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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 13/07/2023

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Rachel Springall, Press Officer
Rachel Springall, Press Officer / Finance Expert T: 01603 476210 E: Email Rachel
13/07/2023

Moneyfacts Pick of the Week

The Moneyfactscompare.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 Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

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

Moneyfacts Pick of the Week

The Moneyfactscompare.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 Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

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

Savings

Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME) – 90 Day Notice Account (Issue 5)

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME) has increased the rate on its 90 Day Notice Account, which improves its position in the market. Savers searching for an attractive rate, but also happy to give notice to access their cash, may find the profit rate of 5.15% appealing, but they must have £10,000 to invest upfront. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.15% gross / 5.25% AER payable quarterly
  • Notice / term: 90 days
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Permitted subject to 90 days’ notice, minimum of £1,000 for withdrawals
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available. Shari’ah compliant account – rates shown are expected profit rate.

 

Close Brothers Savings – 2 Year Fixed Rate Bond

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Close Brothers Savings has increased the rate on its 2 Year Fixed Rate Bond, which now pays 6.05%. The deal has improved its position within its sector and may well attract savers who are prepared to lock away their cash for a guaranteed return. Savers need £10,000 to invest but they can make further additions for 10 days from account opening. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 6.05% gross / 6.05% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £2 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 10 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by post and by phone
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available.

 

Virgin Money – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash E-ISA Issue 603

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Virgin Money has changed the issue numbers and increased the rates on its Fixed Rate Cash E-ISAs, including its one-year deal which secures a prominent position in its sector. The deal now pays a rate of 5.30% yearly and may appeal to savers who want to utilise their ISA allowance and are happy to lock their cash away for a year. Savers will also find a monthly interest option is available that pays 5.18% gross, which may appeal to those looking to supplement their income. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.30% gross / 5.30% AER payable yearly / monthly interest option of 5.18% gross / 5.30% AER also available
  • Notice / term: To 24.7.24
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted for 30 days from account opening
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

 

Buy-to-let

HSBC – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Landlords looking for a competitive rate to secure their monthly repayments over the next two years may find the latest deal from HSBC an enticing choice, despite a rate rise this week. Priced at 5.84% and fixed to 31 October 2025, this deal charges a product fee of £1,999 which must be paid upfront, however, the package does carry a free valuation incentive. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.84% fixed rate to 31.10.25
  • Product fee: £1,999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Post Office Money – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Landlords looking for a competitive package may find the two-year fixed rate deal from Post Office Money attractive. Priced at 6.09% and fixed to 31 October 2025, and while there are no additional incentives, this deal may still appeal to those looking to save on the upfront cost, as the product fee of £495 can be added to the mortgage advance. Overall, the deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 6.09% fixed rate to 31.10.25
  • Product fee: £495
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage customers
  • Incentives: None
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Skipton Building Society – Two-year variable tracker rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Skipton Building Society increased the rate on its buy-to-let two-year variable tracker deal. Now priced at 5.94% for two years, the deal is available for landlords at 75% loan-to-value. Borrowers will find a free valuation incentive is included and, for remortgage customers, free legal fees. The product fee of £1,995 can also be added to the advance of the mortgage, which may attract those looking to save on the upfront cost. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • 5.94% variable tracker rate (collared at 3.00%) for two years
  • Product fee: £1,995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation, and for those remortgaging free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Banking

TSB – Spend & Save

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“TSB has introduced a switching incentive this week for customers who switch to either the Spend & Save or Spend & Save Plus account. Customers who switch using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service) will now receive £125 cashback and an additional £75 paid if the account remains open until 28 February 2024. The Spend & Save account does not pay any credit interest, but customers can earn £5 cashback a month for six months when making 20 or more debit card payments each month. As with any account, customers will need to weigh up all the benefits and charges to ensure it’s the right choice for them. On balance, the account earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: None
  • Cashback on debit card purchases: Earn £5 cashback a month for six months when making 20 or more debit card payments each month.
  • Account fee: None
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.90% EAR, plus interest-free for three months on switched current accounts
  • Opening account: Online, in branch, or mobile app
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by phone or mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Eligible for linked Savings Pots. £125 free cash offer, using the Current Account Switch Service, customers must have logged into the TSB Mobile Banking App, made at least one debit card payment and have two active Direct Debits by 31 August 2023. An extra £75 will be paid in February 2024 for staying.

 

Loans

AA – Non-Member Loan

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, AA has increased rates on its Non-Member Loan, resulting in the cost to borrow £10,000 rising by 0.3% and now charging 5.8% APR. The advertised rate is available between a term of one to seven years, and successful applicants are also able to benefit from 12 months’ free basic breakdown cover when they take the loan out. Overall, the product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Representative APR: 5.8%
  • Loan period: Rate shown is based on a term of 60 months for a £10,000 borrowing
  • Application available: Online
  • Other information: Minimum age 21, maximum age at end of loan 70. Minimum income £12,000 per annum. You may be offered an alternative APR dependent on credit rating.

