Spotlight: ISAs

Kate Hughes
Saturday 14 February 2009 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

ISA season has come round again and the banks are battling it out for your cash. RBS and Natwest have launched an instant access cash ISA deal – the Cash ISA Plus – offering 3.51 per cent AER for a minimum initial investment of £1. It's a competitive rate, with closest rivals Alliance & Leicester and Egg coming in closer to 3 per cent. But the offer also shows just how keen the banks are to maximise their cash holdings, with far better deals for slightly more commitment.

The banks are offering a 0.5 per cent bonus for existing customers when these accounts hold the maximum £3,600 for both this tax year and the next (which begins on 6 April). If you're a fee-paying premium account holder, that bonus will be an even greater 1 per cent.

These rates are worth considering, regardless of what account you hold. Equating to 4 per cent for standard customers and 4.5 per cent for premium account customers for the first year, the nearest alternative is around 3.5 per cent from Manchester Building Society.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in