Cash ISAs: The Best Currently Available List

emphatiC_hanK

I've just arranged to transfer an ISA to the Chelsea Building Society Postal 30 ISA account, and this is in progress.

Unhelpfully, and maybe due to the impending merger with the Yorkshire, they've just dropped their top tier rate for this account from 3.5% to 3.0%, and so I'm now looking for a better rate elsewhere.

As I want to hedge my bets a little bit, not knowing what interest rates are going to do, I want to be able to make a partial transfer out (I know that the Chelsea account allows this) but I am not sure which of the one year fixed ISA accounts with decent rates (c.3.5%+) would allow a partial transfer in (to clarify, none of the funds in the account I'm transferring to the Chelsea are for the 09/10 tax year.)

Is anyone able to clarify?

The ability to accept partial transfers out or in appears to be a much overlooked factor with cash ISAs, with many providers just flatly reusing to allow it to take place.

MarkyMarkD

I don't understand your point.

If a provider will accept a transfer in, they will accept a partial transfer in. There is no reason why it matters to them a jot if it is a full or a partial transfer.

Partial transfers OUT are a different matter. Providers do not need to allow these, if they don't want to. (And, as you already realise but others may not, you cannot partially transfer current year funds in any case, which is part of the reason some providers will not allow any partial transfers).

MarkyMarkD

owitemisermusa wrote: »

Anyone know of a good ISA that's available with cashback? Ta.

This thread is about cash ISAs. I don't know of any cash ISA which would pay "cashback".

owitemisermusa

MarkyMarkD wrote: »

This thread is about cash ISAs. I don't know of any cash ISA which would pay "cashback".

Should have said: Any good Cash ISA available via a Cashback website!

MarkyMarkD

Exactly how many best buy cash ISAs can be bought via a cashback website, then, oweitemriserusa?

owitemisermusa

MarkyMarkD wrote: »

Exactly how many best buy cash ISAs can be bought via a cashback website, then, oweitemriserusa?

That's why I asked. I take it there are none. Thanks anyway.

cottager

Northern Rock 3.50% FRISA has apparently just been pulled. Sorry, didn't think to put it here first, so see http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2132159

Special_Saver2

Hi Folks,

There is a new Regular Saver ISA from Stroud and Swindon paying 3.75%.

Here is a link.

Here is the summary provided by emoneyfacts:

REGULAR SAVER ISA launched w.e.f. 4.12.09: a regular savings ISA with a minimum monthly investment of £25 (maximum £425) paying 3.75% yearly. 12 equal consecutive payments must be made per anniversary year. 1 withdrawal permitted per anniversary year. 2.75% loss for that anniversary year if terms not adhered to. Transfers out without penalty. Transfers in not accepted.

Moneyfacts Analysis

This new Regular Savings ISA from Stroud & Swindon BS enters a very limited market paying a top variable rate. Clients are encouraged to put away money each month and not make regular withdrawals in order to obtain the high rate of 3.75%, so is ideal for those who need to be organised. The flexibility of the 1 free withdrawal each year makes it an ideal way to save for a particular event, such as Christmas or a holiday.

MarkyMarkD

Why would you buy an account with a variable rate which is dependent on remaining in it for 12 months to get the published rate?

You could buy this account and they could reduce the rate to 2.75% half-way through the year, and you'd have the choice of (a) leaving - and just earning 1% for the first half year on a very small average balance; or (b) staying - and accepting an effective AER somewhere around 3%.

It doesn't seem great to me.

Hang on a tick too - unless you open it in April 2010 (by which time it may have been withdrawn) you can't even use up this year's ISA allowance. How useless is that?

So, it's a niche product for people who (a) haven't subscribed to an ISA at all this year and (b) have no more than £1,700 which they want to subscribe this tax year, spread over 4 months. :rolleyes:

owitemisermusa

IMHO, it seems as if patience might be important now that deals are disappearing so fast.

Considering waiting for a few weeks to see if new deals on FRISAs surface. Unfortunately, that might include staying on a ghastly low rate for a short time.