Check out this week’s best new financial deals
Savings
Virgin Money has increased the rate on its two-year fixed-rate Isa, which now pays 2.06%. Savers can invest from as little as £1. Additions are permitted within 30 days of the account opening and early access is also allowed, subject to a penalty of 90 days’ loss of interest. Transfers in from both cash and stocks & shares Isas are accepted. This deal is for savers aged 16 and over and can be operated in branch and by post. An internet-only version is also available.
It’s good because: This deal heads straight to the top of the best buys and is a great choice for savers looking to maximise their interest over the shorter term.
ICICI Bank UK has increased the rate paid on its HiSave SuperSaver easy-access account, which now pays 1.64%. Savers can invest from as little as £1. Additions and unlimited penalty-free withdrawals are permitted at anytime without notice. This deal can be operated by phone and online.
It’s good because: This great rate, alongside a low starting balance and unlimited withdrawals, makes this a perfect account for anyone looking to kick-start a savings habit.
Mortgages
Leeds Building Society has reduced its two-year fixed-rate mortgage, which is now priced at 1.95% until November 2017. This deal is for applicants who borrow up to £500,000 at 80% loan-to-value (LTV). There is a fee of £199, which can be added to the advance. A free valuation (worth up to £560) is available to all borrowers, while remortgage customers will also receive help towards their legal costs. Additionally, this deal has the flexibility of allowing borrowers to make overpayments of up to 10% of the outstanding balance each year.
It’s good because: Not only does this deal benefit from a great rate but it also has a low fee and a fantastic incentives package.
Darlington Building Society has launched a five-year fixed-rate mortgage, priced at 2.99% until August 2020. This deal is for customers who borrow from £1,000 at 85% LTV. There is a fee of £1,074, which can be added to the loan advance. A free valuation is available to all customers, while those remortgaging will also receive free legal fees. There is the flexibility of allowing overpayments of up to 10% of the outstanding balance.
It’s good because: This not only offers borrowers the lowest rate in its sector but has a great all-round package, too. The addition of a free valuation for all borrowers and free legal fees for remortgage customers is likely to make this a popular choice for people looking to minimise their upfront costs.
Loans
Tesco Bank has made significant cuts to the higher tiers of its personal loans. Customers can now apply for loans of between £7,500 and £15,000 over one to seven years and get a market-leading rate of 3.6%. Customers must be 18 and over and be Clubcard cardholders with a minimum annual income of £10,000. Applications can be made online or by telephone.
It’s good because: This a highly competitive and market-leading rate and might appeal to Clubcard holders looking to consolidate their debts.