MONEY MORSELS
Savers’ rate rise
Investec is increasing the interest rate paid by its Online Flexi saver to a top 0.71pc from today. the minimum investment is £5,000. Aldermore has raised the rate on its Double Access account to 0.75pc, but you can make only two withdrawals a year or the rate will fall to 0.1pc. You will need to deposit at least £1,000.
Cashback shops
SHOPPERS will soon be able to get cashback at more than 2,000 retailers without needing to buy anything. Around 1,000 shops already offer the service as part of a trial run by the cash machine network Link. Customers can ask for up to £50 from participating stores.
Green scheme fail
THE Government’s flagship green homes grant initiative ‘underperformed badly’, according to a report by the Public Accounts committee. Just 47,500 homes benefited from energy efficient improvements against a target of 600,000. the scheme also cost £50million in administration costs — which works out at more than £1,000 per home.
Loan prisoners
AROUND 47,000 ‘mortgage prisoners’ who are stuck on expensive variable rates could save money by switching, according to the City watchdog. But it adds that providers will need to adapt lending criteria, while interest-only borrowers may have to repay some capital.
Broadband deals
AROUND 1.3 million broadband customers have moved to cheaper deals after telecoms watchdog Ofcom told providers they must warn households when contracts are ending and how much they could save by switching. Mobile customers have also saved £100 million.
Contactless limit
SANTANDER customers can now choose their own limit for contactless payments. Cardholders with online or mobile banking can set caps between £5 and £95 if they don’t want payments of up to £100 to go through without inputting their PIN.
Charity boost
THE Post Office is donating 1p for every branch counter cash withdrawal to the trussell trust, which provides emergency food to struggling families. the initiative runs until March 31 in 11,500 Post Office sites and the aim is to raise £250,000.
Cyber credit
SALES made using the buy-now-pay-later service Klarna rose by 53pc on so-called Cyber Monday compared with last year. The company also recorded a 47pc increase in Black Friday purchases, with jewellery and accessories among the most popular items bought.