Chelsea rate beater

CHELSEA Building Society has launched Base Rate Plus, an account offering an interest rate at least 2 per cent above base rate until January 1994. It guarantees to pay 1 per cent over base between January 1994 and January 1995. But even if the base rate is cut, the Chelsea will not reduce its rate below 8 per cent gross. Minimum investment is pounds 5,000. Withdrawals require 30 days' notice and will attract 30 days' loss of interest until January 1995.

The Stroud & Swindon Tessa has no transfer penalty and offers a variable return of 7.5 per cent. Minimum deposit is pounds 100.

----------------------------------------------------------------- SIX OF THE BEST ----------------------------------------------------------------- Savings Type Account Term *0% *25% *40% Min GIB Hill Samuel 5 years 6.30 6.30 5.36 pds 5,000 B Soc Manchester Instant 7.50 5.63 4.50 pds 50,000 Tessa Hinckley & Rugby 5 years 8.05 8.05 8.05 pds 25 ----------------------------------------------------------------- *Compounded annual rate except for GIB (guaranteed income bond) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Chase De Vere 071-404 5766 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Mortgages ----------------------------------------------------------------- Type Source Deal Variable Northern Rock 4.98% discounted rate on 75% loans Fixed Woolwich 7.50% for 5 years on 90% loans Capped John Charcol Exclusive 4.95% for 1 year, 7.99% for next 3 years ----------------------------------------------------------------- Source: John Charcol 071-611 7000 -----------------------------------------------------------------