Compare Mortgage Rates from The Cooperative Bank Against the Market

Who are The Co-operative Bank?

With roots going back to 1872, The Co-operative Bank has a long history of providing banking services in the UK. While it is no longer part of the wider Co-operative Group, it has maintained its commitment to an Ethical Policy that has been shaped by its customers for over 30 years.

In the mortgage market, they operate as a direct competitor to other major high-street banks. They offer a full range of products and services, allowing customers to apply directly or through a mortgage broker. It's also important to note that the historic Britannia Building Society is now fully part of The Co-operative Bank.

What are they known for?

The Co-operative Bank's reputation is built on two key pillars: its ethical stance and its position as a reliable mainstream lender.

A Customer-Led Ethical Policy

This is their most distinctive feature. The bank will not provide services to any business whose activities conflict with the values of its customers. This policy covers issues such as:

• Human Rights and Fair Trade

• Environmental Impact and Fossil Fuels

• International Development and Animal Welfare

• Not investing in oppressive regimes or the arms trade

For many borrowers, choosing The Co-operative Bank means their mortgage money is with a bank that actively avoids causing social and environmental harm.

Mainstream Mortgage Products

They offer a comprehensive range of products for standard borrowers:

• First-Time Buyers: They consistently offer 95% Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgages, requiring just a 5% deposit.

• Home Movers and Remortgagers: A wide selection of competitive fixed and tracker rates.

• Product Transfers: A straightforward process for existing customers (including former Britannia customers) to switch to a new deal.

Pros and Cons of a Co-operative Bank Mortgage

Pros:

• Unique Ethical Stance: The only UK high-street bank with a customer-led ethical policy, which is a major draw for many.

• Competitive Mainstream Rates: They offer competitive rates that often rival the biggest names on the high street.

• Full Banking Service: You can have your mortgage, current account, savings, and credit cards all with one institution.

• Good for Standard Cases: A reliable and straightforward choice for borrowers with a good credit history.

Cons:

• Less Flexible on Complex Cases: As a mainstream bank, their largely automated underwriting process is less suited to borrowers with complex incomes or minor credit issues compared to a specialist lender.

• Not a Mutual: Unlike a building society, the bank is owned by private investors, not its members.

• Customer Service can be variable: Like many large banks, the service experience can differ across departments.

How to apply

The Co-operative Bank provides multiple ways to apply for a mortgage:

1. Directly: You can apply yourself online, over the phone, or by booking an appointment in one of their branches.

2. Through a Mortgage Broker (recommended): You can also use an independent mortgage adviser who can manage the application on your behalf.

If you want to explore whether The Co-operative is the right lender for you, get in touch here and we will arrange a free, no-obligation chat with a mortgage broker who specialises in their products.