Savings

Sidekick Money – Sidekick High Yield Cash Reserve 5

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

“Sidekick Money has reduced the rate on both its £1,000 tier and £35,000 tier by up to 0.25% on its High Yield Cash Reserve this week, which nevertheless takes a prominent position in the market when compared against its peers. Savers with a £1,000 deposit will be paid a daily rate of 4.49% gross / 4.59% AER. This may appeal to those looking for more flexibility with their cash. It is worth noting the account includes an introductory bonus rate of 0.55% for 12 months, so investors would be wise to review the account when it expires. Balances exceeding £35,000 will receive a lower rate of 3.96% gross. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.49% gross / 4.59% AER payable daily from deposits of £1,000 or 3.96% gross / 4.04% AER from deposits of £35,000. Rate includes a bonus of 0.55% for 12 months which is paid monthly. The bonus is only applied on funds up to £35,000.
• Notice / term: None
• Minimum opening amount: £1,000
• Maximum investment amount: £500,000
• Access: Permitted
• Further additions: Permitted
• Opening account: Mobile app
• Managing account: Mobile app
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Operated by OakNorth Bank. Interest is paid on working days only. During non-working days interest is accrued and paid on the next working day. Bonus rate is paid to customer's e-wallet monthly by Sidekick Money.

SmartSave – 1 Year Fixed Rate Saver

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

“This week SmartSave has reduced the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Saver. Despite this it maintains a competitive position when compared against other bonds of the same term. The account pays 4.56%, for those able to invest a minimum of £10,000. As is the case with many fixed bonds, access is not permitted, but they may be happy 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: 4.56% gross / 4.56% AER payable on maturity (compounded annually)
• Notice / term: One year
• 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.

Birmingham Bank – 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond - Issue 12

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

“This week Birmingham Bank has increased the rate on its 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond. The account takes the joint market-leading spot for its term paying 4.55%, for investors able to contribute a minimum of £5,000. Savers must be comfortable locking away their cash and they may wish to plan carefully as earlier access is not permitted. However, savers will be able to make further contributions for 14 days from the account opening via a nominated account. On assessment, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.55% gross / 4.55% AER payable on anniversary
• Notice / term: Five years
• Minimum opening amount: £5,000
• Maximum investment amount: £250,000
• 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.

Close Brothers Savings – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

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

“Close Brothers Savings has increased the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA, now paying a market-leading rate of 4.45%. Savers looking to make the most out of their tax-free savings and receive a guaranteed return for the next year may find this an enticing deal. They will need a substantial initial investment of £10,000 but further additions are permitted for 10 days from the account opening if they wish to invest more. Investors will have to consider any withdrawals carefully as although earlier access is permitted, this will be subject to account closure and a 90-day loss in interest penalty. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.45% gross / 4.45% AER payable yearly
• Notice / term: One year
• Minimum opening amount: £10,000
• Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
• Access: Permitted, on account closure and subject to a 90-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 90-day loss of interest penalty and closure of the account
• Opening account: Online
• Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Investors can choose to split their Cash ISA savings across multiple ISAs within Close Borther Savings’ range.

Mortgages

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

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

“HSBC has reduced selected fixed rates in its residential range by up to 0.20% this week, including its five-year fixed mortgage at 60% loan-to-value. Now priced at 4.07% and fixed to 31 May 2030, this deal carries a free valuation incentive and charges a reasonable product fee of £999. Those borrowers looking to lock into a competitive rate for peace of mind may find this an attractive choice. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.07% fixed rate to 31.5.30
• Product fee: £999
• Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
• Available to: House purchase customers
• Incentives: Free valuation
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

first direct – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 90% loan-to-value

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

“first direct has reduced the majority of its fixed rate offerings by up to 0.21% this week. For house purchase customers, the three-year deal at 90% loan-to-value has seen a generous but slightly smaller 0.15% cut and is now priced at 4.94%. Borrowers may be glad to see that this deal charges a smaller than average fee of £490 and comes with an attractive incentive package which includes a free valuation, which may be ideal for those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage. Overall, the deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.94% fixed rate for three years
• Product fee: £490
• Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
• Available to: House purchase customers
• Incentives: Free valuation
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Virgin Money – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 95% loan-to-value

