Released on = February 16, 2006, 5:00 am

Press Release Author = Barclays bank

Industry = Financial

Press Release Summary = Barclays targets savers with a new market leading 10 percent
savings account

Press Release Body = Barclays is launching a market leading 10 percent Regular Saver
account (http://www.barclays.co.uk/10 ), whilst completely revamping its savings
range to make it simpler. It is the latest move from Barclays in its campaign to
deliver good value for money products to attract new customers.

The account is simple and easy to apply for online with a typical application taking
around 10 minutes. The new High Interest Savings Account
(http://www.barclays.co.uk/10 ) will pay out 10 percent gross/AER interest on
savings between £25 and £250 per month for one year after the account is opened (it
will be marketed from February 16th 2006 until April 26th 2006). It will be
available to both new and existing customers, with the single pre-condition that the
customer pays a minimum of £1000 into a Barclays current account each month via a
mandated salary or pension credit.

Bruce Kelsall, Barclays Retail Banking Commercial Director, said: \"The improvement
and simplification of our savings range and the 10 percent Regular Saver Account
demonstrates Barclays determination to give its existing customers value for money
products and attract new customers."

\"Together with our recent launch of a best in market general insurance proposition
(http://www.barclaysgeneralinsurance.co.uk ) and the 0 percent overdraft switcher
offer we believe this shows we are serious about offering consumers the best
products and service. We will be launching new products across current accounts,
savings and mortgages during the course of 2006 to attract more customers to
Barclays and retain those already with us.\"

At the same time Barclays is simplifying and improving its existing savings range
with the launch of two new products and an interest rate increase for younger
savers. All of the new accounts can be operated through Barclays branches or via
telephone or internet banking:

-- Instant Access - New 'Easy Saver' will pay 3 per cent AER on any investment over
£1 with no loss of interest if you withdraw. This offers a better rate of the
equivalent Halifax, Nationwide, Natwest, Lloyds TSB and HSBC accounts***. In
addition, the E savings account is being retained and will continue to pay from 4.14
per cent up to 4.43 per cent AER for balances between £1 and £100k+.

-- Starting to build savings - New 'Bonus Saver', will pay from 3.6 per cent AER on
£5,000 savings up to 4.11 per cent AER on £100,000, this includes an equivalent
annual bonus of 1.5 per cent which is paid each month provided that no withdrawals
are made in the month.

-- Short term lock-away - New 'Regular Saver' pays 10 per cent interest over a one
year term on monthly investments up to a maximum of £250. Money must be left for one
year without withdrawal. After one year the balance will be automatically
transferred to an Easy Saver account or customers can invest in Barclays Cash ISA
which pays up to 5 per cent tax-free.

-- Savings for children - Introduction of a new competitive rate of 4.07 per cent
AER, up from 2.52 per cent AER, on balances between £1-£50 in Barclays 'Childrens
Savings' account.

For further information: http://www.barclays.co.uk/10
Emma Austin (née Keens)
PR Manager, Barclays Corporate Affairs
Office +44 (0)207 116 6145
CW 7 6006 6145
Mobile +44 (0)777 5541675
One Churchill Place, London E14 5HP

Web Site = http://www.barclays.co.uk/10

Contact Details = For further information: http://www.barclays.co.uk/10
Emma Austin (née Keens)
PR Manager, Barclays Corporate Affairs
Office +44 (0)207 116 6145
CW 7 6006 6145
Mobile +44 (0)777 5541675
One Churchill Place, London E14 5HP