Santander is a relative newcomer to the British savings market, although its history in Europe, Latin America and other areas of the world dates back much further. The acquisition of Abbey in 2004, as well as the acquisitions of Bradford & Bingley and Alliance and Leicester in 2008, brought this large global bank into the UK financial market.

Current Information

Today, Santander has more than 1,300 branches across the UK, and customers also have the ability to perform banking over the phone or online. Santander is the third largest deposit taker and second largest lender in the UK. The company is currently based in Spain, but has branches across the globe in numerous countries, including South America and the U.S. This bank offers a wide range of products, including loans, insurance, credit cards and savings accounts.

Cash ISAs Available

Santander offers a variety of cash ISAs, depending on the customer’s needs and budget. Current choices include a Direct ISA, Flexible ISA, Easy ISA and Super Flexible ISA. All the accounts can earn interest on balances as low as £1, although higher balances earn higher rates of interest on some of the account types. The Easy ISA offers easy access to your cash and very simple account terms, although the interest rate is not as high. Interest is calculated daily and paid annually. The Easy ISA is a good place to start if you are new to the ISA market and need plenty of liquidity in your savings product.

The Direct ISA also allows customers the option of paying in deposits monthly or making a single lump sum deposit each year. Interest rates are tiered at £1 and £9,000. Customers can make deposits in minimum monthly amounts or a single lump sum. The Flexible ISA pays 3.00% over the Bank of England base rate for the first 12 months after the account is opened.

The account allows for withdrawals at any time, although withdrawals may affect your contribution limit at the end of the year. This account does not allow ISA funds to be transferred in from other products or banks. The Super Flexible ISA offers the best interest rate with a bonus rate for the first 12 months. It is only available when you open a quality investment at the same time.

Stocks and Shares ISAs to Choose From

In addition to a variety of cash ISAs, Santander also offers an Investment ISA that allows you to make a greater potential return on your money. The Investment ISA is available for a minimum monthly investment of £25 or a lump sum deposit of £500. This account is provided by Santander ISA Managers Ltd., and it is channeled into one of Santander’s investment products for the highest possible returns. Of course, investments can either grow or fall in price, and therefore, the better potential return is weighed against the possible risks associated with the investment.

Santander is a reputable bank to choose if you are looking for a large institution with many options in ISAs. Whether you are seeking a cash ISA to save your money or an investment ISA with a greater possible return, Santander may just have the right product for you.

National Westminster Bank was established in 1968 through a merger between National Provincial Bank and Westminster Bank. Both of these institutions brought more than a century of financial experience to the table, which has continued today, as NatWest has centered itself as one of the top financial institutions in the UK.

In 2000, The Royal Bank of Scotland completed an acquisition of NatWest in the largest takeover of a financial institution in British history. However, NatWest continues to operate under its own branding, offering a host of loans, savings, investments and a variety of other products to its customers.

Current Information

Today, NatWest offers a wide range of methods for conducting your banking business, ranging from phone and online services to a host of brick and mortar branches located throughout the UK. This bank continues to offer its own brand of banking services, under the secure umbrella of the large and stable Royal Bank of Scotland Group. In addition, NatWest added home loans and small business services to its repertoire, broadening the variety of possibilities to its customers even further. Included in the mix are a range of ISAs, from cash accounts to investment vehicles.

Cash ISAs Available

NatWest offers two different types of cash ISAs: an Internet-only product and a standard cash ISA for customers who prefer to do their banking business in person.

• E-ISA – Pays out interest on any balance, but the rate is higher for balances of £10,000 and £30,000. Interest is paid out monthly. Customers can transfer money into the account from other ISA sources, and there is no penalty for withdrawals.

• Cash ISA – If you transfer funds from another ISA provider, you can earn a bonus rate on this account for 12 months. Interest is paid on any balance, and it is tiered at £9,000, £15,000, £22,000, £27,000 and £50,000. Interest is paid out monthly and customers can withdraw funds from the account at any time without penalty.

Stocks and Shares ISAs to Choose From

NatWest also offers two options in stocks and shares ISAs, depending on the customer’s comfort level in choosing his own investment products.

