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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 22/09/2022

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Eleanor Williams, Press Officer
Eleanor Williams, Press Officer / Finance Expert T: 01603 476200 E: Email the Press Team
22/09/2022

Moneyfacts Pick of the Week

The Moneyfacts.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 expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk.

This week, our resident Finance Expert, Eleanor Williams, has analysed the following deals, along with their perks, of note:

Moneyfacts Pick of the Week

The Moneyfacts.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 expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk.

This week, our resident Finance Expert, Eleanor Williams, has analysed the following deals, along with their perks, of note:

Savings

SmartSave – 2 Year Fixed Rate Saver

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“SmartSave has improved the rates on a couple of its Fixed Rate Savers this week, including the two-year option. Now paying a rate of 3.72% gross, savers with the minimum £10,000 required to invest may well be tempted by the rate of return, which sees this account scoop a prominent spot in our top tables when compared against other bonds with similar terms currently available. Investors considering this account would need to be happy to lock their nest egg away for the two-year term as earlier access to funds is not permitted, however, further additions can be made for 14-days from account opening, which may be a benefit for some investors. On assessment, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.72% gross / 3.72% AER payable on anniversary
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14-days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Yorkshire Building Society – 3 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Yorkshire Building Society has made some notable rate increases of up to 1.30% across its range of fixed rate bonds and ISAs this week. Savers yet to use their tax-free savings allowance and who are happy to secure their nest egg away for a specified period may well be enticed by the updated Fixed Rate Cash e-ISA until 31 October 2025. Now paying a currently market-leading return of 3.50% gross, savers may be further tempted by the fact that earlier access to funds (subject to account closure and a loss of interest penalty) is permitted, and there is also the option to make further additions whilst the issue remains open. Overall, this ISA earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.50% gross / 3.50% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: To 31.10.25
  • Minimum opening amount: £100
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, on account closure and subject to 180-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted whilst issue remains open
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash or Stocks and Shares ISAs, Cash and Stocks and Shares LISAs and Innovative Finance ISAs.
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 180-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

 

Ford Money – Flexible Saver

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Ford Money has increased the rate on its Flexible Saver this week. Now paying 1.95%, this easy access account takes a place in the top 10 when compared to other similar accounts currently available. This account could well appeal to savers who want to maintain some flexible access to their nest egg, as withdrawals are permitted via a nominated current account. Additionally, those looking to supplement their income may be further tempted by the fact that a monthly interest option is also available. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 1.95% gross / 1.95% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest option of 1.93% gross / 1.95% AER also available
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: £2 million
  • Access: Permitted, via a nominated account
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16. Joint account option available.

 

Mortgages

The Co-operative Bank – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“This week sees The Co-operative Bank buck recent trends and apply rate reductions across the majority of its residential fixed rate offerings. Both those purchasing and those remortgaging, who have at least 40% deposit or equity available, may be tempted by the five-year fixed deal at 60% loan-to-value. Following a rate cut of 0.12%, this is now fixed at 3.76% until 31 December 2027 and could well be attractive to those looking for the stability and ability to budget which comes with a mid-term fixed rate. Those hoping to limit outlay on setting up a new mortgage may also find the generous incentive package a further draw. On assessment this mortgage receives an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating and a place in our top tables.”  

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.76% fixed rate to 31.12.27
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: All borrower types
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback, and for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Buy-to-Let Mortgages

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

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Landlords who have a 40% deposit with which to purchase a rental property might be tempted by the updated two-year fixed rate from HSBC. Following a rate rise of 0.11%, this deal which is now fixed at 3.90% until 31 March 2025, continues to offer a free valuation incentive, and the fee remains unchanged. When assessed as a package and compared to other options within this sector of the market, this product maintains its place in our top tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.90% fixed rate to 31.3.25
  • Product fee: £1,999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Banking 

NatWest – Select Account

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“NatWest has introduced a new £175 switching incentive on its Select Account this week. Customers who switch online using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service) will now receive £175 cashback, so long as the account is credited with £1,250 and they log in to online or mobile banking by the relevant deadlines. The account carries no monthly fee, and also offers a free emergency cash service which may be attractive for those who want a safety net. On balance, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: None
  • Cashback on debit card purchases: None
  • Account fee: None
  • Credit interest: None
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.49% EAR
  • Opening account: Online, by phone and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by phone, via mobile app, post office and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Savings

