Savings

Chetwood Bank – 5 Year Fixed Rate Savings Account

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Personal Finance Analyst at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Chetwood Bank has increased the rate on a selection of its Fixed Rate Savings Accounts. The five-year option is one that fares best and now pays a market-leading 4.55%. This deal may be ideal for savers who are looking to guarantee their returns in the long-term. Savers will need to invest at least £1,000, however, there are no maximum limits, and further additions are permitted for 14 days from account opening which may add to its appeal and entice those with significant balances. As is the case with many fixed bonds, withdrawals are not permitted, so consumers should be prepared to lock away their cash for the full term. On assessment, this 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: £1,000
• Maximum investment amount: None
• Access: Not permitted
• Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
• Opening account: Online
• Managing account: Online
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Close Brothers Savings – Fixed Rate Cash ISA

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Personal Finance Analyst at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Close Brothers Savings has increased the rates on its range of Fixed Rate Cash ISAs this week. The one-year option now pays an attractive 4.36% and takes a competitive position in the top tables. Savers will need to deposit at least £10,000 but further additions are permitted for 10 days from the account opening, which may be a bonus for some. While earlier access is permitted, investors should consider access carefully as they will be hit with a 90-day loss of interest penalty and closure of the account. Overall, this may be an enticing option for savers wanting to maximise and guarantee their tax-free savings for the 2026/27 year. On assessment, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.36% gross / 4.36% AER payable yearly
• Notice / term: One year
• Minimum opening amount: £10,000
• Maximum investment amount: £2 million
• 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, on account closure and subject to a 90-day loss of interest penalty
• 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 Brothers Savings’ range.

Sidekick Money – Sidekick Easy Access 7

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Personal Finance Analyst at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“The latest update from Sidekick sees it re-tier, increase the rate and add a bonus to its Sidekick Easy Access 7 account. The deal takes a competitive position in the top tables and now pays an attractive 4.17% AER on balances starting from £5,000, and this includes a generous 0.60% bonus, but savers should review their rate once this expires. Additionally, those with larger balances may wish to note that the rate drops to 3.57% AER from £60,000. This deal may appeal to those who may need to dip into their pots regularly as the account permits unlimited withdrawals with no penalty. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.11% gross / 4.17% AER payable daily from deposits of £5,000 or 3.51% gross / 3.57% AER from deposits of £60,000. Rate includes a bonus of 0.60% for 12 months which is paid monthly. The bonus is only applied on funds between £5,000 to £59,999.
• Notice / term: None
• Minimum opening amount: £5,000
• 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.

Buy-to-Let

Barclays Mortgage – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Personal Finance Analyst at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week Barclays Mortgage increased all its buy-to-let fixed rates by 0.55%, including its five-year fixed rate deal at 75% loan-to-value. The deal is now priced at 4.70% until 30 June 2031. Despite the notable hike, when assessed as a whole it takes a competitive position in the Best Buy tables. To add to the deal’s appeal, there is a free valuation incentive which can help reduce initial costs and partially offsets the £1,295 product fee. On assessment, the deal maintains its position in the top tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.70% fixed rate to 30.6.31
• Product fee: £1,295
• Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
• Available to: House purchase customers
• Incentives: Free valuation
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.