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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 02/10/2026

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Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant
Caitlyn Eastell, Personal Finance Analyst 01603 476169 Email Caitlyn
02/10/2026

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 Personal Finance Analyst, 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 Personal Finance Analyst, Caitlyn Eastell has analysed the following deals, along with their perks, of note:

Savings

Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd – 1 Year Fixed Rate Deposit

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

“Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd has increased the rates on a selection of its Fixed Rate Deposits this week. The one-year option fares best and now pays a market-leading 5.12%. If savers deposited the minimum £1,000 into the account, this rate would give them around £51 in interest over the course of a year. However, as is the case with many fixed rate bonds, earlier access is not permitted, so savers should ensure they’re willing to lock away their cash for the full term and have some sitting in a separate flexible account for backup. The initial investment should also be carefully considered as further additions are not permitted. Adding to its appeal, loyal Fixed Rate Deposit customers could benefit from a small 0.10% bonus if they choose to reinvest into another bond at maturity, which may be a plus for some. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details: 

  • Rate: 5.12% gross / 5.12% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Opening account: By post and in branch
  • Managing account: By post and in branch
  • Other information: Simple interest. Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available. 0.10% loyalty bonus offered to existing Fixed Rate Deposit holders if they choose to reinvest into another Fixed Rate Deposit at maturity.

 

Starling Bank – Easy Saver

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

“Customers looking to switch current account providers and maximise their easy access savings at the same time may be pleased to see that Starling Bank has boosted the rate on its Easy Saver to 5% AER on balances up to £25,000, which includes a 2.50% bonus subject to conditions. This account pays a market-leading rate when compared to its peers and can be opened with as little as £1, which may make it an ideal option for those starting their savings journey. Adding to its appeal, savers can make unlimited penalty-free withdrawals, meaning this may be a good home to keep emergency savings. However, to open the account, customers first need to open or have a Starling Personal account and, to receive the full 5% AER rate, they must open the Easy Saver within 30 days of opening their new current account. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details: 

  • Rate: 4.87% gross / 5.00% AER payable monthly on balances up to £25,000. 2.46 gross / 2.50% AER paid from £25,001 (Includes 2.50% bonus on balances up to £25,000 for six months*)
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted via Starling personal account
  • Opening account: Via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Via its mobile app and online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. *Must have or open a Starling personal account, introductory bonus rate only available for new personal Easy Saver accounts applied for within 30 days of opening a new personal current account from 1 October 2026.

 

Mortgages

Nationwide Building Society – Two-year variable tracker rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

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

“Nationwide Building Society is among a handful of lenders to increase rates across most of its range this week. Selected tracker deals have seen increases by up to 0.09%, but one deal to see a slightly smaller rise is the two-year 80% loan-to-value option which is now priced at 4.22%. As fixed rates continue to climb, tracker deals may become a more appealing option for borrowers looking to save on costs as they currently offer much lower initial rates. However, if base rate rises, borrowers’ monthly repayments may also rise in response. While there is a reasonable £999 fee attached, this is offset by its free valuation incentive and customers with qualifying properties could also receive up to £500 in ‘Green Rewards’ cashback. Despite the rise, this deal remains a competitive option, and it maintains its position as a Best Buy, earning an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details: 

  • Rate: 4.22% variable tracker rate for two years
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation. Green reward for properties with EPC score of 86 to 91 £250 cashback and properties with EPC score of 92+ £500 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Underpayments permitted subject to overpayments having been made and subject to approval
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland (excludes Scilly Isles).

 

Banking 

Barclays Bank – Bank Account

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

“The latest update from Barclays Bank sees a new switching offer launched on its Bank Account. Consumers could now receive up to £300 for switching using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) and meeting certain conditions, such as depositing at least £2,000. Alongside the attractive cashback offer, customers can also sign up for Blue Rewards, which gives them access to exclusive members only savings accounts and the opportunity to earn cashback with Barclays Cashback partners. Further adding to its appeal, there is a £15 interest-free buffer on arranged overdrafts. Before opening an account, it’s important that consumers can meet any restrictions and that they can make full use of any additional perks to avoid overpaying. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details: 

  • Credit interest / reward: None
  • Cashback on debit card purchases: None
  • Account fee: None
  • Arranged overdraft: 35.00% EAR, plus £15 interest-free buffer
  • Opening account: Online, in branch, or via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Online, by phone, in branch, via its mobile app, by post, at the Post Office and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. £150 cashback for accounts opened via the Barclays app and switched using the Current Account Switch Service. Must transfer a minimum of three direct debits and deposit at least £2,000 into the account within 30 days of opening. Earn £30 per month for up to five months after receiving the initial offer, must deposit at least £2,000 and make at least 10 debit card transactions each month. Ts&Cs apply. Eligible for Barclays Blue Rewards. Eligibility criteria applies: £5pm charge, £800pm funding, must be registered for mobile banking. Exclusive access to members only savings accounts & earn cashback with Barclays Cashback partners. Subscription to Apple TV+ worth £9.99 pm. Arranged overdraft subject to status. 

