3 April, 2006
National Savings & Investments (NS&I) is to launch a Direct ISA, paying a best-buy rate of 5.05 per cent.
The rate is guaranteed to stay 0.55 per cent above the Bank of England base rate for at least the next two years.
There is a minimum deposit of £1,000 and further deposits of £250 or £100 by standing order are allowed.
Savers can invest online and by phone with a debit card.