Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 26/05/2022

Eleanor Williams, Press Officer

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

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

Al Rayan Bank – 12 Month Fixed Term Deposit

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

“Savers who are happy to secure their nest egg away for the short-term may be interested to see that Al Rayan Bank has increased the returns on a selection of its fixed term deposit accounts this week. Rising by 0.07%, the 12 Month Fixed Term Deposit now pays an expected profit rate of 2.33%, which sees this account take a place in our top tables as it currently pays one of the leading rates on offer for its specific term, so this may well be a tempting choice for investors. Overall, this account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 2.33% gross / 2.35% AER payable quarterly
Notice / term: 12 months
Minimum opening amount: £5,000
Maximum investment amount: £999,999
Access: Not permitted
Further additions: Not permitted
Opening account: Online, by phone and via its mobile app
Managing account: Online, by phone and via its mobile app
Other information: Minimum applicant age 16. Joint account option available. Sharia’a compliant account – rates shown are an expected profit rate. Quarterly profit can be taken as an income with a reduced rate.

Moneybox – Personal 120 Day Notice Account – Issue 1

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

“Moneybox has increased the rate on its 120-day notice account this week by 0.38%. Now paying 1.44%, this account takes a place within the top 10 when compared to other notice accounts currently available. This could be an option that suits savers who want to have some flexible access to their cash, but who are happy to provide the required 120-day notice to do so. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 1.44% gross / 1.45% AER payable monthly
Notice / term: 120 days
Minimum opening amount: £1
Maximum investment amount: £85,000
Access: Permitted, subject to 120 days’ notice.
Further additions: Permitted
Opening account: Via its mobile app
Managing account: Via its mobile app
Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Operated by Shawbrook Bank.

United Trust Bank – ISA 3 Year Bond

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

“United Trust Bank has increased the rate across its range of ISA bonds by up to 0.15% this week. The ISA 3 Year bond now pays 2.25% and takes a place in our top tables when compared against other ISAs with similar terms. It may appeal to savers looking to use their ISA allowance and who are happy securing their savings pot away for the term. Savers will need to have at least £15,000 to invest, but the account does allow earlier access subject to an interest penalty, a flexibility which might tempt some investors. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 2.25% gross / 2.25% AER payable on anniversary
Notice / term: Three years
Minimum opening amount: £15,000
Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
Access: Permitted on account closure, subject to an interest penalty
Further additions: Not permitted
Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs.
Transfers out: Permitted on account closure, subject to an interest penalty
Opening account: By post
Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Bank of London & the Middle East – 18 Month Premier Deposit Account (Anticipated Profit Rate)

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

“This week saw Bank of London & the Middle East increase the expected profit rate on a number of its accounts, including its 18-month Premier Deposit account. Now paying 2.30% on anniversary, this option takes a place within the top 10 of its sector. Savers with at least £1,000 to invest and who are looking for a competitive return for their funds may find this an attractive choice. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 2.30% gross / 2.30% AER payable on anniversary
Notice / term: 18 months
Minimum opening amount: £1,000
Maximum investment amount: £1 million
Access: Not permitted
Further additions: Not permitted
Opening account: Online
Managing account: By post
Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available. BLME transfer account required. Sharia’a compliant account – rates shown are an expected profit rate.

Cynergy Bank – Online Easy Access Account (Issue 50)

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

“Included in the various updates across its range of savings accounts this week, Cynergy Bank has lifted the existing customer restriction on its Online Easy Access account. Paying a rate of 1.20% (which includes a bonus rate of 0.90% for 12 months), this account is open to investments of as little as £1. This account takes the lead position in our top rate tables when compared against other similar easy access accounts that offer a bonus currently on offer. This could well appeal to those who are looking to maintain flexible access to their savings pot in these uncertain times and who may be tempted by the competitive return, as both access and further additions are permitted. However, savvy savers might find it wise to review their account after 12 months when the bonus will expire and the rate will reduce by 0.90%. Overall, the account secures an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 1.20% gross / 1.20% AER, (0.90% of which is a bonus that expires after 12 months), payable on anniversary
Notice / term: None
Minimum opening amount: £1
Maximum investment amount: £1 million
Access: Permitted via a nominated account
Further additions: Permitted
Opening account: Online
Managing account: Online
Other information: Minimum age 18. Joint account option available. Cynergy Bank Authenticator App or Digipass required to use online banking.

