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Caitlyn Eastell

Personal Finance Analyst
Published: 15/05/2026
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Last updated: 15 May 2026 at 09:25

 

The Moneyfactscompare.co.uk Pick of the Week showcases the best of the latest products or rate changes to hit the consumer finance market, ranging from mortgages to savings accounts. This week I've analysed the following deals, along with their perks.

 

Savings

Kent Reliance

This week, Kent Reliance increased the rate on its range of Fixed Rate Bonds. The one-year option fares best and now pays an attractive 4.71% AER, which takes the market-leading position. Savers will need to deposit at least £1,000 but further additions are permitted for 14 days from account opening via a nominated account, which may add to its appeal. As well as paying interest on its anniversary, there is also a monthly interest option. Like many fixed bonds, earlier access is not permitted so savers should plan carefully and be comfortable locking away their cash for the full term.

On assessment, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

Last updated: 15/05/2026

  • Kent Reliance – 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond – Issue 31
    • Rate: 4.71% gross / 4.71% AER payable on anniversary, monthly interest option of 4.61% gross / 4.71% AER
    • Notice / term: One year
    • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
    • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
    • Access: Not permitted
    • Further additions: Permitted, for 14 days from account opening via nominated account.
    • Opening account: Online
    • Managing account: Online
    • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Mortgages

Nationwide BS

Nationwide Building Society has reduced a selection of its fixed rate mortgages by up to 0.36%. While the two-year option at 95% loan-to-value has seen a slightly smaller cut, it’s enough to enter the ‘Best Buy’ tables and is now priced at a competitive 5.42%.

First-time buyers may also be pleased to note the generous incentive package which includes a free valuation and £500 cashback. On top of this those with qualifying green properties could receive up to an additional £500. Borrowers have the option to make overpayments, which can reduce their overall term and underpayments are also permitted subject to approval and provided overpayments have been made. Overall, this product becomes a Moneyfacts Best Buy and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

Last updated: 15/05/2026

  • Nationwide Building Society – Two-year fixed rate mortgage, 95% loan-to-value
    • Rate: 5.42% fixed for two years before reverting to 6.49%
    • APRC: 6.5%
    • Product fee: None
    • Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
    • Available to: First-time buyers
    • Incentives: Free valuation and £500 cashback. £250 Green Reward for properties with an EPC score of 86 to 91, or £500 Green Reward for properties with an EPC score of 92+.
    • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Underpayments considered subject to approval and overpayments having been made
    • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland (excluding Scilly Isles).

    Representative Example: £200,000 mortgage over 25 years initially at 5.42% fixed for 24 months reverting to 6.49% variable for term. 24 monthly payments of £1218.64 and 276 monthly payments of £1341.22. Total amount payable £399,474.08 includes loan amount, interest of £199,424, valuation fees of £0 and product fees of £0. The overall cost for comparison is 6.5% APRC representative.

Buy-to-Let

NatWest

The latest change from NatWest sees it reduce its fixed rate offerings. One deal to see a small cut is the five-year fixed rate at 60% loan-to-value for house purchase customers. The deal now charges 4.83% until 31 July 2031, this may appeal to landlords looking to minimise costs as the already reasonable £995 product fee is offset by its free valuation incentive.

However, this deal is only available online which some may want to consider. When assessed as a whole, this product takes a prominent position as a Moneyfacts Best Buy and earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

Last updated: 15/05/2026

  • NatWest – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 60% loan-to-value
    • Rate: 4.83% fixed until 31 July 2031 before reverting to 6.74%
    • APRC: 6.3%
    • Product fee: £995
    • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
    • Available to: House purchase customers
    • Incentives: Free valuation
    • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
    • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Online exclusive deal.

    Representative Example: £170,000 mortgage over 25 years initially at 4.83% fixed for 62 months reverting to 6.74% variable for term. 62 monthly payments of £684.25 and 238 monthly payments of £954.83. Total amount payable £440,793.04 includes loan amount, interest of £269,673, valuation fees of £75 and product fees of £995. The overall cost for comparison is 6.3% APRC representative.

Cards

Virgin Money

This week Virgin Money has increased the introductory 0% purchase and balance transfer terms to 20 months on its Dual credit card. This may appeal to borrowers looking to transfer existing balances and make purchases interest-free over a longer period, however, the credit card APR rises to 24.9% after this period which should be considered. The balance fee stands at just 2.95% and is one of the most competitive rates available.

Customers can enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app, which enhances its overall appeal. In any case, borrowers should consider the terms of their credit card carefully to ensure it’s the best deal for them. Overall, the card earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

Last updated: 15/05/2026

  • Virgin Money – Dual Credit Card Mastercard
    • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for 20 months
    • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 20 months
    • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
    • Balance transfer fee: 2.95% 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, by phone and in branch
    • Card management: By phone, post and via its mobile app
    • Other information: Minimum age 18. Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app. Earn up to 15% cashback with Virgin Money Cashback at selected major retailers through the app. Rates dependent on credit rating.

    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.

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Disclaimer

Information is correct as of the date of publication (shown at the top of this article). Any products featured may be withdrawn by their provider or changed at any time. Links to third parties on this page are paid for by the third party. You can find out more about the individual products by visiting their site. Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will receive a small payment if you use their services after you click through to their site. All information is subject to change without notice. Please check all terms before making any decisions. This information is intended solely to provide guidance and is not financial advice. Moneyfacts will not be liable for any loss arising from your use or reliance on this information. If you are in any doubt, Moneyfacts recommends you obtain independent financial advice.

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Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will never contact you by phone to sell you any financial product. Any calls like this are not from Moneyfacts. Emails sent by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will always be from news@moneyfacts-news.co.uk. Be ScamSmart.