals per annum, with any subsequent withdrawals subject to 50 days’ loss of interest, which means that with careful planning, this may suit those looking to maintain some degree of access to their savings pot. Additionally, there is a monthly interest option available, which could be of benefit to those hoping to supplement their regular income. On assessment, the account secures a position in our top rate tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 2.85% gross / 2.85% AER payable on anniversary, monthly interest option of 2.81% gross / 2.85% AER also available
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: £250,000
  • Access: Six penalty-free withdrawals permitted per annum, further withdrawals subject to 50-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum age 16 Joint account option available.

 

Mortgages

NatWest – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“NatWest has made reductions across the majority of its rates this week, including applying a cut of 0.64% on its five-year fixed deal for those remortgaging at 80% loan-to-value. Now priced at 4.75% until 31 May 2028, this product may appeal to those looking to refinance their property and secure a mid-term fixed rate. When considered as a whole package, this deal benefits from the fact there is no fee to pay, and incentives of a free valuation plus free legal fees are also available – features which may boost the appeal of this deal, especially for those who need to keep any outlay associated with taking on a new mortgage as low as possible. On assessment, this deal earns a place in our top tables and an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.75% fixed rate to 31.5.28
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: Remortgage customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments 
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Virgin Money – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 90% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“This week Virgin Money has reduced rates across the majority of its intermediary exclusive fixed rate products. One of the deals to see a notable cut of 0.27% is the five-year fixed option for those looking to purchase at 90% loan-to-value. Now priced at 4.88% until 1 June 2028, this option carries a £995 fee, however, this is offset by the comprehensive and generous incentive package of £1,000 cashback and a free valuation, so those who have limited funds to cover any associated mortgage set-up costs may well be tempted by this deal. Assessed overall, this mortgage earns a position in our top rate tables in the intermediary sector and an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.88% fixed rate to 1.6.28
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £1,000 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Payment holidays considered by arrangement
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Available via intermediaries.

 

Buy-to-let

NatWest – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“This week NatWest has made reductions across its range of buy-to-let products. One of the deals to see a rate cut is available to landlords who are purchasing a property with a 40% deposit. Following a notable reduction of 0.35%, this is now priced at 5.00% until 31 May 2028. This product may be an attractive one for landlords looking for a reasonable initial rate to fix to for the medium-term. The £995 fee can be added to the mortgage advance, and there is also a free valuation incentive package available, which may further boost the appeal of this option. Overall, this deal takes a place in our top tables and receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.00% fixed rate to 31.5.28
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers (remortgage option available)
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments.

 

Coventry Building Society – Two-year variable tracker rate mortgage, 65% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Coventry Building Society has launched a handful of new products to its buy-to-let range this week, including a new variable tracker deal. Priced at 4.08% until 30 June 2025, this option is available to landlords who have either 35% equity or deposit available. Landlords would have the option to make unlimited overpayments, which may well be an appealing feature for some. There is a £1,999 fee to pay, for which there is the option to add to the mortgage advance, and there is also a comprehensive incentive package attached to the product as well. Assessed as a whole, this product earns a place in our top tables and an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.08% variable tracker rate until 30.6.25
  • Product fee: £1,999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 65%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and, for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Unlimited overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain

Savings

Ford Money – Fixed Saver 2 Year

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Ford Money has removed its existing customer restriction and reduced rates on a selection of its Fixed Saver accounts this week, but the two-year option remains market-leading compared to similar accounts currently available. Paying a rate of 4.50%, the Fixed Saver 2 Year takes a prominent spot in our top rate tables and may attract savers who are comfortable to tie their money up for the duration of the deal, as earlier access to their savings pot is not permitted. However, unlike many of its peers, this account has a smaller minimum investment requirement of £500 and will allow further additions within the first 21 days of opening the account, both features which may further boost its appeal. The account secures an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.50% gross / 4.50% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest rate option of 4.41% gross / 4.50% AER also available
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £500
  • Maximum investment amount: £2,000,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 21 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16. Joint account option available.

 

QIB (UK) – Raisin UK – 18 Month Fixed Term Deposit

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“QIB (UK) has increased the expected profit rates on a selection of its Raisin UK - Fixed Term Deposit accounts by up to 0.40% this week. Its 18 Month deal now pays 4.25% and may well be a tempting option for savers as it offers a competitive return compared to other bonds with similar terms currently available. As is common with fixed accounts, savers must be comfortable with their initial deposit and duration of the fixed term, as early access is not permitted until maturity. Overall, this account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating and a place in our top tables.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.25% gross / 4.25% AER, payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: 18 months
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Account available via Raisin UK. Shari’ah compliant account – rates shown are an expected profit rate.

 

Close Brothers Savings – 95 Day Notice Account (Issue 14)

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Savers looking to strike a balance between earning a competitive rate of return, but who also want to ensure they have some flexibility to access their savings pot if needed, might be pleased to see that Close Brothers has launched a new 95 Day Notice Account. Paying 3.10% gross, this secures a position in our top tables when compared to other notice accounts on offer at the moment and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.10% gross / 3.10% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: 95 days
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £2 million
  • Access: Permitted, subject to 95 days’ notice
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available.

