Privacy & Cookie Policy

Last updated 17 June 2026

This policy explains what data The Base Rate ("we", "us") collects when you use thebaserate.money, why, and the choices you have. We aim to collect as little as possible. We comply with the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

Who we are

The Base Rate is an independent UK personal-finance education project. For any privacy question or request, contact us via the contact page.

What we collect

Calculator inputs. The numbers you type into our calculators are processed entirely in your browser. They are not sent to us or stored on our servers.
Email address — only if you choose to join our email list. We use it to send the newsletter and resources you asked for, and nothing else.
Usage data — anonymous/aggregated analytics about pages visited, device type and country, to understand what's useful and improve the site.
Cookies and similar technologies — see below.

Cookies

Cookies are small files stored on your device. We use:

Essential cookies — needed for the site to function and remember your cookie choices.
Analytics cookies — to measure traffic (for example Google Analytics). These help us see which pages are popular, in aggregate.
Advertising cookies — if and when we display ads (for example via Google AdSense), our advertising partners may set cookies to show and measure ads. Where required, these are only set with your consent, which you can manage or withdraw at any time.

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings, and accept or reject non-essential cookies via our consent banner. You can change your choice at any time using the "Cookie settings" link in the footer of any page. Blocking some cookies may affect how the site works.

Advertising & Google

If we run ads through Google AdSense, third-party vendors including Google use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this and other websites. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to you based on your visit to our site and/or other sites on the internet. You can opt out of personalised advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings, or opt out of third-party vendor cookies at aboutads.info/choices. See also Google's partner-sites policy.

Legal basis for processing

Consent — for marketing emails and non-essential (analytics/advertising) cookies.
Legitimate interests — for keeping the site secure and understanding aggregate usage.

Sharing your data

We do not sell your data. We share it only with the service providers that help us run the site — for example our email platform, web host, and analytics/advertising providers — who process it on our behalf. Some may process data outside the UK/EEA under appropriate safeguards.

How long we keep it

Email addresses are kept until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete them. Analytics data is retained in aggregate. You can unsubscribe from any email using the link in its footer.

Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to access, correct, delete or restrict the processing of your personal data, to object to processing, and to data portability. To exercise any of these, contact us. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk).

Children

This site is intended for adults and is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "last updated" date above will always reflect the current version.