Spotlight On: Yorkshire BS fixed-rate bond

The deal

The Yorkshire building society yesterday launched a fixed rate bond paying 3.55 per cent gross until the end of July 2013.

Good points

The rate has helped the bond leap to the top of the best buy tables. Interest can be paid monthly or annual and you can put up to £2m into the bond.

Bad points

The bond may not be a best buy deal for very long. Banks and building societies are keen on locking in savers' cash so a better rate is likely to soon pop up from a rival.

Conclusion

If you have savings you can lock away for a year, then the offer isn't bad. But if you can stash your cash for three years there are better fixed deals, with several companies – such as Saga and Britannia – paying 4 per cent or more.