6 of the best two-year bonds

Category: Savings
Author: Lieke Braadbaart
Date: 08/11/2018

Fixed rate bonds remain the best way to secure a guaranteed return, yet in light of the ongoing economic uncertainty, you may be reluctant to tie your money up for too long. That's why a two-year deal could be the perfect compromise.

These accounts can be particularly ideal if you're saving up for something specific – such as a wedding, a new car or a once-in-a-lifetime holiday – and want to be absolutely certain that you won't be tempted to spend the money in the meantime.

They're also perfect if you think rates could rise in the next couple of years and you don't want to keep your money out of arm's reach for too long. After all, there's no telling what will happen to savings rates. So, if you want to secure growth-generating returns without too much commitment, a two-year bond could be just the thing.

These accounts can offer the best of both worlds: a decent rate and the peace of mind in knowing that you'll be able to access your cash in around two years' time. Just bear in mind that you'll rarely be able to make additions after your initial deposit and earlier access usually won't be possible, so you'll need to be comfortable with both your investment and the term.

If this sounds like the kind of short-term bond for you, read on for the best two-year deals currently available that can offer a great rate with minimal commitment.

	AER	Details
Al Rayan Bank Fixed Term Deposit	2.32%	Rate fixed for 24 months £1,000 minimum deposit No additions, withdrawals or early access allowed Can be opened and operated via all channels (online, phone, branch, post and mobile app) Interest paid quarterly Sharia'a compliant account

In first place sits Al Rayan Bank, with a market-leading expected profit rate of 2.32% AER (2.30% gross) for those who have a minimum investment of £1,000 to put away. While you won't be able to access your funds before the end date, it does give you all possible options for managing the account.

	AER	Details
OakNorth Fixed Term Deposit	2.31%	Rate fixed for 30 months £1,000 minimum deposit Additions, withdrawals and early access not permitted Internet-operated Interest paid on maturity but compounded annually (must be compounded)

OakNorth takes the number-two spot with a 30-month deal that pays a near market-leading rate of 2.31%. It also requires £1,000 to be opened and asks savers to wait a little longer to regain access to their funds, but the rate could well be worth it and the account might work out perfectly for those with longer-term goals.

	AER	Details
OakNorth Fixed Term Deposit	2.30%	Rate fixed for 24 months £1,000 minimum deposit No additions, withdrawals or early access Can only be opened and operated online Interest paid on maturity but compounded annually (must be compounded)

Completing the top three is OakNorth, this time with its two-year deal that pays 2.30% from a minimum of £1,000. While as usual there's no recourse to access the funds prior to maturity, the near market-leading rate could make this online-only deal an attractive option for many savers.

	AER	Details
Investec Bank plc 2 Year Fixed Term Deposit	2.30%	Rate fixed for two years £25,000 minimum deposit Further additions, withdrawals and early access not permitted Linked Easy Access Account required for transactional purposes Must be opened online, but can then also be operated over the phone Interest paid on its anniversary and must be paid away

Next up is Investec Bank plc, with a two-year deal that also pays 2.30%, but savers will require at least £25,000 and be happy to open an Investec easy access account as well. As usual, access is not allowed before the end of the term, but savers will be able to make handy use of the interest every year as this must be transferred away.

	AER	Details
Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd Fixed Rate Deposit	2.27%	Rate fixed for two years £1,000 minimum deposit No additions, withdrawals or earlier access Opened and operated via branch and post (online banking available to current account holders) Interest paid yearly and must be paid away

In fifth place sits Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd, with an account that pays 2.27% on a minimum deposit of £1,000. Once again there's no early access possible on this branch- and postal-operated deal.

	AER	Details
Secure Trust Bank 2 Year Fixed Rate Bond	2.27%	Rate fixed until 9 December 2020 £1,000 minimum deposit Additions of at least £1,000 allowed while the issue remains open No withdrawals or early access Must be opened online but can then also be operated over the phone Interest paid yearly

Completing the top six is Secure Trust Bank, which also pays 2.27% on a minimum deposit of £1,000. It's the only account in this top six that allows additions for some time after opening, although early access is as usual not permitted.

Information and rates correct as at: 08.11.2018