Money Tips
The savings accounts that can beat 2.9% inflation
Inflation hit a fresh four-year high in May, dealing another devastating blow to beleaguered savers. But there are several accounts – all with specific qualifying criteria – paying above-inflation returns.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 2.9%, up from 2.7% the previous month, the highest rate since June 2013.
According to rate watchers Moneyfacts, not one of the 750 open-to-all, standard savings account currently on the market pays an inflation-beating rate of interest, meaning savers with money in one are losing money in real terms.
The best easy access account from Charter Savings Bank pays a meagre 1.11%.
While tying your money up for long periods of time was once the solution, this no longer pays as the best buy 5-year fixed rate bond from Atom Bank pays just 2.3%.
But there are options for those who still want to house their money in cash.
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Regular savings accounts
There are several regular saver accounts on the market paying more than inflation – but all come with a range of criteria to qualify.
Nearly all require a minimum deposit for a year, so you won’t be able to access your cash until the term is up.
The majority are linked products, which means customers must have a current account with the bank or building society to be eligible. Some also require a minimum number of direct debits.
First direct, HSBC, M&S Bank, Nationwide and Santander all pay 5% interest but all have specific criteria (see table below for full details).
Saffron Building Society pays 3%, while HSBC, Kent Reliance and Lloyds Bank pay 3%.
High interest current accounts
Another option is high interest current accounts, which pay up to 5%.
Nationwide’s FlexDirect pays 5% for 12 months on balances up to £2,500. After the first year, the rate drops to 1%. You have to pay in a minimum of £1,000 a month.
TSB Classic Plus pays 3% on balances up to £1,500. You must pay in at least £500 a month and register for internet banking and paperless statements.
Tesco Bank pays 3% on balances up to £3,000, guaranteed until April 2019. You have to pay a minimum of £750 into the account each month and set up three direct debits.
Nationwide FlexPlus pays 3% on balances up to £2,500. There’s no minimum monthly deposit requirement but it comes with an account fee of £10 a month.
