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While the ISA market has been weakening ever since the personal savings allowance (PSA) came into force – which allows basic rate taxpayers to earn £1,000 in interest tax-free every year since 2016 – the latest base rate rise doesn't appear to have helped matters. New data from Moneyfacts.co.uk shows that fixed rate ISAs are still falling behind fixed bond rates, in terms of both averages and the Best Buys.
"It is little surprise to see that cash ISAs are being ignored by many savers," said Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk. Aside from the PSA, "savers have also faced the blight of Government lending initiatives, which decimated the savings market and forced interest rates to plummet. Before these interventions, the rate gap was much smaller."
Average savings rates | Sep-15 | Sep-17 | Sep-18 |
---|---|---|---|
One-year fixed ISA | 1.47% | 1.00% | 1.26% |
One-year fixed bond | 1.50% | 1.14% | 1.42% |
Five-year fixed ISA | 2.39% | 1.68% | 1.96% |
Five-year fixed bond | 2.63% | 1.93% | 2.21% |
Best deals | Sep-15 | Sep-17 | Sep-18 |
---|---|---|---|
One-year fixed ISA | Al Rayan Bank – 1.90%* | Al Rayan Bank – 1.35%* | Al Rayan Bank – 1.61%* |
One-year fixed bond | Kent Reliance – 2.10% | BLME – 2.00%* | BLME – 2.05%* |
Five-year fixed ISA | Julian Hodge Bank – 2.55% | Virgin Money – 2.15% | Coventry BS – 2.30% |
Five-year fixed bond | United Bank UK – 3.23% | Vanquis Bank – 2.50% | BLME – 2.70%* |
To make matters worse, research reveals that while savers can earn more than 2% interest on a one-year fixed rate bond, there is not a single fixed rate ISA that pays as much. It's little wonder then that the number of people investing in ISAs has fallen to an 18-year low, according to the HMRC.
And it's not only the lack of interest rate increases that are hurting people's chances of finding a decent ISA deal, as Rachel also found that very few new providers are entering the ISA market now. "There are 98 fixed rate bond providers in the market but only 56 fixed rate ISA providers, so there is a lot less choice out there for savers looking to utilise their annual £20,000 ISA allowance," she said.
However, those who already have a decent amount saved away in a cash ISA may not want to switch to a fixed rate bond just yet. Any money taken out of an ISA would become liable for taxation, and if the PSA were to disappear, they'd have to start putting away the maximum ISA allowance all over again to get back their big tax-free savings pot.
"It remains the case that savers will need to switch their ISAs frequently to get the best rates on the market, but it's likely that they will still get less of a return than if they had the money invested in a top fixed rate bond," Rachel concluded. "For example, on a five-year fixed deal, there is a 0.40% difference between the best rate fixed bond and its ISA equivalent.
"Clearly, something needs to be done to get savers turning to ISAs again. If the PSA was ever abolished to bring in more tax from savers, then ISAs may shine brightly again in terms of their tax-free wrapper, but that doesn't automatically mean rates will shoot up in the process."
If you've already got a decent pot of money in an ISA, you'll want to keep on top of the cash ISA Best Buys to make the most of your savings. If you're looking for the best fixed rate deal overall, however, you'll want to check the top fixed rate bonds.
Information is correct as of the date of publication (shown at the top of this article). Any products featured may be withdrawn by their provider or changed at any time. Links to third parties on this page are paid for by the third party. You can find out more about the individual products by visiting their site. Moneyfacts.co.uk will receive a small payment if you use their services after you click through to their site. All information is subject to change without notice. Please check all terms before making any decisions. This information is intended solely to provide guidance and is not financial advice. Moneyfacts will not be liable for any loss arising from your use or reliance on this information. If you are in any doubt, Moneyfacts recommends you obtain independent financial advice.
Moneyfacts UK Savings Trends Treasury Report data shows average fixed rates have seen their biggest monthly rises in over a decade. The average one-year fixed bond, longer-term fixed bond, and longer-term fixed ISA stand at their highest levels since 2019.
Moneyfacts UK Savings Trends Treasury Report data shows average fixed rates have seen their biggest monthly rises in over a decade.
Each week the moneyfacts.co.uk content team round up the very best savings rates available in the UK. Compare and apply today.
Each week the moneyfacts.co.uk content team round up the very best savings rates available in the UK. Compare and apply today.
Nationwide BS launched a new issue of its 1 Year Triple Access Online ISA today, offering a rate of 1%. It means this offer matches the market-leading rate from Marcus by Goldman Sachs®, SAGA, and Al Rayan Bank on our easy access ISA charts.
Nationwide BS launched a new issue of its 1 Year Triple Access Online ISA today, offering a rate of 1%.
Moneyfacts UK Savings Trends Treasury Report data shows average fixed rates have seen their biggest monthly rises in over a decade. The average one-year fixed bond, longer-term fixed bond, and longer-term fixed ISA stand at their highest levels since 2019.
Moneyfacts UK Savings Trends Treasury Report data shows average fixed rates have seen their biggest monthly rises in over a decade.
Each week the moneyfacts.co.uk content team round up the very best savings rates available in the UK. Compare and apply today.
Each week the moneyfacts.co.uk content team round up the very best savings rates available in the UK. Compare and apply today.
Nationwide BS launched a new issue of its 1 Year Triple Access Online ISA today, offering a rate of 1%. It means this offer matches the market-leading rate from Marcus by Goldman Sachs®, SAGA, and Al Rayan Bank on our easy access ISA charts.
Nationwide BS launched a new issue of its 1 Year Triple Access Online ISA today, offering a rate of 1%.
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