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Silver savings turn platinum

For over 50s savings accounts there are now some great deals to be had, with rates reaching 6.4% with no hidden catches.

Over 50s savings accounts offer the same range of notice, no notice and fixed accounts but limit their availability to those aged over 50 and there are now over 50 providers exclusively competing to help you find a new home for your savings.

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Coventry has launched a 50 Plus Esave account, paying 6.40%, Saga has increased the rate on its Online Saving account to match Northern Rock's 6.30% and Abbey has launched a new issue of its 50+ Saver, with all new applicants receiving a 0.50% bonus for a full 12 months. You can check all the latest rates on our over 50s savings accounts best buys.

But, don't just assume that a specialist over 50s savings account is best. You can sometimes find better deals on savings accounts available to everyone, so shop around and get the best deal.

It's also worth making sure that you've followed the key rules to getting a tiptop savings portfolio:

Mini Cash ISAs should be your first port of call - tax-free with rates up to 6.40%

Fixed rate savings accounts are currently offering rates as high as 6.75%, so this offers the next best return for your savings, provided your happy to lock away your money for the specified term

A top paying Regular savings account will get you a rate of 7.55% for a maximum deposit of £150 per month

And, Internet savings accounts are currently paying up to 6.40%

And finally, after the Northern Rock crisis you may be thinking about how safe our savings are. Under the new Financial Services Compensation Scheme rules, 100% of deposits up to £35,000 per person are covered.