Our story so far

Virgin Money announces new charitable foundation and welcomes £4 million government donation

Virgin Money announced the launch of the Virgin Money Foundation – a new charitable foundation that will invest in projects designed to benefit the communities in which Virgin Money works. It will promote the sustainable regeneration of economically and socially deprived communities in the UK. This will include providing social investment in community housing and building projects, promoting opportunities for youth work and training, as well as investing in projects designed to relieve unemployment.

The announcement coincided with a visit by The Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to Virgin Money, where he announced £4 million of Government funding for the Virgin Money Foundation to support charitable projects in the North-East of England.

Virgin Money shares start trading on London Stock Exchange

After the successful pricing of its IPO, Virgin Money was admitted to the premium segment of the Official List and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange. Unconditional trading commenced at 8.00am on 18 November 2014. As Virgin Money begins life as a public company, it remains committed to improving competition in UK retail banking and maintaining the straightforward, transparent approach to business that helps to differentiate it from its competitors.

Virgin Money announced its intention to float on the London Stock Exchange

Virgin Money announced its intention to proceed with an initial public offering “IPO”. The Company applied for admission of its ordinary shares to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority and to trade on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange.

Quarter of a billion £s raised for charity since undertaking sponsorship of the London Marathon

When Virgin first got involved with the London Marathon back in 2010, Sir Richard Branson set a target of raising £1/4 billion for charity in five years and that target has been smashed. The total amount raised for good causes in the five years of the Virgin Money London Marathon reached £261.4m in October

Virgin Money announced the appointment of its new Chairman designate and first half 2014 Trading Update.

Virgin Money announced that Glen Moreno is to join the Board of Virgin Money as independent Non-executive Director and Chairman Designate with effect from January 2015. He will assume the Chairmanship of Virgin Money taking over from current Chairman, Sir David Clementi, in mid 2015. Virgin Money also announced strong growth profit and returns in the first half of 2014 with an underlying profit before tax of £59.7m

Virgin Money extends Edinburgh Fireworks Concert sponsorship to 2017

Virgin Money announced a new three year extension to its sponsorship of Edinburgh’s much loved Fireworks Concert. Virgin Money has been the headline sponsor of the Fireworks Concert since 2011 and the new deal will see Virgin Money sponsor the annual pyrotechnic spectacular through until 2017.

Glasgow Lounge Opening

Virgin Money opened its fifth customer Lounge this year. The new Lounge is situated at the heart of Glasgow’s city centre at 145 Queen Street, just around the corner from George Square and Buchanan Street. Virgin Money Lounges offer customers a unique experience in banking. All Virgin Money Lounges offer free refreshments and snacks, use of iPads and wi-fi access, televisions to catch up on the latest news. Unique features of the Glasgow Lounge include a cinema experience that can be used for evening events.

Virgin Money Cyclone

The Virgin Money Cyclone took place from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 June with over 3,000 riders taking part. For the first time the professional men’s race, the Beaumont Trophy, was accredited by Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The UCI is the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events.

UCI events attract top cyclists from all over the world and some of men’s cycling’s biggest names took part in this year’s Virgin Money Cyclone. This year’s men’ race was won by Kristian House, whilst the women’s Curlew Cup was won by Katie Archibald.

£20 Billion Lending

During 2013 Virgin Money significantly outperformed market growth by increasing its mortgage balances by 17%. Mortgage balances continued to rise in early 2014 and passed the £20 billion mark. Following the acquisition of Northern Rock in January 2012, Virgin Money started its journey with £14 billion of mortgage balances and that figure has risen by 43% in just over two years. This makes Virgin Money one of the fastest growing mortgage lenders and according to Bank of England Funding for Lending data was the third largest net mortgage lender in the UK in 2013.

Virgin Money London Marathon

Runners in the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon look to have set yet another record figure for charity fundraising, with an estimated £53 million being raised for good causes, all linked to this year’s race.

London Lounge Opening

Virgin Money opened the doors to its brand new London Lounge, right in the heart of the West End. The new Lounge is located just off Piccadilly at 1 Eagle Place – just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus tube station and in the heart of the ‘Theatre District’. It is available exclusively for the use of Virgin Money customers and membership is free.

