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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 27/07/2023

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Rachel Springall, Press Officer
Rachel Springall, Press Officer / Finance Expert 01603 476210 Email Rachel
27/07/2023

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:

“Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME) has increased the rate on its 90 Day Notice Account this week, which improves its position in the market. Savers searching for a competitive rate, but also happy to give notice to access their cash, may find the profit rate of 5.25% appealing, but they must have £10,000 to invest upfront. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.25% gross / 5.35% 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.

 

Cynergy Bank – Online ISA (Issue 39)

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

“Cynergy Bank has changed the issue number of its Online ISA which pays a higher rate than its predecessor. Paying 4.25%, the deal takes a prominent position within its sector and offers savers complete flexibility with their ISA cash. Savers will also be able to make cash ISA transfers into this account upon opening or they can invest with as little as £1. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.25% gross / 4.25% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted via a nominated account
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted on account opening only. Accepts cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Cynergy Bank Authenticator App or Digipass required to use online banking.

 

Virgin Money – 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash E-ISA Issue 610

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

“Virgin Money has changed the issue numbers and increased the rates on its Fixed Rate Cash E-ISAs, including its two-year deal. The deal now pays a rate of 5.61% yearly and secures a prominent place in its sector. Investors who want to utilise their ISA allowance and are happy to lock their cash away for two years may then find this an attractive choice. Savers will also find a monthly interest option is available that pays 5.47% gross, which may appeal to those looking to supplement their income. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.61% gross / 5.61% AER payable yearly / monthly interest option of 5.47% gross / 5.61% AER also available
  • Notice / term: To 24.8.25
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to a 90-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 90-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

 

Mortgages

The Co-operative Bank – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

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

“The Co-operative Bank has reduced a selection of its fixed deals this week, including a three-year fixed mortgage at 60% loan-to-value. Priced at 5.88%, this deal offers all borrowers a free valuation and £250 cashback, with remortgage customers also offered free legal fees. Those borrowers who are looking to save on the upfront cost of their deal may then find this an attractive choice, particularly as the product fee of £999 can be added to the mortgage advance. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.88% fixed rate to 31.12.26
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: All borrower types
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback for all and, for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

MPowered Mortgages – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 85% loan-to-value

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

“Borrowers searching for a three-year fixed rate deal may be enticed by the latest offer from MPowered Mortgages, which is available through selected intermediaries. Priced at 6.07%, the deal charges a reasonable upfront product fee of £999, which can also be added to the mortgage advance. Those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage will find this deal carries an attractive incentive package of a free valuation, which enhances its appeal as it earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Rate: 6.07% fixed rate for three years
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 85%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation for all
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: England and Wales. Available through selected intermediaries.

 

Buy-to-let

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:

“Skipton Building Society has reduced the rate on its buy-to-let two-year variable tracker deal this week. Now priced at 5.64% 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 Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • 5.64% 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.

 

Loughborough Building Society – Two-year discounted-variable rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

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

“Loughborough Building Society has increased the rate on its two-year discounted-variable rate mortgage, but landlords may still find it a competitive choice. Now priced at 6.15%, the deal charges no upfront product fee and includes an incentive package of free valuation for all borrowers. Those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage may then find this an appealing option. This deal secures an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 6.15% discounted-variable rate (collared at 2.00%) for two years
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: All borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: England and Wales.

 

Banking

Halifax – Reward Current Account

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

“Halifax has launched a new switching incentive of £150 for consumers who switch to either the Reward Current Account or Ultimate Reward Current Account. The Reward Current Account may appeal to consumers looking for incentives as they can choose either a £5 net reward payment or a lifestyle benefit each month. The account charges a £3 monthly fee, but this is waived for those who can credit the account with at least £1,500 per month. Those keen to take advantage of the switcher cash will need to do so via the Current Account Switch Service before 31 August 2023. Applicants can also earn up to £75 cashback when spending £750 per month on debit card between September and November 2023. On balance, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: Receive £5 net as a reward or a lifestyle benefit per month.
  • Cashback on debit card purchases: Cashback Extras - earn up to 15% cashback from selected retailers.
  • Account fee: £3 per month, waived if account credited with at least £1,500 per month.
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.90% EAR
  • Opening account: Online, by phone, smart phone app and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by phone, via mobile app, post office, by post and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. £150 free cash offer, using the Current Account Switch Service before 31 August 2023. Applicants can also earn up to £75 cashback when spending £750 per month on debit card between September and November 2023.

 

Cards

Virgin Money – 27 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard

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

“The latest update from Virgin Money sees the 0% balance transfer offer reduce by one month to 27 months. This card retains a prominent position in the market despite the reduction and charges an upfront balance transfer fee of 3.25%. The card also has an interest-free offer of three months for purchases and 12 months for money transfers. Customers can enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app, which enhances its overall appeal. On assessment, the card earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for three months
  • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 27 months
  • Standard rate for purchases: 23.9% APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3.25% as an introductory charge during the first two months from account opening, rising to 5.00% (no min) thereafter
  • Card fee: None
  • Opening method: Online, and in branch
  • Card management: By phone, post and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum age 18. Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. Rates 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:

“Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME) has increased the rate on its 90 Day Notice Account this week, which improves its position in the market. Savers searching for a competitive rate, but also happy to give notice to access their cash, may find the profit rate of 5.25% appealing, but they must have £10,000 to invest upfront. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.25% gross / 5.35% 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.

