Savings

Plum – Plum Cash ISA

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

“This week, Plum has increased the rate on its Cash ISA. Now paying the market-leading rate of 5.06% gross / 5.17% AER on £100 investments, this could be an attractive option for savers looking to boost their income. However, it may be important to note that this rate includes a 0.86% bonus for 12 months, and savers may face a reduction in the interest rate paid if they make four or more withdrawals per year. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 2.96% gross / 3.00% AER paid from £1, 5.06% gross / 5.17% AER paid from £100, payable monthly (including a 0.86% bonus for 12 months, paid on the first anniversary from account opening)
• Notice / term: None
• Minimum opening amount: £0
• Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
• Access: Permitted, 2.96% gross / 3.00% AER paid if more than three withdrawals are made per annum
• Further additions: Permitted, minimum addition £1
• Transfers in: Permitted, accepts Cash ISAs, Stocks & Shares ISA, Help to Buy ISA, Lifetime ISA. Bonus rate not applicable if opened via transferring an existing ISA
• Transfers out: Permitted
• Opening account: Via its mobile app
• Managing account: Via its mobile app
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Operated by Citibank UK Limited. Bonus rate only applicable if a minimum account balance of £100 is maintained.

SmartSave – 1 Year Fixed Rate Saver

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

“This week SmartSave has reduced the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Saver. Despite the decrease the account continues to pay an attractive 5.16%, for investors able to contribute a minimum of £10,000. As is the case with many fixed bonds, earlier access is not permitted, however, savers 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: 5.16% gross / 5.16% 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.

Kent Reliance – Easy Access Account – Issue 69

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

“This week, Kent Reliance reduced the rate on its Easy Access Account, however, despite the reduction its position in the market is improved and it maintains a competitive spot in the top 10. It pays a yearly rate of 5.05% for savers who have £1,000 to invest, and those looking to boost their income each month may be pleased to see that there is a monthly interest option which pays 4.94% gross / 5.05% AER. On assessment, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 5.05% gross / 5.05% AER payable yearly, monthly interest option of 4.94% gross / 5.05% AER
• Notice / term: None
• Minimum opening amount: £1,000
• Maximum investment amount: £1 million
• Access: Permitted. Withdrawal method dependent on how account is opened
• Further additions: Permitted
• Opening account: Online and in branch
• Managing account: Online and in branch
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18 to open and operate online. Joint account option available.

Virgin Money – Defined Access Cash E-ISA Issue 26

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

“Virgin Money has reduced the rate on its Defined Access Cash E-ISA this week, however, the deal continues to pay an appealing 5.01% yearly rate and there is also a monthly interest option paying 4.90% gross / 5.01% AER for savers looking to supplement their income. This account may attract investors who are happy having limited access to their funds as, if more than three withdrawals are made in a calendar year, it will result in a lower rate being paid, which would need to be carefully considered. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 5.01% gross / 5.01% AER payable yearly / monthly interest option of 4.90% gross / 5.01% AER also available
• Notice / term: None
• Minimum opening amount: £1
• Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
• Access: Permitted, 2.00% gross / AER yearly or 1.98% gross / 2.00% AER monthly paid if more than three withdrawals made per calendar year
• Further additions: Permitted
• Transfers in: Permitted. Accepts Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs
• Transfers out: Permitted
• Opening account: Online
• Managing account: Online
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 16.

Mortgages

Barclays Mortgage – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value

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

“Barclays Mortgage has reduced a handful of its fixed rate offerings within its residential range this week. Seeing a cut of 0.12% is the five-year fixed rate deal at 60% loan-to-value, which is now priced at 4.17% until 30 June 2029. The deal takes an attractive position in the market and may appeal to borrowers looking to save on upfront costs as it charges a reasonable £899 fee and comes with an enticing incentive package, including a free valuation. There is also the choice to make overpayments which may add to its appeal for some borrowers. On assessment, this deal keeps its spot as a Moneyfacts Best Buy and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.17% fixed rate to 30.6.29
• Product fee: £899
• Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
• Available to: House purchase customers
• Incentives: Free valuation
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Leeds Building Society – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 65% loan-to-value

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

“This week, alongside launching a handful of two-year fixed rates Leeds Building Society has reduced selected fixed rates for borrowers by up to 0.25%, including its five-year fixed mortgage at 65% loan-to-value, which has seen a slightly smaller cut. Now priced at 4.39% until 30.6.29, there is a £999 product fee associated, however, the deal also carries an attractive incentive package of a free valuation and, for those remortgaging, help towards costs. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.39% fixed rate to 30.6.29
• Product fee: £999
• Maximum loan-to-value: 65%
• Available to: All borrowers
• Incentives: Free valuation and, for those remortgaging, help towards costs
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments by lump sums, subject to approval, or regular methods
• Lending area: England, Wales, mainland Scotland and Northern Ireland.

HSBC – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 90% loan-to-value

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

“HSBC has made amendments across the majority of its fixed rates this week, including the five-year fixed rate deal at 90% loan-to-value. Available to house purchase customers, the deal pays an appealing 4.65% until 31 July 2029, making it an ideal option for those looking to lock into a competitive rate. The deal charges a fair £999 product fee, and its overall appeal is enhanced by its incentive package which includes a free valuation and £350 cashback. Considering the rate reduction and enticing incentive package, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.65% fixed rate to 31.7.29
• Product fee: £999
• Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
• Available to: House purchase customers
• Incentives: Free valuation and £350 cashback
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Buy-to-Let

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

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

“HSBC has reduced selected fixed rates by up to 0.17% this week. One deal seeing a cut is the five-year fixed rate deal at 75% loan-to-value for customers looking to purchase, it is now priced at 4.79% until 31 July 2029. This deal may be an appealing option for those looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage as it comes fee-free, and there is also an attractive incentive package which includes a free valuation. Overall, this product earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.79% fixed rate to 31.7.29
• Product fee: None
• Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
• Available to: House purchase customers
• Incentives: Free valuation
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Leek Building Society - Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 65% loan-to-value

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

“Leek Building Society has reduced the rate on its two-year fixed rate deal at 65% loan-to-value. It is now priced at 4.94% until 30 June 2026. The deal’s overall package may appeal to landlords looking to save on the upfront cost as it includes a free valuation and charges a reasonable product fee of £995. On assessment, this deal retains a place in our top tables and earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Rate: 4.94% fixed rate to 30.6.26
• Product fee: £995
• Maximum loan-to-value: 65%
• Available to: House purchase and remortgage customers
• Incentives: Free valuation
• Flexible features: Allows overpayments
• Lending area: England and Wales.

Banking

first direct – 1st Account

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

“For customers looking to switch their current account provider, first direct has introduced a new £175 switching incentive for customers who switch using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), if certain conditions are met. The 1st Account does not offer any credit interest but there is a £250 interest-free buffer on arranged overdrafts which may add to its appeal. It is important for customers to assess all the benefits and charges to ensure it’s the right choice for them. Overall, the account earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.”

Key product details:

• Credit interest / reward: None
• Cashback on debit card purchases: None
• Account fee: None
• Arranged overdraft: 39.90% EAR, plus £250 interest-free buffer
• Opening account: Online, by phone, and via mobile app
• Managing account: Online, in branch, by phone, via mobile app, via Post Office and by text alerts
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. £175 cashback for switching using the Current Account Switch Service, including at least two direct debits or standing orders. Must deposit £1,000, register and log on to online banking within 30 days of account opening.