Help & Tips
What is a Fixed Rate Bond?
A fixed rate bond (often called a fixed term bond) is a cash savings account that pays a fixed rate of interest for a fixed term - typically between six months and five years. The rate can be a fixed percentage or, less commonly, a fixed percentage above a variable such as the base rate –known as a tracker bond. A fixed rate bond may be the right account for you if you have a lump sum to save and do not need access to your money until the end of the term.
A key benefit of opening a bond is that it allows you to work out exactly how much interest you will earn over the length of the term, as the rate will not change for the length of the bond, whatever happens to the wider economy. The general rule is that the longer the term, the higher the interest rate, although this is not always the case and it’s always worth considering different terms.
Key things to consider
It’s important to choose your bond carefully and to check the terms and conditions before you open the account, as many accounts do not allow additional deposits or early withdrawals. Some accounts may allow you to access your money but you would incur a penalty (typically 120 days interest) whereas some allow no access under any circumstances.
Opening a fixed rate bond locks in the interest rate, so if the Bank of England base rate were to fall significantly your interest rate would not fall with it, protecting your savings from falling rates. However if the base rates were to rise then interest rate wouldn’t change – so potentially you could miss out on higher rates.
Our Savings Guide has more information on all types of savings accounts, including Fixed Rate Bonds.
Glossary
AER
Annual Equivalent Rate: shown as a percentage, this tells you the rate of interest you will earn over the period of 1 year. If your interest is paid monthly then the AER may be higher than the gross rate.
Annual Interest
The interest of an account paid annually
Base Rate
The offical rate of interest as set out by the Bank of England
Basic Rate Tax
Basic rate tax is charged at 20% on the first £35,000 of income above your annual personal allowance. The personal allowance is £7,475 for the under 65s, £9,940 for those aged 65-74 and £10,090 for the over 75s
Fixed Rate
When the rate of interest is fixed for a period of time
Fixed Rate Bond
A fixed rate bond allows you to earn a higher rate of interst by locking you money away for a set period of time. These durations can range between 1-6 years in length
Fixed term
The set length of time of an account
Gross
Total amount of interest before tax
Introductory Bonus
A fixed introductory bonus on a variable interest rate account, this is normally set for a certain length of time from the opening of the account. Once the introductory period is over the rate will return to the normal variable rate
Lump Sum
A one off amount of money an individual wants to make into an account
Net
Interest after tax
Variable Rate
The rate of interest is not fixed so can fluctuate throughout the term of the account