SmartSave – 2 Year Fixed Rate Saver

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“SmartSave has improved the rates on a couple of its Fixed Rate Savers this week, including the two-year option. Now paying a rate of 3.72% gross, savers with the minimum £10,000 required to invest may well be tempted by the rate of return, which sees this account scoop a prominent spot in our top tables when compared against other bonds with similar terms currently available. Investors considering this account would need to be happy to lock their nest egg away for the two-year term as earlier access to funds is not permitted, however, further additions can be made for 14-days from account opening, which may be a benefit for some investors. On assessment, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.72% gross / 3.72% AER payable on anniversary
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £10,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14-days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Yorkshire Building Society – 3 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Yorkshire Building Society has made some notable rate increases of up to 1.30% across its range of fixed rate bonds and ISAs this week. Savers yet to use their tax-free savings allowance and who are happy to secure their nest egg away for a specified period may well be enticed by the updated Fixed Rate Cash e-ISA until 31 October 2025. Now paying a currently market-leading return of 3.50% gross, savers may be further tempted by the fact that earlier access to funds (subject to account closure and a loss of interest penalty) is permitted, and there is also the option to make further additions whilst the issue remains open. Overall, this ISA earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.50% gross / 3.50% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: To 31.10.25
  • Minimum opening amount: £100
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, on account closure and subject to 180-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted whilst issue remains open
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash or Stocks and Shares ISAs, Cash and Stocks and Shares LISAs and Innovative Finance ISAs.
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 180-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

 

Ford Money – Flexible Saver

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Ford Money has increased the rate on its Flexible Saver this week. Now paying 1.95%, this easy access account takes a place in the top 10 when compared to other similar accounts currently available. This account could well appeal to savers who want to maintain some flexible access to their nest egg, as withdrawals are permitted via a nominated current account. Additionally, those looking to supplement their income may be further tempted by the fact that a monthly interest option is also available. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 1.95% gross / 1.95% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest option of 1.93% gross / 1.95% AER also available
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1
  • Maximum investment amount: £2 million
  • Access: Permitted, via a nominated account
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16. Joint account option available.

 

Mortgages

The Co-operative Bank – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“This week sees The Co-operative Bank buck recent trends and apply rate reductions across the majority of its residential fixed rate offerings. Both those purchasing and those remortgaging, who have at least 40% deposit or equity available, may be tempted by the five-year fixed deal at 60% loan-to-value. Following a rate cut of 0.12%, this is now fixed at 3.76% until 31 December 2027 and could well be attractive to those looking for the stability and ability to budget which comes with a mid-term fixed rate. Those hoping to limit outlay on setting up a new mortgage may also find the generous incentive package a further draw. On assessment this mortgage receives an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating and a place in our top tables.”  

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.76% fixed rate to 31.12.27
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: All borrower types
  • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback, and for remortgage borrowers, free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain.

 

Buy-to-Let Mortgages

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

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“Landlords who have a 40% deposit with which to purchase a rental property might be tempted by the updated two-year fixed rate from HSBC. Following a rate rise of 0.11%, this deal which is now fixed at 3.90% until 31 March 2025, continues to offer a free valuation incentive, and the fee remains unchanged. When assessed as a package and compared to other options within this sector of the market, this product maintains its place in our top tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.90% fixed rate to 31.3.25
  • Product fee: £1,999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Banking 

NatWest – Select Account

Commenting on the deal, Eleanor Williams, Finance Expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:

“NatWest has introduced a new £175 switching incentive on its Select Account this week. Customers who switch online using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service) will now receive £175 cashback, so long as the account is credited with £1,250 and they log in to online or mobile banking by the relevant deadlines. The account carries no monthly fee, and also offers a free emergency cash service which may be attractive for those who want a safety net. On balance, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: None
  • Cashback on debit card purchases: None
  • Account fee: None
  • Credit interest: None
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.49% EAR
  • Opening account: Online, by phone and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by phone, via mobile app, post office and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

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