travel by investec reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

3,528 total

Most relevant

total Scam, I was never informed I needed to provide proof of insurance of financed item when I took asset finance then aquis insurance send a bill for £ 600 and already have bank details to direct debit. they want insurance docs then brokers to phone them and them noted on the policy . no other asset finance asks for this

Date of experience : June 06, 2024

Reply from Investec

Hey Rod, I have requested for your contact information. Please kindly respond to the request, and I will get a member of the team to contact you, and advise. I would like to apologize for any inconvenience this caused you.

So happy to recommend Investec, wonderful service.

I have relied upon Investec for several years and have enjoyed consistent and excellent service. They stand head and shoulders above other financial service companies I have used. So straightforward to use the online services and I feel secure in doing so, backed up by excellent communications. Terrific!

I was impressed to find that Investec…

I was impressed to find that Investec offered existing customers a rate slightly higher than that for new customers-it seems loyalty does still count for something. If only they offered a range of insurance, it’s be brilliant!!

Date of experience : May 16, 2024

Efficient and Informative

Never had any problems with Ivestec. Saved with them for over 2 years now. Good communication and very competitive interest rates. Just opened a new 12 month Bond.

Date of experience : May 15, 2024

Really like the Intestec platform

Really like the Intestec platform, especially on my mobile. It’s easy you use, and their product range is simple to understand. Keep up the good work ! Richard

Date of experience : June 20, 2024

Competitive and effective!

I have been using Investec for some years now. The website is easy to use, the accounts and rates offered are very competitive and I have never experienced any service issues. Everything you want from a financial service!

Date of experience : June 11, 2024

No advice available

I have just opened a new account. I wanted to put some monies into the account via BACS. Neither of my banks would accept the name 'INVESTEC'. I rang a help line who said they would get someone to contact me. That was 2 weeks ago and I still have not heard. Not the service I expected and puts in doubt my trust in your organisation.

Date of experience : May 31, 2024

I'm sorry to hear that you had a difficult time when opening our savings accounts. Please note that this account doesn't offer telephone support, this account is only service via live chat. Please chat to the live chat team available here: https://savings.investec.com/ for support. I have also shared your feedback with our savings team.

Investec offer consistently good rates

Investec offer consistently good rates. Their app is extremely easy to use. Their communications are excellent. My favourite online bank. I wish they did ISAs too.

Efficient and good interest rate

The efficient closing of the previous account and transfer of the interest to my linked account went according to plan. I would prefer to have phone contact with my questions rather than everything only on line or chat.The 'date of experience' box needs some IT adjustment. I had to enter the date several times. It kept disappearing!

Date of experience : April 28, 2024

Investec Savings Account

I was very impressed with Investec. First, Investec offer very attractive savings rates. Second, their online platform is easy to use. Finally, since Investec are a big well known brand, you have the added comfort that your savings will be managed safely.

Date of experience : June 02, 2024

Straight Forward Savings Account

Really easy to set up online account with lots of safety measures. Good communication via texts when transactions were made.

Date of experience : June 12, 2024

I’ve only had a FR Bond for two weeks so nothing has gone wrong yet. I would have liked a paper acknowledgement of my investment or something more tangible than an email

Date of experience : May 06, 2024

These online savings accounts have been built on a new digital platform, and were designed to meet the demand of clients looking to self services online. This offering is purely online, which means you will be receiving a welcome email instead of the traditional welcome letter.

Easy to open an account and navigate…

Easy to open an account and navigate the website and the best interest rate around, an all round great experience

Date of experience : June 01, 2024

On the maturity of an existing Investec…

On the maturity of an existing Investec fixed savings, I decided to reinvest to a new 1 year fixed saver with Investec, with a competitive interest rate at the time of opening. The whole process was straight forward, without any issues.

Date of experience : May 26, 2024

Good interest and easy access online

Good interest and easy access online. Text received when I deposit any money. The only thing I’d like is an app.

Ideal home for money beyond an Emergency Fundline…

Simple process to open account on line and best rate currently found, accepting the 90 day withdrawal notice issue.

Date of experience : June 21, 2024

The account was very easy to open a

The account was very easy to open and renew after the period ended. Very helpful when answering any query, always ready to help in anyway. Rates always very competitive and I would never hesitate to recommend Investec to anyone requiring their services

Date of experience : June 09, 2024

Hard work setting up new account

Overall I am happy with Investec for my savings. They give a good rate of interest. However, this year, when I came to renew my fixed 1 yr deal, the process was tortuous., because I wanted to reduce the amount I would save. There was no option to do this so I had to close the account, and then open a new one. This involved all the money going back to my Natwest current account, and then I had to transfer the money back to Investec in 20k chunks, whilst keeping back some of the original amount. This involved a lot of unnecessary work for me.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience Bill. I genuinely appreciate your feedback, and I apologize for the inconvenience you faced during the renewal process for your fixed 1-year deposit. Your feedback is invaluable to us, as it helps us identify areas where we can improve our services. I will make sure to pass on your comments to the relevant team so that they can review and address this issue.

