Bargain Basement

THOMAS COOK is launching a combined emergency travel package called Premier Care. The package includes financial and other emergency assistance, from hotel booking to home delivery of travellers' cheques and interpreter service. It is accessible worldwide through a freephone number, day or night, 365 days a year. A 17-day cover for Europe costs pounds 48.85. Details from Thomas Cook shops.

THE BANK of Scotland is launching a 30-day Notice Account aimed at branch-using customers, offering guaranteed interest rates plus two penalty- free withdrawals a year. The rates paid rise from pounds 4.82 per cent gross on deposits above pounds 250 to 7 per cent gross on sums above pounds 100,000. Interest is calculated daily. Call 0500 313131 for details.

THE NORWICH and Peterborough Building Society is to offer Internet Banking services to its customers. The new service, NetMaster, is linked to a savings account paying 7.5 per cent gross on deposits as low as pounds 1. NetMaster facilities include account summaries, statement details, bill payments and fund transfers. The service is free for the first six months. Thereafter personal accountholders pay pounds 2.99 a month or pounds 7.99 a month for business accounts. Call 0800 883322 or on website: http://www.npbs.co.uk

PREFERRED MORTGAGES, a specialist mortgage lender, is offering free title insurance cover for borrowers. The cover aims to protect from risks, including having no documented right of way or similar problems. Call 0800 009977.

CHARTWELL Investment Management is offering a free booklet, Fees V Commissions, which explains the difference between the two forms of remuneration for independent financial advisers, Call 01225 321700 for a copy.

WILLIAM RUSSELL, an insurance broker, is offering income protection, life cover and accident protection plans to expatriates, whom it says can face difficulties in obtaining this kind of insurance. The plans are underwritten by Zurich Life. Call 0044 1483 772245.