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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 03/04/2025

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Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant
Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant 01603 476169 Email Caitlyn
03/04/2025

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

Plum – Plum Cash ISA

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

“Plum has again increased the rate paid on the £100 tier of its Plum Cash ISA this week. It now pays the market-leading rate of 5.60% AER and could be an appealing option for savers looking to give a small boost to their income each month and maintain some flexibility with their investments. However, it may be important to note that this rate includes a significant 2.04% gross bonus for three months, so it is crucial savers review their rate after this period. It is also important to note, savers will face a reduction in the interest rate paid if they make more than three withdrawals per year. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Rate: 2.47% gross / 2.50% AER paid from £1, 5.49% gross / 5.60% AER paid from £100, payable monthly (including a 2.04% gross / 2.06% AER bonus for three months on the £100 tier only, payable on first anniversary from account opening)
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, 2.47% gross / 2.50% AER paid if more than three withdrawals are made per year. Minimum withdrawal £1.
  • Further additions: Permitted, minimum addition £1
  • Transfers in: Permitted, accepts Cash ISAs, Stocks & Shares ISAs, Help to Buy ISAs, Lifetime ISAs, Innovative Finance ISAs and Stocks & Shares LISAs. Bonus rate not applicable if opened via transferring an existing ISA
  • Transfers out: Permitted
  • Opening account: Via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Operated by Citibank UK Limited. Bonus rate only applicable if a minimum account balance of £100 is maintained and not opened via transferring in an existing ISA. Investors can choose to split their Cash ISA savings across multiple ISAs within Plum’s range.

 

OakNorth Bank – 95 Day Notice Base Rate Tracker Account - Issue 9

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 4.81% AER, it takes the top spot in the notice sector 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, but it is worth noting that all transactions must be made via a nominated account. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.71% gross / 4.81% 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.

 

DF Capital – 1 Year Fixed Rate Deposit (Issue 17)

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

“Alongside launching new 15- and 18-Month Fixed Rate Deposits, this week DF Capital has also changed the issue number and increased the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Deposit. The account takes the market-leading position, paying an attractive 4.70% on £1,000 investments. As is common in the fixed market, earlier access is not permitted, so this deal may only appeal to savers willing to lock away their cash to gain a guaranteed return. However, there is an option to make further additions for 14 days after the account is opened, which may be an additional benefit for some. On assessment, this account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.70% gross / 4.70% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: One-year bond
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £250,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening via a nominated account
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online and by phone
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

UBL UK – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

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

“UBL UK has increased the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA this week and now pays the top rate in its market. The account now pays 4.53% on maturity, savers searching for an ISA for the new tax-year and wanting guaranteed returns may find this an appealing option. However, it is important investors are comfortable with their initial investment as further additions are not permitted and gaining earlier access to their funds will be subject to 90 days’ loss of interest and account closure, so careful planning is crucial. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.53% gross / 4.53% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £2,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted on account closure only, subject to 90 days’ loss of interest
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 90-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online, via its mobile app, by post and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, via its mobile app, by phone, by post and in branch
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Investors can choose to split their Cash ISA savings across multiple ISAs within UBL UK’s range.

 

Cards

M&S Bank –Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard

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

“The latest update from M&S Bank sees an increase to the introductory 0% purchase term to 24 months on its Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard. This card takes the market-leading position when compared against other 0% purchase deals, which will be beneficial for borrowers looking to spend over a longer period. Although lower balance transfer fees are available, this card also gives borrowers the benefit of 0% on balance transfers for 12 months which may add to its appeal. Borrowers can also receive a wide range of rewards by collecting points which can be spent in M&S stores. On assessment, the card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for 24 months
  • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 12 months
  • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3.49% (£5 minimum) as an introductory charge during the first 90 days from account opening. Standard fee quoted on application.
  • Card fee: None
  • Opening method: Online, by phone and by post
  • Card management: Online, by phone, by post and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum age 18. Minimum income £6,800. 1 point will be earned for every full £1 spent in Marks & Spencer UK stores, internet, outlets and Simply Food. 1 point will be earned for every £5 spent outside of Marks & Spencer. Points will be converted into reward vouchers four times a year and sent to the customers with the Loyalty statement. Remaining points will be carried over to the next collection period. Rewards vouchers can be redeemed in all Marks & Spencer UK stores and online. Points cannot be exchanged for cash or gift vouchers. 1 point = 1p (min 100pts).

 

Banking

Nationwide Building Society – FlexDirect

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

“In this latest review, Nationwide Building Society has withdrawn its free cash switching offer of £175 for customers using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service). Despite this, the FlexDirect account maintains a competitive position in its sector. The deal has a generous credit interest of 4.89% gross / 5.00% AER as long as it is funded with at least £1,000 per month. To add to its appeal, the account also offers an incentive for spenders, in the form of 1% cashback when they spend using their debit card, capped at £5 per month. As with any current account customers may weigh up all the benefits along with any eligibility criteria to ensure it’s the right choice for them. Overall, the account earns an Excellent product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: 4.89% gross per annum / 5.00% AER on balances up to £1,500. 0% paid on portion of balance over £1,500. Rate reverts to 0.99% gross thereafter.
  • Account fee: None
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.9% EAR
  • Opening account: Online and by phone
  • Managing account: Online, by phone, by post, via its mobile app, post office and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Earn 1% cashback on debit card spend, capped at £5 per month.

