Expat rates: now is the time to move to a fixed rate Offshore, you can get 3.5pc fixed for a year. This rate is offered by three providers; Permanent Bank International, Bank of Ireland (IOM) and Nationwide International. The top onshore fixed rate of 3.65pc is not much better than this so, given the offshore market is so much smaller, expat savers are doing well. For two years, you can get 3.8pc from Clydesdale Bank International, 3.7pc from Alliance & Leicester International or 3.68pc from Permanent Bank International. Again, these rates are within a whisker of those offered onshore, where the top rate is 3.9pc. For expats who are retired, there's often a particular need to get a good deal on savings as they need their money to work for them to produce an income. They also need a regular, steady income so they know how much they have coming in so they can balance their budget. In this way, a fixed-rate bond can provide the certainty. You might have other income-producing savings or investments - corporate bonds are popular for those wanting income from their savings. But if you have a fixed rate then at least you know exactly how much you'll be getting from it as long as it lasts. You do need a fixed-rate bond which offers the option of monthly income, but many do, so this shouldn't be difficult. Jim Coupe, managing director of Skipton International, says it has retired expats very much in mind at the moment. Knowing that many of our customers are worried about retirement income, we looked hard at our savings range and came up with some new products and options to help keep them on track. We responded in two important ways. Firstly, we have just launched two fixed-rate products, our one- and two-year International Reserve bonds. Secondly, we ensured both these and our range of variable-rate deposit accounts all offered monthly interest facilities. Skipton's fixed rates are not far off the best on the market at 3.50pc for two years, which is 3.3pc for the monthly interest option or 3pc for one year, which works out as 2.8pc for monthly income. Nationwide International's one-year fixed rate of 3.5pc for deposits of more than £50,000 is available for monthly income seekers: the rate for them is 3.45pc. The difference between annual and monthly interest rates is down to the frequency payments are made: the annual equivalent rates work out the same. All Clydesdale International's fixed rates are available on monthly income, as are Alliance & Leicester International's deals. You may need to arrange to have the income paid to another account or the interest will be automatically reinvested in your bond.