Barclays Launches Competitive New Cash ISA Paying 3.05%

    BRIGHTON, ENGLAND, March 04, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Barclays today launches its new ISA range which includes a competitive Loyalty Reward ISA paying 3.05 per cent AER/ 3.01 per cent tax free per annum (variable), enabling customers to make the most of their tax-free savings allowance. To support the ISA launch, Barclays is also increasing the rates on its popular 18 Month Flexible Bond.

The Loyalty Reward ISA is exclusively available to Barclays customers and can be opened instantly, with a minimum of GBP1. It includes a fixed rate introductory bonus of 1.00 per cent tax free per annum for 12 months, not only giving customers a great rate for the first year but also a competitive rate after the expiry of the introductory bonus in 12 months' time. It also comes with the added guarantee to track any changes in base rate until 31 March 2014. Transfers cannot be made from an existing ISA into this account.

The new cash ISA provides existing customers with a simple and transparent account with no complicated purchase conditions or charges for withdrawals. Customers will have instant access to their money and the flexibility to invest either the full cash ISA allowance instantly or contribute over the course of the tax year. For the 2012/2013 tax year the ISA allowance will increase to GBP11,280, of which GBP5,640 can be saved in a cash ISA. This is compared to GBP10,680 of which GBP5,340 can be saved in a cash ISA for the 2011/2012 tax year.

Lee Chiswell, Head of Savings at Barclays, said, "This ISA season is about rewarding Barclays customers, by giving them a competitive rate, limiting the introductory bonus to one per cent so they still earn a good rate beyond the first year and with the added guarantee of tracking base rate for two years. We believe this will really help savers maximise their tax-free returns now and over the longer term. We are reinforcing our commitment to savers, focusing on long term value, which we have consistently highlighted through our Golden ISA range in recent years.

"We also urge consumers who have not already subscribed to an ISA this year to act now, but also remind them to check the introductory bonus and the rate it reverts to before signing up. They also need to be aware of the allowance increases from 6 April 2012 to ensure they maximise their money when times are tough."

Alongside Loyalty Reward ISA, Barclays is launching ISA Saver Issue 2. This cash ISA is available to all savers, paying 2.75 per cent AER / 2.72 per cent gross per annum (variable), and includes a fixed rate introductory bonus of 1.00 per cent tax free per annum for 12 months.

Barclays has also increased the rates on its 18 month Flexible Bond to give customers a range of savings options in the ongoing low base rate environment. Launched today, the new 18 Month Flexible Bond - Issue 10 will pay a fixed rate of 3.00 per cent AER on balances over GBP50,000 - the maximum investment is GBP1,000,000. The bond will pay 2.50 per cent AER on balances below GBP50,000 - the minimum investment is just GBP1. The bond allows three withdrawals of up to 10 per cent (maximum 30 per cent) of the initial deposit without notice or charges.

Customers can open all of these savings accounts through Barclays branches. In addition, existing Barclays customers using online and telephone banking can apply for Loyalty Reward ISA and the 18 Month Flexible Bond Issue 10 online at www.barclays.co.uk/savings or telephone 0800 068 2236.

Notes to Editors:
Barclays Loyalty Reward ISA phone lines open 7 days a week. The online facility will also be available 24/7. These options are available for existing Barclays customers only.

To qualify for the 2011/2012 tax year the account must be opened by Thursday April 5, 2012 or from Friday April 6, 2012 for the 2012/2013 tax year.

Product Features

Loyalty Reward ISA
- Pays a flat rate of interest of 3.05 per cent AER /3.01 per cent tax free per annum
- Rate includes a fixed rate introductory bonus of 1.00 per cent tax free per annum payable for the first 12 months from the date of account opening.
- Interest is variable and paid monthly on the first working day of each month
- Open from GBP1
- Instant access with no charges for withdrawals
- Maximum deposit GBP5,340 for the tax year 2011/2012. GBP5,640 for the tax year 2012/2013
- The account can be opened in branch, or online and by telephone by existing Barclays customers only.
- To qualify the customer must either have a Barclays current account or GBP500 in a Barclays savings account
- Transfers in from existing cash ISAs are not permitted
- Balances can be offset against a Woolwich Offset Mortgage
- Barclays Tracker Guarantee applies until 31 March 2014.
Barclays Tracker Guarantee
- Applies to the Loyalty Reward ISA
- The interest rates will follow in full the amount of any changes (up or down) in the Bank of England Bank Rate until 31st March 2014.
ISA Saver - Issue 2
- Pays a flat rate of interest of 2.75 per cent AER /2.72 per cent tax free per annum
- Rate includes a fixed rate introductory bonus of 1.00 per cent tax free per annum payable for the first 12 months from the date of account opening.
- Interest is variable and paid monthly on the first working day of each month
- Open from GBP1
- Instant access with no charges for withdrawals
- Maximum deposit GBP5,340 for the tax year 2011/2012. GBP5,640 for the tax year 2012/2013
- The account can be opened in branch only by new or existing customers
- Transfers in from existing cash ISAs are not permitted
- Balances can be offset against a Woolwich Offset Mortgage
Flexible Bond 18 Month - Issue 10
- A fixed rate of interest for the term of the bond
- Earn 2.50 per cent AER / gross per annum (Balances GBP1 to GBP49,999)
- Earn 3.00 per cent AER / gross per annum (Balances GBP50,000 to GBP1 million)
- Make 3 withdrawals, each one up to 10% of your initial deposit
- No withdrawal charges and no notice required
- Withdrawals may take the balance into the lower tier
- Interest can be paid monthly or at the end of the term
- Open from GBP1 to GBP1 million - no additional deposits are allowed

Displaying rates:
For several years Barclays has been providing the interest rate on all customer statements and the website to help customers make an informed choice as to where they wish to save their money. Since November 2009 Barclays has been notifying savings customers of any unfavourable changes to their terms and conditions, including all downward rate changes regardless of account balance or the size of the change. This notification is by personal letter giving two months advance notice of the change. At the same time details of such changes are provided in branch, on the telephone and online.

About Barclays

Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking and wealth management with an extensive international presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia.

With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs over 140,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.barclays.com.

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