Excellent Company.

A very easy and secure process opening & maintaining my account with this company . The process and instructions are very clear. Everything from start to finish went without a hitch and I would not hesitate to recommend them.

I previously had savings accounts with…

I previously had savings accounts with Investec. I was happy with the account opening and management processes and interest rates. However I realised that all I was being asked for when logging in to my accounts was a single password. I cannot understand such a low level of security in this day and age. It should not be as easy as that to access your account. As such, I lost confidence in saving here. When considering where else to put my savings, I had to go with other providers that use additional security measures like One-Time Passcodes (OTPs) and additional passcodes. Such a shame as the user experience has been otherwise good. But Investec seriously needs to raise its game and invest in some improved security for its account holders.

Hey Laura, thank you for sharing this feedback, but these accounts were set up with your security in mind. For example, limiting the destination of online transfers to only a Linked Account which you nominate as part of your application process, protects your account from third party payment fraud. We have also implemented step up security features on various servicing elements of your account. As savings client, you benefit from the combination of our expertise in the security, risk and fraud prevention disciplines.

Suggested companies

Paragon bank, shawbrook bank.

Investec   Reviews

In the Savings Bank category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

3,528 total

Most relevant

total Scam, I was never informed I needed to provide proof of insurance of financed item when I took asset finance then aquis insurance send a bill for £ 600 and already have bank details to direct debit. they want insurance docs then brokers to phone them and them noted on the policy . no other asset finance asks for this

Date of experience : 06 June 2024

Reply from Investec

Hey Rod, I have requested for your contact information. Please kindly respond to the request, and I will get a member of the team to contact you, and advise. I would like to apologize for any inconvenience this caused you.

So happy to recommend Investec, wonderful service.

I have relied upon Investec for several years and have enjoyed consistent and excellent service. They stand head and shoulders above other financial service companies I have used. So straightforward to use the online services and I feel secure in doing so, backed up by excellent communications. Terrific!

I was impressed to find that Investec…

I was impressed to find that Investec offered existing customers a rate slightly higher than that for new customers-it seems loyalty does still count for something. If only they offered a range of insurance, it’s be brilliant!!

Date of experience : 16 May 2024

Efficient and Informative

Never had any problems with Ivestec. Saved with them for over 2 years now. Good communication and very competitive interest rates. Just opened a new 12 month Bond.

Date of experience : 15 May 2024

Really like the Intestec platform

Really like the Intestec platform, especially on my mobile. It’s easy you use, and their product range is simple to understand. Keep up the good work ! Richard

Date of experience : 20 June 2024

Competitive and effective!

I have been using Investec for some years now. The website is easy to use, the accounts and rates offered are very competitive and I have never experienced any service issues. Everything you want from a financial service!

Date of experience : 11 June 2024

No advice available

I have just opened a new account. I wanted to put some monies into the account via BACS. Neither of my banks would accept the name 'INVESTEC'. I rang a help line who said they would get someone to contact me. That was 2 weeks ago and I still have not heard. Not the service I expected and puts in doubt my trust in your organisation.

Date of experience : 31 May 2024

I'm sorry to hear that you had a difficult time when opening our savings accounts. Please note that this account doesn't offer telephone support, this account is only service via live chat. Please chat to the live chat team available here: https://savings.investec.com/ for support. I have also shared your feedback with our savings team.

Investec offer consistently good rates

Investec offer consistently good rates. Their app is extremely easy to use. Their communications are excellent. My favourite online bank. I wish they did ISAs too.

Efficient and good interest rate

The efficient closing of the previous account and transfer of the interest to my linked account went according to plan. I would prefer to have phone contact with my questions rather than everything only on line or chat.The 'date of experience' box needs some IT adjustment. I had to enter the date several times. It kept disappearing!

Date of experience : 28 April 2024

Investec Savings Account

I was very impressed with Investec. First, Investec offer very attractive savings rates. Second, their online platform is easy to use. Finally, since Investec are a big well known brand, you have the added comfort that your savings will be managed safely.

Date of experience : 02 June 2024

Straight Forward Savings Account

Really easy to set up online account with lots of safety measures. Good communication via texts when transactions were made.

Date of experience : 12 June 2024

I’ve only had a FR Bond for two weeks so nothing has gone wrong yet. I would have liked a paper acknowledgement of my investment or something more tangible than an email

Date of experience : 06 May 2024

These online savings accounts have been built on a new digital platform, and were designed to meet the demand of clients looking to self services online. This offering is purely online, which means you will be receiving a welcome email instead of the traditional welcome letter.

Easy to open an account and navigate…

Easy to open an account and navigate the website and the best interest rate around, an all round great experience

Date of experience : 01 June 2024

On the maturity of an existing Investec…

On the maturity of an existing Investec fixed savings, I decided to reinvest to a new 1 year fixed saver with Investec, with a competitive interest rate at the time of opening. The whole process was straight forward, without any issues.

Date of experience : 26 May 2024

Good interest and easy access online

Good interest and easy access online. Text received when I deposit any money. The only thing I’d like is an app.

