I'm interested in Halifax's 6.20% fixed rate mini-cash ISA for 1-4 years. I've had an ISA with NS&I for a couple of years now and although I have nothing to complain about their offerings (their current offering is 5.80%), as I have my other savings account with the Halifax, I wouldn't mind using the same provider.

Now my question is: Halifax offer to move funds from an ISA at a rival bank over to a newly opened account at the Halifax. If I move my savings across before the end of the tax year, will NS&I charge me, even though Halifax say it should cost nothing? How much interest will I use from this year's tax year.

One other question would be: is 6.20% guaranteed a good rate for 1, 2 or even 4 years? As it's fixed and NS&I seem to follow a policy of staying 0.30% above the base rate, in the next coming year it would seem that 6.20% will be well above the base rate but how about in a couple of years?

NS&I will only charge you if the isa you have with them is a fixed rate term account... 6.20% is not a particular good rate for such a long investment, that is a chance you take.... check out scarborough's isa rate 6.30% for 6 months, after 6 months check again if not happy transfer again ! also bear in mind if you go with halifax for 4 years and need the money before term you will receive a much reduced rate.....

Most do charge if its a fixed account, but regarding whether its a good rate is anybody's guess: I'd think its pretty good to fix at this level [as long as you're SURE you wont need access to the cash!] as the markets are so volatile and therefore could go up or down. But at least you're sure of a 'decent' rate with this and not have to look to see you're not being 'stiffed' by a clever and disguised rate change by the devious banks. If you go for a short-term fixed rate you'll be changing every 6 months or so and the rate you get could be WORSE. A look at all the rates using this site will tell you its not a bad rate - again, only if you wont need the cash!

Last year Halifax made a dreadful hash of transferring an ISA into one of theirs. It got sorted out in the end, but not before lots of phone calls and letters. The left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing. I decided never to try and arrange ISA transfers in March, April or May, because I'm sure the errors get made at these peak times, and to be fair to Halifax, they aren't the only ones who struggle at this time. However, if you're buying a fixed rate ISA at this time, then you will have no choice at the end of its term. Why not hang on until the end of May when things calm down?

I am thinking of transferring ISAS across to fixed rate Halifax, This is a reasonable rate as most predictions are for the next move in rates to be downwards.

I am also following advice given to me and am only committing what I know I will not need into Halifax, so some money going into 2yr bond with Nationwide @ 6.15% and 3yr @ 6.1% with Northern Rock,lthough slightly lower it gives me access to some cash each year which if I dont need I can then reinvest at current rates,whatever they may be..

Good investing,

Jimbob10