Halifax Review, Offers, Rates & Alternatives
Halifax is one of the UK's most popular banks, particularly for savings and mortgages. Part of Lloyds Banking Group, Halifax offers current accounts, competitive savings rates, credit cards, and is one of the UK's largest mortgage lenders.
Live offers
- Halifax Credit Card
- Halifax Clarity Credit Card
- Reward Current Account
- Halifax 2-Year Fixed Mortgage UK
- Halifax Easy Saver
| Owner | Lloyds Banking Group |
|---|---|
| Current accounts | Reward (£3/month), Ultimate Reward (£19/month) |
| Savings | Easy Saver 4.65% AER, instant access, no maximum balance |
| Credit cards | Halifax Credit Card 12.9% APR; Clarity 23.9% APR with no overseas fees |
| Mortgages & loans | 2-year fix from 4.48% (75% LTV); loans from 6.4% APR |
| Best for | UK savers and first-time buyers seeking competitive savings rates and mortgages |
| Alternatives | Nationwide, Santander, Lloyds, Barclays |
Best for
- UK savers seeking competitive easy-access and fixed-rate savings
- First-time buyers and home movers
Not ideal for
- Digital-first users — Halifax's app is functional but not as advanced as Monzo or Starling
Halifax savings rates
Halifax Easy Saver is the Halifax savings account tracked on Giraffy.
- Easy Saver: 4.65% AER
- Instant access with no maximum balance
- FSCS protection up to £85,000 per person
Best for: Savers who want instant access without a balance cap.
Halifax current accounts
Two Halifax current accounts are listed, both with a monthly fee.
- Reward Current Account: £3/month, £100 fee-free overdraft, no fees for cash withdrawals abroad, linked Reward Bonus Saver
- Ultimate Reward Current Account: £19/month premium account with no Halifax debit card fees at home or abroad and the Account Benefits Hub
- Arranged overdrafts outside the free buffer: 29.9% EAR
Halifax credit cards
Both Halifax cards on Giraffy have no annual fee.
- Halifax Credit Card: 12.9% representative APR, 12.9% on balance transfers
- Halifax Clarity: 23.9% representative APR, 0% foreign transaction fees and 0% cash withdrawal fees abroad
Best for: Clarity for travel; the standard card for a lower ongoing rate.
Halifax mortgages, loans and home insurance
Halifax is one of the UK's largest mortgage lenders.
- 2-year fixed mortgage: 4.48% at 75% LTV
- Personal loan: 6.4% representative APR, £1,000–£25,000 over 1–7 years (Halifax bank account required)
- Home insurance: buildings and contents from £150/year
Halifax vs alternatives
Halifax vs Nationwide
Member-owned building society with competitive savings. Both are strong for savings. Nationwide is mutual-owned. Compare current rates on Giraffy.
Halifax vs Lloyds Bank
Sister bank within Lloyds Banking Group. Both are part of Lloyds Banking Group. Halifax is stronger for savings rates.
Halifax in United Kingdom — FAQ
Is Halifax good for savings?
Halifax consistently offers competitive savings rates. Compare with Nationwide and Marcus on Giraffy for the best UK savings rates.
What is the Halifax Easy Saver interest rate?
Giraffy lists Halifax Easy Saver at 4.65% AER with instant access and no maximum balance. Rates are variable, so compare it with other UK easy-access accounts before moving money.
How much does the Halifax Reward Current Account cost?
The Reward Current Account costs £3 a month and includes a £100 fee-free overdraft, no Halifax fees for cash withdrawals abroad and access to the Reward Bonus Saver. The Ultimate Reward Current Account costs £19 a month.
Are Halifax and Lloyds the same bank?
Both are owned by Lloyds Banking Group but sell their own products. Halifax lists the higher easy-access savings rate (4.65% AER vs 4.25% AER at Lloyds), while Lloyds offers a free Classic current account and a 25-month 0% balance transfer card.