About Defaqto
What is Defaqto?
Defaqto is one of the UK’s most trusted sources of financial product and market intelligence, supporting financial institutions, intermediaries and consumers to make smarter financial decisions. They maintain the UK’s largest financial product database and use proprietary research methodology to develop independent ratings, reviews, insights and technology.
How long has Defaqto been operating?
Defaqto has been providing independent financial product analysis for over 30 years, establishing itself as a trusted authority in the UK financial services market.
Who owns Defaqto?
Defaqto is part of Fintel plc, but it maintains editorial independence from all financial services providers to ensure that its ratings remain unbiased and objective.
About Star Ratings
What are Defaqto Star Ratings?
Defaqto Star Ratings are expert, unbiased assessments of financial products based on their features and benefits. Their ratings range from 1 to 5 Stars, with 5 Stars representing an excellent product with a comprehensive range of features and benefits.
How often are Star Ratings updated?
Defaqto conducts a comprehensive annual review of all Star Ratings, with the updated ratings published on 1st February each year, ensuring that rating criteria and methodology remain current with market developments and consumer needs.
Throughout the year, Defaqto also updates individual product ratings when providers launch new products or make significant changes to existing product features. This means that Star Ratings remain accurate and up-to-date, reflecting the current market landscape and giving consumers confidence in the quality assessments they rely on.
What products does Defaqto rate?
Defaqto rates products across insurance, banking, investments, pensions, life & protection and many others. For more details, please visit www.defaqto.com/star-ratings.
How does Defaqto decide which features to include in their analysis?
Defaqto’s feature selection process combines their consultants’ expert knowledge, primary research including Customer Appeal studies, and input from providers in the market to ensure they evaluate the aspects that matter most to consumers.
Defaqto vs Trustpilot/Feefo?
Defaqto and Trustpilot/Feefo both play important roles in making smarter financial decisions. Defaqto is one of the UK’s most trusted sources of financial product and market intelligence.
Alternatively, Trustpilot and Feefo look to represent the voice of the customer, providing reviews based on customer experience. Defaqto’s industry-leading ratings alongside Trustpilot and Feefo’s candid customer reviews provides a powerful combination when looking for a suitable financial product.
About the Ratings Process
How does Defaqto ensure their ratings are unbiased?
Defaqto’s ratings are based on objective analysis of product features and benefits using their proprietary methodology. They don’t consider price, provider size, or commercial relationships when determining ratings.
Why doesn’t Defaqto use a bell curve approach like some competitors?
Defaqto establishes clear quality boundaries for each rating level rather than artificially limiting the number of products that can achieve each rating. This means if a product meets their criteria for a 5 Star Rating, it receives that rating regardless of how many other products have achieved the same standard.
What are Core Criteria?
Core Criteria are minimum standards for essential features that apply to 3, 4, and 5 Star rated products. These ensure that highly rated products meet customer expectations for fundamental benefits.