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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 16/01/2025

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Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant
Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant 01603 476169 Email Caitlyn
16/01/2025

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

OakNorth Bank – 95 Day Notice Base Rate Tracker Account - Issue 6

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

“OakNorth Bank has changed the issue number and increased the rate on its 95 Day Notice Base Rate Tracker Account. Paying 4.91% AER / 4.80% gross, it takes a prominent position when compared to other products in the monthly interest and notice account sectors, and can be opened with as little as £1. Savers willing to give prior notice to access their pots may find this an enticing deal as it pays a higher rate than can be achieved with most easy access accounts. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.80% gross / 4.91% AER payable monthly
  • Notice / term: 95 days
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: £500,000
  • Access: Permitted, subject to 95 days’ notice via nominated account
  • Further additions: Permitted via a nominated account
  • Opening account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Atom Bank – 2 Year Fixed Saver

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

“This week, Atom Bank has increased the rates on a selection of its Fixed Savers, including the two-year option. The account takes the market-leading position when compared against bonds of the same term, paying 4.70% on its anniversary. The deal may appeal to many savers looking for a guaranteed return and it can be opened with as little as £50. Savers looking for a regular boost to their income may be pleased that there is also a monthly interest option. It is important investors are comfortable with locking up their cash for the full term as earlier access is not permitted; but in more positive news, further additions can be made for a week from the account opening. On assessment, this account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.70% gross / 4.70% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest option of 4.60% gross / 4.70% AER also available
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £50
  • Maximum investment amount: £100,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for one week from account opening
  • Opening account: Via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

SmartSave – 3 Year Fixed Rate Saver

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

“This week SmartSave has increased selected rates across its range of Fixed Savers, including its three-year option. The account now pays 4.62%, which sees it improve its position in the top tables, and pays the market-leading rate for those able to invest a minimum of £10,000. As is the case with many fixed bonds, savers cannot withdraw their cash before the term is completed, but they may be glad to see that further additions can be made for 14 days from the account opening. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.62% gross / 4.62% AER payable on maturity (compounded annually)
  • Notice / term: Three years
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

United Trust Bank – Cash ISA 1 Year Bond

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

“United Trust Bank has increased the rate on a selection of its Cash ISA Bonds this week. The one-year option now pays a market-leading rate for its sector, paying 4.54% on investments starting at £5,000. Savers wanting to take advantage of their tax-free savings may find this an enticing deal. Adding to its appeal, savers have the option to gain access to their funds early, however, this should be considered carefully as it will be subject to 180 days’ loss of interest penalty. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.54% gross / 4.54% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted. Subject to 180-day loss of interest. Interest can be withdrawn annually on anniversary
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted. Subject to 180-day loss of interest
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Buy-to-let

Accord Mortgages – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

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

“Alongside extending end dates, Accord Mortgages has amended rates on most of its fixed and variable buy-to-let deals, including its three-year fixed offering. The deal has seen an 0.20% increase and now charges 5.09% via selected intermediaries until 30 April 2028 for borrowers with 25% equity. Borrowers searching for a competitive rate and incentive package may find this an appealing choice as the deal offers a free valuation and £250 cashback incentive, and borrowers can also add the £995 product fee to the advance of the mortgage. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.09% fixed rate until 30.4.28.
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage customers, via selected intermediaries
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Loans

M&S Bank – Unsecured Personal Loan

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

“The latest update from M&S sees rate reductions to its Unsecured Personal Loan across several of its tiers. New and existing customers looking to borrow between £7,500 and £20,000 saw a cut to 6.1% APR, making it a competitive option for those looking to borrow between these amounts over seven years. Adding to its appeal, the loan allows overpayments to be made without an early repayment charge. Overall, the product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Representative APR: 6.1%
  • Loan period: Rate shown is based on a term of 60 months for a £7,500 borrowing
  • Application available: Online, by telephone and in branch
  • Other information: Minimum age 18. Minimum Applicant Income £10,000 per year. You may be offered an alternative APR dependent on credit rating.

