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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 26/01/2023

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Eleanor Williams, Press Officer
Eleanor Williams, Press Officer / Finance Expert T: 01603 476200 E: Email the Press Team
26/01/2023

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

Castle Trust Bank – 2 Year Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA

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

“This week Castle Trust Bank has launched a new 2 Year Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA. Paying a rate of 4.10% on maturity, this ISA takes a prominent position in the top 10 when compared to other similar fixed ISAs currently on offer. Investors looking to utilise their tax-free savings allowance may well be attracted to the competitive rate of return plus the fact that there is some flexibility on offer as this ISA allows earlier access, but this is subject to account closure and a loss of interest penalty. There is also the option to make further additions and transfers in for 14 days from account opening, which could boost the appeal of this ISA further for some. On assessment, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.10% gross / 4.10% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to account closure and 180 days’ loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening.
  • Transfers in: Permitted for 14 days from account opening. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs.
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to account closure and 180 days’ loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. If minimum investment is not made within 14 days of account opening, no interest is paid and the balance is refunded. New customers can only open an account online via the self-service portal.

 

Loughborough Building Society – 120 Day Notice Cash ISA 

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

“Savers still looking to use their tax-free ISA allowance and who wish to balance earning a competitive rate of return with maintaining some access to their savings pot may be tempted by the newly launched 120 Day Notice Cash ISA from Loughborough Building Society. This ISA pays a rate of 3.05%, which sees it take the market-leading position in our top tables compared to other variable rate ISAs currently on offer. Withdrawals are allowed, subject to 120 days’ notice or, alternatively, earlier access is permitted but subject to a 120-day loss of interest penalty. Overall, this ISA earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.05% gross / 3.05% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: 120 days
  • Minimum opening amount: £3,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to 120 days’ notice or loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 120 days’ notice or loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: In branch or by post
  • Managing account: In branch or by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

 

Shawbrook Bank – Easy Access – Issue 32 

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

“Savers who are looking for a straight-forward easy access account may be interested to see that Shawbrook Bank has increased the rate paid on its Easy Access account this week. Now paying a return of 2.92%, this account takes a place within the top 10 when compared to other easy access accounts currently on the market. This account allows both withdrawals and further additions at any time, which may well be appealing to those looking to maintain flexible access to their cash. There is also the option to take the interest earned on a monthly basis, which might be another attractive feature for those who are looking to boost their usual income. Overall, this account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”  

Key product details:

  • Rate: 2.92% gross / 2.92% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest rate option of rate 2.88% gross / 2.92% AER also available
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Permitted via nominated account. Minimum withdrawal amount £500
  • Further additions: Permitted via nominated account
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online and by phone
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available.

 

Mortgages 

Barclays Mortgage – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 85% loan-to-value

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

“Barclays Mortgage has reduced many of its residential fixed rate deals this week. One product of note is the five-year option at 85% loan-to-value. Following a rate cut of 0.20%, this is now priced at 4.51% until 31 March 2028, this deal may be a tempting choice for those looking for a stable mid-term fixed rate to budget to. While there are some products in this sector with slightly lower initial rates currently available, when assessed as a whole package, the reasonable £999 fee and incentive options available with this product ensure that this deal takes a place in our top tables and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.51% fixed rate to 31.3.28
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 85%
  • Available to: House purchase customers and remortgage borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation, and for remortgage borrowers either free legal fees or £250 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Halifax – Ten-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

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

“This week Halifax has amended some of its fixed rate products, including cutting 0.15% from its 10-year fixed rate option for those purchasing a home at 60% loan-to-value. Now priced at 4.35% until 31 May 2033, borrowers who are looking to secure the stability of a long-term fixed rate may be further pleased to note that this option carries a reasonable £999 fee which they would have the option to add to the mortgage advance. On assessment, this deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.” 

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.35% fixed rate to 31.5.33
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: ‘Green’ incentive of £250 cashback for properties with an Energy Efficiency Band of A or B, or a rating of 81 or higher
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Payment holidays considered after one year and subject to approval
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Buy-to-let

Clydesdale Bank – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

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

“Clydesdale Bank has made reductions of up to 0.35% across selected fixed rate deals in its buy-to-let range this week. One of the options to see this rate cut is available to landlords who are purchasing or remortgaging at 75% loan-to-value. Now priced at 5.56% until 30 April 2025 and available via intermediaries, this deal may be an attractive one for landlords looking to keep any set-up costs associated with their new mortgage to a minimum, as there is no fee attached to this product and there is also a comprehensive incentive package on offer. This option therefore receives an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.” 

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.56% fixed rate to 30.4.25
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: House purchase customers and remortgage borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and for remortgage borrowers free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments.
  • Lending area: Great Britain. Available via Intermediaries.

 

Banking

Santander – 123 Current Account

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

“Santander has introduced a switching incentive this week for customers who switch to either its 123, Santander Edge, Everyday, Private and Select Current Accounts. Customers who switch using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service) will now receive £200 cashback, so long as two direct debits are set up, the account is credited with £1,000 and they log into online or mobile banking within the first two months after opening. The 123 Current Account carries a monthly fee of £4, but offers a range of benefits for savers and spenders as customers can earn up to 3% cashback on household bills and earn credit interest of up to 1.74% gross per annum on balances up to £20,000. On balance, the account earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: 1.74% gross per annum on balances up to £20,000.
  • Account fee: £4 per month
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.94% EAR
  • Opening account: Online and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, by phone, in branch, via its mobile app, post office and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Minimum regular funding £500 per month. Eligible for cashback on certain bills and insurance premiums paid by direct debit as well as Santander Boosts.

