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Spring 'isa' Here!

A couple of days of fine weather and I've called it: spring is here. The shorts are out, my tan's coming on a treat and the barbeque is prepped and ready to grill.

But wait, spring is here: what about my ISA, I need to invest by 5 April! I can scarcely walk past a bus shelter or advertising hoarding without being reminded of all these fine and upstanding Banks and Building Societies clamouring for my money. But how do I decide which ISA to go for?

Don't panic: ISA season still has a couple of weeks left! If you have money in an ISA and haven't looked at what's available recently; or perhaps you have new money to invest, these tips will help you come up trumps in the Easter Egg hunt that is ISA season:

Interest Rate

Obviously higher is better - you don't need me to tell you that! However, you should take account of these other considerations to ensure you don't get taken for a spring chicken:

To fix or not to fix – that is the question

Cash ISAs can pay either fixed or variable interest rates. Broadly speaking fixed rates will tend to be higher and, although you may have to commit your money for a certain length of time, you are sure of what your money will earn you. Variable rates are generally a little lower, and subject to change, and allow you access to your money sooner (although you should always check this with your provider before committing).

Bonuses

Attractive-looking ISA rates will often be partially comprised of a bonus for an initial period. There are two things to mention here: check the small print as there may be conditions you have to stick to get your bonus; and always review your rate when the bonus period ends as often the rate will reduce to a pittance afterwards. Here's an idea, set a reminder on your phone for when your bonus ends so that you can review the rate you are getting.

Consistency

Cheeky blighters these banks and building societies, catching your inner magpie with a glittery initial rate, waiting for you to forget about the account and then reducing the rate to amoebic proportions. But, who wants to have to constantly shop around all the time? Why not check out our Best Buys for the most consistent ISAs on the market?

Notice

With some ISAs, as with other types of savings accounts, you may have to give notice to withdraw your money, or forfeit some of your interest for the privilege of doing so. If you need access to your money, make sure you go for an ISA that allows instant access. If you like to dip into your savings and replace them, maybe an ISA isn't right for you – you can only pay in £3,600 a year, or £5,100 a year if you are over 50 (the limit will be £5,100 for all from 6th April 2010) – and you can only pay this in once; check out our Savings Best Buys for a more suitable product. Alternatively, if you don't mind not having access to your money for a little while, why not consider a Fixed Rate ISA?

Transfers

No I'm not talking about those fake tattoos that you wore when you were a child; I'm talking about ISA transfers of course!

Some providers will let you transfer your ISA balance from previous years over to them. So, even if you have no new money to invest this year, you can still see if you can get a better rate elsewhere. It's particularly good to look at this time of year, as this is when rates are most competitive. You don't know your rate? Don't give me your excuses: check your current provider's website - it'll be on there!

All providers are required by law to allow you to transfer out of your ISA within 30 days of your request (although watch out: they might charge you a penalty). If you are looking to transfer to another ISA, make sure that you do it properly- talk to your new provider who will help arrange this for you.

Apart from that, make sure that you compare cash ISAs as many times as you can to make sure you're getting the best ISA deal, otherwise it's another year to wait...

About the Author

Moneyfacts.co.uk is the leading independent financial information provider in the UK. Since 1988, we've been providing impartial information to financial services professionals which has helped thousands of customers get the best deal on their mortgages, savings accounts, credit cards, loans and other personal finance products.

www.moneyfacts.co.uk Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

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