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 Do you know how safe your savings are? Should you choose a fixed rate or a bonus rate? Our useful savings guides could help you to make the most of your money.
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Latest Savings Commentary

Income is king

Oliver Roylance-Smith / 15 May 2012

Investing for income is always a popular investment theme, never more so than in recent months with income solutions ruling the roost over the ISA season for both the cash ISAs and investment ISAs. ... Read more

7% potential annual income, capital protected

Oliver Roylance-Smith / 10 May 2012

"The latest Fair Investment Income Deposit Plan offers capital protection plus the potential to earn 7% for each year the FTSE 100 remains between 4,500 and 7,000 points (yesterday’s clos... Read more

The savings dilemma and the rise of alternatives

Oliver Roylance-Smith / 01 May 2012

The economic landscape continues to create a real dilemma for savings and put a spotlight on the fixed rate bond. With yields on these lowering amid continued pressures on getting the most out of yo... Read more

Compare our Best 2012 Cash ISAs

Rachael Stiles
"The 2011/12 cash ISA allowance is £5,340, which will rise to £5,640 for the 2012/13 allowance, so it's more important than ever to make the most of it. Start putting your 2012 cash ISA limit to good use as soon as you can – compare some of the latest cash ISA deals below and apply online, including instant access cash ISAs, fixed rate cash ISAs, and our selection of alternatives, which offer higher potential returns. If you don't think your previous cash ISAs are getting the best rate, you can transfer them to a better deal."
Rachael Stiles, Personal Finance Editor
Cash ISA Selection
ProviderPlan NameDeposit TakerISA OptionTermMaximum Potential ReturnMore Info
FTSE 100 3 Year Deposit Plan Investec Bank plcyes3 years17.25%More Info >
  • 3 year structured deposit plan
  • Capital protected
  • Target return of 17.25%
  • Available as a Cash ISA & for ISA transfers
  • Also available to businesses, charities and trusts
  • Plan designed to be held for full term
  • May close early if oversubscribed
Income Deposit PlanRoyal Bank of Scotland plcyes6 Years7.00%
per annum		More Info >
  • 6 year structured deposit plan
  • Capital protected
  • Available for Cash ISA & Cash ISA transfers
  • Also available to businesses, charities and trusts
  • Income is not guaranteed
  • Plan designed to be held for full term
  • May close early if oversubscribed
Important Information: Structured deposits offer you the potential to earn higher returns than you would with a regular savings account. Your returns are based on the performance of an index or commodity. If the investment does not perform well you may receive no income or capital growth, but you can be confident that your capital will be repaid. You have no access to your deposit during the term of the account, typically 3 to 6 years but your original capital will be repaid in full at the end of the term. In the event that the deposit taker is unable to repay your initial investment and any returns stated you may be entitled to compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) depending on your individual circumstances.
Instant Access Cash ISAs
ProviderAccountInterest Rate (AER)TermApply
3.50%Easy AccessApply Now >
3.50% AER variable tax-free with a fixed bonus of 2.50% until 31st October 2013 for balances over £1,000. Balances under £1,000 earn 0.25% AER variable tax-free.
3.10%Instant AccessApply Now >
Introductory fixed rate of 3.10% AER tax-free until 31st October 2013 for balances over £1,000. Reverts to variable rate currently 1.00% AER tax-free.
3.05%Easy AccessApply Now >
Variable rate of 3.05% AER/3.01% tax free p.a. (includes a fixed rate 12-month bonus rate of 1.00% tax free p.a.) Minimum Deposit £1. Available to customers with either a Barclays current account or saved £500 or more with Barclays.
3.00%Instant AccessApply Now >
3.00% AER (2.96% gross p.a) tax free guaranteed for 12 months. Open with £1. No restrictions on withdrawals.
2.65%Instant accessApply Now >
The rate includes a fixed introductory bonus of 1.65% for the first 18 months from account opening.
2.50%Instant AccessApply Now >
Instant access cash ISA open to new and existing customers. Transfers accepted. £10 minimum deposit.
Fixed Rate Cash ISAs
ProviderAccountInterest Rate (AER)TermApply
3.70%2 YearsApply Now >
3.70% tax free/AER fixed on balances from £10,000 or more. 3.40% on balances of less than £10,000. Minimum opening balance is £3,000.
3.30%1 YearApply Now >
3.30% gross/AER fixed for 1 year. £1,000 minimum opening balance. Withdraw cash early if you need to (subject to loss of interest).

2012 cash ISAs let you protect even more of your savings from income tax, because the ISA limit increases each tax year in line with inflation, based on the Retail Price Index (RPI) as at September the previous year. 

Once the tax year has ended, you will lose your allowance for that year if you have not used it. If you have any savings, then a cash ISA is the first port of call. There is a wide range to choose from, whether you're looking to maintain access to you cash in case you need it, or are willing to lock it away for a few years in order to get the best fixed rates available. Compare our selection of 2012 cash ISAs and apply online. 

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