Savings

Castle Trust Bank – 2 Year Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA

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

“This week Castle Trust Bank has launched a new 2 Year Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA. Paying a rate of 4.10% on maturity, this ISA takes a prominent position in the top 10 when compared to other similar fixed ISAs currently on offer. Investors looking to utilise their tax-free savings allowance may well be attracted to the competitive rate of return plus the fact that there is some flexibility on offer as this ISA allows earlier access, but this is subject to account closure and a loss of interest penalty. There is also the option to make further additions and transfers in for 14 days from account opening, which could boost the appeal of this ISA further for some. On assessment, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.10% gross / 4.10% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: Two years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to account closure and 180 days’ loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening.
  • Transfers in: Permitted for 14 days from account opening. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs.
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to account closure and 180 days’ loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Managing account: Online and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. If minimum investment is not made within 14 days of account opening, no interest is paid and the balance is refunded. New customers can only open an account online via the self-service portal.

 

Loughborough Building Society – 120 Day Notice Cash ISA 

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

“Savers still looking to use their tax-free ISA allowance and who wish to balance earning a competitive rate of return with maintaining some access to their savings pot may be tempted by the newly launched 120 Day Notice Cash ISA from Loughborough Building Society. This ISA pays a rate of 3.05%, which sees it take the market-leading position in our top tables compared to other variable rate ISAs currently on offer. Withdrawals are allowed, subject to 120 days’ notice or, alternatively, earlier access is permitted but subject to a 120-day loss of interest penalty. Overall, this ISA earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 3.05% gross / 3.05% AER payable yearly
  • Notice / term: 120 days
  • Minimum opening amount: £3,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to 120 days’ notice or loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 120 days’ notice or loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: In branch or by post
  • Managing account: In branch or by post
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

 

Shawbrook Bank – Easy Access – Issue 32 

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

“Savers who are looking for a straight-forward easy access account may be interested to see that Shawbrook Bank has increased the rate paid on its Easy Access account this week. Now paying a return of 2.92%, this account takes a place within the top 10 when compared to other easy access accounts currently on the market. This account allows both withdrawals and further additions at any time, which may well be appealing to those looking to maintain flexible access to their cash. There is also the option to take the interest earned on a monthly basis, which might be another attractive feature for those who are looking to boost their usual income. Overall, this account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”  

Key product details:

  • Rate: 2.92% gross / 2.92% AER payable on anniversary / monthly interest rate option of rate 2.88% gross / 2.92% AER also available
  • Notice / term: None
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £85,000
  • Access: Permitted via nominated account. Minimum withdrawal amount £500
  • Further additions: Permitted via nominated account
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online and by phone
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available.

 

Mortgages 

Barclays Mortgage – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 85% loan-to-value

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

“Barclays Mortgage has reduced many of its residential fixed rate deals this week. One product of note is the five-year option at 85% loan-to-value. Following a rate cut of 0.20%, this is now priced at 4.51% until 31 March 2028, this deal may be a tempting choice for those looking for a stable mid-term fixed rate to budget to. While there are some products in this sector with slightly lower initial rates currently available, when assessed as a whole package, the reasonable £999 fee and incentive options available with this product ensure that this deal takes a place in our top tables and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.51% fixed rate to 31.3.28
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 85%
  • Available to: House purchase customers and remortgage borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation, and for remortgage borrowers either free legal fees or £250 cashback
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Halifax – Ten-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

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

“This week Halifax has amended some of its fixed rate products, including cutting 0.15% from its 10-year fixed rate option for those purchasing a home at 60% loan-to-value. Now priced at 4.35% until 31 May 2033, borrowers who are looking to secure the stability of a long-term fixed rate may be further pleased to note that this option carries a reasonable £999 fee which they would have the option to add to the mortgage advance. On assessment, this deal earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.” 

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.35% fixed rate to 31.5.33
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: ‘Green’ incentive of £250 cashback for properties with an Energy Efficiency Band of A or B, or a rating of 81 or higher
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Payment holidays considered after one year and subject to approval
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Buy-to-let

Clydesdale Bank – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

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

“Clydesdale Bank has made reductions of up to 0.35% across selected fixed rate deals in its buy-to-let range this week. One of the options to see this rate cut is available to landlords who are purchasing or remortgaging at 75% loan-to-value. Now priced at 5.56% until 30 April 2025 and available via intermediaries, this deal may be an attractive one for landlords looking to keep any set-up costs associated with their new mortgage to a minimum, as there is no fee attached to this product and there is also a comprehensive incentive package on offer. This option therefore receives an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.” 

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.56% fixed rate to 30.4.25
  • Product fee: None
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: House purchase customers and remortgage borrowers
  • Incentives: Free valuation and for remortgage borrowers free legal fees
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments.
  • Lending area: Great Britain. Available via Intermediaries.

 

Banking

Santander – 123 Current Account

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

“Santander has introduced a switching incentive this week for customers who switch to either its 123, Santander Edge, Everyday, Private and Select Current Accounts. Customers who switch using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service) will now receive £200 cashback, so long as two direct debits are set up, the account is credited with £1,000 and they log into online or mobile banking within the first two months after opening. The 123 Current Account carries a monthly fee of £4, but offers a range of benefits for savers and spenders as customers can earn up to 3% cashback on household bills and earn credit interest of up to 1.74% gross per annum on balances up to £20,000. On balance, the account earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Credit interest / reward: 1.74% gross per annum on balances up to £20,000.
  • Account fee: £4 per month
  • Arranged overdraft: 39.94% EAR
  • Opening account: Online and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, by phone, in branch, via its mobile app, post office and text alerts
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Minimum regular funding £500 per month. Eligible for cashback on certain bills and insurance premiums paid by direct debit as well as Santander Boosts.

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