Mortgages

Accord Mortgages – Two-year discounted variable rate mortgage, 65% loan-to-value

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

“Accord Mortgages has made a couple of updates this week which included re-pricing discounted variable rates. One of these deals is priced at 1.99% (2.75% discount) until 31 August 2024 and is available to both those purchasing and those remortgaging at 65% loan-to-value. This product may tempt borrowers who are comfortable with a variable rate and who are looking for a competitive initial rate combined with relatively low set-up costs, as the fee of £495 can be added to the advance, and a free valuation incentive is also available. Already an attractive option when considered as a package, this product also continues to provide borrowers with flexible features, so despite the small rise in rate this week, this deal maintains its position in our top table for Flexible products and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

1.99% discounted variable rate to 31.8.24
Product fee: £495
Maximum loan-to-value: 65%
Available to: All borrowers
Incentives: Free valuation
Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Underpayments and payment holidays considered (with notice required), not to exceed level of overpayments made.
Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Available via selected intermediaries.

Buy-to-Let Mortgages

Leek United Building Society – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

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

“Leek United Building Society increased selected fixed rates by up to 0.20% this week, but the five-year fixed rate option at 75% loan-to-value may well remain a tempting choice for landlords wanting to keep any outlay on mortgage set-up costs to a minimum. Now priced at a reasonable 2.80% until 31 October 2027, this option continues to carry a £995 fee which borrowers could add to the advance. This is offset further by a generous incentive package, including £400 cashback and a free valuation. On assessment, this deal retains its place in our top tables despite the rate rise, and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 2.80% fixed rate to 31.10.27
Product fee: £995
Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
Available to: House purchase and remortgage customers
Incentives: Free valuation and £400 cashback
Flexible features: Allows overpayments
Lending area: England and Wales.

Savings

Al Rayan Bank – 12 Month Fixed Term Deposit

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

“Savers who are happy to secure their nest egg away for the short-term may be interested to see that Al Rayan Bank has increased the returns on a selection of its fixed term deposit accounts this week. Rising by 0.07%, the 12 Month Fixed Term Deposit now pays an expected profit rate of 2.33%, which sees this account take a place in our top tables as it currently pays one of the leading rates on offer for its specific term, so this may well be a tempting choice for investors. Overall, this account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 2.33% gross / 2.35% AER payable quarterly
Notice / term: 12 months
Minimum opening amount: £5,000
Maximum investment amount: £999,999
Access: Not permitted
Further additions: Not permitted
Opening account: Online, by phone and via its mobile app
Managing account: Online, by phone and via its mobile app
Other information: Minimum applicant age 16. Joint account option available. Sharia’a compliant account – rates shown are an expected profit rate. Quarterly profit can be taken as an income with a reduced rate.

Moneybox – Personal 120 Day Notice Account – Issue 1

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

“Moneybox has increased the rate on its 120-day notice account this week by 0.38%. Now paying 1.44%, this account takes a place within the top 10 when compared to other notice accounts currently available. This could be an option that suits savers who want to have some flexible access to their cash, but who are happy to provide the required 120-day notice to do so. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 1.44% gross / 1.45% AER payable monthly
Notice / term: 120 days
Minimum opening amount: £1
Maximum investment amount: £85,000
Access: Permitted, subject to 120 days’ notice.
Further additions: Permitted
Opening account: Via its mobile app
Managing account: Via its mobile app
Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Operated by Shawbrook Bank.

United Trust Bank – ISA 3 Year Bond

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

“United Trust Bank has increased the rate across its range of ISA bonds by up to 0.15% this week. The ISA 3 Year bond now pays 2.25% and takes a place in our top tables when compared against other ISAs with similar terms. It may appeal to savers looking to use their ISA allowance and who are happy securing their savings pot away for the term. Savers will need to have at least £15,000 to invest, but the account does allow earlier access subject to an interest penalty, a flexibility which might tempt some investors. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 2.25% gross / 2.25% AER payable on anniversary
Notice / term: Three years
Minimum opening amount: £15,000
Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
Access: Permitted on account closure, subject to an interest penalty
Further additions: Not permitted
Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs.
Transfers out: Permitted on account closure, subject to an interest penalty
Opening account: By post
Managing account: Online, by phone and by post
Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Bank of London & the Middle East – 18 Month Premier Deposit Account (Anticipated Profit Rate)