Virgin Money Group Results 2013

Virgin Money Group announced a return to profitability in 2013, following the acquisition of the loss-making Northern Rock, reflecting strong balance sheet growth and higher margins. Underlying profit of £53.4 million in 2013, after an underlying loss of £2.5 million in 2012. Statutory profit before tax of £179.4 million in 2013 after £150.6 million in 2012.

Credit Card

Virgin Money launched its longest ever Balance Transfer Credit Card. The new card extended the 0% introductory period from 26 months to 29 months for new customers.

Walking with the Wounded

The Walking With The Wounded Virgin Money South Pole Allied Challenge 2013 concluded on Friday 13 December, when three teams of wounded servicemen and women successfully reached the South Pole after crossing 200km of Antarctic plateau.

Norwich Lounge New Floor Opening

Virgin Money has opened a new first floor at its Norwich Lounge, in Castle Street, in response to growing customer popularity. The new first floor in Norwich officially opened on 22 November. It will provide a community room which can be used by local charities and community groups, further cementing Virgin Money’s relationship with the local community.

Walking with the Wounded

Virgin Money was proud to sponsor Walking with the Wounded South Pole Challenge. The Virgin Money South Pole Allied Challenge 2013 is one of the most high profile expeditions of modern times, with three teams racing to the Geographic South Pole. Team Glenfiddich (UK), Team Soldier On (Commonwealth) and Team Noom Coach (US) were the three teams of wounded servicemen and women who embarked on this gruelling challenge. Team Glenfiddich includes HRH Prince Harry. The aim of the expedition was to inspire wounded service personnel and raise much needed funds to support the Walking with the Wounded charity.

Festival Fireworks

The Virgin Money Fireworks Concert took place and enthralled over 250,000 spectators across Edinburgh. More than 400,000 fireworks were launched during the 45 minute concert, all synchronised perfectly to music performed live by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra who performed Smetana’s Dance of the Comedians followed by Musorgsky’s Pictures at an exhibition.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Virgin Money sponsored the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the third year running. Virgin Money reaffirmed its commitment to the Scottish capital’s world famous event by announcing a new three year sponsorship deal of the Fringe on the High Street until 2016. The event was a great success attracting a record number of visitors to the Virgin Money Lounge, situated on St Andrew Square, enjoying performances from various Fringe acts as well as a number of charitable events supporting the Festival.

Awards

Virgin Money was named Best Direct Cash ISA Provider and Best Online Travel Insurance Provider at the ‘Your Money’ Direct Awards.

Helen McKinney was named Young Achiever at the British Mortgage Awards.

Virgin Money Cyclone

The second Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling took place. For the first time the festival included the new Thursday evening Six Bridges Family Ride. Over 3,500 participants took part over the four days of cycling and attracted riders of all capabilities.

Awards

Virgin Money’s Legal team was named In-House Banking & Financial Services team at the Lawyer Awards 2013.

Virgin Money Full Year Results 2012

Virgin Money delivered its Full Year results for 2012 and a trading update. This showed significant new customer account growth, supported by an improved customer experience. All Northern Rock branches have been transformed into Virgin Money stores. Integration and rebranding of the Northern Rock and Virgin Money businesses was completed successfully. Importantly the Company was returned to profitable trading.

Credit Card

Virgin Money launched its new Balance Transfer Credit Card. The new card extends the 0% introductory period from 20 months to 26 months for new customers. This is the longest ever Balance Transfer card offered by Virgin Money.

Start-Up Loans

Virgin Money donated its sponsorship assets and five new businesses that received a Start-Up Loan through the North East scheme were short listed to win the opportunity to become ‘sponsor for the day’ of Newcastle United, in the home Premiership fixture against Liverpool, on 27 April. The winner was Choclateas.

London Marathon

Virgin Money announced a five year extension to their London Marathon sponsorship. As part of the deal, the World’s leading Marathon will be called the Virgin Money London Marathon from 2014. Virgin Money first became sponsors of the London Marathon in 2010, with the ambition to help runners raise £¼ billion for charity over five years. The 2013 event was a major success with 34,278 runners crossing the finishing line.

