Santander to cut rate on popular 123 current account again
High street bank slashes current account rates
5th May 2020 15:51
by Brean Horne from interactive investor
High street bank slashes current account rates
Santander will cut the interest rate on its popular 123 account from 1% to 0.6% in a blow to savers who once earned 3% from the deal.
The change will take place from 3 August 2020 on balances of up to £20,000 and means customers will only be able to earn a maximum of £119.60 rather than £200 currently.
The bank cut its 123 savings rate from 3% to 1.5% in 2016, then lowered it to 1% In January before announcing a further cut today.
Santander says it is passing on the cuts to Bank of England base rate, which is factored into the interest many savings deal pay.
Base rate was 0.75% in January and was cut to a record low of 0.1% in March.
The 123 account has a £5 monthly flat fee, which would cost users £60 a year, or half of any interest they could earn if they had the £20,000 maximum in the account.
But the deal does also offer cashback on household bills of up to £180, provided they are paid through the account.
Susan Allen, head of retail banking at Santander, says: “While we have had to make a difficult decision in light of the current interest rate environment, our 123 current account continues to provide good ongoing value to customers.
It remains the only account that offers the ability to receive both interest on balances and cashback on household bills, meaning customers can earn almost £300 per year, for an account fee equivalent to £60 per year.”
Some money commentators say the change will be enough for savers to think about leaving the bank.
John Crossley, head of money at comparethemarket.com, says: “This decision will likely be a blow to Santander customers.
Launched in 2012, millions switched to the bank’s 123 account to take advantage of market-leading interest rates and cash back deals.
While some benefits remain, the latest cuts may prompt some Santander customers to consider switching to a different provider.”
However, savers who want an interest-paying current account have few other options.
The same interest rate cut will also apply to Santander’s Select and Private current accounts.
This article was originally published in our sister magazine Moneywise, which ceased publication in August 2020.
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