Kent Reliance

Who they are

Kent Reliance is a British banking services provider and trading name of OneSavings Bank plc, based in Kent. It was founded in 1898 as the Chatham & District Reliance Building Society, changing its name to the Kent Reliance Building Society in 1986 following a merger with the Herne Bay Building Society. In February 2011, it transferred its business to a new bank, OneSavings Bank plc, following the purchase of a stake by private equity firm JC Flowers. OneSavings Bank plc's parent, OSB Group plc, is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

Kent Reliance operates under the OneSavings Bank plc banking licence (FCA firm reference 530504). Your savings are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person. Note that while OSB Group also owns Charter Savings Bank, that brand operates under a separate licence - so if you hold money with both Kent Reliance and Charter Savings Bank, each has its own £120,000 limit.

The bank is predominantly funded by retail savings originated through the established Kent Reliance franchise, which includes a network of branches in the South East of England, as well as online and postal channels.

Savings accounts

Kent Reliance offers one of the broader ranges you will find from a specialist savings bank - fixed rate bonds, notice accounts, easy access, a regular saver, Cash ISAs (easy access and fixed), and even a children's account.

The regular saver currently leads the range at 5.10% AER (variable), with a £25 minimum. Fixed rate bonds run from six months to three years, topping out at 4.96% AER on the three-year bond - all require a £1,000 minimum and no access until maturity. If you want flexibility, the Limited Access Saver pays 4.21% AER (variable) but caps you at three withdrawals a year, while the standard easy access account is at 3.75% AER with no withdrawal restrictions. The 60-day notice account sits at 4.25% AER.

On the ISA side, fixed-rate Cash ISAs range from one to three years, with the three-year fix at 4.97% AER - competitive in that category. The easy access Cash ISA pays 4.24% AER. There is also a branch-based easy access ISA at 3.85% AER for those who prefer dealing in person. The Demelza Children's Savings Account, named after a local hospice charity Kent Reliance has supported, pays 4.18% AER from just £10.

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

Experience and access

A clear positive for Kent Reliance is that it still has branches where you can deal face to face with professional staff - unusual among specialist savings banks today. Customers appreciate the choice in how they manage their accounts, whether in person, online, by phone, or by post.

The picture online is more mixed. Customers frequently commend helpful and professional staff, and many appreciate the straightforward process for opening and managing accounts. However, some customers have noted frustration with recent website updates and having to use multiple passwords across different login pages. There is no dedicated mobile app. Others have reported frustrating customer service, citing unhelpful agents, long waits, and a perceived lack of understanding. Worth keeping in mind if you expect to need support regularly.

Is it right for you?

Kent Reliance is worth a look if you want a decent range of savings options - particularly fixed bonds and fixed Cash ISAs - from a provider with genuine high-street roots and branch access in Kent. The regular saver and longer-term fixed rates are where the range stands out. If you prioritise a slick app or consistently responsive customer service, you may find the experience a little uneven based on current customer feedback.

Rates change regularly - check the live figures shown on this page before you apply.