The graph on our landing page compares the historic returns generated from earning interest in a typical, high-street bank savings account, against the investment funds offered by Plum. These illustrate the power of compound interest and the potential benefits of investing for the long term.
It is important to be aware that, whilst we’ve sought to compare the differing returns offered, these two options represent very different levels of risk. A bank account and an investment fund are two separate financial products with different levels of risk. In addition, a bank account is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) whereas investing with Plum is not FSCS protected. When investing, your capital is at risk. Therefore, we are not comparing financial products but only illustrating the differences in potential interest earned with plum.
Our findings show that the average return offered by a bank savings account was 0.22% AER. When compared to the 5-year performance of the investment funds offered by Plum, we see a far greater return (albeit with differing risk levels). A breakdown of this performance and more details on the funds can be found here.
High Street Bank Interest Rates — 0.22% AER on average per year
For benchmarking purposes the bank accounts listed below, alongside their relevant links and interest rates included, have been selected because they offer an equivalent level of flexibility to Plum (i.e. there are no penalties for immediate withdrawal of your funds). The major banks, with respective interest rates, are detailed below.
High Street Bank Interest Rates
(As of 5th September 2022)
HSBC
Flexible Saver, 0.40% AER
Lloyds
Easy Saver, 0.40% AER
Natwest
Instant Saver, 0.50% AER
RBS
Instant Saver, 0.50% AER
Barclays
Everyday Saver, 0.25% AER
TSB
Easy Saver, 0.45% AER
Halifax
Everyday Saver, 0.45% AER
Santander
Everyday Saver, 1.50% AER
Nationwide
Instant Access Saver, 0.30% AER
Plum interest accounts pay 1.50% AER interest for Plum Basic customers (free), and 1.95% AER for Plum Pro, Ultra, and Premium subscribers (billed at £2.99, £4.99 and £9.9900 per month, respectively).
Note: Plum interest rates are correct as of 2nd November 2022.