• Self-Select ISA – The Self-Select ISA allows a customer to pick and choose the investment products for his ISA funds. NatWest allows you to use tools to set up a virtual portfolio before investing in the real thing to test out your investment strategy. Trades begin at just £15 with low administrative fees on transactions. You can monitor your investments online or check current pricing information by phone. NatWest also allows you to set up automatic transactions when certain prices are reached.

• Investment Options ISA – This ISA product allows the customer to choose a ready-made investment fund based on his level of comfort with risk and his desire to earn a higher potential return on his investment. NatWest currently offers four different funds to choose from, which all require an initial investment of £1,000 or £50 per month.

With a long, prosperous financial history and plenty of ISA options to choose from, NatWest is a good source for ISA products. Whether you want a simple cash ISA that you can withdraw from at any time, or an investment strategy that helps you save for your future, NatWest can serve your financial needs.

The history of the Yorkshire Building Society is a long one, dating all the way back to 1864 and the establishment of the Huddersfield Equitable Permanent Benefit Building Society. This entity eventually evolved into the Yorkshire Building Society in 1982, after a long series of mergers and acquisitions in the century preceding. Yorkshire Building Society continued to grow after this point, with subsequent mergers and the addition of YorkSHARE Limited, a share dealing service that is run by Yorkshire Building Society.

Current Information

Today, the Yorkshire Building Society boasts assets of more than £23.0 billion and provides 135 branches across the UK. In addition, customers enjoy the convenience of online and phone banking for a large range of their needs. The main office of the Yorkshire Building Society is located in Yorkshire on the southern outskirts of Bradford, and it employs about 800 people.

Cash ISAs Available

Yorkshire Building Society offers one of the best selections of ISAs available, with a wide range of both cash and stocks and shares ISAs from which to choose.  The following is a listing of the cash accounts offered by YBS:

• E-ISA – Managed completely online, this ISA requires a minimum investment of £10, with interest paid annually. Additional deposits must also be a minimum of £10. Withdrawals are allowed at any time, in minimum amounts of £10.

• Fixed Rate ISA – This account offers a competitive fixed rate, which is tiered based on whether you have interest paid out monthly or annually. The account requires a minimum investment of £100, and withdrawals are not permitted until the account matures at a date set by the bank. The interest rate is fixed throughout the term.

• Anniversary ISA – Unlike the Fixed Rate ISA, the Anniversary ISA term is based on the day you open the account. During your anniversary month, you are allowed to make deposits, withdrawals or transfers without penalty. The account offers a fixed rate of interest during the term, which can be paid monthly or annually. Initial investment must be at least £100.

• ISA Plus – This account can be opened for as little as £10, and withdrawals can be made at any time without penalty. Interest can be paid monthly or annually. The rate on this ISA is variable, and it is set to go no lower than 1% below the Bank of England base rate.

• Monthly Reward ISA – The monthly reward on this account comes when you do not access your funds at any time during the month, encouraging you to save rather than spend. Interest is payable on the first working day of the month, but is not earned during months when withdrawals are made.

Stocks and Shares ISAs to Choose From

The Yorkshire Building Society also offers a stocks and shares ISA for customers who are interested in undertaking a bit more risk for a higher potential rate of return. Yorkshire offers a variety of ISA funds for customers to choose from, which are subject to change regularly, based on current market trends. To find out more about stocks and shares ISAs through YBS, schedule an appointment with a Legal & General consultant.

Yorkshire Building Society has a long history and a strong presence in the UK. With one of the widest selections of ISAs available, this may be the building society to choose for all of your ISA needs.

The beginnings of the Chelsea Building Society date back to 1875, when the Camberwell and South London Building Society were established. This institution eventually merged with the Borough of Chelsea Permanent Building Society in 1966, and the name was changed to the Chelsea Building Society in 1971. In 1988, the Chelsea Building Society became even larger with the merger of the City of London Building Society. The name of the company remained unchanged.

Current Information

Today, the Chelsea Building Society is the fifth largest building society in the UK, with assets over £14 billion. The company has 35 branches across southern England, but phone and online banking services allow customers to enjoy Chelsea’s products from a much farther distance. Chelsea has continued to grow throughout the past decade, with a recent merger with Catholic Building Society, based in Westminster, London.

