Returns on the top fixed-rate savings accounts are at their highest level in years and still climbing, with some now paying up to 5.25%. It leaves those with money to put away facing a choice: lock into some of the best interest rates on offer in several years or hold your nerve in the hope they get even better? While new fixed mortgage rates have jumped in recent months – dealing a blow to many homebuyers and those aiming to remortgage – their pain has been savers’ gain. This month, the data provider Moneyfacts said fixed savings rates were at “multiyear highs”, fuelled by strong competition, and this trend has continued: on Thursday the average new one-year fixed savings bond rate was 4.41%. With a fixed-rate savings bond, you typically have to tie up your money for between six months and five years, and they provide a clear, guaranteed return. The one-year version tends to be popular as many people do not want to tie up cash for long periods. The top-paying accounts are offering …