Brand Logo Moneyfacts Group plc
Telephone Icon T: 01603 476476 Email Icon E: enquiries@moneyfacts.co.uk LinkedIn Icon

Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 21/08/2025

Image of Moneyfacts.co.uk 'Pick of the Week' Logo Image of Moneyfacts.co.uk 'Pick of the Week' Logo Image of Moneyfacts.co.uk 'Pick of the Week' Logo
Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant
Caitlyn Eastell, Press & PR Executive 01603 476169 Email Caitlyn
21/08/2025

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

Vanquis Bank – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

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

“Vanquis Bank has reduced the rate on a selection of its Vanquis Bank Savings and Fixed Rate Cash ISAs. Despite the rate cut, the one-year option of the Fixed Rate Cash ISA maintains a competitive position in the market. It now pays 4.21% AER on its anniversary and there is also a monthly interest option. Savers will need to invest a minimum of £1,000 and this may attract those looking for a guaranteed return. Like many fixed ISAs, earlier access comes with a 90-day loss of interest penalty but, adding to its appeal, further additions are permitted for 30 days from account opening. On assessment, this account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.21% gross / 4.21% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest option of 4.13% gross / 4.21% AER also available
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, earlier access subject to 90-day loss of interest via nominated account
  • Further additions: Permitted, for 30 days from account opening via nominated account
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, earlier access subject to 90-day loss of interest
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Flexible ISA rules apply.

 

Castle Trust Bank – Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA

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

“This week, Castle Trust Bank has increased the rate on the five-year option of its Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA. The account now pays 4.21% AER, which sees it enter the top tables, and could appeal to savers looking to make the most of their tax-free pots over the long-term. Savers will need to consider whether getting earlier access to their cash is sensible as they will be subject to a substantial 360-day loss of interest penalty on top of account closure. In more positive news, further additions are permitted for 14 days from the account opening but it is crucial that savers 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: 4.21% gross / 4.21% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to 360-day loss of interest penalty and closure of account
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 360-day loss of interest penalty and closure of the account
  • Opening account: Online and via mobile app
  • Managing account: Online and via 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. Investors can choose to split their Cash ISA savings across multiple ISAs within Castle Trust Bank’s range.

 

Mortgages

Santander – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 85% loan-to-value

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

“Santander has adjusted rates on selected products with increases affecting selected 85% loan-to-value products. The two-year option for second-time buyers has seen a small 0.04% rise, despite this the rate remains just below the 4% mark. Now priced at 3.99% until December 2027, this deal may appeal to borrowers looking to keep costs low with the attractive rate plus a reasonable £999 product fee, which is offset by its generous free valuation and £250 cashback incentives. The combination of these features earns this product a spot in the Moneyfacts Best Buys and an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.99% fixed rate to 2.12.27
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 85%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Barclays Mortgage – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

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

“As well as making selected rate reductions of up to 0.25%, Barclays Mortgage has added a few 80% loan-to-value products to its residential range. For those buying a home, its new two-year fixed rate is offered at 4.05% until September 2027. This may be a high contender for borrowers looking to keep initial costs low as they can benefit from no fees plus a free valuation incentive. Overall, this deal grabs a position as a ‘Best Buy’ and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.05% fixed rate to 30.9.27
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Buy-to-Let

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

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

“This week Lloyds Bank has made reductions of up to 0.09% across most of its fixed rate mortgages for landlords. For second-time buy-to-let property buyers, the five-year fixed rate at 70% loan-to-value has seen a slightly smaller 0.06% cut and is now priced at 4.31% until November 2030. This may be enticing for landlords looking to keep costs low as the deal remains fee-free and keeps its free valuation incentive. This product maintains its competitive position as a ‘Best Buy’ and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.31% fixed rate to 30.11.30
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 70%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Cards

Barclaycard – Barclaycard Platinum 22 Month Balance Transfer and 19 Month Purchase Visa

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

“On top of increasing the introductory balance transfer fee to 3.45%, the latest update from Barclaycard sees a reduction to the 0% interest-free terms to 22 months for balance transfers and 19 months for purchases on its combined credit card. Despite the reduction, this card remains one of the best options for borrowers looking for dual cards interest-free over a long period. It is worth noting that balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days. Adding to the card’s appeal, 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 Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for 19 months
  • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 22 months
  • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3.45% 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 per year. 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 02 Academy venues. Earn up to 15% cashback on selected retailers with Barclaycard Cashback Rewards.

