The New Top Easy Access Savings Discussion Area

gpman

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82111628#Comment_82111628

Maybe I'm missing your point, but lots of savings account providers send a security code by SMS to your mobile to allow you to login (and most of those don't offer an alternative such as a landline or email.)

If you lose your mobile or sim, then contact the savings provider, and they will explain how to set up a new mobile number. Probably you will have to go through the whole security set up again that you did when you first set up an account with that provider. In the case you still have access to the old number and just want to change it, that is a lot easier usually.

SloughSally

I have accounts with 7 or 8 other major providers including NatWest (who own FA) ,Nwide, Charter ,Scottish widows,Chase ,etc and not one of them requires me to receive a SMS with a security code to enter every time I wish to login.

I am simply pointing out it would cause a problem if for whatever reason you were not able to receive an SMS on your registered mobile #.

gpman

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82111715#Comment_82111715

By contrast, the following savings account providers all send a SMS to a mobile with no alternative (unless possibly you have their app, where available). Not intended as an exhaustive list.

Buckinghamshire BS
Cahoot
Chetwood Bank
Cynergy Bank
Family BS
HTB
Harpendon BS
Hodge Bank
Penrith BS
Principality BS
Progressive BS (although you can have this changed to email on request)
UBL UK
Virgin Money (unless you have their security token) - owned by Nationwide BS

In addition the following send you an SMS security code when attempting to withdraw funds:
Coventry BS (sometimes they allow you to view your account balance without a text, but send you a text to allow you access to do almost everything else online)
Nottingham BS
Santander (usually only for new payees)
Skipton BS

SloughSally

Exactly, having the app makes all the difference and unfortunately FS does not have one but still requires the SMS , thanks for endorsing my point.

By the way I also love google when trying to get lists , maybe reverse your search the next time and see the list that does not require an SMS it’s far longer 😂.

gpman

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82111789#Comment_82111789

I wasn't endorsing your point, just the opposite. Sorry if that confused you.

And my list didn't come from google, but from my personal experiences.

My point was, if you recall "…lots of savings account providers send a security code by SMS to your mobile to allow you to login (and most of those don't offer an alternative such as a landline or email.)"

Cahoot doesn't have an app either. I don't know about the others as I don't use apps.

castle96

Blowed if I can find anything special for VM. May I have a link pl?

friolento

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82112285#Comment_82112285

https://uk.virginmoney.com/current-accounts/boosted-linked-saver-offer/

castle96

thanks, but..

"

• "don't have an open personal Virgin Money Current Account or a personal Nationwide Building Society Current Account"

Have both!

gpman

"Could you please tell us the attraction / benefits of Harpendon BS and Penrith BS please?"

The Harpendon account was mentioned in this very thread (or it's predecessor) as well as in the 'no chat' thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80303169#Comment_80303169

Probably earned a ranking in the TOTP list at the time too.

I can't recall if the Penrith BS account was ever mentioned here, (it probably was) but in October 2024 it was paying 4.71% which I felt offered good value at the time, particularly in an uncertain market. It allowed for a maximum of 6 withdrawals per year, including closure.

That was the 'Penrith BS Limited Access E-Saver Issue 1' account.

gpman

Was in the distant past quite a rewarding account operated under Shariah principles. Alas, no longer.

Gatehouse Easy Access Account

2.65% AER / 2,62% gross for monthly profit

Mentioned for the benefit of any existing customers who will be affected from 23 September 2026