Savings interest rates might be dropping, but regular accounts are still boasting competitive returns. NatWest is one of the top 10 providers offering a deal in this sector exceeding the Bank of England’s Base Rate, and there is no minimum deposit requirement to get started.
Regular savings accounts typically require people to deposit a set amount each month and make minimal to no withdrawals. They work well for disciplined savers who want to build their savings over time, and typically benefit from higher interest rates than standard accounts. NatWest’s Digital Regular Saver comes with a 6.17% AER fixed for 12 months.
The 6.17% interest rate, which is paid monthly, applies to savings up to £5,000. Any amount above £5,000 will earn 1.25% AER.
Savers can deposit up to £150 each month, which allows for a maximum total contribution of £1,800. Based on the current rate and the maximum contribution, the account would earn £59.93 in interest over a year.
What’s more, unlike most regular accounts, customers can benefit from easy access to their cash, with no penalties applied to early withdrawals.
To open an account, you must be a UK resident, aged 16 years or over and a NatWest current account holder.
What else is out there?
Principality Building Society currently offers the market-leading 7.5% Annual Equivalent Rate (AER). The account runs for six months, and interest is paid on maturity.
Savers can invest up to £200 per month, allowing the pot to grow to a total of £1,200, and withdrawals are not permitted until the account matures. But, while it may have a market-leading AER, its six-month term limits the total interest earned. With a maximum investment of £200 per month, savers will end up with £1,227.53, including £27.53 in interest.
First Direct places just behind with a 7% AER over 12 months. The account allows a higher deposit of £300 per month, which totals up to £3,600 in savings over the course of a year.
At the end of the term, savers will have £3,736.50, including £136.50 in interest. Although the interest rate with First Direct is lower, the longer term and higher deposit limit make it a potentially better option.
The Co-operative Bank’s Regular Saver also remains competitive with its 7% interest deal.
Customers can start saving with just £1, with interest paid annually at the end of the 12-month term. Monthly deposits are capped at £250, allowing for a maximum total contribution of £3,000. Based on current rates, that would earn £114.21 in interest over a year.
Following the Bank of England’s latest Base Rate cut to 4.25% this month, savers are being urged to lock in higher interest rates while they’re still available.
Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, said: “In the coming days and weeks, it’s likely we’ll see rates on easy-access and fixed-term savings accounts begin to fall, meaning savers may need to shop around more actively to get the best return. “
