Beware of the risks when investing in mini bonds

Don’t be swayed by impressive interest rates and fun perks, says Ruth Jackson. Mini bonds aren’t as good an investment as they look.

The pitiful interest rates offered by high street banks are "spurring a rise in mini bonds that offer rates as high as 8%," says Annabelle Williams in The Times. The combination of a high interest rate and bondholder perks such as free burritos or chocolate is leading to millions of pounds being put into these investment bonds. But many investors might not fully understand the risks they're taking.

For example, Mexican restaurant chain Chilango is offering a four-year mini bond that pays 8% interest and gives you free burritos. The minimum investment is £500, but if you put in more than £10,000, you get a card entitling you to a weekly free burrito. Savers have invested £1.5m into these bonds already.

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.