
OakNorth Bank savings accounts review
OakNorth offers a broad range of savings accounts with interest rates up to 5.3%.
OakNorth Bank was founded by two entrepreneurs, Rishi Khosla and Joel Perman, and gained regulatory approval in 2015. The bank offers a range of savings accounts for both individuals and businesses as we explain below.
Easy access savings accounts
Cash ISAs
Fixed-rate bonds
Notice savings accounts
Overview of OakNorth savings
Savings account types include | Easy access, cash ISAs, fixed-rate bonds, notice accounts |
---|---|
Best easy access rate | 3% |
Best cash ISA rate | 4.66% |
Best fixed-rate bond rate | 5.3% |
Best notice account rate | 4% |
Fixed bond terms | 6 months - 5 years |
Notice account periods available | 35 days - 120 days |
Opening options | Website, mobile app |
FSCS protection |
How to open an account
You can open a personal savings account online or via the app, provided you are over 18 years old and a UK resident. Simply fill in the application form and provide a few personal details including your name, date of birth, address, email address and phone number as well as the details of the bank account you’re transferring funds from. You will also need your National Insurance number if you’re opening a cash ISA.
Business savings accounts can only be applied for online. Accounts are available to businesses that have been registered in the UK for at least 3 years and are registered with HMRC to pay tax. You will need to provide personal details including your name and date of birth as well as the residential address for all applicants. All applicants must be aged 18 or over, UK residents and liable to pay tax in the UK.
Documents needed to open an account
When you apply for a savings account with OakNorth Bank, your identity and address will be checked through electronic databases. However, you might also be asked to provide the following:
- A good quality photo or scan of a valid passport or valid UK driving licence, sent via email
- A good quality photo, scan or downloaded PDF of a valid proof of address document such as a utility bill, bank statement, council tax statement or HMRC notification, sent via email
Alternatively, you can send original or certified copies by post.
Is OakNorth Bank safe?
Yes, OakNorth Bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and PRA. All eligible deposits are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This rises to £170,000 for joint accounts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Flexibility. OakNorth Bank offers a range of savings accounts, whether you’re looking for easy access or long-term gains.
- FSCS protection. Money in accounts will be protected up to £85,000 per person.
- Low deposit requirement. Personal savings accounts can be opened with just £1.
Cons
- Better rates elsewhere? OakNorth Bank offers competitive rates for its personal accounts, but its business account rates are pretty poor.
- No branches. You will need to open your account online or via the app.
Our verdict: Is a savings account from OakNorth Bank worth it?
OakNorth Bank offers a huge variety of both personal and business savings accounts and, unlike many of its competitors, you can choose from a wide range of terms for its fixed rate bonds. The interest rates on its personal savings accounts are competitive too, making it a very attractive option. But remember that OakNorth Bank does not have any branches so you’ll need to be happy banking digitally.
Frequently asked questions
Savings ratings
Our customer satisfaction scores ("Customers say") are based on a survey of 2,224 customers carried out in December 2022.
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