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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 25/07/2024

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Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant
Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant 01603 476169 Email Caitlyn
25/07/2024

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 spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

This week, our resident Spokesperson, Caitlyn Eastell, 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 spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

This week, our resident Spokesperson, Caitlyn Eastell, has analysed the following deals, along with their perks, of note:

Savings

Kent Reliance – Cash ISA 1 Year Fixed Rate – Issue 100

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Kent Reliance has reduced the rates on its Cash ISA 1 Year Fixed Rate this week. Issue 100 of the account is now paying 4.91% AER on maturity or monthly and takes a competitive position within its sector. It may entice savers looking to supplement their income or take advantage of their ISA allowance. The account requires a minimum investment of £1,000 but allows further additions by either cash or in branch, via cheque or a bank transfer. Plus, investors who wish to access their cash early can do so, however, this is subject to a 90-day loss of interest penalty which should be considered by savers. In addition, savers can choose to invest between variable and fixed ISAs within Kent Reliance’s range. On assessment, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.91% gross / 4.91% AER payable on maturity, monthly interest option of 4.80% gross / 4.91% AER
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, early access on 90-day loss of interest penalty, withdrawal method is dependent on how account is opened
  • Further additions: Permitted, via cash at branch, cheque or bank transfer
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Transfer requests must be made within 30 days of account opening
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 90-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online and in branch
  • Managing account: Online and in branch
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Investors can choose to invest between variable and fixed rate ISAs within Kent Reliance’s range.

 

Close Brothers Savings – 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Close Brothers Savings has launched a new 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond this week, paying 4.70%. It enters the top rate tables and takes a competitive position in the market when compared against other bonds of similar terms. Savers will need to invest a minimum of £10,000 and further additions can be made for 10 days from the account opening, which may be a bonus; however, it is worth noting that early access is not permitted. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.70% gross/ 4.70% AER paid yearly
  • Notice / term: Three 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.

 

Close Brothers Savings – 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Close Brothers Savings has launched a new 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA this week, which pays 4.67%. When compared against other ISAs with similar terms, the deal takes a competitive position and may well attract savers who are prepared to lock away their cash for an agreed term in exchange for a guaranteed return over the next 24 months. Savers will need £10,000 to invest but they can also make transfers in from cash ISAs or stocks and shares ISAs. However, savers should be cautious as even though early access is permitted, this will result in account closure and is subject to a 150-day loss of interest penalty. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.67% gross / 4.67% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, on account closure and subject to a 150-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted, for 10 days from account opening
  • Transfers in: Permitted, allows Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs. Transfer instructions must be received within 10 days of account opening.
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 150-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

GB Bank – Raisin UK – 5 Year Fixed Term Deposit

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week GB Bank has increased the rate on its 5-year Fixed Term Deposit on the Raisin UK platform. The deal pays a market-leading rate at 4.58% for savers who have a minimum of £1,000 to invest and are looking to receive a guaranteed return. As is common in the fixed market, earlier access and further additions are not permitted so it is important that investors are comfortable with locking their cash in for the full term. The deal secures a prominent position in our top tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.58% gross / 4.58% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Opening account: Online and via mobile app, via the Raisin UK platform
  • Managing account: Online and via mobile app, via the Raisin UK platform
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Mortgages

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

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“first direct has reduced selected fixed rates for house purchase customers this week. The two-year fixed rate at 60% loan-to-value is one of the deals to see a cut. It is now priced at a competitive 4.51%. Borrowers may well find this deal an enticing option if they are trying to save on upfront costs as there is a reasonable £490 fee charged and it has a free valuation incentive attached. The reduction, along with its fee and incentive package, enhances its position and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.51% fixed rate for two years
  • Product fee: £490
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Newbury Building Society – Three-year discounted-variable rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“The latest update from Newbury Building Society sees it removing the £850 application fee on its three-year discounted variable rate deal. Available at 75% loan-to-value it continues to pay a competitive 4.89%, with a discount of 2.11%. Borrowers wishing to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage may find this an enticing deal as it does not charge any product fees. Adding to its appeal is an attractive incentive package which includes a free valuation for all borrowers and free legal fees for those remortgaging. Overall, this deal secures an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.89% discounted-variable rate (2.11% discount) for three years
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: All borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation for all and, for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: England and Wales.

 

Buy-to-Let

Leek Building Society – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Leek Building Society has reduced the rate and the arrangement fee on its five-year fixed rate offering at 75% loan-to-value. It is priced at 4.65% until 31 October 2029. The deal’s overall package may appeal to landlords looking to save on the upfront cost as it includes a free valuation and now charges a reasonable product fee of £995. On assessment, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.65% fixed rate to 31.10.29
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: All borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: England and Wales.

