An Isa offer to snap up now

Newcastle Building Society is offering 3.4% interest on its Balance Builder Isa - but it won't be around for long, says Ruth Jackson. Plus, a round-up of this week's personal finance news.

Beat the crowds and start using this year's individual savings account (Isa) allowance now instead of waiting until the last minute next April. Newcastle Building Society is offering a rate of 3.4% on its Balance Builder Isa. You just need to make nine monthly contributions of between £100 and £500 over the year. This account also allows you to transfer in any existing Isas. That's a market-beating rate for transfers, given that you can have instant access to your money. I'd snap up this Isa, because it probably won't hang about for long.

Overpay your mortgage without penalty. Coventry Building Society has launched two new fixed-rate mortgages that allow people to overpay without paying penalties. There is a two-year fixed mortgage with a rate of 3.99% available to people with a 35% deposit. The second option is a three-year 4.49% fixed deal for anyone with a 25% deposit.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Ruth Jackson-Kirby

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.