Chorley Building Society

Who they are

Founded in 1859, Chorley Building Society is a mutual building society, owned and run for the benefit of its members - savers and borrowers alike. It is the oldest building society in Lancashire, originally formed to help local mill workers buy their homes. More than 165 years on, it remains independent. Unlike many high street banks, it has no shareholders and is not listed on the stock exchange - all profits go back into the Society to benefit members. The society also commits to donating 5% of operating profits annually to local charities and community groups through its Chorley High Five initiative.

Customer reviews highlight friendly, helpful staff who make savings dealings feel personal and straightforward. Local branches are a big hit for those who prefer face-to-face service, though some find the online systems less intuitive.

Your deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person. The legal entity is Chorley and District Building Society (FCA firm reference 206023), and no other brands share that licence, so your full £120,000 allowance is yours alone.

Savings accounts

Chorley offers a wide spread of accounts, so there is something for most saving styles.

For regular savers, the Regional 2 Year Flexible Saver pays 5.00% variable with up to 2 withdrawals per year (minimum £25). The Home Saver comes in at 4.25% on the same withdrawal terms, with a £100 minimum. These are the headline rates and worth considering if you can commit to a monthly saving habit.

If you want more flexibility without locking everything away, the Online Saver (Triple Access) pays 3.80% variable - you get 3 withdrawals per year and need at least £1,000 to open it. The Easy Access Saver (1 Withdrawal) pays 3.50% from £500. As you would expect, the rate steps down the more withdrawals you take.

On the ISA side, the Online Cash ISA (Triple Access) pays 3.90% variable - one of the stronger rates in the range - with a £1 minimum. Notice ISAs and standard easy-access ISAs are also available at lower rates if you need more frequent access.

Chorley also caters well for younger savers: the Regional Flexible Junior Saver pays 3.90% variable, and there is a Junior Cash ISA locked until age 18. The Over 60s Easy Access Account offers instant access at 1.60%.

All accounts carry FSCS deposit protection up to £120,000 per person.

Is it right for you?

Chorley suits savers who value a genuine mutual ethos and are happy to trade a little flexibility for a better rate - the gap between the 1-withdrawal and 6-withdrawal accounts is meaningful, so it pays to be honest about how often you really need to dip in. The regular saver accounts stand out if you are building a pot month by month. Branch access in Lancashire is a plus for those who prefer dealing in person, though the online offering is more limited than the big digital banks.

There is no current account switching offer here, and Chorley does not appear on the Current Account Switch Service - this is purely a savings and mortgage provider.

As always, rates are variable and can change. Check the live figures on this page before you decide.