Customers of three of the UK's biggest high street banks have received a crucial warning to potentially move their money, as new analysis reveals their providers are absent from the best savings deals available this week.
Major Banks Fall Short in Competitive Savings Market
Financial experts at Moneyfactscompare have compiled their weekly list of the top-performing savings accounts for the week beginning December 15, 2025. Notably, the lists are devoid of offerings from banking giants NatWest, Lloyds, and Barclays. The only familiar names featured are Nationwide and cahoot, which is a subsidiary of Santander.
This omission suggests that millions of customers with these major institutions could be earning significantly less interest on their savings than is currently available elsewhere in the market. The advice from analysts is clear: savers should consider reviewing their options and potentially opening new accounts to secure better returns.
Rate Reductions Follow Bank of England Decision
The timing of this advice is particularly pressing. Moneyfactscompare spokesperson Caitlyn Eastell highlighted that many of the most competitive rates have been "reduced or withdrawn" in the past week. This trend is linked to the Bank of England's base rate cut announced on the preceding Thursday.
"With a base rate cut seemingly priced in, this may not be entirely surprising," Eastell stated. She issued a stark warning to savers: "Savers could soon see lesser returns after the cut, so it is crucial they lock away their cash."
Best Savings Accounts Revealed
The analysis from Moneyfactscompare breaks down the best options across several savings categories, providing a clear roadmap for savers looking to switch.
The top five regular savings accounts for the week are led by Principality Building Society offering 7.5% AER. They are followed by Zopa (7.1% AER), Progressive Building Society (7% AER), The Co-operative Bank (7% AER), and Nationwide Building Society (6.5% AER).
For those looking to fix their rate, the best fixed-rate accounts are headed by Kent Reliance at 4.51% AER, with LHV Bank (4.46% AER), Habib Bank Zurich plc (4.44% AER), GB Bank (4.40% AER), and Chetwood Bank (4.40% AER) also making the list.
In the cash ISA market, Tembo Money, Investec Save, and Charter Savings Bank lead the way, all offering 4.30% AER.
For easy access to funds, the best easy access account is offered by cahoot (a Santander subsidiary) paying 5% AER. It is followed by Snoop, Manchester Building Society, Vanquis Bank, and Dudley Building Society, all offering 4.25% AER.
Eastell noted specific provider movements, saying, "Kent Reliance increased rates on its short-term fixed bonds and now leads the one- and two-year markets, while Charter Savings Bank strengthened its cash ISA deals." She added a note of caution regarding regular savers: "Inflation has eased, leaving more inflation-beating savings rates available, though regular saver accounts often come with conditions that limit long-term wealth building."
The message for savers with NatWest, Lloyds, and Barclays is now unequivocal: in a changing interest rate landscape, proactive comparison and action could be key to protecting and growing their savings.
