Liberty's 6.4% fix

LIBERTY LIFE'S guaranteed income bond is paying 6.4 per cent gross on a deposit of pounds 50,000 for five years.

Birmingham Midshires gives the best rate on an instant-access account, but investors need a hefty pounds 100,000. For a more modest deposit the society's Quantum Fixed investment account looks attractive. It pays 6.25 per cent gross, guaranteed for two years.

Hinckley and Rugby offers the highest-paying Tessa but investors nervous about interest rates can get a fixed 7.25 per cent at National & Provincial.