Co-operative Bank

The Co-operative Bank offers a range of financial services, including: personal, business, corporate, and Internet banking; investment programs; mortgages; other loans; credit cards; and insurance. They have been in business since 1872 (under other names) and are known for their innovation and liberal ethics. They created an ethical policy in 1992 and now will not ally themselves with companies that are involved in such activities as arms trade and genetic engineering, among other concerns. In addition, for every new mortgage loaned, they will contribute annually to Climate Care, which is an organisation committed to fighting global warming.

With regards to banking, the Co-operative Bank offers current accounts, personal loans, and a credit card for members. They have a few different savings plans, including longer term and fixed term.

For those looking for a mortgage for their first home buy, the Co-operative Bank has a few plans to help you realise your goals. They offer a 1% cash-back mortgage, which could help you cover some of the upfront costs of moving. This mortgage also boasts no deposit required, a loan range of ₤25,000 to ₤200,000, and a five-year fixed rate term. Once these five years are over, the rate will be at the standard variable amount. Also for first time buyers, there is a discounted rate option, which means that your payments for the first three years will be lower, after which time the standard variable rate will kick in. This loan allows flexible repayments, so that you can overpay and shorten the life of your loan. The Co-operative Bank’s first time buyer’s fixed rate mortgage gives you peace of mind, because you will know exactly how much your monthly payments will be for the first three years. After said term, the rate will revert to the standard variable, which fluctuates. All of these loans have relatively low arrangement fees and they all have early repayment penalties with different parameters.

The Co-operative Banks is keen to help new buyers. As fallout, they have programmes to help recent graduates, are willing to have parents sign as guarantors, and have plans for those who want to buy with friends.

If you are looking to change homes, the Co-operative Bank can help you all along the way. For new mortgages, they offer fixed rate, discounted variable rate, tracker rate, capped rate, and cash-back. The capped rate mortgage needs some explanation. This type of mortgage is similar to a variable rate loan in that it is beneficial to the borrower if the ever-fluctuating variable rate dips. However, when the rate goes up, with a capped rate loan, you will only pay as high of a rate as previously decided upon with your lender.

The Co-operative Bank also offers car, home, eco, personal accident, life, and income and health insurance. Their unique eco-insurance programme will offset 20% of your car’s CO2 emissions through investment in projects that are better for our earth, such as renewable energy resources.

So, if you are in the market for banking products, a mortgage, or insurance, use our tools on SimplyFinance.co.uk to find the best company and product for you, keeping in mind that this article should not be interpreted as financial advice or as a recommendation by SimplyFinance to use any individual service or to invest with any company advertised or mentioned.

Lower Your Mortgage