🔔 Rates Rundown: Christmas draws nearer and whilst there has been a general slowdown, there are a few presents under the best buy tree

As Christmas draws nearer, a number of providers have shut up their best buy shutters early, as seasonal priorities take over.

That said, while activity generally has slowed down, there have been a few key changes in the best buy tables, including a new market-leading fixed rate bond.

We have also seen an improved offering in the easy access market – moving the provider up the best buy table.

Finally, there is a new three year fixed rate cash ISA making it to the top of our table.

If you have some spare time over the Christmas period, why not take a few minutes to review your existing accounts and see how they fare, using our free Rate Tracker service.

We will also be sending out our regular Rate Alert emails, with any new and interesting accounts as they are launched – so, if you’re languishing in a low-paying account, make the switch!

Fixed Rate Bonds

One of the key changes of the week has come from United Trust Bank – climbing to the summit of the one year fixed rate bond best buy table with a new version of its bond.

Paying a market-leading rate of 1.87% gross/AER, accounts can be opened online, with a minimum of £500.

Also improving rates and sitting in second position in our three year table is Charter Savings Bank, paying 2.21% gross/AER.

The account is beaten only by The Access Bank UK, which pays 2.25% gross/AER.

For the full range of options, right up to a five year term, take a look at our Fixed Rate Bond Best Buy Tables or contact us for more information.

Easy Access Accounts

The key mover this week has been Post Office Money, who has climbed from fifth place to joint top with the launch of a new version of its Online Saver.

Online Saver Issue 28 pays 1.30% gross/AER, although the rate does include a 1.05% bonus for the first 12 months, so will drop significantly and you may need to look for an alternative at this time.

If this does not suit you, the best option without an introductory bonus, is from RCI Bank, matching the Post Office at 1.30% gross/AER.

For more information on the current top-paying accounts, please take a look at our Easy Access Best Buy Table.

Fixed Rate Cash ISAs

Finally this week, we saw Charter Savings Bank take the lead in our three year fixed rate cash ISA table - by the smallest of margins.

The new account pays 1.86% tax free/AER and can be opened online with a minimum of £1,000.

Elsewhere the current incumbents are as follows...

Virgin Money is still top for one year ISAs (1.41% tax free/AER), Aldermore and The West Brom (both 1.65% tax free/AER) lead the way amongst two year ISAs and United Trust Bank (2.20% tax free/AER) leads for five years.

For more information on these accounts and for the full list of alternatives, click here for our Fixed Rate Cash ISA Best Buy Tables.

For more information on any of the accounts above or for other options, call our Bath-based Savings Experts on 0800 011 9705. We’d love to hear from you.