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Rachel Springall

Finance Expert & Press Officer
Published: 07/12/2023
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News contents

Last updated: 7th December 2023

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

Charter Savings Bank

Charter Savings Bank has made a slight reduction to the rate on its 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA this week, which now pays 5.26% AER. The deal still sits in a competitive position within its sector and may well attract savers who are prepared to lock away their cash for a guaranteed return over the next 12 months. Savers need £5,000 to invest but they can also make transfers in from cash ISAs or stocks and shares ISAs. Overall, the deal earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

    • Rate: 5.26% gross / 5.26% AER payable on anniversary, monthly interest option of 5.14% gross / 5.26% AER
    • Notice / term: One year
    • Minimum opening amount: £5,000
    • Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
    • Access: Early access on 90-day loss of interest penalty
    • Further additions: Permitted, for 30 days from account opening via nominated account
    • Transfers in: Permitted, allows Cash, and Stocks and Shares ISAs
    • Transfers out: Permitted, subject to 90-day loss of interest penalty
    • Opening account: Online
    • Managing account: Online
    • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Investors can choose to split their Cash ISA savings across multiple ISAs within Charter’s range.

Hanley Economic Building Society

Hanley Economic Building Society has launched a new Online Regular Saver this week, which pays 5.50% AER. The account grabs a prominent position in its sector and may attract savers who are looking to save towards a specific goal, as this offer allows them to put away up to £1,000 per month. Careful planning is wise, as only five penalty-free withdrawals are permitted per year, thereafter withdrawals are subject to a 30-day loss of interest penalty. Overall, this receives an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

    • Rate: 5.50% gross / 5.50% AER variable payable yearly
    • Notice / term: None
    • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
    • Maximum monthly investment amount: £1,000
    • Maximum investment amount: £100,000
    • Access: Five penalty-free withdrawals permitted per year, any over are subject to 30-day loss of interest penalty.
    • Further additions: £250 minimum per month, account will be closed or the balance will be transferred to an Instant Access account, which pays a lower rate, if a payment is missed.
    • Opening account: Online
    • Managing account: Online or by mobile app
    • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18. Joint account option available.

DF Capital

DF Capital has launched a new easy access account this week, which has taken a highly competitive position in the market. Paying a monthly rate of 5.20% AER, savers who have the required £1,000 upfront to deposit and are searching for a competitive return, perhaps as a monthly payment to supplement their income, may find this deal enticing. It is worth noting there is a minimum withdrawal on this account of £1,000. On assessment the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

    • Rate: 5.20% gross / 5.20% AER payable monthly
    • Notice / term: None
    • Minimum opening amount: £1,000
    • Maximum investment amount: £250,000
    • Access: Via nominated account, minimum withdrawal £1,000
    • Further additions: Permitted, via nominated account, minimum addition £1,000
    • Opening account: Online
    • Managing account: Online and by phone
    • Other information: Minimum applicant age 18.

Mortgages

first direct

first direct has reduced selected fixed rates in its range this week, including its two-year fixed offer at 95% loan-to-value. Now priced at 5.99%, the deal may appeal to borrowers looking to save on the upfront cost of their mortgage as it does not charge a product fee. A free valuation for all borrowers is part of its incentive package and overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

    • 5.99% fixed rate for two years, reverting to 6.99%
    • APRC: 7.0%
    • Product fee: None
    • Maximum loan-to-value: 95%
    • Available to: House purchase customers
    • Incentives: Free valuation
    • Flexible features: Allows overpayments
    • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Representative Example: £168,000 mortgage over 25 years initially at 5.99% fixed for 24 months reverting to 6.99% variable for term. 24 monthly payments of £1081.40 and 276 monthly payments of £1180.19. Total amount payable £351,736.04 includes loan amount, interest of £183,686, valuation fees of £0 and product fees of £0. The overall cost for comparison is 7.0% APRC representative.

