Scottish tarts look for trust

Rate tarts are ditching switching and looking for financial brands to trust in the current risky economic waters, according to new research.

Research by Lloyds TSB found 76 per cent of Scots polled said they were turning their backs on chasing the best rates around and instead looking for firms they can trust.

But Scots were not resting on their laurels with a big bank, as 44 per cent were now paying closer attention to their finances than a year ago.

Some 68 per cent said they were now looking for long-term good deals over the quick gains of a low rate that may disappear.

The research suggests people are now aware that the credit crunch means easy credit is now not so available so switching is no longer the best policy.

However, across the country the rate tart-ism is still alive – with 24 per cent oif East Anglians happy to chop and change.

Catherine McGrath, director of current accounts at Lloyds TSB, said: “Rate tarts are becoming a thing of the past, but, that’s not to say that people are willing to settle for paltry interest rates.

"In the current uncertain economic climate, consumers are turning to brands they trust and are seeking good deals that last rather than headline grabbing rates which are only around for a short time then fade away."