Fixed rate bonds - also known as Fixed term bonds, offer savers an alternative way of saving from your average
instant access savings accounts. By fixing the interest rate and the term of the account, you can work out exactly how much interest you will earn, providing you with a regular predictable income.
The best fixed rate bonds are those that offer high rates, but everyone's needs are different, so it is important not to get drawn in by high rates on an account that doesn't suit you. For example, you may find that the best fixed rate bond offering the highest rates are subject to leaving your cash untouched for 2 years, with penalties for early withdrawals, and you actually require a 6 month term account.
This means that the best fixed rate bonds for you are not necessarily those that pay the most attractive rates, so before deciding which account to go for, carry out a realistic assessment of your financial situation. You may wish to keep some of your savings in a flexible savings account, as nobody can predict the future and what it may bring.