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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 01/08/2024

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Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant
Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant 01603 476169 Email Caitlyn
01/08/2024

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

Cynergy Bank – 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond

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

“This week Cynergy Bank has reduced the rates on a selection of its fixed bonds, including the one-year fixed option that now pays 5.10%. Despite the reduction, the deal still pays a competitive rate against other bonds of a similar term. A minimum deposit of £1,000 is needed to open the account, and this may be an enticing option for investors who are happy to lock their cash away over the next 12 months to receive a guaranteed return. As is common with fixed bonds, earlier access is not permitted, but investors are able to make further additions for 14 days from the account opening which may be an added bonus. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.10% gross / 5.10% AER payable on its anniversary
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available. Cynergy Bank Authenticator App or Digipass required to use online banking.

 

Marsden Building Society – Online Cash ISA (Issue 3)

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

“Marsden Building Society has increased the rate on its Online Cash ISA this week, paying 5.05%. Available to savers who have £5,000 to invest, the deal secures a competitive position within its sector and may appeal to savers looking for flexibility with their ISA cash. Upon opening the account, investors are able to make cash ISA transfers into the account, which may be an added bonus for some, however, it is worth considering transfers in are permitted on external transfers only. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.05% gross / 5.05% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted, external transfers only. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Hodge Bank – 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond

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

“This week, Hodge Bank has increased the rate on its 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond improving its overall position in the market. The account now pays 4.56% gross/AER on anniversary or 4.47% gross / 4.56% AER monthly for savers wishing to boost their income. This may be a good option for investors looking for a guaranteed return on their deposits, however, they must be comfortable with locking their investments in for the long-term as early access is not permitted. They may be glad to see that they can make further additions up to 14 days from the account opening. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.56% gross / 4.56% AER, payable on anniversary / monthly interest option of 4.47% gross / 4.56% AER also available
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening via nominated account
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

United Trust Bank – Cash ISA 5 Year Bond

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

“United Trust Bank has increased the rate on its five-year fixed Cash ISA, which now pays a competitive of 4.25% and may well entice savers looking to take advantage of their ISA allowance in the longer-term. Savers can invest from £5,000 and make transfers in from cash ISAs, plus they can access their cash early if they so wish, subject to an interest penalty, so any withdrawals should be considered carefully. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.25% gross / 4.25% AER payable on its anniversary
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Early access on 365-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 365-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by post and by phone
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Mortgages

Yorkshire Building Society – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

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

“Yorkshire Building Society has made rate amendments to selected fixed rates, alongside extending end dates this week. Seeing a reduction of 0.15% is its two-year fixed mortgage at 75% loan-to-value for house purchase customers, priced at an attractive 4.74% until 30 November 2026. The deal comes with a smaller than average fee of £495 and hosts an enticing incentive package which includes a free valuation and £250 cashback, making this an ideal option for borrowers looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage. Borrowers may also be glad to note that there is a range of flexible options available subject to conditions. On assessment, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.74% fixed rate to 30.11.26
  • Product fee: £495
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Underpayments and payment holidays considered, not to exceed level of overpayments previously made
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

The Co-operative Bank – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 95% loan-to-value

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

“The Co-operative Bank has reduced selected fixed rates by up to 0.36% this week. Seeing a smaller cut is its five-year option at 95% loan-to-value; it charges 5.35% until 31 December 2029. The deal carries a varied and enticing incentive package which includes a free valuation and £500 cashback for all borrowers and, for remortgage customers, free legal fees. Adding to its appeal there is no product fee attached which may make it an ideal choice for those looking to save on upfront costs. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.35% fixed rate to 31.12.29
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
  • Available to: All borrower types
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £500 cashback for all and, for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Leeds BS – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 95% loan-to-value

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

“Leeds BS has made a reduction of up to 0.10% across its 95% loan-to-value fixed rate products. One deal to see this cut is the three-year fixed, which is now priced at 5.54% until 30 November 2027. First-time borrowers may well find this an enticing deal as it does not charge any product fees and comes with an attractive incentive package which includes a free valuation. The product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.54% fixed rate to 30.11.27
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments, and lump sums subject to approval
  • Lending area: England, Wales, mainland Scotland and Northern Ireland.

 

Buy-to-Let

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

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

“Santander has reduced some of its fixed rates by up to 0.13% this week. One deal to see a slightly smaller cut of 0.10% is the two-year fixed rate deal, which is now priced at 4.62% and may appeal to landlords looking to secure a competitive rate. Available to second-time buyers, they will receive a free valuation incentive, but the deal does come with a large product fee of £1,749 that can be added to the mortgage advance, which could be ideal for those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.62% fixed rate to 2.12.26
  • Product fee: £1,749
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation (limits vary depending on lending area)
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Halifax – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 70% loan-to-value

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

“This week, Halifax has launched new deals to its buy-to-let range, including a five-year fixed deal at 70% loan-to-value available to remortgage customers. The deal charges 4.74% until 30 November 2029 and may appeal to landlords looking to save on upfront costs as it does not charge any product fees. Landlords can also receive an enticing incentive package which includes a free valuation and free legal fees. On assessment, this deal receives an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.74% fixed rate to 30.11.29
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Remortgage customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excludes Rathlin.

