Hello, I have just withdrawn last years ISA and now have £3,500 to invest for 1/1.5 years, 2 years max. Which account would give me the highest return...the rates seem so low on ISAs, I think maybe a savings account would be best this time round...but which one? Hope someone can help?

BIBI

The "money" tool at the top will help you compare rates.

Fixed term bonds tend to give higher rates that other savings and smaller and/or overseas banks tend to give higher rates than mainstream highstreet banks and building societies.

If safety is not a worry and you really do just want the highest rate, corporate bonds are worth looking at. These can be bought within or outside ISAs.

Thanks Maxsteam...but I suppose what im really after is...if anyone can advise me what exactly are the best saving accounts to put my money in right now...ive had a look around at the different ones and i just cant decide...if anyone can help, it would be great.

There isn't anything that is exactly the best savings account. I could point to overseas banks that will take foreign currency deposits and will pay out 10% or more in interest but, as you wont be familiar with those banks, you should rightly avoid them. On the other hand if you've used one particular high street bank or building society and you have been happy with them, you should look into whatever they are offering.

Rates are low at the moment so you should not expect to find anything offering more than 3% - 4% or so without involving some risk.

I hope you didn't actually "withdraw" the money from last year's ISA! If so you will have lost last year's allowance and will ony be allowed to invest this year's £3600

What you should always do if you want to move it from one ISA provider to another, is to open an account with the new provider and then request them to transfer from your original provider, doing it that way means you can keep each year's allowance intact, therefore allowing you to build up a substantial tax free pot over several years.

I suggest you look at the Moneysupermarket.com best buy tables to find the best Fixed Rate for 12 months, things change continuously, so last month's best buys aren't necessarily this month's, but with a fixed rate, once you've made the deposit, the rate is guaranteed.

Good luck