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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 01/05/2025

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Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant
Caitlyn Eastell, Press & PR Executive 01603 476169 Email Caitlyn
01/05/2025

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

Castle Trust Bank – 2 Year Fixed Rate e-Saver

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

“Castle Trust Bank has increased the rates on a selection of its Fixed Rate e-Savers. Its two-year option takes the market-leading position for its sector, paying an appealing 4.54% AER. This account may well appeal to savers looking to receive a guaranteed return on their investments. Like most fixed bonds, earlier access is not permitted, so savers should plan carefully. However, in more positive news, further additions are permitted for 14 days from the account opening. Savers will need to fund their account with a minimum of £1,000 within this period, otherwise no interest payment will be made, and their money will be refunded. On assessment, the account secures an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.54% gross / 4.54% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £500,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. New customers can only open an account via the website, after which they gain access to the mobile app and can open subsequent accounts using the Self Service Portal or mobile app. Castle Trust Bank will plant a tree when an e-Cash ISA or e-Saver account is opened and funded within the 14-day funding window. If minimum investment is not made within 14 days of account opening, no interest is paid and the balance will be refunded.

United Trust Bank – Cash ISA 1 Year Bond

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

“United Trust Bank has reduced the rate on its Cash ISA 1 Year Bond this week. Now paying 4.25% AER, the deal maintains a prominent position in its sector despite the reduction and may well entice savers looking to take advantage of their ISA allowance. Savers can invest from £5,000 and make transfers in from cash ISAs. Although earlier access to cash is permitted, it should be considered carefully as this is subject to a 180-day loss of interest penalty. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.25% gross / 4.25% 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 via a nominated account. Interest can be withdrawn annually on anniversary
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening via a nominated account
  • 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.

 

Mortgages

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

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

“NatWest has reduced several fixed rates within its residential mortgage range this week. Its five-year deal at 60% loan-to-value is now priced at 3.88% until 31 July 2030. The deal is available for house purchase customers with a 40% deposit and comes with an attractive free valuation incentive which helps to offset the £1,495 product fee. The 0.12% drop is enough to see it enter the Best Buys and the deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • 3.88% fixed rate to 31.7.30
  • Product fee: £1,495
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain, Northern Ireland. Online exclusive deal.

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

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

“This week, Barclays Mortgage has made rate reductions across several fixed rates in its residential mortgage range. Borrowers looking to secure a competitive rate will find that the two-year fixed rate at 60% loan-to-value for house purchase customers has seen a 0.07% drop and now charges 3.92%. Borrowers looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage may find this an appealing option as there is a £899 product fee attached and a free valuation incentive Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.92% fixed rate to 30.6.27
  • Product fee: £899
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

HSBC – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 90% loan-to-value

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

“Alongside extending end dates, HSBC has reduced its fixed rate offerings by up to 0.19%. The five-year option at 90% loan-to-value has seen a smaller 0.08% cut and is now priced at 4.50% until 31 August 2030. The deal carries a standard £999 product fee which is offset by its lucrative incentive package which includes a free valuation and £350 cashback. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.50% fixed rate to 31.8.30
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £350 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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

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

“In its latest update, TSB has reduced selected fixed rates within its residential range by up to 0.20% this week. One deal to see a smaller 0.15% cut is the three-year deal at 90% loan-to-value, which is now priced at 4.89% until 30 June 2028. Borrowers benefit from a smaller than average £495 product fee attached, and further working in its favour is the incentives which includes a free valuation and a lucrative £500 cashback. Borrowers can make overpayments and take payment holidays after one year and subject to approval. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.89% fixed rate to 30.6.28
  • Product fee: £495
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £500 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Also payment holidays after one year, which are subject to approval
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Buy-to-let

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

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

“Landlords looking for a competitive package may find the two-year fixed rate ‘online exclusive’ deal from NatWest attractive. After a 0.15% reduction this week, the deal is now priced at 4.34% until 31 July 2027 and includes an incentive package of a free valuation. The deal does charge a £995 product fee, but this can be added to the mortgage advance. Overall, the package may appeal to borrowers looking to lock into a competitive rate over the short-term. Overall, the deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.34% fixed rate to 31.7.27
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Online exclusive.

Furness Building Society – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

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

“Furness Building Society has reduced a handful of its buy-to-let offerings this week. The five-year option for landlords with a 20% deposit has seen a small 0.06% cut and is now priced at 4.88%, it now sits at the top of its sector and takes a position as a ‘Best Buy’. Landlords wishing to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage may find this an enticing deal as it charges a reasonable £995 product fee and comes with an appealing incentive package which includes £250 cashback for landlords purchasing a property and those remortgaging will receive a free valuation. Overall, this deal secures an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.88% fixed rate for five years
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage customers
  • Incentives: £250 cashback for house purchases. For remortgage customers a free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Banking

Santander – Edge Up Current Account

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

“The latest update from Santander sees it reduce the credit interest to 2.47% on its Edge Up current account. Despite this, the account remains a competitive option for those looking to earn interest on their balances. Adding to its overall appeal, the deal also offers 1% cashback on debit card spends and has an introductory 0% EAR overdraft for the first four months on switched current accounts. But it is worth noting this comes with a £5 monthly fee. Consumers also can sign up to Santander Boosts and receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws. On balance, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: 2.47% gross
  • Account fee: £5 per month
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.94% EAR. 0% for the first four months when switching.
  • Opening account: Online and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by post, by text alerts, via post office and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers, customer must be signed up to online and mobile banking to qualify. Account must be funded with at least £1,500 per month and two direct debits. Customer must be signed up to online and mobile banking to qualify. Terms & Conditions apply.

