While there may be no shortage of fixed rate savings accounts available on the high street, few offer particularly attractive returns. In terms of short and long-term potential, the average savings account is not a particularly lucrative investment vehicle.
An alternative for those who are willing to invest their money for a set period of time is a fixed rate bond, but how do fixed rate bonds work, and who are they suitable for?
What is a Fixed Rate Bond?
A fixed rate bond works in a similar way to a fixed rate savings account, though with a fixed rate bond, you are unable to access your money for the agreed period for typically 1 to 5 years.
In return, the investor is offered a higher rate of interest than any comparable savings account. Interest rates vary significantly from one fixed rate bond to the next, in accordance with the provider, the size of the investments and the length of the term.
Fixed Rate Bond Advantages
The biggest advantage of a fixed rate bond is the higher rate of interest when compared to a typical savings account, the fact that the agreed rate of interest is fixed means that it cannot be altered at any time at the discretion of the provider.
This is something that often happens with most conventional savings accounts where the rate of interest can increase or decrease at any time, with a fixed bond you know exactly what kind of return to expect at the time you take out the product.
Fixed Rate Bond Disadvantages
On the downside there is no option for withdrawing or accessing your money before the end of the agreed term. Fixed rate bonds are only suitable for those who can comfortably afford to give up access to the amount of money invested for a set period of time.
Most companies offering fixed rate bonds, do not offer FSCS protection. In the unlikely event that the bond fails, a lack of FSCS protection could result in the investor losing some or all of their money.
It is therefore essential to ensure that your bond is protected by suitable security.
How Long Are Fixed Rate Bonds?
Most providers offer fixed rate bonds over a variety of time periods, usually varying from 1 to 5 years. One-year fixed rate bonds and two-year fixed rate bonds are the most widely available and popular options.
Interest rates and subsequent returns are usually higher with longer term bonds, however, this is not always the case, emphasising the importance of comparing all options carefully before applying.
Are Fixed Rate Bonds Taxable?
It is important to bear in mind that fixed rate bonds may be taxable in the same way as all savings. If the bond you purchase generates revenues that exceed your annual allowance, the resulting amount will be taxable at the normal rate.
If you would like to learn more about fixed rate bonds or to discuss your suitability for this type of investment, contact UK Property Finance today for an obligation-free consultation.
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While there may be no shortage of fixed rate savings accounts available on the high street, few offer particularly attractive returns. In terms of short and long-term potential, the average savings account is not a particularly lucrative investment vehicle.
An alternative for those who are willing to invest their money for a set period of time is a fixed rate bond, but how do fixed rate bonds work, and who are they suitable for?
What is a Fixed Rate Bond?
A fixed rate bond works in a similar way to a fixed rate savings account, though with a fixed rate bond, you are unable to access your money for the agreed period for typically 1 to 5 years.
In return, the investor is offered a higher rate of interest than any comparable savings account. Interest rates vary significantly from one fixed rate bond to the next, in accordance with the provider, the size of the investments and the length of the term.
Fixed Rate Bond Advantages
The biggest advantage of a fixed rate bond is the higher rate of interest when compared to a typical savings account, the fact that the agreed rate of interest is fixed means that it cannot be altered at any time at the discretion of the provider.
This is something that often happens with most conventional savings accounts where the rate of interest can increase or decrease at any time, with a fixed bond you know exactly what kind of return to expect at the time you take out the product.
Fixed Rate Bond Disadvantages
On the downside there is no option for withdrawing or accessing your money before the end of the agreed term. Fixed rate bonds are only suitable for those who can comfortably afford to give up access to the amount of money invested for a set period of time.
Most companies offering fixed rate bonds, do not offer FSCS protection. In the unlikely event that the bond fails, a lack of FSCS protection could result in the investor losing some or all of their money.
It is therefore essential to ensure that your bond is protected by suitable security.
