Interest rate

NS&I has launched its 'British Savings Bonds' – three-year fixed rate savings accounts first announced by the Chancellor in his Spring Budget last month. But they'll only pay 4.15% AER – a rate you can easily beat elsewhere. 

Savers should consider locking in a top fixed rate now as the Bank of England has held the base rate at 5.25% for the second time in a row. For mortgage borrowers, the situation is less clear-cut and will depend on what type of mortgage you have and when your deal ends. 

Savers with accounts that pay low or no interest will soon be prompted to consider alternatives under a crackdown by the regulator. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a raft of measures designed to better protect savers amid concerns they're being ripped off.