North East Business Awards

Virgin Money sponsored the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ category at the North East Business Awards. There is a natural connection between Virgin’s entrepreneurial founder Sir Richard Branson, and the Newcomer of the Year Award. Virgin Money is delighted to help ensure that entrepreneurial success in the region is recognised and celebrated through initiatives such as the North East Business Awards.

Sir Bobby Robson celebration

Virgin Money was proud to be headline sponsor of ‘Sir Bobby Robson – A Celebration’, in support of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Alan Shearer Foundation.

The event was staged on the banks of the River Tyne at Sage Gateshead and drew celebrities from the worlds of football, music and comedy.

Looking ahead to 2013

Virgin Money finished the year trading strongly and we feel we've made some good progress in the first year of our quest to make banking better. There is still much to achieve and in 2013 we will continue to focus on making our customers' experience of banking with us a real pleasure.

Second successful RMBS issue

Virgin Money is mainly funded through retail savings deposits, but a second successful residential mortgage-backed securities deal (RMBS) was completed, raising around £1 billion of wholesale funding, on very good terms. This also demonstrated that the financial markets regard us with confidence and is a real testimony to all that has been achieved.

Rebranding completed

Virgin Money completed the rebranding and integration of the former Northern Rock business. In doing so, we've combined the strengths of the two businesses in our quest to make banking better.

Festival Fireworks

In September the Festival Fireworks lit up the night sky to close the Edinburgh International Festival. Virgin Money has extended its sponsorship of this great event for 2013.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

August saw Virgin Money sponsor the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the second time. The festival brings comedy, theatre, music, spoken word, opera and dance to the streets of the Scottish capital.

Guildford Store opens

The first new Virgin Money Store opened in Guildford, Surrey - giving customers their first taste of the Virgin Money branch of the future.

A fresh approach to high street banking, the Virgin Money Stores offer great customer service and no hard sell, backed by a friendly and knowledgeable team.

Savings accounts for charities

Virgin Money launched a brand new Charity Savings Account offering charities the opportunity to save at a market-leading rate for instant access accounts. The account joined our not-for-profit fundraising service Virgin Money Giving and market leading Charity Credit Card to help make charities better off.

Lounges for Virgin Money customers

The doors are opened on the new Manchester Lounge, which joins those in Edinburgh and Norwich. Lounges offer a haven on the high street and are designed to be places where our customers can relax and local communities come together. Membership is completely free to Virgin Money customers, and so are the refreshments, Wi-Fi and use of our iPads.

Find out more about the Virgin Money Lounges.

'No strings, no stings' ISAs

Virgin Money launched a 'tax-free, catch-free' Easy Access Cash ISA with a great rate, not a short-lived introductory bonus. Plus you get the same rate however you choose to apply and easy, charge-free access to your money when you need it.

"40 Years of Better" TV advert

Virgin Money launched its "40 Years of Better" advertising campaign. The ad, featuring many well known Virgin companies, highlights Virgin’s history of making things better for customers, as Virgin Money prepared to do the same for banking.

The advert was also projected onto Senate House in London, in the world’s first 270 degree outdoor projection.

See the 40 Years of Better TV advert.

Our quest to make banking better starts here

On 1 January 2012, Northern Rock became part of Virgin Money, launching our quest to make banking better for everyone.

Virgin Money announced it would sponsor Newcastle United Football Club. The Virgin Money shirts were unveiled at United’s home game with Manchester United on 4 January, which the Magpies won 3-0.

Sir David Clementi appointed as Virgin Money Chairman

Sir David Clementi, Chairman of Prudential plc from 2002 to 2008 and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England for 5 years (1997-2002), succeeded the late Sir Brian Pitman on the Virgin Money Board as Chairman.

Virgin Money paints the town red at the Edinburgh Fringe

Virgin Money sponsored 'Fringe on the High Street' - the famous range of daily outdoor performances that take place during the Fringe on the Royal Mile and The Mound precinct.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world and takes place in Scotland’s capital for three weeks every August.

