Cash ISAs Internet

"Michael Mause" wrote in uk.finance:

A&L are top payer on the surface, but have a punitive 25 quid charge if you want to transfer your money from the Direct ISA and as they offer no guarantee on the rate they will pay just beware that it could turn sour. I think this charge equates to the rate being 4.6% at 3 grand which is beaten elsewhere.

I know you didn't want 'fixed', but First Direct pay 6.25% AER fixed rate until 6 October 2005 when it reverts to 4.35% AER (this is variable so might be different by then), you can withdraw or change provider at anytime rather than being tied up for a period of time (which I assume is what is meant by fixed in the original post). Details here:

I did think this a/c had a limit of 3 grand in the account, but it appears not...

"Matt Wilson" wrote in message news:Xns9611C9324D235zamboodlenewstoken@158.152.254.254...

Yes. They only allow you to transfer-in from another provider if it is

3,000 or less (+ interest).

Daniel

First Direct's paying 6.25% on its Cash ISA. The rate's fixed for eight months, then plummets to 4.35%. A great deal providing you're prepared to transfer to a better rate as soon as it drops. Otherwise Abbey's postal ISA at 5.35% is the best deal.

Halifax offers fixed rate ISAs between 1-5 yrs @ 5.7%.

Also, according to this article, even fixed rate ISAs don't necessarily lock the money away: "There's a new loophole in the mini cash Isa regulations that could benefit all savers. ... how to fix a high rate on your tax-free cash ISA, protecting it from interest rate cuts, but without needing to lock the money away." see