The Top Easy Access Savings Discussion Area

chris_the_bee

pecunianonolet said:

wiseonesomeofthetime said:

Bridlington1 said:

@soulsaver
Virgin Money Defined Access E-Saver issue 19 (3 withdrawals max) now 5.12%. (£1 min).

Crucially here is that the withdrawals criteria is per calendar year, not your normal account year. So, January to December.

As such, it will reset in just three months time. That could be useful for some.

Rate drops to 2% from withdrawal four and onwards.

Also, if choosing the annual interest option, interest is paid in March, so therefore, within this tax year!


Annual interest is paid on 11 March and will be available the next working day. Monthly interest is paid on the 10th day of the month, and will be available the next working day.

So if interest is paid in March this year and presumably again in March next year I am not fully clear what the benefit would be between monthly or annual as both are going into the same year regardless? 

Some people need/want the cash flow that monthly interest provides.

pecunianonolet

chris_the_bee said:

pecunianonolet said:

wiseonesomeofthetime said:

Bridlington1 said:

@soulsaver
Virgin Money Defined Access E-Saver issue 19 (3 withdrawals max) now 5.12%. (£1 min).

Crucially here is that the withdrawals criteria is per calendar year, not your normal account year. So, January to December.

As such, it will reset in just three months time. That could be useful for some.

Rate drops to 2% from withdrawal four and onwards.

Also, if choosing the annual interest option, interest is paid in March, so therefore, within this tax year!


Annual interest is paid on 11 March and will be available the next working day. Monthly interest is paid on the 10th day of the month, and will be available the next working day.

So if interest is paid in March this year and presumably again in March next year I am not fully clear what the benefit would be between monthly or annual as both are going into the same year regardless? 

Some people need/want the cash flow that monthly interest provides.

Yes, that's what I went for as I'd like to see it monthly, going to be £1 for now. 

Most annoying, I couldn't apply from the app nor from online banking and had to go through a full application process with employer details, setting all the security questions, etc. 

janusdesign

mebu60 said:

janusdesign said:

YBS Internet Saver Plus 13 increased from 4.45% to 4.80% from today (4th October).

If you qualify and the limited access isn't an issue, there is the YBS Loyalty Six Access eSaver 2023 at 5.1%. 

qualification shouldn't be an issue as I have their RS, made a note to open tomorrow... weird that it's not simply six withdrawals per year, but unlimited withdrawals on six days per year.

Wheres_My_Cashback

mizfiesta said:

BlackthornU said:

I see the MSE email has gone out with a subject of '5.2% big-name savings, ....' and in the body of the email 'New. Top 5.2% easy-access savings & they're from a BIG name. NatWest Group's Ulster Bank* has just launched a 5.2% AER variable easy-access saver, ie, you can put money in and withdraw it when you want... as long as you've £5,000+ to open it. If not, Coventry BS also offers 5.2% from £1 but while Ulster allows unlimited withdrawals, with Coventry you can only withdraw 3 times a year; more and you pay a penalty. Full info & more options in Top savings'

Given Ulster were struggling with customer service when their account required £50K to get the top rate of interest, I can see this going pear shaped rapidly for people trying to sign up. Even the opening process was difficult and long winded - I have lived at the same address for years and have no problems getting electronically ID'd, and bank with NatWest itself but I had to either send off ID docs to Ulster or take them to a NatWest branch for them to certify and send off (which I did). I have had 30 minute waits to talk to Ulster Customer service and then again their fraud team.

NatWest should take this over otherwise it will probably end with bad reviews for Ulster Bank (a trading name of NatWest).  

I've just this minute applied. Sounds like it's going to be a palava?
Only reason I moved was because Kroo suddenly lowered their rates from over 5% to 4.35%. Hopefully I don't keep having to switch. Anyone finding this is exactly what they're having to do?

Mention of this made me look at Ulster. Used to have an account with them years ago when they were top of charts with rates. 
Amazed that I could still login and it told me I last logged in on 08/09/17 which was when I emptied the e-savings a/c I had then. It's been sat there with a zero balance for over 6 years as It couldn't be closed without writing to them at that time.......and all these years later after chatting to Cora the bot it still says...

If the instant access savings account is the only account you have with us, you can request closure by writing to the following address: Belfast
or 
You may also close your account with us via your local branch along with your Debit Card, Pin and proof of ID:

Well that'll be about an 1100 mile round trip then!

It shows how backwards they are with banking in NI

subjecttocontract

Wheres_My_Cashback said:

mizfiesta said:

BlackthornU said:

I see the MSE email has gone out with a subject of '5.2% big-name savings, ....' and in the body of the email 'New. Top 5.2% easy-access savings & they're from a BIG name. NatWest Group's Ulster Bank* has just launched a 5.2% AER variable easy-access saver, ie, you can put money in and withdraw it when you want... as long as you've £5,000+ to open it. If not, Coventry BS also offers 5.2% from £1 but while Ulster allows unlimited withdrawals, with Coventry you can only withdraw 3 times a year; more and you pay a penalty. Full info & more options in Top savings'

Given Ulster were struggling with customer service when their account required £50K to get the top rate of interest, I can see this going pear shaped rapidly for people trying to sign up. Even the opening process was difficult and long winded - I have lived at the same address for years and have no problems getting electronically ID'd, and bank with NatWest itself but I had to either send off ID docs to Ulster or take them to a NatWest branch for them to certify and send off (which I did). I have had 30 minute waits to talk to Ulster Customer service and then again their fraud team.

