Survey shows cash ISAs still popular as cut off date arrives
04 April 2011 / by Paul Dicken
ISAs remain a popular way to save, according to a survey that found over 90 per cent of respondents had a cash ISA.
The survey by Leeds Building Society – published a day before the ISA deadline on 5 April – showed a high level of awareness about saving through ISAs, with 60 per cent of people knowing what the annual allowance is.
In the survey of 5000 customers, 68 per cent of people had chosen a fixed rate product for their ISA savings.
However, in a separate survey carried out for the AA the findings suggested that most people were unlikely to be saving the full cash ISA allowance. Despite high take-up of ISAs, just 45% of respondents in the AA survey were aware of the 2010/11 £5,100 annual allowance.
The research showed just over half of savers thought the best use of a cash ISA was for long-term savings.
The deadline for cash ISA savings for the 2010/11 tax year is 5 April. Last minute ISA savers can take advantage of online application processes to open cash ISA accounts before ISA cut-off date.
Last minute cash ISA options
Instant access ISAs include the Halifax Cash ISA Direct Reward which is paying a three per cent variable rate (AER) on deposits from £1.
This account allows transfers from existing ISAs if you are looking for a new instant access home for ISA savings.
For existing Barclays customers, the Barclays Golden ISA Issue 3 offers 3.35 per cent variable interest (AER).
Fixed-rate Cash ISAs
Deals still available include the Natwest 3 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA, which has a fixed rate of 3.70 per cent (AER) on deposits from £1,000. Transfers from other cash ISAs are allowed and monthly interest is available.
A shorter term fixed-rate account from Royal Bank of Scotland offers 3.20 per cent AER interest on its 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA.
© Fair Investment Company Ltd
| Provider | Account | Interest Rate | Term | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ford Money » |
Flexible Cash ISA |
1.17% |
Instant Access | Apply Now > |
| Earn 1.17% AER variable interest. Interest can be paid monthly or annually. Minimum deposit £1. Unlimited deposits and withdrawals permitted. Transfers in allowed. FSCS Protected | ||||
 |
30 Days Notice Cash ISA | 1.05% | 30 Days Notice | Apply Now > |
| 1.05% gross/AER. £1,000 minimum opening balance. Unlimited withdrawals subject to 30 days notice. | ||||
 |
Nationwide Instant ISA Saver | 0.50% | Instant Access | Apply Now > |
| 0.50% AER/gross. Instant Access. Minimum deposit £1. | ||||
 |
35 Days Notice Cash ISA | 0.75% | 35 Days Notice | Apply Now > |
| 0.75% gross/AER. £500 minimum opening balance. Unlimited withdrawals subject to 30 days notice. | ||||
 |
NatWest Cash ISA | Up to 0.75% | Instant Access | Apply Now > |
| Open with £1. Earn 0.75% AER (variable) on balances above £50,000, 0.50% AER (variable) on balances between £25,000 and £49,999, 0.25% AER (variable) on balances between £10,000 and £24,999, and 0.10% (variable) AER on balanced between £1 and £9,999. | ||||
 |
E-Cash ISA 3 | 0.35% | Instant Access | Apply Now > |
| Instant access cash ISA open to new and existing customers. Transfers accepted. £10 minimum deposit. | ||||
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