‘Good Friday’ for the popular 2 year fixed rate bond

Leeds Building Society experienced its busiest day of the year on Good Friday last week as investors looked to maximise the interest on their tax-free savings by opening a new ISA, or topping up an existing account.

Karen Wint, Head of Marketing & PR said, "Pleasingly, our decision to open on Good Friday was an outstanding success and many customers took advantage of this additional service. As you would expect, all our branches were busy with customers maximising their tax-free returns. The first day of a new tax year always generates a high level of transactions.

"However, whilst ISA top-ups were in the majority, many customers took advantage of our 2- year fixed rate bond paying 6.07% AER until 31 May 2009. Unusually, with such a high rate of return, customers also have one penalty free withdrawal at any time and this bond is available at any of our 70 branches, by post or online.

"The minimum opening balance is only £5,000, there are no short term bonuses, no requirement to open any linked accounts and there is a monthly interest option paying 6.00% AER for people who require an income.

"We have been delighted with the response and I would urge customers to act very quickly to avoid disappointment."