Cash ISAs Available

Chelsea Building Society currently offers three different types of cash ISAs, depending on your age and liquidity needs:

• Chelsea Branch Instant Cash ISA – This account can be opened for as little as £14, although interest rates are higher on balances of £15,000 or more. Interest is typically paid annually, although customers can also request monthly interest payments. Withdrawals can be made at any time without notice, and the funds can be transferred into this account from another ISA provider.

• Over 50s Cash ISA – This account is designed for customers born prior to April 5, 1960 and is subject to higher contribution limits in accordance with the Government. The opening deposit requirement is £5,100, and account holders can save up to £100,000 in a single account. Withdrawals can be made at any time without penalty, and interest is paid out without tax deductions when the account follows ISA regulations.

• Postal 30 Cash ISA – The minimum opening deposit is just £1, and customers earn interest on any balance. To withdraw funds without penalty, customers must provide 30-days notice for the transaction. Interest is paid out annually on the account on March 1. This account does accept transfers from other institutions, and customers can transfer money out of their Postal 30 Cash ISA to another provider.

Stocks and Shares ISAs to Choose From

In addition to the numerous cash ISAs to choose from, Chelsea Building Society also works with Aviva to provide investment products to Chelsea customers. Aviva does offer a variety of stocks and shares ISAs that offer a potentially higher rate of interest when customers are willing to undertake slightly more risk with their money. The Chelsea website does not provide specific information about the stocks and shares ISA funds available; customers must contact an Aviva representative for more information. Contact information for Aviva can be obtained through any Chelsea branch.

Chelsea Building Society offers experience and stability to its ISA customers, as well as a wide range of ISA options to consider. As the fifth largest building society in England, Chelsea customers enjoy peace of mind in knowing their financial institution has the size and history necessary to provide for all of their savings and investment needs. For a variety of cash ISAs or investment options, contact your nearest Chelsea branch for more information.

Skipton and District Permanent Benefit Building Society was founded in 1853 by George Kendall. In 1928, the name was shortened to Skipton Building Society after a new head office was opened on Skipton Street. This office is still the location of the Skipton branch today. Throughout the rest of the 20^th century, Skipton Building Society continued to grow through a series of mergers with other societies. In the 1980s, Skipton launched two subsidiaries: Homeloan Management Limited and Skipton Financial Services, Ltd.

Current Information

Today, Skipton Building Society continues to thrive, with assets of more than £10 billion, 90 branches across the UK and 21 subsidiary companies. The company offers savings and investments, mortgage loans, insurance and financial planning advice to their customers. In addition, Skipton Building Society offers one of the widest ranges of cash ISA options on the UK financial market today.

Cash ISAs Available

Skipton Building Society currently provides four different cash ISAs to their customers, allowing each customer to choose the best savings account for his individual needs.

• Skipton Cash ISA – This account requires a minimum opening and operating amount of £50. The rate is variable and competitive, and customers have a choice on the type of interest payment structure they would like. Withdrawals and transfers are allowed on this account at any time without penalty. The account also allows for funds to be transferred into it.

• Fixed-Rate Cash ISA – This is one of the newer Skipton ISA products available, which offers a fixed interest rate throughout the term of the account. The minimum opening and operation balance for the Fixed-Rate Cash ISA is £50 or £15,000 by transfer from another Skipton cash ISA. Withdrawals and transfers made during the account term will be subject to a 180-day interest penalty.

• Online Cash ISA – This account is for customers who like to perform their banking business from the comfort of home. The account offers a competitive variable rate and can be opened with as little as £50. Interest is accrued daily and paid out annually. Customers can opt to have interest payments transferred into another Skipton account as well. Withdrawals can be made from the account at any time without an interest penalty assessed.

• NSPCC Skipton Cash ISA – This unique product allows customers to open an ISA with Skipton and contribute to the NSPCC Full Stop Campaign against cruelty to children at the same time. The account originated in 1999, and since that time, more than £1.1 million has been raised for the organization by Skipton customers. Customers who choose this ISA give up 0.50% interest to contribute to the organization. The interest rate on the account is competitive and variable, even with the discounted sum going to the charity. Withdrawals can be made from the account at any time without penalty.

