This month's maturing
TESSAs are likely to be a disappointment.
Some
TESSAs pay fixed interest rates, others are variable rate ones.
Mike Bishop, area director for TSB Scotland, said: "
TESSAs have proved very popular since their launch in 1991.
The brainchild of former Chancellor John Major,
Tessas were launched in a blaze of glory during the heady days of double-digit returns on investment plans.
Five million savers put pounds 30 billion between them into
TESSAs - the Tax-Exempt Special Savings Account - introduced by former Premier John Major 10 years ago.
In April 1999, ISAs will replace tax-free PEPs and
TESSAs.
First Direct and Loughborough Building Society both pay 6.75 per cent gross on their no-penalty variable rate
TESSAs. Coventry Building Society pays 6.65 per cent.
TESSAs worth around pounds 5billion are due to mature in the first quarter of this year.
But N&P is arguing that, although ISAs were introduced by the Government in April 1999 when
Tessas were withdrawn, they are different from
Tessas and consequently the two rates cannot be compared.
Six million savers still have billions locked into
TESSAs because you have to leave your money untouched for five years to keep your interest tax free.
If you want to be able to switch between
TESSAs in future - in case you can get a better rate, or decide to lock into a fixed rate - start in one with a low, or no, transfer penalty.
If you have money to save, then take a look at
TESSAs and Personal Equity Plans (PEPs) - both tax-free.