Savings

Plum – Plum Cash ISA

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

“Plum has again increased the rate paid on the £100 tier of its Plum Cash ISA this week. It now pays the market-leading rate of 5.60% AER and could be an appealing option for savers looking to give a small boost to their income each month and maintain some flexibility with their investments. However, it may be important to note that this rate includes a significant 2.04% gross bonus for three months, so it is crucial savers review their rate after this period. It is also important to note, savers will face a reduction in the interest rate paid if they make more than three withdrawals per year. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Rate: 2.47% gross / 2.50% AER paid from £1, 5.49% gross / 5.60% AER paid from £100, payable monthly (including a 2.04% gross / 2.06% AER bonus for three months on the £100 tier only, payable on first anniversary from account opening)
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, 2.47% gross / 2.50% AER paid if more than three withdrawals are made per year. Minimum withdrawal £1.
  • Further additions: Permitted, minimum addition £1
  • Transfers in: Permitted, accepts Cash ISAs, Stocks & Shares ISAs, Help to Buy ISAs, Lifetime ISAs, Innovative Finance ISAs and Stocks & Shares LISAs. Bonus rate not applicable if opened via transferring an existing ISA
  • Transfers out: Permitted
  • Opening account: Via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Operated by Citibank UK Limited. Bonus rate only applicable if a minimum account balance of £100 is maintained and not opened via transferring in an existing ISA. Investors can choose to split their Cash ISA savings across multiple ISAs within Plum’s range.

 

OakNorth Bank – 95 Day Notice Base Rate Tracker Account - Issue 9

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 4.81% AER, it takes the top spot in the notice sector 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, but it is worth noting that all transactions must be made via a nominated account. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.71% gross / 4.81% 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.

 

DF Capital – 1 Year Fixed Rate Deposit (Issue 17)

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

“Alongside launching new 15- and 18-Month Fixed Rate Deposits, this week DF Capital has also changed the issue number and increased the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Deposit. The account takes the market-leading position, paying an attractive 4.70% on £1,000 investments. As is common in the fixed market, earlier access is not permitted, so this deal may only appeal to savers willing to lock away their cash to gain a guaranteed return. However, there is an option to make further additions for 14 days after the account is opened, which may be an additional benefit for some. On assessment, this account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.70% gross / 4.70% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: One-year bond
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £250,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening via a nominated account
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online and by phone
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

UBL UK – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

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

“UBL UK has increased the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA this week and now pays the top rate in its market. The account now pays 4.53% on maturity, savers searching for an ISA for the new tax-year and wanting guaranteed returns may find this an appealing option. However, it is important investors are comfortable with their initial investment as further additions are not permitted and gaining earlier access to their funds will be subject to 90 days’ loss of interest and account closure, so careful planning is crucial. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.53% gross / 4.53% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £2,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted on account closure only, subject to 90 days’ loss of interest
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 90-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online, via its mobile app, by post and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, via its mobile app, by phone, by post and in branch
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Investors can choose to split their Cash ISA savings across multiple ISAs within UBL UK’s range.

 

Cards

M&S Bank –Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard

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

“The latest update from M&S Bank sees an increase to the introductory 0% purchase term to 24 months on its Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard. This card takes the market-leading position when compared against other 0% purchase deals, which will be beneficial for borrowers looking to spend over a longer period. Although lower balance transfer fees are available, this card also gives borrowers the benefit of 0% on balance transfers for 12 months which may add to its appeal. Borrowers can also receive a wide range of rewards by collecting points which can be spent in M&S stores. On assessment, the card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

 Key product details:

  • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for 24 months
  • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 12 months
  • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3.49% (£5 minimum) as an introductory charge during the first 90 days from account opening. Standard fee quoted on application.
  • Card fee: None
  • Opening method: Online, by phone and by post
  • Card management: Online, by phone, by post and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum age 18. Minimum income £6,800. 1 point will be earned for every full £1 spent in Marks & Spencer UK stores, internet, outlets and Simply Food. 1 point will be earned for every £5 spent outside of Marks & Spencer. Points will be converted into reward vouchers four times a year and sent to the customers with the Loyalty statement. Remaining points will be carried over to the next collection period. Rewards vouchers can be redeemed in all Marks & Spencer UK stores and online. Points cannot be exchanged for cash or gift vouchers. 1 point = 1p (min 100pts).

 

Banking

Nationwide Building Society – FlexDirect

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

“In this latest review, Nationwide Building Society has withdrawn its free cash switching offer of £175 for customers using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service). Despite this, the FlexDirect account maintains a competitive position in its sector. The deal has a generous credit interest of 4.89% gross / 5.00% AER as long as it is funded with at least £1,000 per month. To add to its appeal, the account also offers an incentive for spenders, in the form of 1% cashback when they spend using their debit card, capped at £5 per month. As with any current account customers may weigh up all the benefits along with any eligibility criteria to ensure it’s the right choice for them. Overall, the account earns an Excellent product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: 4.89% gross per annum / 5.00% AER on balances up to £1,500. 0% paid on portion of balance over £1,500. Rate reverts to 0.99% gross thereafter.
  • Account fee: None
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.9% EAR
  • Opening account: Online and by phone
  • Managing account: Online, by phone, by post, via its mobile app, post office and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Earn 1% cashback on debit card spend, capped at £5 per month.

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