Moneyfacts Weekly Product News – 17.12.20

The Moneyfacts.co.uk Pick of the Week showcases the best of the latest products or rate changes to hit the consumer finance market.

Tandem Bank – Tandem 2 Year Fixed Saver

This week sees Tandem Bank make rate increases to its Tandem Fixed Saver accounts. The two-year deal rises by 0.13% and now pays 0.93% on anniversary. This ensures that this deal improves its position in our top rate tables when compared to other bonds of similar terms. Those savers who are happy to lock their funds away for the two-year term may well be enticed by the attractive return available and the fact that they have 14 days from account opening to make the minimum investment of £1,000. Neither early access nor further additions are permitted, as is common with fixed bonds, so careful planning would be wise. This account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

• Rate: 0.93% gross / 0.93% AER, payable on anniversary
• Notice / term: Two years
• Minimum opening amount: £1,000
• Maximum investment amount: £2,500,000
• Access: Not permitted
• Further additions: Not permitted
• Opening account: Online
• Managing account: By phone and by post
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 18, 14 days from account opening to make initial deposit.

Vernon Building Society – Fixed Rate Cash ISA to 31st May 2022

Vernon Building Society has made amendments to its Fixed Rate Cash ISA, which includes a rate reduction of 0.15% to pay 0.60% yearly. Despite the drop in rate, this ISA maintains a place within the top 10 when it is compared to other fixed ISAs with similar terms currently available in the market. Earlier access is permitted but is subject to a loss of interest penalty, which savers would do well to bear in mind, while further additions can be made until 30 April 2021. Those who are looking to utilise their tax-free ISA allowance and are able to meet the minimum investment amount of £10,000 may be tempted by the return. On balance, the account earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

• Rate: 0.60% gross / 0.60% AER, payable yearly
• Notice / term: To 31.5.22
• Minimum opening amount: £10,000
• Maximum investment amount: ISA allowance
• Access: Permitted, subject to a 90-day loss of interest penalty
• Further additions: Permitted until 30.4.21
• Transfers in: Accepts cash ISAs
• Transfers out: Permitted, subject to a 90-day loss of interest penalty
• Opening account: By post or in branch
• Managing account: Online, by post and in branch
• Other information: Minimum applicant age 16, reinvested into a further fixed rate/fixed term account on equivalent/similar terms on maturity.

Virgin Money – 19 Month All Round Credit Card Mastercard

In this latest update, Virgin Money has made various changes to its credit card range. The 19 Month All Round credit card has had its 0% introductory purchase and balance transfer terms increased to 19 months, ensuring that this card continues to provide attractive terms for those who may wish to both make purchases and transfer their debt on an interest-free basis for as long as possible. However, those who are intending to make balance transfers should note that the fee increases from 2.90% to 5.00% after the first 60 days of the account being opened, which they may wish to consider. As a benefit of the card, exclusive offers and rewards may be available on the Virgin Red app. Overall, this card earns an Outstanding Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

• Introductory rate for purchases: 0% for 19 months
• Introductory rate for balance transfers: 0% for 19 months
• Standard interest rate for purchases: 21.9% APR
• Balance transfer fee: 2.90% during first two months of account opening, 5.00% after 60 days of account opening
• Card fee: N/A
• Opening method: Online, by phone and in branch
• Card management: Online, by phone, in branch, by post and via its app
• Other information: Minimum age 18, no minimum income, exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app.

AA – Non-Member Personal Loan

This week sees AA reduce selected rates by 0.1% APR on two tiers of its Non-Member personal loan. Those looking to borrow between £5,000 and £7,499 will now pay 4.3% APR, while those borrowing between £15,000 and £25,000 will see the same reduction, with borrowing now priced at 3.0% APR. This update improves on an already attractive product and means that borrowers looking for these amounts will now pay less over the term of the loan. In addition, this loan also offers 12 months’ free basic breakdown cover, which some borrowers could find beneficial. Overall, this loan earns an Excellent Moneyfacts product rating.

Key product details:

• Representative APR: 3.0%
• Loan period: Rate shown is based on a term of 84 months for a £15,000 borrowing
• Application available: Online
• Other information: Minimum age 21, minimum income £12,000, 12 months' free Basic Breakdown Cover when offer redeemed within 12 months of application (higher levels of cover available at discounted prices), you may be offered an alternative APR dependent on credit rating.