Offset bank accounts with a mortgage are often referred to as the mortgage saver accounts. Mortgages are generally used as an example of offsetting. This is because mortgages are usually the largest of the financial commitments made by most people in their lifetime. However, offsetting can also be applied to any other form of financial service as well, for instance, personal loans, credit cards, current accounts, and saving accounts.
Benefits of Having an Offset Bank Accounts
If you have an offset bank account, the interest rates that are charged on your credit card debt or a loan are generally charged at a lower rate. Offset bank accounts may have varied rates of interest and yet it is likely to be better than the average interest rate on credit cards. Another benefit of having an offset bank account is that he repayment options are varied and greatly flexible. There are underpayments, overpayments and payment holidays. This scheme is more suited to people who receive lump sums as payment in the form of dividends or bonuses. It might also be suitable for people who are self-employed and who receive money irregularly. They may benefit from the possibility to underpay or overpay, as the situation may be.
Offset mortgages are extremely popular and efficient. This is because they allow you to use the bulk of your saving to bring down your mortgage. The best thing about this scheme is that you will still have the choice to divert savings to any other use by giving up a small part of your mortgage savings. Nowadays, more and more people are choosing mortgage saver accounts because of all these benefits. There are some people who may choose to repay the mortgage early by a few months or even years, and still be in possession of their savings after the mortgage is repaid.
Some Drawbacks
Although they have a huge number of benefits, offset mortgages also have a few drawbacks. Mortgage interest rates are liable to be marginally higher than some other type of mortgage deals. Additionally, if you keep a low balance on your current account, the extra expense of the offset mortgage will not be worth the benefits.
How To Know if Offset Mortgages Are Right for You?
As a result of various reasons, an offset mortgage is not right for everyone. But if you have a knack for finances, generally maintain a high balance on your current account and have high savings, then offset mortgage is something that you must look into. It is also the right choice for people who pay taxes, especially those who are high rate taxpayers.
Therefore, before you open an offset mortgage account, it is of utmost importance that you get an impartial consultation. Seeking the services of a mortgage advisor will prove to be beneficial and you might closely escape making a bad financial decision. The advisor will. Guide you through the various elements of the account and explain its terms. When you make an informed decision, you can easily avoid any costly mistakes.
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