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Banks Ramp Up Rates and Switching Offers as Vanquis Tops Cash ISA Tables

Higher rates and switching bonuses create clearer chances for savers to earn more on cash held in low-yield accounts.

Overview

  • Moneyfactscompare.co.uk’s Pick of the Week, published Friday, May 22, highlighted a string of product updates and best‑buy listings across savings, mortgages, current accounts, credit cards and personal loans.
  • Vanquis Bank moved to the top of the fixed Cash ISA tables by raising its one‑year Fixed Rate Cash ISA to 4.66% AER, with a £1,000 minimum and limited early‑access options that can cut interest.
  • first direct increased its Current Account Switch Service (CASS) switching incentive to £200 for new 1st Account customers and continues to offer a £250 interest‑free overdraft buffer that triggers high fees if exceeded.
  • Retail lenders refreshed borrowing prices this week: Barclays relaunched a two‑year tracker for 60% loan‑to‑value at 4.06%, Leeds Building Society cut a five‑year buy‑to‑let 60% LTV fixed to 4.67%, and Santander cut a personal‑loan tier to 6.1% APR.
  • CACI analysis shows about £146 billion sits in 62 million savings accounts paying under 3%, so savers could boost returns by switching but must check product fees, access penalties and eligibility before moving money.