Second Virgin-sponsored London Marathon raises over £50 million

The 2011 London Marathon - the second sponsored by Virgin Money - saw runners raise a total of £51.8 million for charities. £13.8 million of this was raised through 364,500 donations at Virgin Money Giving, Virgin’s own not-for-profilt fundraising service.

Virgin Money - One of the top UK companies to work for

Virgin Money was named among the top UK companies to work for, as voted by employees, in the Sunday Times Top 100 awards.

Virgin Money adds Euro and Dollar Prepaid cards to range

The cards can be used as an alternative to travellers cheques and are safer than carrying cash. The Euro card can be loaded with Sterling and converted directly into Euros, while the Dollar card can be loaded with Sterling and converted directly into US Dollars providing commission free currency.

Customers will receive their main card and a spare emergency card free of charge.

Find out more about the Virgin Prepaid Travel Money Card.

Virgin Money helps 'START'

Virgin Money joined with The Prince’s Charities Foundation at the inaugural Start Festival.

Promoting sustainable living, the event held in the Royal Gardens of Clarence House, Lancaster House and Marlborough House, included a Pledge Tree from Virgin Money.

Visitors were urged to make a pledge about what they had been inspired to start doing as a result of the festival, such as pledging to use energy saving light bulbs, insulate the loft or turn the tap off when brushing their teeth.

The event also included a Virgin Money Giving exhibit aiming to inspire people to ‘Start giving just a little extra to charity.’

Virgin Money switches to Positive Payment Hierarchy

Virgin Money switched to a positive payment hierarchy for its credit card range, enabling customers to pay off their most expensive debt first.

As a result of the changes, the vast majority of customers who don’t pay off their balance in full each month will pay less interest as repayments will be allocated to clearing debt charged at the highest interest rate before debts at lower rates.

Virgin Money wins award

Virgin Money won 'Best Credit Card Provider (Balance Transfer Rate)' for the Virgin Credit Card in the Moneyfacts Awards 2010 (3^rd year running).

WL Ross invests in Virgin Money

US investor Wilbur Ross (WL Ross) committed £100 million of capital to Virgin Money to help with the organic growth of Virgin Bank, with a promise of a further £500 million to fund any acquisitions.

Under the terms, WL Ross committed £100m of new capital to Virgin Money and became a 21% shareholder in the Company. James Lockhart, Vice Chairman of WL Ross, also joined the Virgin Money Board.

Banking and commission report

Virgin Money welcomed the findings from ‘The Future of Banking’ report.

The report, published by the Future of Banking Commission concluded that the current UK banking system had failed customers, investors and taxpayers.

The report called for reform of the banking sector, and responding, Jayne-Anne Gadhia, chief executive of Virgin Money called on UKFI to apply a public-interest test to the restructuring and disposal of bank assets to promote increased competition in the banking sector.

As part of the report Jayne-Anne Gadhia gave evidence to the Commission, alongside the late Sir Brian Pitman, then Chairman of Virgin Money. 

Virgin Money celebrates a record-breaking marathon

Virgin Money celebrated its sponsorship of the first Virgin London Marathon in April. The race saw a record number of runners on the starting line – 36,946. Runners raised close to £50m for charity.

Among the runners were Sir Richard Branson and his team, who enjoyed a friendly rivalry with son Sam and daughter Holly. Sam and Holly went on to break the world record for the largest number of people joined together to complete the race.

Visit the Virgin London Marathon website.

Virgin Money launches two new credit cards

Virgin Money launched two new credit cards to celebrate its five-year deal to sponsor the Virgin London Marathon – the world's biggest charity fundraising day.

The Virgin London Marathon Card and the Virgin Charity Card both allow customers to donate up to 1% of their spending on card purchases to a charity of their choice. This charity can be changed throughout the year.

Virgin Money buys Church House Trust

Virgin Money acquired regional bank Church House Trust, giving Virgin Money a banking licence.

The acquisition of the Yeovil based bank, completed on 27 January allows Virgin Money to offer its own banking products.

