Footy fans put their money where their heart is

Football fans are being given the opportunity to put their money where their heart is, while making a tidy return.

Fans of clubs as diverse as Liverpool and Tipton Town have the opportunity to place their money into a savings account linked to their club, earning interest for them and offering a bit of extra cash for the team.

And in many cases this is not a case of head ruling heart, with interest rates of up to 4.5 per cent available.

"For those clubs without a Russian billionaire to keep the bank manager sweet, it can be a much needed boost to club funds, when loyal supporters put their money where their heart is in an effort to see their team through the forthcoming season," said Rachel Thrussell, head of savings at independent comparison site Moneyfacts.co.uk.

"Although interest rates on these accounts are not as high as some online savings accounts, most have instant access and pay rates which compete with other branch-based savings products, especially when the donation to your favourite club is taken into account."

Almost half the clubs in the football league offer a linked savings account, as well as a handful of non-league outfits, offering such added bonuses as discounts for purchases from the club shop, entry to free prize draws, discounts on season tickets, introductory gifts, and free enrolment to junior supporters' clubs.

At the same time, almost all of the accounts donate up one per cent to the club - with money going towards things including youth development.

Interest rates on positive balances vary between 4.5 per cent (Wolves) and 0.4 per cent (Darlington).