A huge provider of mortgages in the UK, the Halifax, in Walthamstow, can be found sandwiched between Game Station and Lloyds TSB at 176/8 High Street. Also known in financial circles as HBOS, since its take over by the Bank of Scotland (actually, 'The Governor and Company of the Bank of Scotland'), this institution is now the UK's fourth largest bank and the biggest provider of mortgages. The Halifax is well known for having some of the most irritating adverts on television, fronted by Howard Brown, who has his own hate site on Bebo.
Despite the boasts about giving people 'Xtra', according to moneysavingexpert.com the Halifax has several savings accounts which are potential 'losers', given current rates of inflation, because of their poor rates of interest: Liquid Gold, 60 Day Gold, Instant Saver, Saver Reward, Bonus Gold (C), paying as they do between 0.65% and 3.1%AER interest before tax. (Figures at 19 March 2008). Although most institutions have some lousy rates for the inert, I do think that its a bit of a cheek that they offer these rates at all given their incessant advertising profile. If you have one of these accounts, its a good idea to have a look around for something better.
(Tel: 020 8919 0510)
HBOS was recently taken over by Lloyds TSB.
[Updated 26 September 2008]