The best Isas on the market
Aug 17, 2012
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When Northern Irish golfer Rory Mcllroy won the US PGA tournament last weekend he wasn’t the only one celebrating. Thanks to a promotional deal with bank Santander, more than 600,000 Santander Major Isa holders received a 0.1% bonus. For golfing fans in particular it’s a neat gimmick. However, since the promotional push in April – when the tax year begins and new Isas hit the market – we’ve seen some of the best deals “fizzle away”, says Lee Boyce in This is Money.
The best instant-access Isa is the West Bromwich WeBSave Isa 6. The online-only Isa offers 3.18% and allows transfers in. The only drawbacks are the 60-day notice period for penalty-free withdrawals and minimum £1,000 starting sum.
Further down the table are the Post Office Premier Cash Isa (3.01%) and the M&S Isa (3%). They both need a minimum deposit of £100 and allow transfers in. The Halifax Online Isa only offers 2.75%, but can be opened with as little as £1. Other benefits include instant access and a three-monthly prize draw.
If you are prepared to lock up your money for a while, then Santander’s two-year fixed Isa offers a market-beating 3.6%. However, golfing fans should note that the Mcllory bonus is no longer available.