Savings

Cynergy Bank – 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond

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

“This week Cynergy Bank has reduced the rates on a selection of its fixed bonds, including the one-year fixed option that now pays 5.10%. Despite the reduction, the deal still pays a competitive rate against other bonds of a similar term. A minimum deposit of £1,000 is needed to open the account, and this may be an enticing option for investors who are happy to lock their cash away over the next 12 months to receive a guaranteed return. As is common with fixed bonds, earlier access is not permitted, but investors are able to make further additions for 14 days from the account opening which may be an added bonus. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.10% gross / 5.10% AER payable on its anniversary
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available. Cynergy Bank Authenticator App or Digipass required to use online banking.

 

Marsden Building Society – Online Cash ISA (Issue 3)

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

“Marsden Building Society has increased the rate on its Online Cash ISA this week, paying 5.05%. Available to savers who have £5,000 to invest, the deal secures a competitive position within its sector and may appeal to savers looking for flexibility with their ISA cash. Upon opening the account, investors are able to make cash ISA transfers into the account, which may be an added bonus for some, however, it is worth considering transfers in are permitted on external transfers only. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.05% gross / 5.05% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted, external transfers only. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Hodge Bank – 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond

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

“This week, Hodge Bank has increased the rate on its 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond improving its overall position in the market. The account now pays 4.56% gross/AER on anniversary or 4.47% gross / 4.56% AER monthly for savers wishing to boost their income. This may be a good option for investors looking for a guaranteed return on their deposits, however, they must be comfortable with locking their investments in for the long-term as early access is not permitted. They may be glad to see that they can make further additions up to 14 days from the account opening. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.56% gross / 4.56% AER, payable on anniversary / monthly interest option of 4.47% gross / 4.56% AER also available
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening via nominated account
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

United Trust Bank – Cash ISA 5 Year Bond

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

“United Trust Bank has increased the rate on its five-year fixed Cash ISA, which now pays a competitive of 4.25% and may well entice savers looking to take advantage of their ISA allowance in the longer-term. Savers can invest from £5,000 and make transfers in from cash ISAs, plus they can access their cash early if they so wish, subject to an interest penalty, so any withdrawals should be considered carefully. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.25% gross / 4.25% AER payable on its anniversary
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Early access on 365-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 365-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by post and by phone
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Mortgages

Yorkshire Building Society – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

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

“Yorkshire Building Society has made rate amendments to selected fixed rates, alongside extending end dates this week. Seeing a reduction of 0.15% is its two-year fixed mortgage at 75% loan-to-value for house purchase customers, priced at an attractive 4.74% until 30 November 2026. The deal comes with a smaller than average fee of £495 and hosts an enticing incentive package which includes a free valuation and £250 cashback, making this an ideal option for borrowers looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage. Borrowers may also be glad to note that there is a range of flexible options available subject to conditions. On assessment, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.74% fixed rate to 30.11.26
  • Product fee: £495
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Underpayments and payment holidays considered, not to exceed level of overpayments previously made
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

The Co-operative Bank – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 95% loan-to-value

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

“The Co-operative Bank has reduced selected fixed rates by up to 0.36% this week. Seeing a smaller cut is its five-year option at 95% loan-to-value; it charges 5.35% until 31 December 2029. The deal carries a varied and enticing incentive package which includes a free valuation and £500 cashback for all borrowers and, for remortgage customers, free legal fees. Adding to its appeal there is no product fee attached which may make it an ideal choice for those looking to save on upfront costs. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.35% fixed rate to 31.12.29
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
  • Available to: All borrower types
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £500 cashback for all and, for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Leeds BS – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 95% loan-to-value

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

“Leeds BS has made a reduction of up to 0.10% across its 95% loan-to-value fixed rate products. One deal to see this cut is the three-year fixed, which is now priced at 5.54% until 30 November 2027. First-time borrowers may well find this an enticing deal as it does not charge any product fees and comes with an attractive incentive package which includes a free valuation. The product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.54% fixed rate to 30.11.27
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments, and lump sums subject to approval
  • Lending area: England, Wales, mainland Scotland and Northern Ireland.

 

Buy-to-Let

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

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

“Santander has reduced some of its fixed rates by up to 0.13% this week. One deal to see a slightly smaller cut of 0.10% is the two-year fixed rate deal, which is now priced at 4.62% and may appeal to landlords looking to secure a competitive rate. Available to second-time buyers, they will receive a free valuation incentive, but the deal does come with a large product fee of £1,749 that can be added to the mortgage advance, which could be ideal for those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.62% fixed rate to 2.12.26
  • Product fee: £1,749
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation (limits vary depending on lending area)
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Halifax – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 70% loan-to-value

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

“This week, Halifax has launched new deals to its buy-to-let range, including a five-year fixed deal at 70% loan-to-value available to remortgage customers. The deal charges 4.74% until 30 November 2029 and may appeal to landlords looking to save on upfront costs as it does not charge any product fees. Landlords can also receive an enticing incentive package which includes a free valuation and free legal fees. On assessment, this deal receives an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.74% fixed rate to 30.11.29
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Remortgage customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland, excludes Rathlin.

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