Check out this week’s best new financial deals
Savings
Julian Hodge Bank has increased rates on its five-year fixed-rate Isa, which now pays 2.55%. The minimum investment is £5,000. No additions are permitted but early access to funds is allowed, subject to a penalty and closure of the account. 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, by post and by phone.
It’s good because: Savers who have yet to invest this year’s tax-free allowance might like this rate increase. This deal heads to the top of the Moneyfacts best buys.
Shawbrook Bank has increased the rate on its one-year fixed-rate bond, which now pays 1.95% on maturity. Savers can invest between £1,000 and £2m. Additions are permitted while the issue remains open but early access to funds is not allowed. This deal is for savers aged 18 and over and can be operated by post, by phone and online.
It’s good because: This is highly competitive and sits within the top five of the market.
Mortgages
Norwich and Peterborough Building Society has reduced the cost of its two-year fixed-rate mortgage, which is now priced at 4.34%. This deal is for first and second-time buyers who borrow between £50,000 and £500,000 at 95% loan-to-value (LTV). There is no fee, and incentives of a free valuation and a £250 cash rebate are available. There is the added flexibility of allowing overpayments of up to 10% of the outstanding balance, underpayments and payment holidays.
It’s good because: Borrowers with small deposits might like this update, which has a great rate and a fantastic incentives package.
Leeds Building Society has launched a two-year fixed-rate mortgage, priced at 3.29% until October 2017. This deal is for all applicants who borrow between £5,000 and £400,000 at 90% LTV. There is a fee of £199, all of which can be added to the advance. The incentive of a free valuation (worth up to £650) is available to all borrowers while those remortgaging will be offered help towards costs. Overpayments of up to 10% of the outstanding balance are allowed.
It’s good because: This is reasonably priced within the market, and has a low fee and good incentives.
Loans
Tesco Bank has launched a Clubcard-holder loan that sits alongside its new-customer loan, with lower rates for existing customers. Loans of £7,500 over one to seven years are available from 3.7% APR. Customers must be aged 18 or over and have a minimum annual income of £10,000. Applications can be made online or by telephone.
It’s good because: While there may be lower rates available at the top end of the market, this loan gets an overall “outstanding” Moneyfacts rating.