Personal finance: Loose Change

THE NORWICH & Peterborough Building Society is launching a new savings account, Share Saver 3, which offers a choice of tiered interest rates which can be variable or fixed. Variable rates range from 4.25 per cent gross on deposits up to pounds 2,499 to 6.25 per cent gross on sums above pounds 100,000. Fixed rates start at 4 per cent gross, rising to 5.5 per cent on deposits above pounds 100,000. Accounts are limited to certain residential areas. Call 01733 372372 for details.

THE DAVID Aaron Partnership is publishing a 37-page guide to the top 50 PEPs, covering the outlook for world stockmarkets, as well as how the new tax credit system will work. Copies are available by writing to: Shelton House, High Street, Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes, MK17 8SD.

PERPETUAL IS launching a personal pension plan which offers flexible options, including penalty-free contributions holidays and variations of contributions, free switching between funds, no penalty for early retirement and the right to buy the best value annuity from any provider. Five funds are available, from UK to global equities. Charges are 5 per cent on each initial investment, plus a monthly fee of 0.5-1.25 per cent and a further pounds 24 annual administration charge. Details from IFAs.

WEST BROMWICH Building Society is launching RAPID, a fast-track mortgage service which it claims can give a firm offer within five days on the society's entire home loan range Applicants need a P60 and their latest pay slip, mortgage statement (where possible) and bank statement. Call 0121 6072442 for details.

FIDELITY INVESTMENTS is launching a free Guide to Income following research showing that a third of savers are worried about the effect of falling interest rates on the income they receive from their money. The company has also launched a new high-yield corporate bond PEP, with a projected annual yield of 7.5 per cent. Call 0800 414171.