Savings

Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME) – 90 Day Notice Account (Issue 5)

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME) has increased the rate on its 90 Day Notice Account, which improves its position in the market. Savers searching for an attractive rate, but also happy to give notice to access their cash, may find the profit rate of 5.15% appealing, but they must have £10,000 to invest upfront. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.15% gross / 5.25% AER payable quarterly
  • Notice / term: 90 days
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Permitted subject to 90 days’ notice, minimum of £1,000 for withdrawals
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available. Shari’ah compliant account – rates shown are expected profit rate.

 

Close Brothers Savings – 2 Year Fixed Rate Bond

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Close Brothers Savings has increased the rate on its 2 Year Fixed Rate Bond, which now pays 6.05%. The deal has improved its position within its sector and may well attract savers who are prepared to lock away their cash for a guaranteed return. Savers need £10,000 to invest but they can make further additions for 10 days from account opening. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 6.05% gross / 6.05% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £2 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 10 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by post and by phone
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available.

 

Virgin Money – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash E-ISA Issue 603

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Virgin Money has changed the issue numbers and increased the rates on its Fixed Rate Cash E-ISAs, including its one-year deal which secures a prominent position in its sector. The deal now pays a rate of 5.30% yearly and may appeal to savers who want to utilise their ISA allowance and are happy to lock their cash away for a year. Savers will also find a monthly interest option is available that pays 5.18% gross, which may appeal to those looking to supplement their income. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.30% gross / 5.30% AER payable yearly / monthly interest option of 5.18% gross / 5.30% AER also available
  • Notice / term: To 24.7.24
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted for 30 days from account opening
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

 

Buy-to-let

HSBC – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Landlords looking for a competitive rate to secure their monthly repayments over the next two years may find the latest deal from HSBC an enticing choice, despite a rate rise this week. Priced at 5.84% and fixed to 31 October 2025, this deal charges a product fee of £1,999 which must be paid upfront, however, the package does carry a free valuation incentive. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.84% fixed rate to 31.10.25
  • Product fee: £1,999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Post Office Money – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Landlords looking for a competitive package may find the two-year fixed rate deal from Post Office Money attractive. Priced at 6.09% and fixed to 31 October 2025, and while there are no additional incentives, this deal may still appeal to those looking to save on the upfront cost, as the product fee of £495 can be added to the mortgage advance. Overall, the deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 6.09% fixed rate to 31.10.25
  • Product fee: £495
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage customers
  • Incentives: None
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Skipton Building Society – Two-year variable tracker rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Skipton Building Society increased the rate on its buy-to-let two-year variable tracker deal. Now priced at 5.94% for two years, the deal is available for landlords at 75% loan-to-value. Borrowers will find a free valuation incentive is included and, for remortgage customers, free legal fees. The product fee of £1,995 can also be added to the advance of the mortgage, which may attract those looking to save on the upfront cost. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • 5.94% variable tracker rate (collared at 3.00%) for two years
  • Product fee: £1,995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation, and for those remortgaging free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Banking

TSB – Spend & Save

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“TSB has introduced a switching incentive this week for customers who switch to either the Spend & Save or Spend & Save Plus account. Customers who switch using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service) will now receive £125 cashback and an additional £75 paid if the account remains open until 28 February 2024. The Spend & Save account does not pay any credit interest, but customers can earn £5 cashback a month for six months when making 20 or more debit card payments each month. As with any account, customers will need to weigh up all the benefits and charges to ensure it’s the right choice for them. On balance, the account earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: None
  • Cashback on debit card purchases: Earn £5 cashback a month for six months when making 20 or more debit card payments each month.
  • Account fee: None
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.90% EAR, plus interest-free for three months on switched current accounts
  • Opening account: Online, in branch, or mobile app
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by phone or mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Eligible for linked Savings Pots. £125 free cash offer, using the Current Account Switch Service, customers must have logged into the TSB Mobile Banking App, made at least one debit card payment and have two active Direct Debits by 31 August 2023. An extra £75 will be paid in February 2024 for staying.

 

Loans

AA – Non-Member Loan

Commenting on the deal, Rachel Springall, Finance Expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, AA has increased rates on its Non-Member Loan, resulting in the cost to borrow £10,000 rising by 0.3% and now charging 5.8% APR. The advertised rate is available between a term of one to seven years, and successful applicants are also able to benefit from 12 months’ free basic breakdown cover when they take the loan out. Overall, the product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Representative APR: 5.8%
  • Loan period: Rate shown is based on a term of 60 months for a £10,000 borrowing
  • Application available: Online
  • Other information: Minimum age 21, maximum age at end of loan 70. Minimum income £12,000 per annum. You may be offered an alternative APR dependent on credit rating.

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