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

“This week saw Bank of London & the Middle East increase the expected profit rate on a number of its accounts, including its 18-month Premier Deposit account. Now paying 2.30% on anniversary, this option takes a place within the top 10 of its sector. Savers with at least £1,000 to invest and who are looking for a competitive return for their funds may find this an attractive choice. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 2.30% gross / 2.30% AER payable on anniversary
Notice / term: 18 months
Minimum opening amount: £1,000
Maximum investment amount: £1 million
Access: Not permitted
Further additions: Not permitted
Opening account: Online
Managing account: By post
Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available. BLME transfer account required. Sharia’a compliant account – rates shown are an expected profit rate.

Cynergy Bank – Online Easy Access Account (Issue 50)

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

“Included in the various updates across its range of savings accounts this week, Cynergy Bank has lifted the existing customer restriction on its Online Easy Access account. Paying a rate of 1.20% (which includes a bonus rate of 0.90% for 12 months), this account is open to investments of as little as £1. This account takes the lead position in our top rate tables when compared against other similar easy access accounts that offer a bonus currently on offer. This could well appeal to those who are looking to maintain flexible access to their savings pot in these uncertain times and who may be tempted by the competitive return, as both access and further additions are permitted. However, savvy savers might find it wise to review their account after 12 months when the bonus will expire and the rate will reduce by 0.90%. Overall, the account secures an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 1.20% gross / 1.20% AER, (0.90% of which is a bonus that expires after 12 months), payable on anniversary
Notice / term: None
Minimum opening amount: £1
Maximum investment amount: £1 million
Access: Permitted via a nominated account
Further additions: Permitted
Opening account: Online
Managing account: Online
Other information: Minimum age 18. Joint account option available. Cynergy Bank Authenticator App or Digipass required to use online banking.

Mortgages

Accord Mortgages – Two-year discounted variable rate mortgage, 65% loan-to-value

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

“Accord Mortgages has made a couple of updates this week which included re-pricing discounted variable rates. One of these deals is priced at 1.99% (2.75% discount) until 31 August 2024 and is available to both those purchasing and those remortgaging at 65% loan-to-value. This product may tempt borrowers who are comfortable with a variable rate and who are looking for a competitive initial rate combined with relatively low set-up costs, as the fee of £495 can be added to the advance, and a free valuation incentive is also available. Already an attractive option when considered as a package, this product also continues to provide borrowers with flexible features, so despite the small rise in rate this week, this deal maintains its position in our top table for Flexible products and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

1.99% discounted variable rate to 31.8.24
Product fee: £495
Maximum loan-to-value: 65%
Available to: All borrowers
Incentives: Free valuation
Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Underpayments and payment holidays considered (with notice required), not to exceed level of overpayments made.
Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Available via selected intermediaries.

Buy-to-Let Mortgages

Leek United Building Society – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value

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

“Leek United Building Society increased selected fixed rates by up to 0.20% this week, but the five-year fixed rate option at 75% loan-to-value may well remain a tempting choice for landlords wanting to keep any outlay on mortgage set-up costs to a minimum. Now priced at a reasonable 2.80% until 31 October 2027, this option continues to carry a £995 fee which borrowers could add to the advance. This is offset further by a generous incentive package, including £400 cashback and a free valuation. On assessment, this deal retains its place in our top tables despite the rate rise, and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

Rate: 2.80% fixed rate to 31.10.27
Product fee: £995
Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
Available to: House purchase and remortgage customers
Incentives: Free valuation and £400 cashback
Flexible features: Allows overpayments
Lending area: England and Wales.

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.

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.

James Hyde Press & PR Manager

T: 01603 476205

Rachel Springall Press Officer / Finance Expert

T: 01603 476210

E: Email Rachel

Caitlyn Eastell Apprentice Press & PR Assistant

T: 01603 476169

E: Email Caitlyn

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©2024 Moneyfacts Group plc. All Rights Reserved. Use of this Website constitutes acceptance of the Company’s General Terms of Use & Privacy Policy. Moneyfacts Group plc is registered in England and Wales, company no. 4063110. Registered office: Moneyfacts House, 66-70 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1BJ. Moneyfacts, MONEY £ ACTS and INTEREST are Registered Trademarks.