Search off the High Street for top fixed rates

Fixed-rate deals continue to fall as banks and building societies cut rates. But in a surprise move Halifax has launched a top-paying cash isa at 1.6 pc for 18 months.

However, you can earn 1.65 pc with Shawbrook Bank and Virgin Money by tying up your money for one year.

For two years, both the Yorkshire and Clydesdale banks are offering 2.1 pc through their branch-based accounts, while Post Office and Shawbrook are both at 1.95 pc.

today, Yorkshire BS l aunches a three-year deal at 2.15 pc.

On taxable, fixed-rate bonds the top one-year deal comes from the new Charter Savings Bank at 1.44 pc (1.8 pc), available over the internet only. in the High Street, the best you can do is 1.24 pc (1.55 pc) from Virgin Money or 1.2 pc (1.5 pc) from Saffron Building Society.

Over two years, you can still earn 1.6 pc (2 pc) or slightly more with a handful of providers. Shawbrook Bank postal bond pays 1.76 pc (2.2 pc) and Charter Savings Bank internet account pays 1.72 pc (2.15 pc). On the High Street, 1.64 pc (2.05 pc) is available at the Post Office, where the deposittaker i s Bank of ireland. Saffron Building Society pays 1.6 pc (2 pc).

Larger banks pay far less. For example, at Halifax the rates are 0.96 pc (1.2 pc) for one year and 1.12 pc (1.4 pc) for two years.

those aged 65 can earn 2.24 pc (2.8 pc) with National Savings and investments for one year and a top 3.2 pc (4 pc) for three years. the maximum you can put into each bond, on sale until May 15, is £10,000.