Leeds Building Society’s savings accounts regularly top the best buy tables with tantalising interest rates. Here’s everything you need to know about its savings accounts plus how its rates hold up agaist the market today. Leeds Building Society's top savings rate of 6.15% is available on one of its easy access accounts.
Easy access savings accounts
Cash ISAs
Fixed-rate bonds
Regular savings accounts
What is Leeds Building Society's best savings account with the highest interest rate?
The best savings account depends on what you want from your savings. If you're after fast access to your money, then an easy-access account should suit you. However, if you're happy to lock your money away for a time to access a higher rate, then a fixed-rate bond is a good option.
Finally, if you're looking to maximise your returns and shield them from income tax, consider an ISA. Below, we've listed the different types of accounts Leeds Building Society offers, plus the highest interest rate currently available.
Savings account types include | Easy access, cash ISAs, fixed-rate bonds, regular savers |
---|---|
Best easy access rate | 6.15% |
Best cash ISA rate | 4.55% |
Best fixed-rate bond rate | 4.2% |
Best regular saver rate | 5.1% |
Fixed bond terms | 1 year 2 months - 5 years 2 months |
Opening options | Branch, website, post |
FSCS protection |
What is 'account maturity'?
A fixed term savings account is one that pays interest at a fixed rate for a set amount of time, for example 2% for two years. After this time, the product comes to an end and you will no longer receive the interest rate that you have previously been receiving on your investment. When this happens it is called a ‘maturity’.
Is it easy to switch to Leeds Building Society?
Leeds Building Society make it very easy for customers to switch their savings accounts. You can open an account in branch, by post, over the phone or on the website.
All you need is a proof of ID and address, and the minimum deposit to open an account.
How do I decide which account is for me?
You need to work out what it is you need from your bank account. Are you looking to put a bit of money away each month? Do you want to put some money away and restrict access to it? Are you after rewards or hoping to maximise interest?
You need to work out what you need before comparing the different offers available for certain types of bank account. Once you’ve done that, useful guidelines to compare include:
- Interest rates
- Fees (if there are any)
- Access to cash (if you need quick access for instance)
- Rewards and loyalty schemes (if you’re into the add-ons or switching bonuses)
You want your savings to earn as much interest as possible so consider splitting up your pot. Keep what you may need for an emergency in an easy-access account but tuck the rest away in a fixed rate bond or notice account with a higher interest rate.”
Does Leeds Building Society Offer online or mobile banking?
Yes. When you open an account you’ll be provided with credentials to log into your account. You can also open online savings accounts that can only be opened and operated online.
Here are some of the basic features of Leeds Building Society’s online banking service:
- View rates and current balances for all of your accounts
- View and print a transaction statement at any time.
- Request withdrawals or transfers between your accounts
- Open another account
- Set a savings goal to help you work towards a target
What is a 'building society'?
A building society is a financial institution owned by its members. They are called building societies because they were originally created in order to lend money for buying and improving properties. They offer banking, and related financial services, including mortgages and savings.
Whereas banks are normally listed on the stock market and run for their shareholders, building societies aren’t, they are run for their members’ benefit instead. Because they don’t have shareholders to pay, building societies have historically claimed to offer better interest rates and cheaper mortgage rates than banks.
Pros and cons of banking with Leeds Building Society?
Pros
- Better interest rates. Building societies don’t have shareholders to pay, and have usually claimed to offer better interest rates than banks.
- Flexibility. Leeds Building Society’s variety of accounts offers flexible options no matter what kind of savings you’re looking for.
- FSCS protection. With Leeds Building Society you have peace of mind that comes from knowing your money is protected up to a total of £85,000 by the UK’s deposit guarantee scheme.
- High street presence.If you like the assurance of a physical presence and prefer face-to-face customer service there are a number of physical branches in the UK.
Cons
- Customer service. Leeds Building Society’s customer service has had mixed reviews online. While reviews have a tendency to be anecdotal, it’s something to keep in mind.
Customer service information for Leeds Building Society
Email support | |
---|---|
Telephone support | |
In-app or live chat | |
Contact form | |
Branch support |
Our verdict: Is Leeds Building Society any good?
Leeds Building Society savings accounts range from easy access and ISAs, to fixed term and savings for children, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Be sure to check out our other reviews first, though, to see how Leeds Building Society’s accounts weigh up against the competition in terms of rates, fees and perks.
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My 2-year fixed rate is due to mature on the 3rd of January. What can you offer me?
Hi Pearl,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
If you’re referring to Leeds Building Society, you may check the items mentioned under the subheading, “What savings accounts does Leeds Building Society offer?” found above.
If you’re looking for other bank accounts, you may go to this page. On that page, you will see a table that allows you to conveniently compare your options based on their features and details. Once you found the right one for you, click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more or initiate your application.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua