Gilts and bonds
Learn more about gilts and bonds and find out how to invest
Before you invest in gilts and bonds: gilt and bond prices can rise and fall before maturity, so if you sell early you could get back less than you put in. Bonds also carry the risk that the issuer can't pay interest or repay what it owes. Gilts are backed by the UK government, so the risk is lower, but both bonds and gilts can default. This isn’t personal advice. If you’re not sure what’s right for you, ask for advice.
What are gilts, bonds and PIBS?
A bond is a loan. When you buy a bond, you're lending money to a company or government in return for regular interest, before your money’s repaid on a set date.
Gilts are bonds issued by the UK government to help finance public spending. They’re generally considered lower risk than corporate bonds, since they're backed by the state.
PIBS (Permanent Interest Bearing Shares) are issued by UK building societies. They pay interest like a bond but don’t usually carry a fixed redemption date.
Latest gilt and bond prices
Bonds can be bought and sold on the market before they mature. Their price moves as they trade, so you can pay more or less than the original issue price depending on demand, interest rates, and time left to maturity.
Check the latest prices and rates of return:
How to buy gilts and bonds
To buy gilts and bonds, you’ll need an investment account.
As the UK’s #1 investment and savings platform, we offer a range of options. From our Stocks and Shares ISA to Self-Invested Personal Pension and Fund and Share Account, you can choose an account that suits you.
Stocks and Shares ISA
Invest free from UK tax with our most popular account
Fund and Share Account
Invest without limits with our flexible dealing account
New launch opportunities
As well as trading existing gilts and bonds, you can apply for new issues at launch.
Sign up for our bond launch alerts and we’ll let you know about new opportunities and how to invest.
Register for bond launch alerts