NatWest should take this over otherwise it will probably end with bad reviews for Ulster Bank (a trading name of NatWest).  

I've just this minute applied. Sounds like it's going to be a palava?
Only reason I moved was because Kroo suddenly lowered their rates from over 5% to 4.35%. Hopefully I don't keep having to switch. Anyone finding this is exactly what they're having to do?

Mention of this made me look at Ulster. Used to have an account with them years ago when they were top of charts with rates. 
Amazed that I could still login and it told me I last logged in on 08/09/17 which was when I emptied the e-savings a/c I had then. It's been sat there with a zero balance for over 6 years as It couldn't be closed without writing to them at that time.......and all these years later after chatting to Cora the bot it still says...

If the instant access savings account is the only account you have with us, you can request closure by writing to the following address: Belfast
or 
You may also close your account with us via your local branch along with your Debit Card, Pin and proof of ID:

Well that'll be about an 1100 mile round trip then!

It shows how backwards they are with banking in NI

The banking here in England can be just as appallingly bad.
In spite of already having 3 active accounts with YBS. In spite of being IN their branch yesterday opening the new 7% regular saver, this morning I logged in to open their latest offering, the new 5.1% loyalty six access esaver. It wants me to provide ID.......the same ID that I showed them in the branch yesterday, the same details they hold on me for all of my YBS accounts. You couldn't make it up.

How do these establishments manage to stay in business ? 

Middle_of_the_Road

subjecttocontract said:

Wheres_My_Cashback said:

mizfiesta said:

BlackthornU said:

I see the MSE email has gone out with a subject of '5.2% big-name savings, ....' and in the body of the email 'New. Top 5.2% easy-access savings & they're from a BIG name. NatWest Group's Ulster Bank* has just launched a 5.2% AER variable easy-access saver, ie, you can put money in and withdraw it when you want... as long as you've £5,000+ to open it. If not, Coventry BS also offers 5.2% from £1 but while Ulster allows unlimited withdrawals, with Coventry you can only withdraw 3 times a year; more and you pay a penalty. Full info & more options in Top savings'

Given Ulster were struggling with customer service when their account required £50K to get the top rate of interest, I can see this going pear shaped rapidly for people trying to sign up. Even the opening process was difficult and long winded - I have lived at the same address for years and have no problems getting electronically ID'd, and bank with NatWest itself but I had to either send off ID docs to Ulster or take them to a NatWest branch for them to certify and send off (which I did). I have had 30 minute waits to talk to Ulster Customer service and then again their fraud team.

NatWest should take this over otherwise it will probably end with bad reviews for Ulster Bank (a trading name of NatWest).  

I've just this minute applied. Sounds like it's going to be a palava?
Only reason I moved was because Kroo suddenly lowered their rates from over 5% to 4.35%. Hopefully I don't keep having to switch. Anyone finding this is exactly what they're having to do?

Mention of this made me look at Ulster. Used to have an account with them years ago when they were top of charts with rates. 
Amazed that I could still login and it told me I last logged in on 08/09/17 which was when I emptied the e-savings a/c I had then. It's been sat there with a zero balance for over 6 years as It couldn't be closed without writing to them at that time.......and all these years later after chatting to Cora the bot it still says...

If the instant access savings account is the only account you have with us, you can request closure by writing to the following address: Belfast
or 
You may also close your account with us via your local branch along with your Debit Card, Pin and proof of ID:

Well that'll be about an 1100 mile round trip then!

It shows how backwards they are with banking in NI

The banking here in England can be just as appallingly bad.
In spite of already having 3 active accounts with YBS. In spite of being IN their branch yesterday opening the new 7% regular saver, this morning I logged in to open their latest offering, the new 5.1% loyalty six access esaver. It wants me to provide ID.......the same ID that I showed them in the branch yesterday, the same details they hold on me for all of my YBS accounts. You couldn't make it up.

How do these establishments manage to stay in business ? 

I've got four accounts with them, and it's always been simple to open each new account. I know they've had recent technical problems and failed website upgrades, but it does seem like they're not functioning very well nowadays. I'm going to try opening the loyalty 6. Not that I think it's a great rate, but will probably move the 5k from the RDA.


ETA
Well, it's the same for me. Account opened, but couldn't verify my identity. I need to send three documents, or take into a branch.
First time I've had this in over 20 current or savings account applications. Won't be bothering with this any further.

grumbler

Nick_C said:

Wheres_My_Cashback said:

There was a time not long ago when YBS loyalty accounts would actually reward loyalty with top rate busters, but unfortunately those days now seem gone and they now just follow the rest,  leaving no incentive to actually open these accounts, especially considering they don't offer immediate access to funds.