 

HSBC – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 65% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week HSBC has reduced the majority of its buy-to-let fixed rate mortgages by up to 0.10%. One of the options to receive a smaller cut is its two-year fixed rate deal at 65% loan-to-value, which now charges 4.69% for all house purchase customers. Landlords may notice that there is a £1,999 arrangement fee, however, this may be offset by its attractive incentive package which includes a free valuation. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.69% fixed rate to 30.9.26
  • Product fee: £1,999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 65%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Savings

Kent Reliance – Cash ISA 1 Year Fixed Rate – Issue 100

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Kent Reliance has reduced the rates on its Cash ISA 1 Year Fixed Rate this week. Issue 100 of the account is now paying 4.91% AER on maturity or monthly and takes a competitive position within its sector. It may entice savers looking to supplement their income or take advantage of their ISA allowance. The account requires a minimum investment of £1,000 but allows further additions by either cash or in branch, via cheque or a bank transfer. Plus, investors who wish to access their cash early can do so, however, this is subject to a 90-day loss of interest penalty which should be considered by savers. In addition, savers can choose to invest between variable and fixed ISAs within Kent Reliance’s range. On assessment, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.91% gross / 4.91% AER payable on maturity, monthly interest option of 4.80% gross / 4.91% AER
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, early access on 90-day loss of interest penalty, withdrawal method is dependent on how account is opened
  • Further additions: Permitted, via cash at branch, cheque or bank transfer
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Transfer requests must be made within 30 days of account opening
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 90-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online and in branch
  • Managing account: Online and in branch
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Investors can choose to invest between variable and fixed rate ISAs within Kent Reliance’s range.

 

Close Brothers Savings – 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Close Brothers Savings has launched a new 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond this week, paying 4.70%. It enters the top rate tables and takes a competitive position in the market when compared against other bonds of similar terms. Savers will need to invest a minimum of £10,000 and further additions can be made for 10 days from the account opening, which may be a bonus; however, it is worth noting that early access is not permitted. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.70% gross/ 4.70% AER paid yearly
  • Notice / term: Three 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.

 

Close Brothers Savings – 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Close Brothers Savings has launched a new 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA this week, which pays 4.67%. When compared against other ISAs with similar terms, the deal takes a competitive position and may well attract savers who are prepared to lock away their cash for an agreed term in exchange for a guaranteed return over the next 24 months. Savers will need £10,000 to invest but they can also make transfers in from cash ISAs or stocks and shares ISAs. However, savers should be cautious as even though early access is permitted, this will result in account closure and is subject to a 150-day loss of interest penalty. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.67% gross / 4.67% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, on account closure and subject to a 150-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted, for 10 days from account opening
  • Transfers in: Permitted, allows Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs. Transfer instructions must be received within 10 days of account opening.
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 150-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

GB Bank – Raisin UK – 5 Year Fixed Term Deposit

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week GB Bank has increased the rate on its 5-year Fixed Term Deposit on the Raisin UK platform. The deal pays a market-leading rate at 4.58% for savers who have a minimum of £1,000 to invest and are looking to receive a guaranteed return. As is common in the fixed market, earlier access and further additions are not permitted so it is important that investors are comfortable with locking their cash in for the full term. The deal secures a prominent position in our top tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.58% gross / 4.58% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Opening account: Online and via mobile app, via the Raisin UK platform
  • Managing account: Online and via mobile app, via the Raisin UK platform
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Mortgages

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

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“first direct has reduced selected fixed rates for house purchase customers this week. The two-year fixed rate at 60% loan-to-value is one of the deals to see a cut. It is now priced at a competitive 4.51%. Borrowers may well find this deal an enticing option if they are trying to save on upfront costs as there is a reasonable £490 fee charged and it has a free valuation incentive attached. The reduction, along with its fee and incentive package, enhances its position and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.51% fixed rate for two years
  • Product fee: £490
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Newbury Building Society – Three-year discounted-variable rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“The latest update from Newbury Building Society sees it removing the £850 application fee on its three-year discounted variable rate deal. Available at 75% loan-to-value it continues to pay a competitive 4.89%, with a discount of 2.11%. Borrowers wishing to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage may find this an enticing deal as it does not charge any product fees. Adding to its appeal is an attractive incentive package which includes a free valuation for all borrowers and free legal fees for those remortgaging. Overall, this deal secures an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.89% discounted-variable rate (2.11% discount) for three years
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: All borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation for all and, for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: England and Wales.

 

Buy-to-Let

Leek Building Society – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Leek Building Society has reduced the rate and the arrangement fee on its five-year fixed rate offering at 75% loan-to-value. It is priced at 4.65% until 31 October 2029. The deal’s overall package may appeal to landlords looking to save on the upfront cost as it includes a free valuation and now charges a reasonable product fee of £995. On assessment, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.65% fixed rate to 31.10.29
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: All borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: England and Wales.

 

HSBC – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 65% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week HSBC has reduced the majority of its buy-to-let fixed rate mortgages by up to 0.10%. One of the options to receive a smaller cut is its two-year fixed rate deal at 65% loan-to-value, which now charges 4.69% for all house purchase customers. Landlords may notice that there is a £1,999 arrangement fee, however, this may be offset by its attractive incentive package which includes a free valuation. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.69% fixed rate to 30.9.26
  • Product fee: £1,999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 65%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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