Savings

OakNorth Bank – 95 Day Notice Base Rate Tracker Account - Issue 6

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

“OakNorth Bank has changed the issue number and increased the rate on its 95 Day Notice Base Rate Tracker Account. Paying 4.91% AER / 4.80% gross, it takes a prominent position when compared to other products in the monthly interest and notice account sectors, and can be opened with as little as £1. Savers willing to give prior notice to access their pots may find this an enticing deal as it pays a higher rate than can be achieved with most easy access accounts. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.80% gross / 4.91% AER payable monthly
  • Notice / term: 95 days
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: £500,000
  • Access: Permitted, subject to 95 days’ notice via nominated account
  • Further additions: Permitted via a nominated account
  • Opening account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Atom Bank – 2 Year Fixed Saver

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

“This week, Atom Bank has increased the rates on a selection of its Fixed Savers, including the two-year option. The account takes the market-leading position when compared against bonds of the same term, paying 4.70% on its anniversary. The deal may appeal to many savers looking for a guaranteed return and it can be opened with as little as £50. Savers looking for a regular boost to their income may be pleased that there is also a monthly interest option. It is important investors are comfortable with locking up their cash for the full term as earlier access is not permitted; but in more positive news, further additions can be made for a week from the account opening. On assessment, this account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.70% gross / 4.70% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest option of 4.60% gross / 4.70% AER also available
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £50
  • Maximum investment amount: £100,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for one week from account opening
  • Opening account: Via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

SmartSave – 3 Year Fixed Rate Saver

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

“This week SmartSave has increased selected rates across its range of Fixed Savers, including its three-year option. The account now pays 4.62%, which sees it improve its position in the top tables, and pays the market-leading rate for those able to invest a minimum of £10,000. As is the case with many fixed bonds, savers cannot withdraw their cash before the term is completed, but they may be glad to see that further additions can be made for 14 days from the account opening. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.62% gross / 4.62% AER payable on maturity (compounded annually)
  • Notice / term: Three years
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

United Trust Bank – Cash ISA 1 Year Bond

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

“United Trust Bank has increased the rate on a selection of its Cash ISA Bonds this week. The one-year option now pays a market-leading rate for its sector, paying 4.54% on investments starting at £5,000. Savers wanting to take advantage of their tax-free savings may find this an enticing deal. Adding to its appeal, savers have the option to gain access to their funds early, however, this should be considered carefully as it will be subject to 180 days’ loss of interest penalty. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.54% gross / 4.54% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted. Subject to 180-day loss of interest. Interest can be withdrawn annually on anniversary
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted. Subject to 180-day loss of interest
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Buy-to-let

Accord Mortgages – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

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

“Alongside extending end dates, Accord Mortgages has amended rates on most of its fixed and variable buy-to-let deals, including its three-year fixed offering. The deal has seen an 0.20% increase and now charges 5.09% via selected intermediaries until 30 April 2028 for borrowers with 25% equity. Borrowers searching for a competitive rate and incentive package may find this an appealing choice as the deal offers a free valuation and £250 cashback incentive, and borrowers can also add the £995 product fee to the advance of the mortgage. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.09% fixed rate until 30.4.28.
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage customers, via selected intermediaries
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Loans

M&S Bank – Unsecured Personal Loan

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

“The latest update from M&S sees rate reductions to its Unsecured Personal Loan across several of its tiers. New and existing customers looking to borrow between £7,500 and £20,000 saw a cut to 6.1% APR, making it a competitive option for those looking to borrow between these amounts over seven years. Adding to its appeal, the loan allows overpayments to be made without an early repayment charge. Overall, the product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Representative APR: 6.1%
  • Loan period: Rate shown is based on a term of 60 months for a £7,500 borrowing
  • Application available: Online, by telephone and in branch
  • Other information: Minimum age 18. Minimum Applicant Income £10,000 per year. 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