Nationwide has launched four new ISAs with interest rates up to 4.5%. Britain’s biggest building society unveiled a range of fixed-rate bonds and ISA accounts on Tuesday (March 31).

Head of Savings at Nationwide, Richard Stoker, hailed the fact that each product is available online, over the phone or in branch. He said in a statement: “We’re pleased to launch new higher rates across our ISA and bond range with both short- and longer-term options.”

Mr Stoker added: “All ISAs and rates are available in branch by phone or online, as we know customers value choice in how they bank, which is why we’ve extended our branch promise.

“Customers can also make use of our in‑app budgeting tool to help them manage their money.”

Nationwide’s branch promise commits the lender to keeping all 605 of its branches open until at least the start of 2030.

Previous issues of Nationwide’s fixed savings products were withdrawn on Monday (March 30), the building society said.

Its new offer includes a one-year fixed rate Cash ISA with a 4.35% AER rate and a two-year Cash ISA fix at 4.40% AER.

A three-year and a five-year Cash ISA offer 4.50% AER, while fixed-rate online and branch bonds, ranging from one to three years, all have a 4.00% rate AER.

Nationwide’s one-year fixed rate Cash ISA compares with Vida Savings’ one-year fixed rate Cash ISA rate of 4.38% and Charter Savings Bank’s 4.37% one year fixed rate Cash ISA. However, both those accounts can only be opened and managed online.

AlRayan Bank’s Meteor Savings one-year fixed rate Cash ISA offers an expected rate of 4.35% AER, but it too is online only.

Meanwhile, global fintech firm XTB launched its first Cash ISA in the UK on Thursday (April 2) as it expands into everyday, tax-efficient savings.

XTB’s time-limited 6.00% AER rate on sterling balances for new UK customers is available for the first 90 days after opening an account.

The boosted rate applies to funds held across all eligible sub-accounts on balances up to £40,000. It then reverts to XTB’s standard variable rate of 4.00% AER. The promotion runs until April 30.

News of the latest savings account offerings comes as Brits are being advised not to neglect their Cash ISAs.

Research from Moneyfacts has found that Cash ISA savers have been consistently penalised by keeping their money in closed accounts, which lag behind the highest rates by over 2%.

Caitlyn Eastell, Personal Finance Analyst at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said: “Millions of savers could be missing out on hundreds of pounds each year by leaving their money in older, underperforming cash ISAs instead of switching to the most competitive accounts on the market.”

Philly Ponniah, Chartered Wealth Manager and Financial Coach at Philly Financial, said the real issue is the “set and forget” behaviour of many savers.

She explained: “Cash ISAs feel safe, so people assume they’re sorted, but providers rarely reward loyalty. New customers get the headline rates while existing savers drift onto uncompetitive ones.

“Two key points stand out. First, switching is low-effort but high-impact. Moving a £20,000 ISA from 2.5% to 4.5% is effectively a risk-free pay rise on your savings.

“Second, the wrapper matters. Transferring keeps the tax benefits intact, whereas withdrawing and redepositing can accidentally wipe out your previous contribution and count as a fresh one.”

Ms Ponniah said the bigger picture is that cash savings need active management, just like investments, and a quick annual check can be the difference between your money almost standing still and just about keeping up with inflation.