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Caitlyn Eastell

Personal Finance Analyst
Published: 06/03/2026
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Last updated: 6 March 2026 at 09:05

 

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

Investec Save

This week, Investec Save has increased the rate on its one-year Fixed Rate Cash ISA. The rise sees it take the top position as a Best Buy and pay a market-leading 4.20%. Savers will need to invest at least £1,000 but further additions are permitted for seven days from account opening should they want to boost their returns.

Although earlier access is permitted, as is the case with many cash ISAs savers it will be subject to account closure and 90 days’ loss of interest penalty. It is also important to note that transferring in from existing ISAs is not permitted. Overall, this deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

Last updated: 06/03/2026

  • Investec Save – Fixed Rate Cash ISA
    • Rate: 4.20% gross / 4.20% AER payable on maturity
    • Notice / term: One year
    • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
    • Maximum investment amount: £1 million
    • Access: Permitted. Earlier access on closure only, subject to 90 days’ loss of interest penalty.
    • Further additions: Permitted for seven days from account opening
    • Transfers in: Not permitted
    • Transfers out: Permitted. Earlier access on closure only, subject to 90 days’ loss of interest penalty.
    • Opening account: Online
    • Managing account: Online
    • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Mortgages

Santander

The latest update from Santander sees a mixture of rate cuts and increases. One deal to benefit from a 0.10% reduction is the five-year fixed rate deal at 95% loan-to-value for first-time buyers. The deal now charges 4.62% until 2 June 2031.

Borrowers with a limited deposit may be pleased to note that there are no product fees and there is also an attractive incentive package attached which includes a free valuation and £250 cashback. This could make it an ideal choice for those looking to save on upfront costs. The reduction, alongside its other appealing factors, earns the deal a position as a Moneyfacts Best Buy for first-time buyers and an Outstanding product rating.

 

Last updated: 06/03/2026

  • Santander – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 95% loan-to-value
    • Rate: 4.62% fixed until 2 June 2031 before reverting to 6.50%
    • APRC: 5.8%
    • Product fee: None
    • Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
    • Available to: First-time buyers
    • Incentives: Free valuation and £250 cashback
    • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
    • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Representative Example: £200,000 mortgage over 25 years initially at 4.62% fixed for 62 months reverting to 6.50% variable for term. 62 monthly payments of £1125.33 and 238 monthly payments of £1311.40. Total amount payable £382,158.66 includes loan amount, interest of £181,884, valuation fees of £0 and product fees of £0. The overall cost for comparison is 5.8% APRC representative.

Buy-to-Let

Lloyds Bank

This week, Lloyds Bank has refreshed its range for landlords, including the launch of many new deals. One of these is a five-year fixed rate at 75% loan-to-value. It’s priced at 4.20% until 31 May 2031 and may appeal to landlords looking to save on upfront costs as there are no product fees, which may make up for the lack of incentives.

However, adding to its appeal overpayments are permitted which could help shorten the overall duration of the mortgage. On assessment, this deal receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

 

Last updated: 06/03/2026

  • Lloyds Bank – Five-year fixed rate mortgage, 75% loan-to-value
    • Rate: 4.20% fixed until 31 May 2031 before reverting to 8.09% variable
    • APRC: 6.9%
    • Product fee: None
    • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
    • Available to: Second-time buyers
    • Incentives: None
    • Flexible features: Allows overpayments.
    • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland

    Representative Example: £170,000 mortgage over 25 years initially at 4.20% fixed for 62 months reverting to 8.09% variable for term. 62 monthly payments of £595.00 and 238 monthly payments of £1146.08. Total amount payable £479,807.04 includes loan amount, interest of £309,657, valuation fees of £100 and product fees of £0. The overall cost for comparison is 6.9% APRC representative.

Cards

Virgin Money

The latest update from Virgin Money sees an increase to its 0% introductory balance transfer term to 36 months and the introductory balance transfer fee to 3.25%. The term increase boosts its position in the market when compared to its peers and gives borrowers more time to pay off their debt interest-free.

Adding to its appeal, the card also offers 0% on purchases for the first three months. Borrowers can also benefit from exclusive offers and rewards through the Virgin Red app which may enhance its overall appeal. On assessment, this card sits towards the top of the Moneyfacts Best Buy tables and earns an Outstanding product rating.

 

Last updated: 06/03/2026

  • Virgin Money – 36 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard
    • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for three months
    • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 36 months
    • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
    • Balance transfer fee: 3.25% 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 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. Rates dependent on credit rating. Balance transfer fee 3.25% limited time offer.

    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.