The best 'safe', hassle free ISA that accepts transfers

blizeH

Hi guys,

Apologies for the new thread, but I'd like to be able to get a new ISA account setup and ready for when my Icesave compensation certificate is received.

After just reading this thread I'm not so sure I wish to invest in Principality any more - especially after remembering that the only bank charge (£30) I've ever had was from them, after their website screwed up and tried to take twice as much money from Lloyds as I wanted, and ringing them and being told I couldn't cancel the payment (nor could I even see it online).

I'd like an account that...

1. is fully operatable online, preferably with a nice easy to use interface (this rules out Principality also)

2. allows transfers in (from Icesave fwiw)

3. has a fairly decent rate, but is clean with no bonuses (I'd rather not have to transfer it again any time soon)

4. is from a reputable/safe organisation, I don't want to be overly paranoid but I want to be sure I don't get involved in another Icesave-esque incident.

Any recommendations would be very welcome, thank you!

blizeH

Both Lloyds and Halifax have ISAs at 4.50% at the moment which doesn't sound too bad, although if I'm honest I don't trust either not to drop their rates...

Baldur

blizeH wrote: »

Both Lloyds and Halifax have ISAs at 4.50% at the moment which doesn't sound too bad, although if I'm honest I don't trust either not to drop their rates...

NCBS @ 4.96% Second Issue Cash ISA (Rate effective from 24 November 2008, according to their website) may (or may not) suit your needs - http://www.ncbs.co.uk/ncbs.asp

Key Features

• Tax free interest earned from the day we receive your investment
• Savings up to the annual statutory limit of £3,600
• Minimum balance of £1
• Open and operate your account online.
• Transfer of existing Cash ISA's from other ISA providers accepted
• Withdrawals available without notice and without penalty
• Transfer to another ISA provider allowed

blizeH

Looks like a good account thanks - are they reputable? I only ask because I never heard of them, and their website looks like the sort of thing I'd make in Front Page in 1998 :P

worried3

northern rock 4.8% to 5% fixed

http://www.northernrock.co.uk/savings/isas/fixed-rate-isa/rates/

already nationalised so fairly safe.

BiggaThanBen

worried3 wrote: »

northern rock 4.8% to 5% fixed

Is it availabe again ? I see they have dropped its rate, but still good deal ..

blizeH

Many thanks dude, didn't really want fixed term as I'll be looking to buy a house soonish - could be 6 months or could be 3 years away to be fair though

Baldur

blizeH wrote: »

Looks like a good account thanks - are they reputable? I only ask because I never heard of them, and their website looks like the sort of thing I'd make in Front Page in 1998 :P

Pass - they're members of the BSA & would be fully covered by the FSCS, like any other building society.

blizeH

Looks good to me then, thanks Baldur!

realaledrinker

Yorkshire Building Society eISA would be my recommendation. Rates before reflecting the BOE 1.5% rate cut:

Balance £ ....................Tax-free Rate P.A. %(variable)

£10 and above..............5.05%
£10,000 - £19,999 ........5.15%

£20,000 +5.25% ...........5.25%

I went into the local branch today & confirmed they are up to speed with the Icesave transfer situation & will accept direct BACS transfers into the account from my current account (money due in on Monday) in excess of £3,600 subject to receipt of the FSCS certificate.

blizeH

Good suggestion thanks, but I don't think they've dropped their rate since the BoE rate drop