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Moneyfacts Pick of the Week - 18/04/2024

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Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant
Caitlyn Eastell, Apprentice Press & PR Assistant T: 01603 476169 E: Email Caitlyn
18/04/2024

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 expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

This week, our resident Spokesperson, 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 expert at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk.

This week, our resident Spokesperson, Caitlyn Eastell, has analysed the following deals, along with their perks, of note:

Savings

SmartSave – 1 Year Fixed Rate Saver

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week SmartSave has increased the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Saver, and it now takes the market-leading position within its sector. The account pays an attractive 5.17%, for those able to invest a minimum of £10,000. Savers should consider that earlier access is not permitted, but they may be happy to see that further additions can be made for 14 days from the account opening. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.17% gross / 5.17% AER payable on maturity (compounded annually)
  • Notice / term: One year
  • 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.

 

Virgin Money – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA Exclusive Issue 12

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Virgin Money has launched a new one-year fixed rate cash ISA. The deal pays a rate of 5.05% gross and may appeal to savers who want to utilise their ISA allowance and are happy to lock their cash away for a year, however, earlier access can be granted subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty. The account can be set up with no minimum deposit, following certain opening criteria. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.05% gross / 5.05% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: To 30.04.25
  • Minimum opening amount: £0
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted while issue remains open
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by post, by phone, and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Available to new and existing Virgin Money current account customers from 4/12/19 or existing customers who originally opened a Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank or B current account.

 

Marsden Building Society – Fixed Rate Cash ISA (Issue 213)

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Marsden Building Society has made several amendments across its range, including its two-year fixed cash ISA. Paying 4.60% gross/AER, the deal takes a competitive position in the market for its term and may appeal to savers looking to take advantage of their maximum ISA allowance. There is also a monthly interest payment option which pays 4.50% gross / 4.59% AER for savers looking to give their income a boost. Although earlier access is permitted, this is on account closure only and savers will be subject to a 240-day loss of interest, so a withdrawal should be carefully considered. Upon opening the account, investors are able to make cash ISA transfers into the account within the first 30 days, which may be an added bonus for some. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.60% gross / 4.60% AER payable yearly / monthly interest option of 4.50% gross / 4.59% AER also available
  • Notice / term: To 30.04.26
  • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, on account closure only and subject to 240-day loss of interest.
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Transfers in: External transfer only, requests must be received within 30 days of account opening. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 240-day loss of interest
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Hodge Bank – 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Hodge Bank has increased the rate on its 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond, taking a prominent position in the market. Paying a competitive 4.56% gross/AER on its anniversary, alternatively, savers can select a monthly interest payment option which pays 4.47% gross/4.56% AER. As is the case with many fixed term bonds, savers should be comfortable locking away their cash in the long-term as earlier access is not permitted for the full five years, but they may be glad to see that they can take advantage of making further additions for 14 days from the account opening. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.56% gross / 4.56% AER, payable on its anniversary / monthly interest option of 4.47% gross / 4.56% AER also available
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Mortgages

Santander – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Alongside extending end dates, this week Santander has also reduced the rate on selected fixed deals; its three-year 60% loan-to-value fixed rate mortgage is among the deals seeing a cut. Now priced at 4.54% and available for house purchase, borrowers can also benefit from a reasonable £999 arrangement fee as well as an appealing incentive package, which includes a free valuation. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.54% fixed rate to 2.9.27
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Buy-to-Let

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

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Santander has reduced selected buy-to-let fixed rate offerings this week. Seeing a small cut is its five-year fixed rate deal, which is now priced at 4.44% and may appeal to landlords looking to secure a competitive rate. Available to second-time buyers, they will receive a free valuation incentive, but the deal does come with a large product fee of £1,749 that can be added to the mortgage advance, which could be ideal for those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.44% fixed rate to 2.9.29
  • Product fee: £1,749
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation (limits vary depending on lending area)   
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Cards

Lloyds Bank – Lloyds Bank Platinum 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“The latest update from Lloyds Bank sees an increase to the 0% introductory balance transfer term to 27 months, as well as a reduced introductory balance fee of 3.20%. Following these changes, this card becomes one of the most competitive in the market and may well entice borrowers who need more time to transfer balances interest-free. Adding to its appeal, the deal also offers 0% on purchases for six months. The deal charges an upfront balance transfer fee of 3.20% during the introductory period and rises to 5% afterwards, which should be considered. As always, it is sensible for borrowers to ensure that this deal is suitable for their circumstances. On assessment, the card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Introductory rate for purchases: Six months
  • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 27 months
  • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3.20% as an introductory charge during the first three months from account opening, rising to 5.00% (no min) thereafter
  • Card fee: None
  • Opening method: Online and by phone
  • Card management: Online, by phone, in branch and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum age 18.

 

Savings

SmartSave – 1 Year Fixed Rate Saver

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week SmartSave has increased the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Saver, and it now takes the market-leading position within its sector. The account pays an attractive 5.17%, for those able to invest a minimum of £10,000. Savers should consider that earlier access is not permitted, but they may be happy to see that further additions can be made for 14 days from the account opening. Overall, the account receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.17% gross / 5.17% AER payable on maturity (compounded annually)
  • Notice / term: One year
  • 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.

