Top Cash ISAs Discussion Area

LucyTheDwarf

I am torn between Natwest and Barclays ISAs for 2009/2010... I have a Barclays current account, and a Natwest e-saver account, so both should in theory be easy. But I'm put off by reports of Barclays handling of last years applications... is it worth the risk for an extra 0.10%?

Also, I'm trying to guess which rate will last longest. Barclays has a one year bonus, so I know this will drop... but could Natwest lower rates more than the loss of the bonus? The base rate hasn't much further to fall... I wish I had a crystal ball! At least I've still got 10 days to think about it.

Baldur

LucyTheDwarf wrote: »

But I'm put off by reports of Barclays handling of last years applications... is it worth the risk for an extra 0.10%?

If you look at threads about the Barclays Golden ISAs that have been opened so far this year, most people appear to be finding the process almost immediate, it appears that they are being opened in branch, rather than an ISA Centre - probably to attempt to resolve the problems which people experienced last year.

LucyTheDwarf

Big "hmmmmmm" moment.

To be fair it doesn't affect me greatly, how long it will take to open, as I'll be funding the ISA when my Halifax regular saver matures in June (farewell 10%...), so I'll probably only want to pay in £200-400 before then.

So I suppose my primary concern should be the rate. I don't want to have to transfer elsewhere next year. But then again, the last 6 months I've become a bit lazy, and I'm ashamed of myself. I'd transfer elsewhere if I could earn 3% more elsewhere... but I can't, so I'm leaving 2008/09 where it is (pitiful HSBC, I should be so ashamed) until there are truly amazing rates elsewhere.

Baldur

LucyTheDwarf wrote: »

Big "hmmmmmm" moment.

To be fair it doesn't affect me greatly, how long it will take to open, as I'll be funding the ISA when my Halifax regular saver matures in June (farewell 10%...), so I'll probably only want to pay in £200-400 before then.

So I suppose my primary concern should be the rate. I don't want to have to transfer elsewhere next year. But then again, the last 6 months I've become a bit lazy, and I'm ashamed of myself. I'd transfer elsewhere if I could earn 3% more elsewhere... but I can't, so I'm leaving 2008/09 where it is (pitiful HSBC, I should be so ashamed) until there are truly amazing rates elsewhere.

Have you considered the Halifax ISA Direct Reward - 3% fixed for a year, up to 4 withdrawals penalty-free and it accepts additional deposits & transfers?

ahai1

Do you have any information on that ISA?

Uneducated_Archie wrote: »

Britannia have offered me 3.1% fixed for one or two years on existing ISA account for year 2009/2010. I can also invest a further 3,600 at the same time.

Would I be better going for one or two years? Any thoughts?

LucyTheDwarf

Baldur wrote: »

Have you considered the Halifax ISA Direct Reward - 3% fixed for a year, up to 4 withdrawals penalty-free and it accepts additional deposits & transfers?

I'm unwilling to put my money anywhere with a restriction on withdrawals... there's a possibility I might need to use some or all of my ISA cash this year, though I'll do my best not to touch them! I would prefer instant access, just in case I need to make several small withdrawals.

Thanks for your advice on this.

jasg5

I want to apply for the Natwest e-ISA.

If your not a customer you have to open a current account or a
instant savings account.
Tried to apply for the e-savings account several times yesterday
and today. Is anybody else having problems.

I get so far with the applicaion and then it tells me that it
us unavailable.

Thanks

tblzebra

I had a cash ISA with YBS from a few years back & in Jan 09 got them to close it & switch all the cash into their eISA. I haven't deposited any other money in this, or in any other ISA this financial year.

Does this mean I can't open another ISA this year & deposit £3600 in as a lump sum - do I have to use the YBS eISA?

Thanks

whu

tblzebra wrote: »

I had a cash ISA with YBS from a few years back & in Jan 09 got them to close it & switch all the cash into their eISA. I haven't deposited any other money in this, or in any other ISA this financial year.

Does this mean I can't open another ISA this year & deposit £3600 in as a lump sum - do I have to use the YBS eISA?

Thanks

If you haven't used this years ISA allowance you can open another ISA with another provider by April 6 - you don't have to use YBS

emma_jane1987

Hi, Newbie,

I have a quick question I have just realised that I am getting my bonus tomorrow and I have about £1,200 in my regular savings account which I would like to move as I dip into every now and again. I am very bad! Do I still have time to open a cash ISA how long does it take? I was thinking of either Barclays or Natwest as they have the best rates. I used to have a current account with Natwest but closed it and now only have a credit card would this help to make the set up more easily. Otherwise I would need to book an appointment to go in and see them next week is that correct. I want to try and put the full £3,600 in for 2008/2009 tax year and then start saving £235 each month for the next tax year to make it up.