 

Coventry Building Society – Limited Access Saver (Online) (7) 

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“This week Coventry Building Society has launched a new issue of its Limited Access Saver account. Paying a competitive rate of 2.85% on anniversary, this account can be opened with minimum investment amounts of £1. Savers are able to make up to six penalty-free withdrawals per annum, with any subsequent withdrawals subject to 50 days’ loss of interest, which means that with careful planning, this may suit those looking to maintain some degree of access to their savings pot. Additionally, there is a monthly interest option available, which could be of benefit to those hoping to supplement their regular income. On assessment, the account secures a position in our top rate tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 2.85% gross / 2.85% AER payable on anniversary, monthly interest option of 2.81% gross / 2.85% AER also available
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: £250,000
  • Access: Six penalty-free withdrawals permitted per annum, further withdrawals subject to 50-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum age 16 Joint account option available.

 

Mortgages

NatWest – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“NatWest has made reductions across the majority of its rates this week, including applying a cut of 0.64% on its five-year fixed deal for those remortgaging at 80% loan-to-value. Now priced at 4.75% until 31 May 2028, this product may appeal to those looking to refinance their property and secure a mid-term fixed rate. When considered as a whole package, this deal benefits from the fact there is no fee to pay, and incentives of a free valuation plus free legal fees are also available – features which may boost the appeal of this deal, especially for those who need to keep any outlay associated with taking on a new mortgage as low as possible. On assessment, this deal earns a place in our top tables and an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.75% fixed rate to 31.5.28
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: Remortgage customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments 
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Virgin Money – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 90% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“This week Virgin Money has reduced rates across the majority of its intermediary exclusive fixed rate products. One of the deals to see a notable cut of 0.27% is the five-year fixed option for those looking to purchase at 90% loan-to-value. Now priced at 4.88% until 1 June 2028, this option carries a £995 fee, however, this is offset by the comprehensive and generous incentive package of £1,000 cashback and a free valuation, so those who have limited funds to cover any associated mortgage set-up costs may well be tempted by this deal. Assessed overall, this mortgage earns a position in our top rate tables in the intermediary sector and an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.88% fixed rate to 1.6.28
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £1,000 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Payment holidays considered by arrangement
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Available via intermediaries.

 

Buy-to-let

NatWest – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“This week NatWest has made reductions across its range of buy-to-let products. One of the deals to see a rate cut is available to landlords who are purchasing a property with a 40% deposit. Following a notable reduction of 0.35%, this is now priced at 5.00% until 31 May 2028. This product may be an attractive one for landlords looking for a reasonable initial rate to fix to for the medium-term. The £995 fee can be added to the mortgage advance, and there is also a free valuation incentive package available, which may further boost the appeal of this option. Overall, this deal takes a place in our top tables and receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.00% fixed rate to 31.5.28
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers (remortgage option available)
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments.

 

Coventry Building Society – Two-year variable tracker rate mortgage, 65% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Coventry Building Society has launched a handful of new products to its buy-to-let range this week, including a new variable tracker deal. Priced at 4.08% until 30 June 2025, this option is available to landlords who have either 35% equity or deposit available. Landlords would have the option to make unlimited overpayments, which may well be an appealing feature for some. There is a £1,999 fee to pay, for which there is the option to add to the mortgage advance, and there is also a comprehensive incentive package attached to the product as well. Assessed as a whole, this product earns a place in our top tables and an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.08% variable tracker rate until 30.6.25
  • Product fee: £1,999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 65%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and, for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Unlimited overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain

Notes to editors

Pioneering financial comparison technology for over 35 years.

Moneyfacts Group plc is the UK’s leading provider of retail financial product data. Used by virtually every bank and building society in the UK, and supplied to the Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Ombudsman Service, HM Treasury, Prudential Regulatory Authority and UK Finance.

Our expert research team monitors the thousands of mortgages, savings, credit card, personal loan, business banking, life, pension and investment products in the UK.

Moneyfactscompare.co.uk is the financial product price comparison site, launched as Moneyfacts.co.uk in 2000 and rebranded to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk in 2023, which helps consumers compare thousands of financial products, including credit cards, savings, mortgages and many more. Unlike other comparison sites, Moneyfactscompare.co.uk shows whole of market data regardless of commercial bias, showing consumers a true picture of the best products based on the criteria they select.

We hope you find this press release insightful. We would appreciate a link back to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk if you decide to source this information.

For more information about us please see our key facts.

Broadcast

Our broadcast suite enables our finance experts to appear in-vision for television, and we regularly comment live on national and regional radio.

To arrange an interview for radio or television, please contact our press department. We have an in-house broadcast room.

 

Notes to editors

Pioneering financial comparison technology for over 35 years.

Moneyfacts Group plc is the UK’s leading provider of retail financial product data. Used by virtually every bank and building society in the UK, and supplied to the Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Ombudsman Service, HM Treasury, Prudential Regulatory Authority and UK Finance.

Our expert research team monitors the thousands of mortgages, savings, credit card, personal loan, business banking, life, pension and investment products in the UK.

Moneyfactscompare.co.uk is the financial product price comparison site, launched as Moneyfacts.co.uk in 2000 and rebranded to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk in 2023, which helps consumers compare thousands of financial products, including credit cards, savings, mortgages and many more. Unlike other comparison sites, Moneyfactscompare.co.uk shows whole of market data regardless of commercial bias, showing consumers a true picture of the best products based on the criteria they select.

We hope you find this press release insightful. We would appreciate a link back to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk if you decide to source this information.

For more information about us please see our key facts.

Broadcast

Our broadcast suite enables our finance experts to appear in-vision for television, and we regularly comment live on national and regional radio.

To arrange an interview for radio or television, please contact our press department. We have an in-house broadcast room.

 

Contact Us If you're looking for extra comment, a chart or more information, then please give us a call. We are always more than happy to help.
Rachel Springall Press Officer / Finance Expert
Caitlyn Eastell Apprentice Press & PR Assistant