Skipton Building Society offers a wide range of cash ISAs for your consideration. No matter how much money you want to invest, or how accessible you need your funds to be, Skipton has an ISA product that can fit well with the rest of your financial portfolio.

Barclays is one of the oldest banks in the UK, boasting roots that date as far back as 1690. Before many banks and building societies were getting their start, Barclays was already developing the spread eagle sign that continues to be used as the company’s branding today. Throughout the next two centuries, this bank continued to grow and thrive through a series of acquisitions. The company continued to lead the pack throughout the 20^th century, introducing new services and products to their customers to make the banking experience more convenient.

Current Information

Today, Barclays is a global provider of financial services, offering a variety of options in both the commercial and retail sector. The company features a wide range of deposit accounts, investments, loans, credit cards and financial planning services to reach a large and diverse customer base. The company currently offers two different cash ISA products, as well as investment options with serious tax savings.

Cash ISAs Available

Barclays has two different cash ISA products available: the Barclays Cash ISA and the Golden ISA. The Golden ISA in particular has been receiving plenty of attention from the press of late, but we will take a closer look at both accounts here.

• Barclays Cash ISA – This basic ISA is the perfect choice for a customer who does not have much to invest initially, but wants to receive the tax advantages an ISA provides. The account can be opened with as little as £1, and it earns a competitive, variable rate of interest. Interest is calculated daily and paid out annually. Withdrawals can be made at any time without penalty. Transfers from and to other ISA providers are allowed with the Barclays Cash ISA.

• Golden ISA – The Golden ISA offers a variable interest rate, with a bonus rate attached for the first 12 months. The account can be opened with just £1, and interest is earned on all positive balances. This account can also be used to offset a mortgage account for customers with a Woolwich Offset Mortgage. Withdrawals can be made from this account at any time without penalty, and transfers are also allowed into and out of the account.

Stocks and Shares ISAs to Choose From

In addition to the cash ISAs listed above, Barclays also provides a Fixed Rate Investment ISA that includes two different options:

• Income Option – This investment allows you to earn a fixed return of 4% on your investment each year, as long as you keep your initial money invested for the full five-year term.

• Growth Option – By leaving your money in your investment for the full term, you can take the entire 22.25% gross income at the end of the five years.

With both of these products, the minimum investment amount is £3,600. If you sell your investment prior to the maturity date, you are likely to receive less money than you originally invested.

Barclays offers much to its customers in terms of size, stability and product variety. Whether you are looking for a simple savings product or a long-term investment, Barclays has the ISA you need.

The history of Nationwide Building Society began with the establishment of three key institutions: Provident Union Building Society in 1846, Northampton Town & Country Freehold Land Society in 1848 and the Southern Cooperative Permanent Building Society in 1884. Through a long and complex process of mergers and acquisitions that lasted more than a century, Nationwide Building Society was born.

Current Information

Nationwide Building Society is the largest building society in the world today, with more than 750 branches and 200 agencies throughout the UK. This company is headquartered in Swindon, England, and it also boasts a large administrative center in Northampton. Nationwide currently offers a wide range of banking services to its customers, including deposit accounts, investments, loans, mortgages and credit cards.

Cash ISAs Available

Customers would be hard-pressed to find a bank or building society that offers a greater variety of cash ISAs than Nationwide. This company provides no less than 20 ISA products at this time, ensuring that every Nationwide customer will find an account tailored precisely to his financial needs and goals. Some of the basic categories of cash ISAs include:

• E-ISA – This account is available to customers who like to do their banking business from the comfort of home. It requires just £1 to open and allows withdrawals at any time without penalty.

• Other ISAs – The Champion ISA and Instant Access ISA both fall into this category, with the instant access account offering more withdrawal options than the former. However, the Champion ISA has a very competitive rate of interest, making it a good choice for those who do not need easy access to their funds.

• ISAs for Members Only – Nationwide currently offers the Members’ ISA Bond, which provides a much higher rate of return for customers who have been with Nationwide at least three years. The account also allows for three penalty-free withdrawals each year.

