A temptingly easy Isa rate

SANTANDER is the first large bank to offer a competitive cash Isa to savers. Its online easy-access eIsa pays a top 1.5 pc to its Select or 123 World account holders.

Otherwise, the rate is a lower 1.1 pc — although this is still a top deal among big banks. Both rates include a bonus that lasts a year, after which your rate falls to 0.35 pc.

The bank is also paying 1.9 pc to its Select and 123 World customers willing to tie up their money for two years.

Other big banks pay less than 1 pc. Among the worst are Lloyds Bank’s Cash Isa Saver at 0.35 pc. Meanwhile, NatWest’s Cash Isa pays 0.2 pc on balances up to £10,000 or 0.35 pc on up to £25,000.