Scottish Building Society

Scottish Building Society: Scottish mutual banking since 1848

Scottish Building Society is a building society headquartered in Scotland. According to its own presentation, it was founded in 1848 and describes itself as the oldest building society still operating in the world. Its activity focuses on helping residents of Scotland and beyond to buy homes and save for the future through straightforward financial products, with a close and direct service.

The entity operates under the authorisation of the Prudential Regulation Authority and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority with registration number 206034. It is a member of the Building Societies Association.

Savings products

Scottish Building Society's savings range includes instant access and fixed-term accounts, as well as tax-efficient products. Available options include:

• Online savings accounts: Single Access, E-Saver Plus, E-Savings Bonds and E-ISA Online Saver.
• Face-to-face and postal savings accounts: Single Access, Cash ISA Saver Plus and Savings Bonds.
• Fixed rate ISAs: 1 Year Fixed Rate E-ISA (Issue 113) and 2 Year Fixed Rate E-ISA (Issue 114), as well as 1 Year Fixed Rate ISA (Issue 113) and 2 Year Fixed Rate ISA (Issue 114) in the face-to-face format.
• Junior ISA and Cash ISA Instant Access Saver.
• Client Account Online, aimed at law firms and professionals who need to manage client funds.

The entity also provides information on interest rates, fees and charges, as well as helpful guides for managing accounts.

Mortgages and support for first-time buyers

In the mortgage area, Scottish Building Society offers residential mortgages, remortgages, retirement interest-only mortgages and professional mortgages. The society publishes specific guides for first-time buyers, with information on interest rates, fees and charges, and explanations of the mortgage process and its terms and conditions.

The entity has shown its support for the Scottish Government's First Home Fund, a programme aimed at making it easier to buy a first home. In its communications, the society presents itself as one of the first entities to back this fund and notes that it has doubled its support for first-time buyers.

Foundation and community commitment

Scottish Building Society has the Scottish Building Society Foundation, a foundation that, according to the entity's own data, has donated over £151,000 to 43 charities. These initiatives cover areas such as outdoor learning for children, mental health support and tackling social isolation.

The society also mentions its "100 Days of Volunteering" programme, aimed at supporting communities across Scotland, and its collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University. It also publishes a magazine for members and maintains community links through its foundation.

Customer service and contact channels

The entity serves its members through Relationship Centres and phone lines. The main contact number is 0333 207 4007. Phone lines are open from 9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, and on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 17:00. If the society makes a call, the number that appears on screen is 0131 314 2298.

Scottish Building Society also has the SBS Online platform for managing accounts, and offers a dedicated service for law firms through Client Account Online. The entity has announced the closure of its Relationship Centres and phone lines on Friday 2 October for staff training, with reopening scheduled for Monday 5 October.

Member recognition

The society highlights the ratings received on the independent site Smart Money People. According to the data it cites, corresponding to the period from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025, it obtained an overall satisfaction score of 97.5%, based on 1,247 member responses.

Location and contact

48 Bank Street, TD1 1EP