 

Virgin Money – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA Exclusive Issue 12

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Virgin Money has launched a new one-year fixed rate cash ISA. The deal pays a rate of 5.05% gross and may appeal to savers who want to utilise their ISA allowance and are happy to lock their cash away for a year, however, earlier access can be granted subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty. The account can be set up with no minimum deposit, following certain opening criteria. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 5.05% gross / 5.05% AER payable on maturity
  • Notice / term: To 30.04.25
  • Minimum opening amount: £0
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty
  • Further additions: Permitted while issue remains open
  • Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 60-day loss of interest penalty
  • Opening account: Online and in branch
  • Managing account: Online, in branch, by post, by phone, and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Available to new and existing Virgin Money current account customers from 4/12/19 or existing customers who originally opened a Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank or B current account.

 

Marsden Building Society – Fixed Rate Cash ISA (Issue 213)

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Marsden Building Society has made several amendments across its range, including its two-year fixed cash ISA. Paying 4.60% gross/AER, the deal takes a competitive position in the market for its term and may appeal to savers looking to take advantage of their maximum ISA allowance. There is also a monthly interest payment option which pays 4.50% gross / 4.59% AER for savers looking to give their income a boost. Although earlier access is permitted, this is on account closure only and savers will be subject to a 240-day loss of interest, so a withdrawal should be carefully considered. Upon opening the account, investors are able to make cash ISA transfers into the account within the first 30 days, which may be an added bonus for some. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.60% gross / 4.60% AER payable yearly / monthly interest option of 4.50% gross / 4.59% AER also available
  • Notice / term: To 30.04.26
  • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
  • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
  • Access: Permitted, on account closure only and subject to 240-day loss of interest.
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Transfers in: External transfer only, requests must be received within 30 days of account opening. Accepts Cash ISAs
  • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 240-day loss of interest
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Hodge Bank – 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“This week, Hodge Bank has increased the rate on its 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond, taking a prominent position in the market. Paying a competitive 4.56% gross/AER on its anniversary, alternatively, savers can select a monthly interest payment option which pays 4.47% gross/4.56% AER. As is the case with many fixed term bonds, savers should be comfortable locking away their cash in the long-term as earlier access is not permitted for the full five years, but they may be glad to see that they can take advantage of making further additions for 14 days from the account opening. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.56% gross / 4.56% AER, payable on its anniversary / monthly interest option of 4.47% gross / 4.56% AER also available
  • Notice / term: Five years
  • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
  • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
  • Access: Not permitted
  • Further additions: Permitted for 14 days from account opening
  • Opening account: Online
  • Managing account: Online
  • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

 

Mortgages

Santander – Three-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Alongside extending end dates, this week Santander has also reduced the rate on selected fixed deals; its three-year 60% loan-to-value fixed rate mortgage is among the deals seeing a cut. Now priced at 4.54% and available for house purchase, borrowers can also benefit from a reasonable £999 arrangement fee as well as an appealing incentive package, which includes a free valuation. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.54% fixed rate to 2.9.27
  • Product fee: £999
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
  • Available to: House purchase customers
  • Incentives: Free valuation
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Buy-to-Let

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

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“Santander has reduced selected buy-to-let fixed rate offerings this week. Seeing a small cut is its five-year fixed rate deal, which is now priced at 4.44% and may appeal to landlords looking to secure a competitive rate. Available to second-time buyers, they will receive a free valuation incentive, but the deal does come with a large product fee of £1,749 that can be added to the mortgage advance, which could be ideal for those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Rate: 4.44% fixed rate to 2.9.29
  • Product fee: £1,749
  • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
  • Available to: Second-time buyers
  • Incentives: Free valuation (limits vary depending on lending area)   
  • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
  • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

Cards

Lloyds Bank – Lloyds Bank Platinum 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard

Commenting on the deal, Caitlyn Eastell, Spokesperson at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said:

“The latest update from Lloyds Bank sees an increase to the 0% introductory balance transfer term to 27 months, as well as a reduced introductory balance fee of 3.20%. Following these changes, this card becomes one of the most competitive in the market and may well entice borrowers who need more time to transfer balances interest-free. Adding to its appeal, the deal also offers 0% on purchases for six months. The deal charges an upfront balance transfer fee of 3.20% during the introductory period and rises to 5% afterwards, which should be considered. As always, it is sensible for borrowers to ensure that this deal is suitable for their circumstances. On assessment, the card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

  • Introductory rate for purchases: Six months
  • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 27 months
  • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3.20% as an introductory charge during the first three months from account opening, rising to 5.00% (no min) thereafter
  • Card fee: None
  • Opening method: Online and by phone
  • Card management: Online, by phone, in branch and via its mobile app
  • Other information: Minimum 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.
James Hyde Press & PR Manager
Rachel Springall Press Officer / Finance Expert
Caitlyn Eastell Apprentice Press & PR Assistant