Deposit Account Rates ..

Some of the banks listed with Raisin have a local withholding tax and some dont, they are definitely a great option. Also look at trade republic, they pay 2% (50k max) and it's paid monthly and there is no term. Bunq pay 1.56%, interest is paid weekly (protected up to 100k). The Irish banks a miles behind

You're probably thinking of the Capital Gains Tax which is also 33%.

Are there any costs involved with buying or cashing these in?

Normal stockbrokers fees.

I use DeGiro, their fee is 3 euro commission per trade.

Note that Govt bonds are only risk-free if held to maturity.

The bond prices can move daily.

They are almost as risk free as state savings, and bond prices will always move towards par as they approach maturity. Prices will definitely shift with movements in ECB rates. This is my rough assessment of various short to medium term bonds, my calcs may be a bit out, but they are consistently out..

This RTE article caught my eye. It mentions eye watering returns of 4%, 9% and 22% on State Savings Bonds.

"From the start of October, the Three-year Savings Bond will offer a return of 4%, the Five-Year Savings Certificate will go to 9%, the six-year to 10% and the 10-Year National Solidarity Bond rate will go from 16% to 22%."

It then goes on to say:

"As the State Savings Schemes are priced over the lifetime of the products, they have to be broken down to their AER, or Annual Equivalent Rate, in order to provide a direct comparison with the banks.

The three-year product translates to an AER of 1.32%, the five-year to 1.74%, the six-year offers 1.75% annually and the ten-year, around 2%."

Obviously I can't break this down to see where the equivalent AER rates get finally calculated, but the returns really don't seem to match the other European banks' offerings, although the savings bond are exempt from DIRT.

Sure but still not as good as the rates offered by Raisin.ie in foreign banks.

Any idea which ones don't have the withholding tax?

But it is greater risk in some cases. Look at the credit rating of those banks Vs Irish state.

There is always risk but there are protections in place . For banks in Europe there is a €100k deposit guarantee so if you're saving less the €100k you should be covered. Now if you're saving more than €100k you've much more skin in the game and would benefit from diversifying across institutions.

Hi guys. State savings seem good to me that 9 percent esp. . I've 150 k. And would like advice or talk to anyone who went down the state savings road please

What is there to say about State Savings?

They are simple, State-backed savings account.

Its better then nothing and secure.