Virgin Money

This week, Virgin Money has reduced selected fixed rates in its range, including its three-year fixed mortgage at 90% loan-to-value. Now priced at 5.53%, this deal does not charge a product fee and it offers a free valuation incentive. Those borrowers with a limited deposit of 10% looking for a competitive package may find this an attractive choice. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

    • 5.53% fixed rate to 1 February 2026, reverting to 9.49%
    • APRC: 8.9%
    • Product fee: None
    • Maximum loan-to-value: 90%
    • Available to: House purchase customers
    • Incentives: Free valuation
    • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Payment holidays considered by arrangement.
    • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Representative Example: £168,000 mortgage over 25 years initially at 5.53% fixed for 25 months reverting to 9.49% variable for 59 months and 9.24% variable for term. 25 monthly payments of £1034.68, 59 monthly payments of £1439.08 and 216 monthly payments of £1415.59. Total amount payable £416,689.16 includes loan amount, interest of £248,540, valuation fees of £0 and product fees of £0. The overall cost for comparison is 8.9% APRC representative.

Yorkshire Building Society

House purchase customers seeking a competitive mortgage rate with a low upfront cost may find this latest fixed rate deal from Yorkshire Building Society an attractive choice. After a rate reduction, the five-year fixed rate mortgage is now priced at 4.49%. The deal offers a free valuation incentive, alongside £250 cashback, and borrowers can also add the £495 product fee to the advance of the mortgage. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

    • 4.49% fixed rate to 31 March 2029, reverting to 8.24%
    • APRC: 6.8%
    • Product fee: £495
    • Maximum loan-to-value: 75%
    • Available to: House purchase customers
    • Incentives: £250 cashback and free valuation
    • Flexible features: Allows overpayments. Underpayments and payment holidays considered, not to exceed level of overpayments previously made
    • Lending area: Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Representative Example: £218,000 mortgage over 25 years initially at 4.49% fixed for 63 months reverting to 8.24% variable for term. 63 monthly payments of £1210.48 and 237 monthly payments of £1625.91. Total amount payable £462,235.91 includes loan amount, interest of £243,601, valuation fees of £0 and product fees of £495. The overall cost for comparison is 6.8% APRC representative.

Buy-to-Let

Accord Mortgages

This week, Accord Mortgages has reduced selected fixed deals in its range, including a two-year fixed rate 60% loan-to-value deal. Now priced at 5.09%, and available via selected intermediaries, borrowers searching for a competitive rate and incentive package may find this an appealing choice. The deal offers a free valuation and £500 cashback incentive, and borrowers can also add the £1,995 product fee to the advance of the mortgage. Overall, this product earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

    • 5.09% fixed rate until 31 March 2026, reverting to 8.24%
    • APRC: 8.1%
    • Product fee: £1,995
    • Maximum loan-to-value: 60%
    • Available to: Second-time buyers, via selected intermediaries.
    • Incentives: Free valuation and £500 cashback
    • Flexible features: Allows overpayments.
    • Lending area: Great Britain.

    Representative Example: ££150,000 mortgage over 25 years initially at 5.09% fixed for 27 months reverting to 8.24% variable for term. 27 monthly payments of £636.25 and 273 monthly payments of £1030.00. Total amount payable £450,503.75 includes loan amount, interest of £298,369, valuation fees of £0 and product fees of £1995. The overall cost for comparison is 8.1% APRC representative.

Cards

Virgin Money

The latest update from Virgin Money sees rises to the standard purchase, balance transfer and money transfer rates on a selection of cards. The 24 Month Balance Transfer Card continues to offer the same 0% term and holds a prominent position in the market. The card does charge an introductory balance transfer fee of 3.00% but it also has interest-free offers of three months for purchases and 12 months for money transfers. Customers can enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app, which enhances its overall appeal. The card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

    • Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for three months
    • Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 24 months
    • Standard rate for purchases: 24.9% APR
    • Balance transfer fee: 3.00% 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.

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

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.

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.