Spotlight: 5% Regular Saver from RBS NatWest

There's another new option for savers seeking to maximise returns during this low interest rate environment. The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is launching a Regular Saver Account paying 5 per cent.

Available from Monday under both the RBS and NatWest brands, the account will pay a fixed rate of 5 per cent for 12 months.

Designed to encourage regular saving, customers can pay in between £25 and £250 a month. A deposit must be made every month during the 12-month term in order to qualify for the top rate, although as long as the minimum payment is made, the amount can be varied. If a monthly deposit is missed, the rate will drop to a measly 0.2 per cent.

You cannot access your money during the one-year term and, in order to qualify for the account, you must have an additional savings or current account with NatWest or RBS, which must be kept open for the entire term of the Regular Saver.