A good rate, and the account's so flexible

Alex Moore, 22, from Ealing, west London has saved with ING Direct since the Dutch bank launched its UK savings business two and a half years ago.

The economics graduate, who now works as a clerk for an American bank based in Canary Wharf, east London, says: 'The main attraction for me initially was the interest rate and the fact the account has no strings attached, so that you can take money out at any time without penalty.

'I first heard of them when I was at university when I was looking for an account with a high interest rate and it was by far the best rate at the time. The rate has come down recently but that has not put me off as it's still a good rate compared with others and the account is so flexible.'

Alex is saving hard towards a dream of travelling next year, starting in India and then moving on to New Zealand. He says: 'I'm putting away as much as I can because I want to do the trip in style.'

Alex forwards money from his HSBC current account to his ING account every few weeks. 'I've had no problems with ING and if I have any queries they are dealt with quickly either on the phone, or if I email them someone responds immediately,' he says. 'I've recommended ING to friends, although I don't know if they've opened accounts, although my sister has opened one.'