At last, rates creep up on cash Isas to reach 1.16 pc

CASH Isa rates are starting to creep up. Leeds BS has a new version of its Online Access Isa at 1.16 pc, while Paragon Bank’s Limited Issue Easy Access Isa also pays 1.16 pc.

When the Leeds deal ends on March 31, 2019, your money will be transferred to an instant access Cash Isa maturity account — and an, as yet, unknown rate.

You can move existing cash Isas into the Paragon and Leeds Isas.

AA Savings Easy Access Cash Isa also pays 1.16 pc, but the initial bonus runs out after a year and the rate drops to a lowly 0.2 pc.

Other good accounts include internet-based Shawbrook Bank at 1.2pc along with Ford Money Flexible Isa at 1.05pc and National Savings & Investments Direct Isa (available by phone and online) at 1 pc — with no bonus.

In the High Street, best rates include Newcastle BS Community Isa Saver and Nationwide Flexclusive Isa at 1pc along with Coventry BS and Skipton BS at 0.9 pc.

On fixed-rate cash Isas, for one year, Leeds BS pays a top 1.45pc. For two years, Aldermore Bank and Leeds BS both pay 1.65 pc.

Top rates don’t stay around for long. Internet-bank OAKNORTH increased its easy-access cash Isa rate to 1.25pc last week, but shut the account to new savers within days. Sainsbury’s Bank raised its rate to 1.15pc earlier this month then cut it to 1.09pc for new savers two weeks later.