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

“Virgin Money has reduced selected fixed rate mortgages by up to 0.10%. One deal to see a smaller cut of 0.02% is its two-year fixed rate mortgage at 95% loan-to-value. The deal is now priced at 5.45% until 1 May 2027. First-time buyers with a limited deposit may 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 and £300 cashback. Borrowers may also note that overpayments and payment holidays are permitted subject to arrangement, which may be a bonus. As such, this strengthens the deal’s position as a Moneyfacts 'Best Buy' and, earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 5.45% fixed rate to 1.5.27
• Product fee: None
• Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
• Available to: First-time buyers
• Incentives: Free valuation and £300 cashback
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments and payment holidays
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Cards

Tesco Bank – Clubcard Credit Card Balance Transfer Mastercard

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

“The latest update from Tesco Bank sees an increase to the balance transfer term to 32 months and the introductory balance transfer fee to 3.19% on its Clubcard Balance Transfer credit card. As a result the deal now takes the market-leading position when compared against its peers. This term increase gives borrowers longer to pay off any existing balances interest-free at a lower balance transfer fee compared to others in the market. Adding to its overall appeal, this card also allows interest-free money transfers for nine months. Applicants can also earn Clubcard points when they spend. Overall, the card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Introductory rate for purchases: None
• Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 32 months
• Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
• Balance transfer fee: 3.19% as an introductory charge during the first three months from account opening, rising to 3.99% (no min) thereafter
• Card fee: None
• Opening method: Online and by phone
• Card management: Online, by phone, by post and via its mobile app
• Other information: Minimum age 18. Minimum income £5,000. Rates dependent on credit rating. 1 point per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco, must have available credit to earn points. Card can also be used as a Clubcard to collect standard points at 1 point per £1 spent on shopping and an enhanced rate of 1 point for every litre of fuel bought at Tesco petrol filling stations. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers which can be used towards shopping or exchanged for Partner Rewards. 1 point = 1p (min 250pts)

Santander – Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard

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

“The latest update from Santander sees an increase to the introductory balance term on its Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card to 31 months and to the balance transfer fee to 3.45%. With these changes, it places competitively in the market when compared against its peers and will likely be an attractive option for borrowers looking to transfer existing balances interest-free over a longer period. Further adding to its appeal, the card also offers 0% on purchases for three months in addition to offering a range of perks through Santander Boosts. On assessment, the card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for three months
• Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 31 months
• Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
• Balance transfer fee: 3.45%, minimum £5 fee, as an introductory charge during the introductory transfer period, falling to 3% (£5 min) thereafter
• Card fee: None
• Opening method: Online and in branch
• Card management: Online, by phone, by post, in branch and via its mobile app
• Other information: Minimum age 18. Minimum income £10,500. Sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers. Customer must be signed to online and mobile banking to qualify.

Barclaycard – Barclaycard Platinum 20 Month BT and 23 Month Purchase Visa

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

“The latest update from Barclaycard sees an increase to the introductory 0% purchase and balance transfer terms, as well as a reduced balance transfer fee on both of its dual credit cards. Now named the Platinum 20 Month Balance Transfer and 23 Month Purchase Visa card, the deal offers the longest purchase term on the market alongside being a competitive option for borrowers looking to transfer existing balances. As a result it sits towards the top of its sector when compared against its peers. However, it is worth noting that transfers must be made within the first 60 days. Furthermore, borrowers can expect to receive a range of lifestyle perks, including exclusive presale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices and up to 15% cashback from selected retailers with Barclaycard Cashback Rewards. On assessment, the card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for 23 months
• Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 20 months
• Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
• Balance transfer fee: 2.95% as an introductory charge during the first two months from account opening. Standard fee quoted on application. Balance must be transferred within 60 days
• Card fee: None
• Opening method: Online, by phone and in branch
• Card management: Online, by phone, by post, in branch and via its mobile app
• Other information: Minimum age 21. Minimum income £20,000. Buy tickets for up to 3,500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive presale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices. Save 10% on food and drink at all UK O2 Academy venues. Earn up to 15% cashback on selected retailers with Barclaycard Cashback Rewards.