Virgin Money expands into online charity fundraising

Virgin Money launched its not-for-profit online charity fundraising service as part of a drive to significantly increase the money going directly to good causes.

Its new service virginmoneygiving.com officially opened to all fundraisers for all charity events across the country.

Visit the Virgin Money Giving website.

Virgin Money launches new life cover

Virgin Money has teamed up with Friends Provident to provide competitive life insurance.

Virgin Money launches new travel insurance policies

Virgin Money launched a range of travel insurance policies. The range is designed to meet the needs of a variety of travellers such as families, backpackers and over 65’s. Winter sports and adventure holidays are also available with customised travel insurance options.

Virgin Money wins award

Virgin Money won 'Best Credit Card Provider (Balance Transfer Rate)' for the Virgin Credit Card in the Moneyfacts Awards 2009.

Sir Richard Branson attempts record Atlantic crossing aboard Virgin Money

Sir Richard Branson and a 24-strong crew (including Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslee, and Richard's son and daughter Sam and Holly) attempted to break the world record for an Altlantic crossing in a mono-hull yacht aboard the maxi yacht Virgin Money.

Just over two days into the gruelling record attempt the crew were forced to admit defeat when a monster wave took out the spinnaker and ripped a huge gash in the mainsail.

Virgin Money wins award for the Virgin Credit Card

Virgin Money won 'Best Credit Card Provider (Balance Transfer Rate)' in the Moneyfacts Awards 2008.

Virgin signs five-year London Marathon sponsorship deal

Virgin Money was announced as lead sponsor of this epic and inspirational event, starting with the 2010 London Marathon. Virgin hope to encourage runners to raise an amazing £¼ billion over the five-year term of the sponsorship.

Virgin Climate Change Fund wins award

'What Investment' magazine awarded the Climate Change Fund 4 stars and ‘Product of the Month’ for March 2008.

Virgin Climate Change Fund achieves 'A' rating
The Virgin Climate Change Fund was the first carbon aware fund to achieve a Standard & Poor's rating.

Following phenomenal uptake of the Virgin Credit Card, a major national campaign was launched, with key sites on the London Underground and roadside posters.

Virgin Money named Britain’s fastest growing private company in the influential Sunday Times annual Profit Track 100 report.

Big new unified advertising campaign launched, covering all Virgin Money products. Featuring 3 American office workers in a lift discussing life's savvier financial decisions. UK wide coverage on TV, radio, press, posters and internet.

Virgin Credit Card customers have been offered instant benefits with offers from Virgin Holidays, Virgin Megastores, Virgin Wines, Virgin Active and Virgin Money. The discounts and offers are available at the point of sale to anyone using their Virgin Credit Card.

Check out Cardholder discounts for more info.

Virgin Money was awarded Money Management magazine's 2006 Five Star Award for pension performance on regular contributions.

The award is given for achieving above average performance combined with reasonable charges.

By tackling a taboo area without euphemism or evasion, Virgin Money's Cancer Cover is a groundbreaker and has merited a rare Publisher's Special Award from Luke Broadhurst, publishing director of Your Money.

Virgin Money wins Interactive Marketing and Advertising award for Best Finance Advertising

Virgin Money welcomes its millionth customer worldwide

Virgin Money goes global

Launch of the Virgin Credit Card in Australia begun our plans to roll out the successful UK model around the world. The ‘Oz’ card with its radical new clipped corner, bright colour range, low interest rates and ‘mates’ rewards, was a big hit with Oz customers who’ve been getting a raw credit card deal from their banks for years.

Virgin Credit Card launches

"UK customers have long been made to feel grateful just to be offered a credit card by their bank and it's high time people were given a better deal." Richard Branson stated at the launch.

Virgin shines at the Guardian Consumer Finance awards
We scooped Best Pension and Overall Best Customer Service.

virginmoney.com launches
One of the pioneer online supermarkets letting customers shop around for great value on financial products like ISAs, unit trusts, mortgages and life insurance is opened.

Virgin ‘Call Centre of the Year’ for third year running

On our fifth birthday we reach 1/3 million customers, insuring peoples’ lives to the tune of £2 billion.