ISAs remain a popular way to save, according to a survey that found over 90 per cent of respondents had a cash ISA.

The survey by Leeds Building Society – published a day before the ISA deadline on 5 April – showed a high level of awareness about saving through ISAs, with 60 per cent of people knowing what the annual allowance is.

In the survey of 5000 customers, 68 per cent of people had chosen a fixed rate product for their ISA savings.

However, in a separate survey carried out for the AA the findings suggested that most people were unlikely to be saving the full cash ISA allowance. Despite high take-up of ISAs, just 45% of respondents in the AA survey were aware of the 2010/11 £5,100 annual allowance.

The research showed just over half of savers thought the best use of a cash ISA was for long-term savings.

The deadline for cash ISA savings for the 2010/11 tax year is 5 April. Last minute ISA savers can take advantage of online application processes to open cash ISA accounts before ISA cut-off date.

Last minute cash ISA options

Instant access ISAs include the Halifax Cash ISA Direct Reward which is paying a three per cent variable rate (AER) on deposits from £1.

This account allows transfers from existing ISAs if you are looking for a new instant access home for ISA savings.

For existing Barclays customers, the Barclays Golden ISA Issue 3 offers 3.35 per cent variable interest (AER).

Fixed-rate Cash ISAs

Deals still available include the Natwest 3 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA, which has a fixed rate of 3.70 per cent (AER) on deposits from £1,000. Transfers from other cash ISAs are allowed and monthly interest is available.

A shorter term fixed-rate account from Royal Bank of Scotland offers 3.20 per cent AER interest on its 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA.

Compare more cash ISAs »

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