They still do.  I have a Regular Saver paying 7% and an ISA paying 5.2%

The ISA was available (not?) long ago. Not available anymore, even after several BR rises. 

allegro120

Wheres_My_Cashback said:

mizfiesta said:

BlackthornU said:

I see the MSE email has gone out with a subject of '5.2% big-name savings, ....' and in the body of the email 'New. Top 5.2% easy-access savings & they're from a BIG name. NatWest Group's Ulster Bank* has just launched a 5.2% AER variable easy-access saver, ie, you can put money in and withdraw it when you want... as long as you've £5,000+ to open it. If not, Coventry BS also offers 5.2% from £1 but while Ulster allows unlimited withdrawals, with Coventry you can only withdraw 3 times a year; more and you pay a penalty. Full info & more options in Top savings'

Given Ulster were struggling with customer service when their account required £50K to get the top rate of interest, I can see this going pear shaped rapidly for people trying to sign up. Even the opening process was difficult and long winded - I have lived at the same address for years and have no problems getting electronically ID'd, and bank with NatWest itself but I had to either send off ID docs to Ulster or take them to a NatWest branch for them to certify and send off (which I did). I have had 30 minute waits to talk to Ulster Customer service and then again their fraud team.

NatWest should take this over otherwise it will probably end with bad reviews for Ulster Bank (a trading name of NatWest).  

I've just this minute applied. Sounds like it's going to be a palava?
Only reason I moved was because Kroo suddenly lowered their rates from over 5% to 4.35%. Hopefully I don't keep having to switch. Anyone finding this is exactly what they're having to do?

Mention of this made me look at Ulster. Used to have an account with them years ago when they were top of charts with rates. 
Amazed that I could still login and it told me I last logged in on 08/09/17 which was when I emptied the e-savings a/c I had then. It's been sat there with a zero balance for over 6 years as It couldn't be closed without writing to them at that time.......and all these years later after chatting to Cora the bot it still says...

If the instant access savings account is the only account you have with us, you can request closure by writing to the following address: Belfast
or 
You may also close your account with us via your local branch along with your Debit Card, Pin and proof of ID:

Well that'll be about an 1100 mile round trip then!

It shows how backwards they are with banking in NI

I had this one too, and probably still have it because I can't recall closing it. It paid 1.25% which was the top EA rate in summer 2017, soon after RCI offered 1.3% and I moved my EA funds there.  More recently Ulster, along with NW and RBS, offered switching bonus. I've tried to open current account using my customer number, but wasn't recognised as an existing customer.  I had online chat with their rep and they said the only way to open the account is to pop into my nearest branch with my passport and prof of address. The round trip to Belfast would be approximately 24 hours and the travel expenses would almost triple the switching bonus... For the next month or so I was receiving regular text messaged urging me to come to the branch with ID documents. Can't remember all the details of this saga, but the process left me with the feeling that Ulster is the most backward bank I've ever came across. 

wiseonesomeofthetime

mizfiesta said:

BlackthornU said:

I see the MSE email has gone out with a subject of '5.2% big-name savings, ....' and in the body of the email 'New. Top 5.2% easy-access savings & they're from a BIG name. NatWest Group's Ulster Bank* has just launched a 5.2% AER variable easy-access saver, ie, you can put money in and withdraw it when you want... as long as you've £5,000+ to open it. If not, Coventry BS also offers 5.2% from £1 but while Ulster allows unlimited withdrawals, with Coventry you can only withdraw 3 times a year; more and you pay a penalty. Full info & more options in Top savings'

Given Ulster were struggling with customer service when their account required £50K to get the top rate of interest, I can see this going pear shaped rapidly for people trying to sign up. Even the opening process was difficult and long winded - I have lived at the same address for years and have no problems getting electronically ID'd, and bank with NatWest itself but I had to either send off ID docs to Ulster or take them to a NatWest branch for them to certify and send off (which I did). I have had 30 minute waits to talk to Ulster Customer service and then again their fraud team.

NatWest should take this over otherwise it will probably end with bad reviews for Ulster Bank (a trading name of NatWest).  

I've just this minute applied. Sounds like it's going to be a palava?
Only reason I moved was because Kroo suddenly lowered their rates from over 5% to 4.35%. Hopefully I don't keep having to switch. Anyone finding this is exactly what they're having to do?

When were Kroo's rates ever over 5%?

I have a Kroo account and appear to have missed that email!

Last one (prior to their move to be in line with BoE less 0.9%) was informing me of a rise from 4.10% to 4.35%

Kazza242

intalex said:

Today being the monthiversary of when the Santander 5.08% Gross was released, opened and first funded by many (including me), when would Santander typically credit the interest? It's already past 7am and it hasn't appeared yet for me, and I'm wondering if it'll appear later today or tomorrow?

My Santander Easy Access Limited Edition (issue 3) interest has been added to my account now. 

If you opened the account on the day of launch and selected monthly interest, then you should now have received your interest payment.