• Term ISAs – Nationwide offers terms on ISAs that range from six months to five years. All include a fixed interest rate, which goes up the longer you agree to leave your money on deposit. Annual interest payments also earn more than monthly payments. Withdrawals made during the term are subject to an interest penalty.

• Tracker ISAs – Nationwide also offers two-year tracker ISAs, which have interest rates that fluctuate in accordance with market conditions. Tracker rates are tied to the Bank of England base rate and interest payments can be made monthly or annually on these accounts. Tracker accounts require a minimum initial deposit of £100.

Stocks and Shares ISAs to Choose From

Nationwide also provides a wide range of stocks and shares ISAs, so you can choose the fund that you like best in terms of risk and potential return. Investment options range from minimal risk to high risk products. The building society does not specify minimum investment requirements on their website, and customers must speak with Legal & General to get specific information about the funds available.

Because Nationwide is the largest building society in England, customers benefit with one of the largest selections of accounts for their ISA funds. No matter what type of ISA you are looking for, you can find the right product for you at Nationwide.

The origins of Alliance and Leicester can be traced all the way back to the establishment of the Leicester Permanent Benefit Society in 1852. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions over the next century-and-a-half, the company officially became Alliance and Leicester in 1985, when the Alliance Building Society merged with the Leicester Building Society. A little more than 20 years later, Alliance and Leicester became a part of the Santander Group. However, the company continues to operate under the Alliance and Leicester brand at this time.

Current Information

As a part of the Santander Group, Alliance and Leicester was able to reach many more customers. Currently the company continues to work under the Alliance and Leicester brand, offering a variety of products with that name. However, through an agreement with Santander, Alliance and Leicester will give up its independent name this year, and all new products will then be offered under the Santander branding.

Cash ISAs Available

Alliance and Leicester currently offers four different types of cash ISAs.

• Fixed-Rate ISA – This account offers a competitive, fixed interest rate throughout the term of the account. Rates vary based on the amount you deposit and the length of the term you choose. Interest payments are made annually and withdrawals during the term are subject to an interest penalty. Penalties with Alliance and Leicester tend to be lower than other financial institutions. Currently, customers can choose between a one-year and two-year term.

• Flexible ISA – As the name suggests, this account offers a variable interest rate and penalty-free withdrawals. The interest rate is directly tied to the Bank of England base rate, with a bonus rate for the first 12 months. Customers are not allowed to transfer ISA funds into this account from another ISA product.

• Direct ISA – This account is the primary product that Alliance and Leicester is featuring at this time. The Direct ISA offers a bonus rate for 12 months and penalty-free withdrawals at any time. Customers can also deposit money into the account at any time, subject to the contribution limits on ISAs set by the government. Interest is paid annually and customers can transfer funds from another ISA into this account.

Stocks and Shares ISAs to Choose From

In addition to the cash account options listed above, Alliance and Leicester also provides an investment option known as the Super Flexible ISA. This account combines a cash ISA with a qualifying investment product offered by Santander. There are a variety of qualifying products included in this package, including Premium Investments, Portfolio Investments and Capital Guaranteed products that are usually available for a limited time. The same amount of money needs to go into the cash account and the investment product, according to the ISA contribution limits set by the government.

Alliance and Leicester brings centuries of experience, as well as the backing of one of the largest financial groups in the world, Santander. Whether you are in search of a basic cash ISA, or a way to make the most of your money with a combination of cash and investment products, Alliance and Leicester has the right ISA for you.

In 1986, Birmingham Midshires Building Society was formed as a result of a merger between Birmingham and Bridgewater Building Society and Midshires Building Society. However, the roots of this institution go back much further to the merging of a variety of building societies in the UK in 1849. This means that Birmingham Midshires brings a wealth of financial history and experience to the UK financial market, despite the fact that its official name has only been around for several decades.

Current Information

In 1999, Birmingham Midshires became a part of Halifax, which in turn was taken over by the Bank of Scotland in 2001. Now Birmingham Midshires is a separate division of the Bank of Scotland, offering a host of savings and mortgage options to its customers.

Along with basic savings accounts, Birmingham Midshires offers a variety of cash ISA options. Current savings balances for Birmingham Midshires stand at about £12 billion, and mortgage assets total approximately £32 billion.

