Customers of NatWest, Lloyds, and Barclays are being urged to review their savings options amid significant changes in interest rates. Experts from Moneyfactscompare have identified the best savings accounts available for the week starting December 15, 2025 — and notably, NatWest, Lloyds, and Barclays are absent from the top listings.
Instead, the leading offers come from smaller banks and building societies, including a Santander subsidiary and Nationwide. This suggests that those holding accounts with some of the UK’s biggest banks might benefit from moving their money to more competitive providers.
The alert follows the Bank of England’s recent base rate cut, which has led many top savings rates to be reduced or withdrawn. This shift makes it increasingly important for savers to act promptly to protect their returns.
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The top five regular savings accounts now offer returns between 6.5% and 7.5% AER, with Principality Building Society leading at 7.5% AER. Other strong contenders include Zopa and Progressive Building Society, both offering around 7% AER.
When it comes to fixed-rate bonds, Kent Reliance takes the lead with a 4.51% AER, closely followed by a range of banks offering rates around 4.4%.
For cash ISAs, Tembo Money, Investec Save, and Charter Savings Bank all offer attractive rates near 4.3% AER.
Easy access accounts are also competitive, with Santander’s cahoot brand topping the list at 5% AER. Other notable providers include Snoop and Manchester Building Society, all offering rates above 4.2%.
Caitlyn Eastell, spokesperson for Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, emphasized the urgency for savers: “Following the base rate cut, many of the most competitive rates have fallen or disappeared. Savers could soon face lower returns, so it’s crucial to secure a good rate while possible. We’ve seen Kent Reliance improve its short-term fixed bonds, and Charter Savings Bank strengthen its cash ISA deals. Although inflation is easing, good inflation-beating rates remain available, but regular saver accounts often have restrictions that may impact long-term growth.”
In summary, customers of NatWest, Lloyds, and Barclays should consider exploring alternative saving options promptly to maximize their returns in the current shifting interest rate environment.