We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.
Compare the best 3 year fixed-rate bonds
Discover how to find the best 3 fixed-rate bonds and how this compares to other savings accounts.
Posted
How to find the best 3-year fixed-rate bonds
The only real factor you need to consider when choosing the best 3-year fixed-rate bond is the interest rate on offer.
You can find the best-paying 3-year fixed-rate bonds using any price comparison website.
There are other differences, including customer service and terms regarding early withdrawal of your funds, but for most savers these pale in comparison to the interest rate on offer.
Which is better: bonds or ISAs?
These two savings mechanisms are similar in most ways.
Although bonds are a contract where you agree to lend money to a third party and ISAs are a traditional savings account, they both offer similar interest rates and they both prohibit you from withdrawing your money early.
A key difference is the limits on the amount of money you can deposit. With ISAs, you’ll be given an annual limit (it’s £20,000 in the 2020/21 tax year). With fixed-rate bonds, there may be a maximum savings amount applied by the savings provider.
Another difference is you won’t pay tax on savings interest earned within an ISA. This isn’t as much of a big deal these days though. After all, with the introduction of the personal savings allowance, basic-rate taxpayers and higher-rate taxpayers can earn £1,000 and £500 of tax-free savings interest per year respectively. So, now it’s just the country’s highest earners who would have to pay significant interest on savings either way.
Pros and cons of fixed-rate bonds
Pros
- Earn interest on your savings.
- You can deposit more money compared to an ISA.
Cons
- You may have to pay tax on interest earned.
- To get the best rates, you’ll have to lock up your funds for a few years.
Bottom line
If you’re willing to lock up your money for a few years, fixed-rate bonds are a good tool for saving a lot of money.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
Business bank accounts for contractors
Contractors usually need a business bank account, so we’ve put together a guide on how to find one that works for you.
-
Peugeot 3008 insurance group
Find out which insurance group the Peugeot 3008 falls under and how much it costs to insure.
-
Land Rover Freelander insurance group
Find out which insurance group the Land Rover Freelander falls under and how much it costs to insure.
-
Volvo S40 insurance group
Find out which insurance group the Volvo S40 falls under and how much it costs to insure.
-
Kia Sorento insurance group
Find out which insurance group the Kia Sorento falls under and how much it costs to insure.
-
Mazda CX 3 insurance group
Find out which insurance group the Mazda CX 3 falls under and how much it costs to insure.
-
Ford Ecosport insurance group
Find out which insurance group the Ford Ecosport falls under and how much it costs to insure.
-
Hyundai i40 insurance group
Find out which insurance group the Hyundai i40 falls under and how much it costs to insure.
-
Suzuki Ignis insurance group and cost
Find out which insurance group the Suzuki Ignis falls under and how much it costs to insure.
-
Toyota Prius insurance group
Find out which insurance group the Toyota Prius falls under and how much it costs to insure.
Ask an Expert