New fixed-rate bond from Santander 

A one-year fixed-rate product is on offer through branches of Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley, with an annual rate of 2.5 per cent gross AER on deposits between £1 and £9,999, with three per cent on investments made at £10,000 or over.

Their two-year fixed-rate has been extended to give more customers the chance to take advantage of the four per cent AER available only on deposits of £10,000 above.

We're pleased to offer these increased rates and believe that this bond provides excellent value for customers looking for a fixed income.

Last month, Alliance & Leicester and Abbey launched new guaranteed investment products, which offered a minimum return of 11 per cent on one of the Guaranteed Growth Plan options.