Savers should fix before rates fall further

Published:
16/12/2008
Topic:
Press Release,Money,Savings

A poll of moneysupermarket.com users has shown that, far from spending any extra cash they may have as a result of falling mortgage costs, 62 per cent of people plan to save that money instead.

  • Close to two thirds of Brits who have benefited from interest rate drops plan to invest any extra cash

With the Bank of England expected to cut interest rates further, those yet to invest up to £3,600 in a cash ISA this year would be best advised to look at a fixed-rate ISA.

Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Despite the Government's attempts to get people spending big on the high street again, thankfully, people are seeing saving as very important now.

"If the credit crunch has taught everyone and every bank one important lesson, it is that savings are important.

"Regular saver accounts are useful if you suddenly find yourself with some spare cash - you can be penalised for any early withdrawals meaning they encourage a little bit of discipline. But in this environment of falling rates, the argument to open a fixed savings product is a strong one. Back in October, I urged anyone with spare cash that they were sure they wouldn't need for a while to open any of the six or so fixed-rate bonds offering seven per cent or more.

"As long as you can afford to lock your spare cash away for the next 12 months, fixing is the best option - particularly tax-free."
 

Best fixed cash ISAs (as at 15/12/08)

Provider

Account

Minimum balance

AER

Kent Reliance

Direct One Year Fixed Rate ISA

£100

4.5%

Halifax

Fixed Rate Halifax ISA Saver

£500

4.0%

Derbyshire BS

2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA

£100

3.95%

 

Best variable cash ISAs (as at 15/12/08)

Provider

Account

Minimum balance

AER

Scottish Widows

E-Cash ISA

£10

4.6%**

Egg

Egg Cash ISA

£1

4.55%

Alliance & Leicester

Easy ISA

£1

4.5%

 

 

-Ends-

 

*The online survey was of 1,600 moneysupermarket.com visitors between Saturday 6th December and Friday 12th December

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Media contacts

Susannah Clark - Head of PR
0778840 5224
01244 665793
susannah.clark@moneysupermarket.com

 

Paul Lawler - PR Manager (Financial Services)
07872 379545
01244 370317
paul.lawler@moneysupermarket.com

 

Nicola Parry - PR Officer (Financial Services)
07872 379549
01244 370318
nicola.parry@moneysupermarket.com

 

Emma Morris - PR Manager (Travel & Shopping)
Travelsupermarket.com
Moneysupermarket Shopping

07775 941689
01244 220671
emma.morris@moneysupermarket.com

 

Clare Francis
Head of Content

07595 067818
01244 220650
clare.francis@moneysupermarket.com

 

Kate Murphy
Media
Communications Executive
01244 221978
kate.murphy@moneysupermarket.com