Tandem Bank is a digital "challenger bank" with a unique focus on building a greener future. Unlike traditional high-street banks, Tandem does not have branches and operates primarily through its app and website.
It distinguishes itself in the mortgage market by being a "Green Lender," actively rewarding customers for having energy-efficient homes or borrowing money to make eco-friendly improvements.
If you’re interested in a green mortgage, you can compare any deals you may have seen available through Tandem bank with other green mortgages across the market with our free mortgage comparison tool below:
Compare Rates
Showing Top Result Results
No results matching your criteria
Lender Details
Product Details
About Tandem Bank
Launched in 2014, Tandem acquired Harrods Bank in 2018 (bringing capital and a banking licence) and the consumer lender Oplo in 2022. Headquartered in Blackpool, Cardiff, Durham, London, and Manchester, it has grown rapidly into a major specialist lender.
Its lending philosophy is built on "Fair View" credit assessment, instead of based solely on a credit score. Tandem assesses an applicant's recent financial history (typically the last 22-24 months) rather than the last 6 years. This makes them a strong option for borrowers who have recovered from historical credit blips.
Mortgage & Finance Products
Tandem’s lending is split into several key areas, all available for properties in England, Wales, and Scotland.
-
Residential Mortgages (Intermediary Only):
-
Remortgages & Purchase: They offer competitive rates for home movers and those switching deals
-
Green Discounts: Their flagship feature. If your property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A, B, or C, you may qualify for a discounted interest rate
-
Adverse Credit: They are a specialist lender willing to consider applicants with CCJs, defaults, or missed payments, provided they have been managed/satisfied recently
-
-
Second Charge Mortgages:
-
Typically from £10,000 to £250,000 over up to 25 years
-
-
Greener Home Improvement Loans:
-
Unsecured personal loans specifically designed to fund eco-friendly upgrades like solar panels, heat pumps, or insulation
-
Compare today's best mortgage rates
We work with 90+ UK mortgage lenders, including Tandem. You can use our service to compare mortgage rates from across the market to find the right deal.
Our mortgage sourcing tool is FREE and will show you the latest deals from Tandem and others so you can make an informed decision about which to choose.
Click the button below to get started comparing the entire market for free.
Pros and Cons of Tandem Bank
Here is a balanced overview of choosing Tandem for your finance.
Pros:
-
Green Rewards: They are one of the few lenders explicitly offering lower interest rates ("EPC Discount") for energy-efficient homes, potentially saving you money if your house is rated A-C
-
Fair View Assessment: Their willingness to ignore older credit issues (older than 24 months) makes them a lifeline for borrowers recovering from past financial difficulty
-
Speed & Tech: As a digital bank, their systems are modern. They use Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) for many properties, which can speed up the "time to offer" significantly compared to traditional valuation visits
-
No Early Repayment Charges (on some products): Some of their tracker mortgages products or second charge loans may have flexible repayment options (check specific product terms)
Cons:
-
Intermediary-Only: You cannot apply for their main residential mortgages directly. You need to pay for or use a mortgage broker.
-
Higher Rates: As a specialist lender, their standard rates are typically higher than "vanilla" high-street banks like HSBC or Nationwide. You pay a premium for their flexibility on credit scoring
-
App-Based Banking: While modern, some customers prefer the security of a physical branch or a web-based portal, whereas Tandem relies heavily on its mobile app
Customer Service and Reviews
Tandem generally receives positive feedback, particularly for its savings and app usability.
-
Trustpilot: They typically hold a rating of 4.0+ out of 5. Positive reviews focus on the ease of setting up accounts and the competitive savings rates
-
Mortgage Feedback: Borrowers (via brokers) often praise the speed of the digital process. However, as with many digital lenders, some negative reviews cite frustration if an account is locked for security checks, as there is no branch to visit to resolve it instantly
How to Apply
Tandem is an intermediary-only lender for standard residential mortgages. You cannot apply directly; you must use a mortgage broker. However, second charge mortgages are often accessible directly if you already have a mortgage with them.
-
For Residential Mortgages: You must find an independent mortgage broker. They will assess your eligibility for Tandem’s "Fair View" criteria and submit the application via the broker portal. If you would like us to act as an intermediary for Tandem bank on your behalf get started here