Savings

Vanquis Bank – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

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

“Vanquis Bank has reduced the rate on a selection of its Vanquis Bank Savings and Fixed Rate Cash ISAs. Despite the rate cut, the one-year option of the Fixed Rate Cash ISA maintains a competitive position in the market. It now pays 4.21% AER on its anniversary and there is also a monthly interest option. Savers will need to invest a minimum of £1,000 and this may attract those looking for a guaranteed return. Like many fixed ISAs, earlier access comes with a 90-day loss of interest penalty but, adding to its appeal, further additions are permitted for 30 days from account opening. On assessment, this account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.21% gross / 4.21% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest option of 4.13% gross / 4.21% AER also available
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, earlier access subject to 90-day loss of interest via nominated account
  • Further additions: Permitted, for 30 days from account opening via nominated account
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, earlier access subject to 90-day loss of interest
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Flexible ISA rules apply.

 

Castle Trust Bank – Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA

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

“This week, Castle Trust Bank has increased the rate on the five-year option of its Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA. The account now pays 4.21% AER, which sees it enter the top tables, and could appeal to savers looking to make the most of their tax-free pots over the long-term. Savers will need to consider whether getting earlier access to their cash is sensible as they will be subject to a substantial 360-day loss of interest penalty on top of account closure. In more positive news, further additions are permitted for 14 days from the account opening but it is crucial that savers 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: 4.21% gross / 4.21% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to 360-day loss of interest penalty and closure of account
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 360-day loss of interest penalty and closure of the account
  • Opening account: Online and via mobile app
  • Managing account: Online and via 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. Investors can choose to split their Cash ISA savings across multiple ISAs within Castle Trust Bank’s range.

 

Mortgages

Santander – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 85% loan-to-value

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

“Santander has adjusted rates on selected products with increases affecting selected 85% loan-to-value products. The two-year option for second-time buyers has seen a small 0.04% rise, despite this the rate remains just below the 4% mark. Now priced at 3.99% until December 2027, this deal may appeal to borrowers looking to keep costs low with the attractive rate plus a reasonable £999 product fee, which is offset by its generous free valuation and £250 cashback incentives. The combination of these features earns this product a spot in the Moneyfacts Best Buys and an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.99% fixed rate to 2.12.27
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 85%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Barclays Mortgage – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

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

“As well as making selected rate reductions of up to 0.25%, Barclays Mortgage has added a few 80% loan-to-value products to its residential range. For those buying a home, its new two-year fixed rate is offered at 4.05% until September 2027. This may be a high contender for borrowers looking to keep initial costs low as they can benefit from no fees plus a free valuation incentive. Overall, this deal grabs a position as a ‘Best Buy’ and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.05% fixed rate to 30.9.27
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Buy-to-Let

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

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

“This week Lloyds Bank has made reductions of up to 0.09% across most of its fixed rate mortgages for landlords. For second-time buy-to-let property buyers, the five-year fixed rate at 70% loan-to-value has seen a slightly smaller 0.06% cut and is now priced at 4.31% until November 2030. This may be enticing for landlords looking to keep costs low as the deal remains fee-free and keeps its free valuation incentive. This product maintains its competitive position as a ‘Best Buy’ and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.31% fixed rate to 30.11.30
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 70%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Cards

Barclaycard – Barclaycard Platinum 22 Month Balance Transfer and 19 Month Purchase Visa

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

“On top of increasing the introductory balance transfer fee to 3.45%, the latest update from Barclaycard sees a reduction to the 0% interest-free terms to 22 months for balance transfers and 19 months for purchases on its combined credit card. Despite the reduction, this card remains one of the best options for borrowers looking for dual cards interest-free over a long period. It is worth noting that balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days. Adding to the card’s appeal, 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 Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for 19 months
  • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 22 months
  • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3.45% 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 per year. 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 02 Academy venues. Earn up to 15% cashback on selected retailers with Barclaycard Cashback Rewards.

Notes to editors

You are welcome to use part or all of this press release, so long as we are sufficiently sourced. We would appreciate a link back to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

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, 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.

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

You are welcome to use part or all of this press release, so long as we are sufficiently sourced. We would appreciate a link back to Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

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, 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.

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.
Adam French Head of News & Communications
Rachel Springall Press Officer / Finance Expert
Caitlyn Eastell Press & PR Executive