Cash ISAs Available

Birmingham Midshires offers a wide range of cash ISA products, allowing customers to tailor their savings options to their unique needs and financial goals. Customers can apply for accounts online or by telephone. Cash ISAs can be broken down into the following two categories:

• Fixed-Rate Cash ISAs – These accounts require a minimum opening deposit of £500 and come in two or five-year terms. Customers can opt to have interest paid out on a monthly or annual basis. Rates are competitive, and all the fixed-rate accounts offered at this time are allowed transfers from other ISA vehicles. If customers leave their money on deposit for the full term, they can enjoy guaranteed rates of return for the full two or five years. Withdrawals made during the term are subject to an interest penalty.

• Variable-Rate Cash ISAs – A variable rate account has an interest rate that is subject to change periodically. Variable-rate accounts offered by Birmingham Midshires provide easy access to funds, with penalty-free withdrawals allowed anytime. Accounts require a minimum opening deposit of £500 and account holders can choose to have interest paid out monthly or annually. Currently, Birmingham Midshires offers just one variable-rate cash ISA, with monthly or annual interest payment options available.

Because Birmingham Midshires currently restricts its business to savings and mortgage products, the institution does not offer any stocks and shares ISAs at this time. However, as a part of the Bank of Scotland, customers are sure to find referrals to banks under the Bank of Scotland umbrella that do offer a variety of investment products for consideration. Ask a Birmingham Midshires representative for more information about other options available through the Bank of Scotland.

Birmingham Midshires offers a good range of cash ISA products that are a good fit for the needs and financial goals of the majority of their customers today. With a good selection of ISA products and the backing of the Bank of Scotland, many customers are finding Birmingham Midshires is a good place to enjoy tax-free savings with one of the many ISA products available.

Cheltenham & Gloucester began as a building society in 1850, with the establishment of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Permanent Mutual Benefit Building Society and Investment Association. The primary office for the institution was based in Cheltenham, with the first branch office opening in Gloucester.

Over the years, Cheltenham & Gloucester opened many more branches throughout England to broaden its customer base around the country. The bank continued to grow through an aggressive acquisition strategy during the second half of the 20^th century. In 1994, Cheltenham & Gloucester was purchased by Lloyds Banking Group and continues to operate under the Lloyds umbrella today.

Current Information

Today, Cheltenham & Gloucester specializes in mortgage and savings products under its own brand. The company is the third-largest mortgage bank in the UK and serves as the primary mortgage arm for the Lloyds Banking Group.

In addition to mortgage products, Cheltenham & Gloucester also offers a variety of savings options, including a C&G cash ISA. These accounts are provided under a separate division of the Lloyds Banking Group, known as C&G Savings. While this company offers savings products under its own branding, it provides the security of the larger Lloyds Banking Group.

Customers can open traditional branch accounts that can be accessed 24 hours a day through the telephone or Internet.

Cash ISAs Available

The C&G cash ISA can be opened with just £1, and it earns interest on all positive balances. The interest rate on the account is competitive and includes a bonus rate for the first 12 months after the account is opened. Interest rates are subject to change at any time, and customers will be notified when an interest rate change is about to occur. Deposits can be made into the account at any time, with no minimum deposit amount required.

The other benefit to the C&G cash ISA is that withdrawals can be made at any time without an interest penalty. This means you get the tax advantages of an ISA, while still enjoying complete access to your funds.  However, withdrawals made from your account during the tax year may affect your contribution amounts, subject to the terms and regulations of the government. Talk to your tax advisor if you have any questions about how the contribution limits may be affected by withdrawals from your account.

Interest on the C&G cash ISA can be paid out monthly or annually, depending on the preference of the customer. The quoted AER for each type of interest payment is only good if the interest remains in the account for the full year. Transfers from other ISA products or into other ISA products are allowed with the C&G cash ISA, including ISA savings from previous tax years.

While Cheltenham & Gloucester only offers a single cash ISA product at this time, the product is a low-cost, flexible option for customers who want to enjoy tax advantages on their savings accounts. Customers enjoy the personal touch at the Cheltenham & Gloucester branches, while having peace of mind in knowing their money is backed by the strength and stability of Lloyds Banking Group.