The Alliance and Leicester has just announced a new savings account that pays interest at 9 percent gross per annum. It is a one year fixed rate account open to customers who invest in their Balanced Savings and Investment Plan.
The Balanced Savings and Investment Plan is made up of a portfolio bond and a savings account. The minimum deposit for the bond is GBP5,000 and at least GBP1,000 for the savings account. Before leaping in investors are advised by the Alliance and Leicester that the recommended term for the bond should be at least 5 years, meaning any money placed here should be left alone for a period of time.
An Alliance and Leicester spokesman said the offer combined a mix of short and medium term savings with the potential for excellent returns, much better than a regular savings account.
The Abbey National Super Saver account offer is being extended beyond the previous deadline of 7 September to give more people a chance to benefit.
The offer gives customers the opportunity to earn a whopping 9.1 percent interest for a 12 month period as long as they invest the same amount into any Abbey National investment product. The minimum deposit is just a pound, with the cap set at GBP2 million. Payments can be taken either monthly or at the end of the 12 month term providing great flexibility for savers.
The Abbey National decision to extend the offer is seen by many commentators as a real helping hand for savers, with the building society understanding the needs of consumers who want to see a strong return on their money as well as enjoying both security and flexibility.
A new cash ISA has been introduced by the Alliance and Leicester, with an interest rate of six percent per annum and a minimum balance of just one pound.
The Easy ISA as it is called allows the usual maximum amount of GBP3,600 in each tax year, with management through either phone or internet. The offer is open to all consumers whether they are existing Alliance and Leicester customers or completely new to the building society.
The Easy ISA name is very apt and will hopefully bring more savers into ISAs where they have previously been put off. As an Alliance and Leicester spokesperson explained, a cash ISA is just like a normal savings account, the difference being that no tax is paid on the amount saved.