Gavin Shepherd

Money Analyst – Banking and Insurance

Having left uni with a degree in German studies, Gavin joined MSE via the unorthodox route of Lufthansa cabin crew, followed by Windsor Castle visitor services.

Now that he's been here over two years, he's a bit of an expert on all things banking, including current accounts, packaged bank accounts and bank switch offers.

Gavin's day-to-day tasks include keeping our bank account guides up to date, as well as regularly assisting the MSE News team with money-related articles. When he's not busy breaking down the latest banking jargon, Gavin spends a lot of time at his local church, where he plays violin in the music group and helps to lead activities for teenagers.

Latest from Gavin Shepherd

If you bought (or just got quotes for) car or home insurance on Friday 19 July, it's possible you didn't see some of the cheapest deals, as some insurers were unable to offer quotes due to widespread IT problems. It means you may have been offered fewer options and/or higher prices than normal. Here's what you need to know.

25 July 2024

You've just days left to grab Chase's temporary 5.1% easy-access savings deal, as the app-only bank has announced it'll stop offering the boosted rate to newbies after 11.59pm on Wednesday 17 July.

14 July 2024

Chase customer? Check if you can get its boosted 5.1% easy-access saver.

App-based bank Chase has launched a new table-topping 5.1% AER interest savings account for both new and existing customers. It follows a similar move earlier this year – though this time round, MORE customers can get it. Chase has also announced that it will axe the 1% interest paid on money held in its current accounts from 5 August – though it'll still remain one of our best buys due to its other perks.

3 June 2024

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NS&I has launched its 'British Savings Bonds' – three-year fixed rate savings accounts first announced by the Chancellor in his Spring Budget last month. But they'll only pay 4.15% AER – a rate you can easily beat elsewhere.

15 April 2024

The Bank of England (left) and the Royal Exchange (right)

The Bank of England has held the base rate at 5.25% for the fifth time in a row. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

26 March 2024

If you're a Chase customer, you'll soon need to pay in at least £1,500 a month to qualify for its 1% debit card cashback offer. But depending on when you signed up, this change won't take effect immediately – and you can work around it if you'll spend less than £1,500 each month.

28 February 2024

The Bank of England held the base rate at 5.25% for the fourth time in a row on Thursday 1 February. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

6 February 2024

NS&I to cut the Premium Bond prize rate to 4.4%.

NS&I will decrease its Premium Bond prize-fund rate to 4.4% from 4.65% for its March 2024 draw and beyond. But this rate was already lagging behind interest rates on standard savings accounts – so if you're a bondholder, you may now want to consider moving your cash to an interest-paying account.

23 January 2024

Savers should consider locking in a top fixed rate now as the Bank of England has held the base rate at 5.25% for the second time in a row. For mortgage borrowers, the situation is less clear-cut and will depend on what type of mortgage you have and when your deal ends.

2 November 2023

If you're a Skipton Building Society mortgage or savings customer you can now access its new 7.5% regular savings account. The eye-catching rate is one of the highest we've seen on this type of account in a decade. Below we explain how it works, how it compares and how to get it.

5 June 2023

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You can now earn 4.25% on your savings with Staffordshire-based Hanley Economic Building Society's new account. It's the highest easy-access rate in 14 years - since January 2009 - and it overtakes the previous top rate of 3.71%. However, you can only open the account by post or in branch.

21 May 2023

The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 4.25% to 4.5% taking it to its highest level since 2008. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

14 May 2023

Chase Bank has announced a shake-up to its popular current account. The move impacts both new signups, as well as Chase's existing 1 million UK customers. Below we explain what's changing and how Chase now compares with other accounts.

17 February 2023

The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 3% to 3.5%. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

20 December 2022

The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 2.25% to 3% – the largest single rise since 1989. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

3 November 2022

Bank of England increases base rate to 2.25%

The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 1.75% to 2.25% – the highest it has been in 14 years. This rate is used by the central bank to charge other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and so it influences what borrowers pay and what savers earn.

26 September 2022