Savings

Castle Trust Bank – 2 Year Fixed Rate e-Saver

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

“Castle Trust Bank has increased the rates on a selection of its Fixed Rate e-Savers. Its two-year option takes the market-leading position for its sector, paying an appealing 4.54% AER. This account may well appeal to savers looking to receive a guaranteed return on their investments. Like most fixed bonds, earlier access is not permitted, so savers should plan carefully. However, in more positive news, further additions are permitted for 14 days from the account opening. Savers will need to fund their account with a minimum of £1,000 within this period, otherwise no interest payment will be made, and their money will be refunded. On assessment, the account secures an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.54% gross / 4.54% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £500,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. New customers can only open an account via the website, after which they gain access to the mobile app and can open subsequent accounts using the Self Service Portal or mobile app. Castle Trust Bank will plant a tree when an e-Cash ISA or e-Saver account is opened and funded within the 14-day funding window. If minimum investment is not made within 14 days of account opening, no interest is paid and the balance will be refunded.

United Trust Bank – Cash ISA 1 Year Bond

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

“United Trust Bank has reduced the rate on its Cash ISA 1 Year Bond this week. Now paying 4.25% AER, the deal maintains a prominent position in its sector despite the reduction and may well entice savers looking to take advantage of their ISA allowance. Savers can invest from £5,000 and make transfers in from cash ISAs. Although earlier access to cash is permitted, it should be considered carefully as this is subject to a 180-day loss of interest penalty. The deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.25% gross / 4.25% 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 via a nominated account. Interest can be withdrawn annually on anniversary
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening via a nominated account
  • 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.

 

Mortgages

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

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

“NatWest has reduced several fixed rates within its residential mortgage range this week. Its five-year deal at 60% loan-to-value is now priced at 3.88% until 31 July 2030. The deal is available for house purchase customers with a 40% deposit and comes with an attractive free valuation incentive which helps to offset the £1,495 product fee. The 0.12% drop is enough to see it enter the Best Buys and the deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • 3.88% fixed rate to 31.7.30
  • Product fee: £1,495
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain, Northern Ireland. Online exclusive deal.

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

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

“This week, Barclays Mortgage has made rate reductions across several fixed rates in its residential mortgage range. Borrowers looking to secure a competitive rate will find that the two-year fixed rate at 60% loan-to-value for house purchase customers has seen a 0.07% drop and now charges 3.92%. Borrowers looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage may find this an appealing option as there is a £899 product fee attached and a free valuation incentive Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.92% fixed rate to 30.6.27
  • Product fee: £899
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

HSBC – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 90% loan-to-value

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

“Alongside extending end dates, HSBC has reduced its fixed rate offerings by up to 0.19%. The five-year option at 90% loan-to-value has seen a smaller 0.08% cut and is now priced at 4.50% until 31 August 2030. The deal carries a standard £999 product fee which is offset by its lucrative incentive package which includes a free valuation and £350 cashback. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.50% fixed rate to 31.8.30
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £350 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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

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

“In its latest update, TSB has reduced selected fixed rates within its residential range by up to 0.20% this week. One deal to see a smaller 0.15% cut is the three-year deal at 90% loan-to-value, which is now priced at 4.89% until 30 June 2028. Borrowers benefit from a smaller than average £495 product fee attached, and further working in its favour is the incentives which includes a free valuation and a lucrative £500 cashback. Borrowers can make overpayments and take payment holidays after one year and subject to approval. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.89% fixed rate to 30.6.28
  • Product fee: £495
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £500 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Also payment holidays after one year, which are subject to approval
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Buy-to-let

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

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

“Landlords looking for a competitive package may find the two-year fixed rate ‘online exclusive’ deal from NatWest attractive. After a 0.15% reduction this week, the deal is now priced at 4.34% until 31 July 2027 and includes an incentive package of a free valuation. The deal does charge a £995 product fee, but this can be added to the mortgage advance. Overall, the package may appeal to borrowers looking to lock into a competitive rate over the short-term. Overall, the deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.34% fixed rate to 31.7.27
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Online exclusive.

Furness Building Society – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

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

“Furness Building Society has reduced a handful of its buy-to-let offerings this week. The five-year option for landlords with a 20% deposit has seen a small 0.06% cut and is now priced at 4.88%, it now sits at the top of its sector and takes a position as a ‘Best Buy’. Landlords wishing to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage may find this an enticing deal as it charges a reasonable £995 product fee and comes with an appealing incentive package which includes £250 cashback for landlords purchasing a property and those remortgaging will receive a free valuation. Overall, this deal secures an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.88% fixed rate for five years
  • Product fee: £995
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers and remortgage customers
  • Incentives: £250 cashback for house purchases. For remortgage customers a free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Banking

Santander – Edge Up Current Account

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

“The latest update from Santander sees it reduce the credit interest to 2.47% on its Edge Up current account. Despite this, the account remains a competitive option for those looking to earn interest on their balances. Adding to its overall appeal, the deal also offers 1% cashback on debit card spends and has an introductory 0% EAR overdraft for the first four months on switched current accounts. But it is worth noting this comes with a £5 monthly fee. Consumers also can sign up to Santander Boosts and receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws. On balance, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: 2.47% gross
  • Account fee: £5 per month
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.94% EAR. 0% for the first four months when switching.
  • Opening account: Online and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by post, by text alerts, via post office and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers, customer must be signed up to online and mobile banking to qualify. Account must be funded with at least £1,500 per month and two direct debits. Customer must be signed up to online and mobile banking to qualify. Terms & Conditions apply.

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 Press & PR Executive