When the Bank of England increases the base rate of interest, you might understandably think that the interest rate on your savings account will also go up shortly afterwards. Of course, some banks will drag their feet, but surely it’s only be a matter of time before the increase is passed on to savers as well as borrowers?
In fact, when the base rate was increased in March 2018, the interest paid on half of all savings accounts failed to rise at all. Of those that did, the average rise was below the 0.25% increase in the base rate. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has estimated that savers could miss out on up to £480m in interest by waiting for the interest rate to go up on their existing savings account, instead of switching to a new provider.
With the base rate as low as it is, it’s understandable that savers might think there will be little difference in the rates offered by different providers. Unfortunately, that's not the case; the spread of interest rates paid on both fixed term and instant access accounts (including ISAs) continues to be significant, hence the FCA’s startling estimate of how much interest is being missed out on.
It pays to shop around for the best rates for your savings. If you’re interested in fixed-term, fixed rate investments you’ll find more information about Castle Trust’s Fortress Bonds by viewing our Investments Information page.
Jeremy Stevens
Investment Marketing Team