Mortgages

Nationwide has introduced the Nationwide Now service, which will allow customers to talk to a mortgage consultant by connecting to Nationwide’s Northampton office via video link.

Post Office has launched several new mortgage deals, including a branch exclusive 4.25 per cent two-year fixed rate mortgage at 90 per cent LTV with no arrangement fee. 

Investments

London Central Property is now offering investors access to the London Central Apartments II (LCA II) fund, which is specifically designed to be SIPP and ISA eligible. The fund has a closed-end structure, so investors need to be thinking for the medium term, but LCP expects returns of 14 per cent per annum.

Savings

Shawbrook Bank has increased the rate of its 1 year Fixed Rate Bond, offering savers 1.95 per cent AER. Savers can invest any amount between £5,000 and £2m.

Utilities

First Utility is now offering the UK’s cheapest one-year fixed energy tariff, priced at £994 a year. The new iSave Fixed July 2015 tariff comes with a price promise to be cheaper than the ‘Big Six’ standard variable tariffs and locks in the rate until summer of 2015.

Credit cards

MBNA has launched the Platinum credit card, its longest ever balance transfer card. The card offers eligible new customers zero per cent interest rates on balance transfers and money transfers made within the first 60 days. The rate is valid for up to 30 months from the account opening date. The card also offers zero interest on new purchases for three months. Handling fees do apply.

Banking

Santander is offering customers up to £3 for registering for mobile-to-mobile service Paym, which is set to launch on 29 April. Available to the first 500,000 customers who register before 31 May, Santander’s offer rewards customers with £1 when they register, another when they make their first payment and one more when they receive their first payment.