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Consistent savings accounts (January 2008)

For savers who are fed up with excessive savings rate cuts or too busy constantly to switch between short term deals.

Recent events in the savings account market underline the importance of providing consumers with details of the most consistent savings accounts available.

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There are three main customer types that this information will help:

1. Savers fed up with the rates being cut on their savings account by more than the cut in base rate, or increased by less than a base rate rise.
2. Savers who don’t have the time or inclination to switch between short term savings account deals with introductory bonuses.
3. Savers who find that their nest egg is attracting a derisory rate of interest – in some cases less than 1.5% gross.

Whilst we welcome the call from Nationwide BS this week for a voluntary code to warn customers when their short term savings account bonus is about to expire, we feel it is unlikely to receive sufficient support, certainly in the short term. It is the apathy shown by consumers who fail to switch their savings accounts when the bonus falls away, that help institutions offer attractive short term headline grabbing interest rates.

Moneyfacts.co.uk is the only comparison site that helps its customers make better financial decisions by offering such a comprehensive choice of savings account best buys. Whether a saver wants a short term deal with an introductory bonus or a decent rate of return from a consistently good performing savings account, they have access to details on both types of account.

Highlights from the January 2008 savings accounts consistency report:

Two thirds of the products highlighted (36 out of 48) are offered by >building societies

Internet Savings

Top place go to Sainsbury’s Bank (Internet Saver) most consistent over the last 18 months, and to Nationwide BS (e-Savings) most consistent over the last 36 months.

Mini Cash ISA

National Savings & Investments takes top spot over 18 months with its Direct ISA, whilst Yorkshire BS is top over 36 months with its e-ISA.

Notice Savings (No bonus)

Anglo Irish Bank continues to dominate both the 18 and 36 month chart with its 7 day notice account

No Notice Savings (No bonus)

Anglo Irish Bank is No 1 over 18 months with its easy access deposit and Beverley BS is top over 36 months with its postal account.