Analysis from MoneySupermarket has revealed that a host of new banking entrants can currently offer consumers a better return on a range of savings products, more so than deals offered by the traditional high street banks.
Easy Access ISAs
Marks & Spencer Bank is currently offering a rate of 3.00 per cent on its Easy Access ISA*, while The AA offers a rate of 2.70 per cent AER on its Postal Access ISA however, there are minimum deposits of £100 and £500 respectively on these accounts. By comparison, the best offering from one of the traditional high street banks is 2.64 per cent with Barclays Loyalty Reward ISA which also includes a bonus of 0.60 per cent for 12 months, and is only available to existing customers.
Fixed Rate Bonds
When it comes to Fixed Rate Bonds there are also some interesting deals around that go beyond just the traditional high street offers. Shawbrook’s Fixed Rate Bond account tops the table for one year bonds with an AER of 3.00 per cent although there is a minimum deposit of £5,000. Bank of Baroda offers a rate of 2.95 per cent, and this account requires a minimum deposit of just £500. However, even Tesco Bank offers a better interest rate than the main high street banks, at 2.75 per cent and with a minimum deposit requirement of £2,000. The best one-year offerings by RBS and NatWest both pay 2.30 per cent AER with a minimum deposit of £2,000, whilst Santander insists on just £500 for its bond paying 2.30 per cent.
Easy Access Savings
Despite significant falls in interest rates, it is the new players who continue to offer rates ahead of the high street banks. Tesco Bank’s Internet Saver account offers a rate of 2.40 per cent, but this does include a bonus rate of 1.15 per cent over 12 months. The best deal offered by one of the high street banks is Halifax’s online saver paying 2.05 per cent, although this account doesn’t include any bonus rate.
Kevin Mountford, head of banking at MoneySupermarket commented: “We’ve seen a rise in new competition on the high street, for example with the supermarkets and new entrants such as Metro Bank appearing, which has created more competition and choice for consumers. The newer entrants are offering some good accounts at the moment with interest rates that are currently edging ahead of the more traditional high street banks, meaning savers can get a better return on their money. However, some have a larger deposit requirement so it’s important savers check all options first. It is also worth remembering that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection levels for new entrants is the same £85,000 that you get from the main high street banks.
“Our analysis underlines the importance of not necessarily accepting the deal being offered by your bank. Shopping around for a home from your savings can help you maximise the returns on offer, especially when rates have been so volatile and every penny counts. However, it is also important to keep an eye on the rate being paid on your account as although you may be offered good rates initially, they will drop over time, no matter which provider your savings are with.”
