Savings

Hampshire Trust Bank – Online Easy Access Account (Issue 19)

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

“This week, Hampshire Trust Bank has launched a new online easy access account. It takes a comfortable position in the market when compared to similar products and pays an appealing 5.06%. Requiring just a small investment of £1, it is an attractive option for a variety of savers. Withdrawals and further additions can be made to a nominated account at any time without consequence. Savers can open the account online, and manage it online, by post or via telephone. Overall, this receives an Excellent Moneyfacts Product Rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 5.06% gross / 5.06% AER payable on anniversary
• Notice / term: None
• Minimum opening amount: £1
• Maximum investment amount: £250,000
• Access: Permitted via nominated account
• Further additions: Permitted via nominated account
• Opening account: Online
• Managing account: Online, by post and by phone
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available.

Close Brothers Savings – 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

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

“Close Brothers Savings has increased the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA this week, which now pays 5.05%. When compared against other ISAs with similar terms, the deal maintains a competitive position and may well attract savers who are prepared to lock away their cash for an agreed term in exchange for a guaranteed return over the next 12 months. Savers will need £10,000 to invest but they can also make transfers in from cash ISAs or stocks and shares ISAs. However, savers should be cautious as even though early access is permitted, this will result in account closure and is subject to a 90-day loss of interest penalty. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 5.05% gross / 5.05% AER payable on maturity
• Notice / term: One year
• Minimum opening amount: £10,000
• Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
• Access: Permitted, on account closure and subject to a 90-day loss of interest penalty
• Further additions: Permitted, for 10 days from account opening
• Transfers in: Permitted, allows Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs. Transfer instructions must be received within 10 days of account opening.
• Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 90-day loss of interest penalty
• Opening account: Online
• Managing account: Online, by phone, and by post
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Secure Trust Bank – 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA (20.Apr.26)

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

“This week, Secure Trust Bank has launched several new fixed rate cash ISAs, including a 2-Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA until 20 April 2026. The account pays an attractive 4.65% on investments of £1,000 and secures a position within our top rate tables. Savers should be prepared to lock their cash away in the longer-term as any early withdrawals will be subject to 180-day loss of interest and account closure, so careful planning may be necessary. However, savers may be glad to see that further additions of a minimum of £1,000 can be made for the first 30 days of the account opening. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.65% gross / 4.65% AER payable yearly
• Notice / term: 20 April 2026
• Minimum opening amount: £1,000
• Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
• Access: Permitted, on account closure and subject to a 180-day loss of interest penalty
• Further additions: Permitted, for 30 days from account opening
• Transfers in: Permitted, allows Cash ISAs.
• Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 180-day loss of interest penalty
• Opening account: Online
• Managing account: Online, by phone and via mobile app
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Mortgages

Gen H – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 95% loan-to-value

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

“Gen H has reduced rates across its entire fixed range by up to 0.25% this week, including its five-year fixed mortgage at 95% loan-to-value. Seeing a slightly smaller cut of 0.14%, the deal is now priced at a competitive 4.98%, and requires a reasonable upfront fee of £999. This deal may be an ideal choice for borrowers who are looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage. Additionally, the deal comes with an enticing incentive package which includes a free valuation, and borrowers are also able to make overpayments which may add to its appeal. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.98% fixed rate for five years
• Product fee: £999
• Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
• Available to: House purchase customers
• Incentives: Free valuation
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: England, Wales.

Cards

MBNA Limited – Long 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard

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

“The latest update from MBNA Limited sees an increase to the rates on the Long 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard. Despite this rate increase, the card continues to be an enticing option for borrowers looking to transfer existing balances interest-free, and it also offers interest-free money transfers for the first 12 months, which may act as a further incentive. The deal continues to charge an upfront balance transfer fee of 3.49% 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: None
• Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 27 months
• Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
• Balance transfer fee: 3.49% as an introductory charge during the first two 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 and via its mobile app
• Other information: Minimum age 18. Minimum income £14,000. Must hold a UK bank/building society account. Must hold permanent UK address for three years. Rates dependent on credit rating.

Banking

HSBC – Advance Current Account

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

“HSBC has introduced a new switching incentive this week for those who switch and save. Customers who switch using the CASS (Current Account Switch Service) will now receive £100 cashback upfront, as well as an additional £10 per month or £120 per year when making regular deposits of £50 or more within its Online Bonus Saver. It will be wise for customers to review the eligibility criteria to take advantage however, the account does not pay any credit interest, which customers may wish to consider. As is the case when switching to any account, customers will need to assess all the benefits and charges to ensure it’s the right choice for them. Overall, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Credit interest / reward: None
• Cashback on debit card purchases: Additional £10 per month for 12 months for every month if £1,500 or more is credited, must make 20 or more debit card payments, log onto the mobile app and deposit £50 or more into the Online Bonus Saver.
• Account fee: None
• Arranged overdraft: 39.90% EAR, plus £25 interest-free buffer
• Opening account: Online or in branch
• Managing account: Online, in branch, by post, via mobile app or at the Post Office
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC home&Away.