Cost of moneyUnited Kingdom
Real policy rate in United Kingdom
Does money at the central bank’s rate actually beat inflation?
United Kingdom's real policy rate is -0.13 % — #39 of 53 countries on the atlas (higher is better). Period 2026-07.
-0.13%
Source: Fiatmap derived metrics (own calculation from separately sourced components)
Negative: cash in United Kingdom loses 0.1 pp of purchasing power a year even in the bank.
Among 53 countries
- Rank
- #39 of 53
- higher is better
- Ranked behind
- 26 %
- 14 of 53 countries
In Europe: #18 of 30vs median 0.63 %: −0.76 pp (worse)
The neighbourhood
| # | Country | Real policy rate | vs United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | Malta | -0.11 % | +0.02 pp |
| 38 | Slovenia | -0.12 % | +0.01 pp |
| 39 | United Kingdom | -0.13 % | — |
| 40 | Switzerland | -0.15 % | −0.02 pp |
| 41 | Belgium | -0.22 % | −0.09 pp |
Policy rate minus annual CPI inflation — positive means money in the bank beats inflation. Our calculation from separately sourced components.
How to read this figure
Our own calculation: the central bank policy rate minus annual CPI inflation. It answers one question — does parked money beat rising prices? Both components are separately sourced official figures, and we never compute it when either leg is missing.