What Is A Bond?
Investing for growth or income
What is a bond and could it be right for me?
Technically, a bond is a certificate issued to the investor confirming a loan of capital from the investor to the borrower, and that the investor will be repaid capital plus interest once the specified loan period is over.
There are many different bond products availaible on the market, including fixed rate bonds, corporate bonds, income bonds, growth bonds and government bonds or gilts. Each of these products will come with its own benefits and risks. The bond product that is most suitable for you will depend on your attitude to risk.
The amount of interest that you receive will also depend upon the type of bonds that you decide to invest in. With most bonds you will receive a fixed rate of interest but you capital may fluctuate in value and you may get back less than you put in.
It is a good idea to shop around and compare the market before making a commitment to any particular bond product. You may want to do this with the help of an independent investment advisor who will be able to guide you through your options.
Selected fixed rate bonds
| Provider | Product | AER 
|
Term
|
Min Balance
|
ISA Option | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Click More Info on the product you are interested in | ||||||
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Scottish Widows 5 Year Fixed Term Deposit Account Request a Brochure Today. Interest paid either annually, quarterly or monthly at 4.70% AER |
4.70% AER | 5 Years | £10,000 |  |
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Vanquis 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond Available Online Only. Deposit between £1,000 to £250,000, Annual or Monthly interest options available |
4.51% gross/AER | 5 Years | £1,000 | |
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Vanquis 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Available Online Only. Deposit between £1,000 to £250,000, Annual or Monthly interest options available |
4.01% gross/AER | 3 Years | £1,000 | |
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3 Year Fixed Term Deposit Account Request a Brochure Today. Interest paid either annually, quarterly or monthly at 4.00% AER |
4.00% gross/AER | 3 Years | £10,000 | |
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NatWest Fixed Rate Bond - 2 Year * Existing customers only * The Natwest 2 Year Fixed Rate Bond offers an annual or monthly interest rate of up to 3.70% AER (3.40% AER for balances under £25,000). Save from £5,000. |
3.70% AER/Gross | 2 Years | £5,000 | |
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RBS Fixed Rate Bond - 2 Year * Existing customers only * The RBS 2 Year Fixed Rate Bond offers an annual or monthly interest rate of up to 3.70% AER (3.40% AER for balances under £25,000). Save from £5,000. |
3.70% gross/AER | 2 Years | £5,000 | |
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Vanquis 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond Available Online Only. Deposit between £1,000 to £250,000, Annual or Monthly interest options available |
3.55% gross/AER | 1 Years | £1,000 | |
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NatWest Fixed Rate Bond - 1 Year * Existing customers only * The Natwest 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond offers an annual or monthly interest rate of up to 3.20% AER (3.00% AER for balances under £25,000). Save from £5,000. |
3.20% AER/Gross | 1 Year | £5,000 | |
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Nationwide 1 Year e-Bond Save at a rate of 3.10% gross p.a. / AER with a Nationwide Fixed Rate Bond for 1 year. Requires opening of a Nationwide account. |
2.90% Gross p.a./AER | 1 Year | £1 | |
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Nationwide 6 Month e-Bond Save at a rate of up to 2.41% AER / 2.40% gross p.a. (depending on deposit amount) with a Nationwide Fixed Rate Bond for 6 months. Requires opening of a Nationwide account. |
2.41% AER | 6 Months | £1 | |
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