 

Savings

Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd – 1 Year Fixed Rate Deposit

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

“Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd has increased the rates on a selection of its Fixed Rate Deposits this week. The one-year option fares best and now pays a market-leading 5.12%. If savers deposited the minimum £1,000 into the account, this rate would give them around £51 in interest over the course of a year. However, as is the case with many fixed rate bonds, earlier access is not permitted, so savers should ensure they’re willing to lock away their cash for the full term and have some sitting in a separate flexible account for backup. The initial investment should also be carefully considered as further additions are not permitted. Adding to its appeal, loyal Fixed Rate Deposit customers could benefit from a small 0.10% bonus if they choose to reinvest into another bond at maturity, which may be a plus for some. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details: 

  • Rate: 5.12% gross / 5.12% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: One year
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Not permitted
  • Opening account: By post and in branch
  • Managing account: By post and in branch
  • Other information: Simple interest. Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available. 0.10% loyalty bonus offered to existing Fixed Rate Deposit holders if they choose to reinvest into another Fixed Rate Deposit at maturity.

 

Starling Bank – Easy Saver

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

“Customers looking to switch current account providers and maximise their easy access savings at the same time may be pleased to see that Starling Bank has boosted the rate on its Easy Saver to 5% AER on balances up to £25,000, which includes a 2.50% bonus subject to conditions. This account pays a market-leading rate when compared to its peers and can be opened with as little as £1, which may make it an ideal option for those starting their savings journey. Adding to its appeal, savers can make unlimited penalty-free withdrawals, meaning this may be a good home to keep emergency savings. However, to open the account, customers first need to open or have a Starling Personal account and, to receive the full 5% AER rate, they must open the Easy Saver within 30 days of opening their new current account. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details: 

  • Rate: 4.87% gross / 5.00% AER payable monthly on balances up to £25,000. 2.46 gross / 2.50% AER paid from £25,001 (Includes 2.50% bonus on balances up to £25,000 for six months*)
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted via Starling personal account
  • Opening account: Via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Via its mobile app and online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. *Must have or open a Starling personal account, introductory bonus rate only available for new personal Easy Saver accounts applied for within 30 days of opening a new personal current account from 1 October 2026.

 

Mortgages

Nationwide Building Society – Two-year variable tracker rate mortgage, 80% loan-to-value

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

“Nationwide Building Society is among a handful of lenders to increase rates across most of its range this week. Selected tracker deals have seen increases by up to 0.09%, but one deal to see a slightly smaller rise is the two-year 80% loan-to-value option which is now priced at 4.22%. As fixed rates continue to climb, tracker deals may become a more appealing option for borrowers looking to save on costs as they currently offer much lower initial rates. However, if base rate rises, borrowers’ monthly repayments may also rise in response. While there is a reasonable £999 fee attached, this is offset by its free valuation incentive and customers with qualifying properties could also receive up to £500 in ‘Green Rewards’ cashback. Despite the rise, this deal remains a competitive option, and it maintains its position as a Best Buy, earning an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details: 

  • Rate: 4.22% variable tracker rate for two years
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 80%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation. Green reward for properties with EPC score of 86 to 91 £250 cashback and properties with EPC score of 92+ £500 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Underpayments permitted subject to overpayments having been made and subject to approval
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland (excludes Scilly Isles).

 

Banking 

Barclays Bank – Bank Account

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

“The latest update from Barclays Bank sees a new switching offer launched on its Bank Account. Consumers could now receive up to £300 for switching using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) and meeting certain conditions, such as depositing at least £2,000. Alongside the attractive cashback offer, customers can also sign up for Blue Rewards, which gives them access to exclusive members only savings accounts and the opportunity to earn cashback with Barclays Cashback partners. Further adding to its appeal, there is a £15 interest-free buffer on arranged overdrafts. Before opening an account, it’s important that consumers can meet any restrictions and that they can make full use of any additional perks to avoid overpaying. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details: 

  • Credit interest / reward: None
  • Cashback on debit card purchases: None
  • Account fee: None
  • Arranged overdraft: 35.00% EAR, plus £15 interest-free buffer
  • Opening account: Online, in branch, or via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Online, by phone, in branch, via its mobile app, by post, at the Post Office and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. £150 cashback for accounts opened via the Barclays app and switched using the Current Account Switch Service. Must transfer a minimum of three direct debits and deposit at least £2,000 into the account within 30 days of opening. Earn £30 per month for up to five months after receiving the initial offer, must deposit at least £2,000 and make at least 10 debit card transactions each month. Ts&Cs apply. Eligible for Barclays Blue Rewards. Eligibility criteria applies: £5pm charge, £800pm funding, must be registered for mobile banking. Exclusive access to members only savings accounts & earn cashback with Barclays Cashback partners. Subscription to Apple TV+ worth £9.99 pm. Arranged overdraft subject to status. 

 

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 38 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 38 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 Consumer Finance
Rachel Springall Finance Expert
Caitlyn Eastell Personal Finance Analyst