Morningstar's "Perspectives" series features investment insights from selected third-party contributors. Here, Susan Hannums, director at independent savings advice site Savingschampion.co.uk, gives the low-down on the government's new pensioner bonds.
The long awaited, highly competitive pensioner bonds are finally available. The rates continue to offer excellent value, currently paying 53% more than the average of the top five one-year bond rates, and 62% more than the average of the top five three-year fixed rates.
Those able to take advantage should. The bonds are head and shoulders above the nearest competition and even allow access to the funds within the term.
In the current record low interest rate environment we believe these bonds will be extremely popular and have set our stop watch to see just how long they will last. It’s interesting that NS&I believe that they may be available for months, rather than weeks, as given the level of interest we’ve received from our customers, we believe it could even be days.
Our message to any savers wishing to take advantage is to act now to secure these fantastic rates, as it could be a case of blink and you'll miss them.
For those that miss out, there are alternatives such as high interest-paying current accounts that can help fill the gap, and with rates of up to 5% available all will not be lost if you’re unable to snap up the new pensioner bonds.
Am I eligible?
Available to over-65s only
What are the terms?
1- and 3-Year terms
What are the interest rates?
1-Year Bond – 2.80% gross/AER*
3-Year Bond – 4.00% gross/AER*
How much can you invest?
Minimum of £500
Maximum £10,000 per bond (therefore you could invest £20,000 per person or £40,000 per couple)
How is the interest paid?
Interest is fixed for the term and added each anniversary, however no interest is paid out until maturity, even on the three-year bond
Can I take monthly income?
No
Can I access the bonds within the term?
Access within the term is permitted subject to a penalty equivalent to 90 days’ loss of interest
How are they taxed?
The bonds are taxable and paid net of basic rate tax
It’s worth noting that even though the interest is not paid until maturity on the three-year bond, higher and additional rate taxpayers will need to declare the income on their self-assessment tax return each year, even though they would not have been paid the interest until the end of the term
I’m a non-tax payer, how can I claim the tax back?
Non-tax payers must claim back the tax from HMRC. Savers are unable to complete an R85 form for interest to be paid gross
How can I apply?
Online, phone or post
Savingschampion.co.uk Disclaimer
All rates quoted are gross unless otherwise stated. Taxpayers will be liable to pay tax on these products at their highest marginal rate. All banks and building societies mentioned are members of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or equivalent. The FSCS has a maximum level of compensation for a deposit claim of £85,000 per person per banking licence. If the firm is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) you will have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and to the FSCS.
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