 

Cynergy Bank – Online ISA (Issue 39)

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

“Cynergy Bank has changed the issue number of its Online ISA which pays a higher rate than its predecessor. Paying 4.25%, the deal takes a prominent position within its sector and offers savers complete flexibility with their ISA cash. Savers will also be able to make cash ISA transfers into this account upon opening or they can invest with as little as £1. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.25% gross / 4.25% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted via a nominated account
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted on account opening only. Accepts cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Cynergy Bank Authenticator App or Digipass required to use online banking.

 

Virgin Money – 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash E-ISA Issue 610

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

“Virgin Money has changed the issue numbers and increased the rates on its Fixed Rate Cash E-ISAs, including its two-year deal. The deal now pays a rate of 5.61% yearly and secures a prominent place in its sector. Investors who want to utilise their ISA allowance and are happy to lock their cash away for two years may then find this an attractive choice. Savers will also find a monthly interest option is available that pays 5.47% gross, which may appeal to those looking to supplement their income. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.61% gross / 5.61% AER payable yearly / monthly interest option of 5.47% gross / 5.61% AER also available
  • Notice / term: To 24.8.25
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to a 90-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 90-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

 

Mortgages

The Co-operative Bank – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

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

“The Co-operative Bank has reduced a selection of its fixed deals this week, including a three-year fixed mortgage at 60% loan-to-value. Priced at 5.88%, this deal offers all borrowers a free valuation and £250 cashback, with remortgage customers also offered free legal fees. Those borrowers who are looking to save on the upfront cost of their deal may then find this an attractive choice, particularly as the product fee of £999 can be added to the mortgage advance. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.88% fixed rate to 31.12.26
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: All borrower types
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback for all and, for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

MPowered Mortgages – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 85% loan-to-value

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

“Borrowers searching for a three-year fixed rate deal may be enticed by the latest offer from MPowered Mortgages, which is available through selected intermediaries. Priced at 6.07%, the deal charges a reasonable upfront product fee of £999, which can also be added to the mortgage advance. Those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage will find this deal carries an attractive incentive package of a free valuation, which enhances its appeal as it earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Rate: 6.07% fixed rate for three years
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 85%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation for all
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: England and Wales. Available through selected intermediaries.

 

Buy-to-let

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:

“Skipton Building Society has reduced the rate on its buy-to-let two-year variable tracker deal this week. Now priced at 5.64% 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 Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • 5.64% 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.

 

Loughborough Building Society – Two-year discounted-variable rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

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

“Loughborough Building Society has increased the rate on its two-year discounted-variable rate mortgage, but landlords may still find it a competitive choice. Now priced at 6.15%, the deal charges no upfront product fee and includes an incentive package of free valuation for all borrowers. Those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage may then find this an appealing option. This deal secures an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 6.15% discounted-variable rate (collared at 2.00%) for two years
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: All borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: England and Wales.

 

Banking

Halifax – Reward Current Account

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

“Halifax has launched a new switching incentive of £150 for consumers who switch to either the Reward Current Account or Ultimate Reward Current Account. The Reward Current Account may appeal to consumers looking for incentives as they can choose either a £5 net reward payment or a lifestyle benefit each month. The account charges a £3 monthly fee, but this is waived for those who can credit the account with at least £1,500 per month. Those keen to take advantage of the switcher cash will need to do so via the Current Account Switch Service before 31 August 2023. Applicants can also earn up to £75 cashback when spending £750 per month on debit card between September and November 2023. On balance, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: Receive £5 net as a reward or a lifestyle benefit per month.
  • Cashback on debit card purchases: Cashback Extras - earn up to 15% cashback from selected retailers.
  • Account fee: £3 per month, waived if account credited with at least £1,500 per month.
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.90% EAR
  • Opening account: Online, by phone, smart phone app and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by phone, via mobile app, post office, by post and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. £150 free cash offer, using the Current Account Switch Service before 31 August 2023. Applicants can also earn up to £75 cashback when spending £750 per month on debit card between September and November 2023.

 

Cards

Virgin Money – 27 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard

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

“The latest update from Virgin Money sees the 0% balance transfer offer reduce by one month to 27 months. This card retains a prominent position in the market despite the reduction and charges an upfront balance transfer fee of 3.25%. The card also has an interest-free offer of three months for purchases and 12 months for money transfers. Customers can enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app, which enhances its overall appeal. On assessment, the card earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for three months
  • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 27 months
  • Standard rate for purchases: 23.9% APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3.25% as an introductory charge during the first two months from account opening, rising to 5.00% (no min) thereafter
  • Card fee: None
  • Opening method: Online, and in branch
  • Card management: By phone, post and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum age 18. Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. Rates 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