The Top Easy Access Savings Discussion Area

soulsaver

SeriousHoax said:

Monmouthshire 3% easy access has been pulled.

Not quite: Monmouth 3.00% is NLA for new online applications as at 01/12. It is still available in branch or agency. Existing online applications will be processed. Premium Instant Account | Monmouthshire Building Society (monbs.com)

soulsaver

kaMelo said:

I haven't seen this one mentioned anywhere, The Cumberland eSavings  (issue 3) Instant Access account @2.6%. Open with £1 up to a maximum £50,000.

I know this is geographically restrictive and requires a Cumberland current account so not suitable for many but, if you are already a customer,  it can be opened via online banking and slots into the current ToTP chart at number 5.

Thanks for the info.
And you're right, it would slot in c. that number, but accounts restricted to local post codes don't get into ToTP list, but the info is very useful to some, so obviously welcome here.

And the Monmouth will get relegated tomorrow from top spot, for going branch only. 

isasmurf

Bridlington1 said:

First direct bonus saver now pays 2.6%. 

Up to £25,000 and only if you make no withdrawals in the month. Also need to have a FD current account. 

ellie99

Re the Cumberland (sorry can't get quote to work)

They've had some good rates recently but it's really difficult to open an account. It can't be done online, has to be in branch or telephone appointment. A couple of weeks ago I decided I wanted to open a fixed rate with them, My local branch weren't even listed to book an appointment, I tried 4 other branches within driving distance, nothing until mid December. I ended up booking a phone appointment, but the earliest one was 12th December.

Needless to say, the account I wanted is no longer showing as available. I don't think they have the staff to deal with a big influx of customers. 

(As an aside, seeing as they push the branch approach, I used my local branch when I was executor for my parents recently. The staff couldn't do anything except send to head office, they only knew how to deal with solicitors, not individuals being an executor).

kaMelo

It depends which account you're talking about, a number of them are available to open in online banking but there are some that require a telephone/branch appointment, namely their fixed rate offerings (both ISA and non ISA) or first home saver. For me their five year ISA @ 5.05% was just too good to ignore so managed to book an appointment two weeks ago for today. Worth noting that even though their five year accounts are no longer on sale, because I'd listed it as the reason for the appointment I was able to open one and start transfers across from my other ISA's. If I were you I'd mention the account  you wanted that was on sale when you booked the appointment.

Despite now offering decent rates again I'd never say The Cumberland are without problems, faster payments in/out are slow and as you point out their appointments system does leave a lot to be desired. It was always a bit slow but since Covid struck they have become glacial.

ellie99

Thanks kaMelo. Good to know they honoured the account you wanted. I was wanting to open the 5 year fixed rate bond, and haven't cancelled my appointment just in case they would still do it. Though I haven't decided whether to just top up another account I already hold instead and forget about Cumberland. 
It's the only bank left in my town and I'd like to support it, but not if it's difficult!

Descrabled

Cumberland eSavings.

I have had this account for some years and it provides a good easy access account to use with the current account. Faster payments for the current account is provided via RBS/NatWest I believe and thus the delay in the payments, but still with same day access. I have used the savings and current account combination for 10 years very successfully and the only problem ever experienced was when the RBS system failed some years ago.

I recommend both the esaver and the current account if you live in their operating area from Preston to South Western Scotland. Contact with cs in Carlisle has always been far superior to that from other current account providers. 2 factor confirmation is by automated telephone system and works well.

subjecttocontract

Would a hotel address suffice for Cumberland ?.......as I'm working in that area for a few weeks and the hotel address meets their postcode requirements ?

chris_the_bee

subjecttocontract said:

Would a hotel address suffice for Cumberland ?.......as I'm working in that area for a few weeks and the hotel address meets their postcode requirements ?

Nice try, but you would need to be on the electoral roll there and produce 2 X ID with that address.

subjecttocontract

Isn't that a bit discriminatory?
No good if you're a traveller or live on a canal boat then ?