Ideal home for money beyond an Emergency Fundline…

Simple process to open account on line and best rate currently found, accepting the 90 day withdrawal notice issue.

Date of experience : 21 June 2024

The account was very easy to open a

The account was very easy to open and renew after the period ended. Very helpful when answering any query, always ready to help in anyway. Rates always very competitive and I would never hesitate to recommend Investec to anyone requiring their services

Date of experience : 09 June 2024

Hard work setting up new account

Overall I am happy with Investec for my savings. They give a good rate of interest. However, this year, when I came to renew my fixed 1 yr deal, the process was tortuous., because I wanted to reduce the amount I would save. There was no option to do this so I had to close the account, and then open a new one. This involved all the money going back to my Natwest current account, and then I had to transfer the money back to Investec in 20k chunks, whilst keeping back some of the original amount. This involved a lot of unnecessary work for me.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience Bill. I genuinely appreciate your feedback, and I apologize for the inconvenience you faced during the renewal process for your fixed 1-year deposit. Your feedback is invaluable to us, as it helps us identify areas where we can improve our services. I will make sure to pass on your comments to the relevant team so that they can review and address this issue.

Excellent Company.

A very easy and secure process opening & maintaining my account with this company . The process and instructions are very clear. Everything from start to finish went without a hitch and I would not hesitate to recommend them.

I previously had savings accounts with…

I previously had savings accounts with Investec. I was happy with the account opening and management processes and interest rates. However I realised that all I was being asked for when logging in to my accounts was a single password. I cannot understand such a low level of security in this day and age. It should not be as easy as that to access your account. As such, I lost confidence in saving here. When considering where else to put my savings, I had to go with other providers that use additional security measures like One-Time Passcodes (OTPs) and additional passcodes. Such a shame as the user experience has been otherwise good. But Investec seriously needs to raise its game and invest in some improved security for its account holders.

Hey Laura, thank you for sharing this feedback, but these accounts were set up with your security in mind. For example, limiting the destination of online transfers to only a Linked Account which you nominate as part of your application process, protects your account from third party payment fraud. We have also implemented step up security features on various servicing elements of your account. As savings client, you benefit from the combination of our expertise in the security, risk and fraud prevention disciplines.

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Travel insurance

Tricky travel insurance questions answered by experts

Erica Lamberg

Alyce Meserve

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Heidi Gollub

Published 6:00 a.m. UTC July 2, 2024

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• Travel insurance is subject to the terms and conditions of your policy, so it’s vital to read your policy documents to understand the scope of coverage, policy limits and exclusions of your plan. 
• Although your credit card may offer some valuable travel insurance benefits, make sure the coverage limits are a fit with your travel plans and circumstances.
• You can buy travel insurance to cover a portion of trip expenses, or to cover a trip with no prepaid, nonrefundable costs. 

Travel insurance can be a sound investment that protects your trip costs, health and the value of your belongings while you’re on a trip. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans provide coverage for the following issues: trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, medical expense, emergency medical evacuation and baggage loss protection.

Your plan documents will provide an overview of the scope of coverage, including what your travel insurance covers , the limitations and what is excluded from your coverage.

It’s important to read your policy thoroughly and carefully so you can get the most value from your travel insurance plan.

Even when a policy is comprehensive, you may still have questions and concerns about the scope of what your plan will cover, how the policy works regarding reimbursement and more. We’ve asked travel insurance experts to explain the fine print and address some pressing travel insurance questions to help you be a more informed traveler and be best protected on your trip.

Do I need to buy travel insurance if my credit card covers it?

You may hold a credit card with travel insurance benefits that are provided when you use that credit card to pay for your trip. But its coverage might not be sufficient for an expensive or international trip. 

“Many credit card providers include no additional charge travel insurance coverage as part of a customer’s selection of a particular card,” said Scott Adamski, spokesperson with AIG Travel . “Based on the card type and level, benefits vary significantly, so it’s incumbent on the cardholder to review the terms and conditions in order to understand what coverages, if any, are included in the card.”

He cautions that cardholders should review limits of coverage to determine whether they are adequate for their needs. “In one review of credit card trip cancellation coverage, a particular card offers a $1,500 maximum trip cancellation benefit. If the customer were taking a trip with, for example, a $5,000 trip cost, there may be a limitation as to getting reimbursement above the benefit level through the coverage under the credit card,” said Adamski.

Another important consideration is that select credit cards may provide limited or no medical expense coverage . As most domestic health insurance isn’t accepted in foreign countries, make certain you are prepared with health coverage when traveling outside the U.S.

Travel insurance policies that you buy from a third party let you customize your coverage so you can get the benefits you need for a particular trip. These standalone policies offer a larger list of covered cancellation and interruption reasons, missed connection benefits, optional upgrades like adventure bundles, rental car coverage or increased limits on baggage, trip delay and medical and emergency evacuation protection . Plus, the only way to get “ cancel for any reason ” and “interruption for any reason” coverage is through a third-party policy. 

Although many credit cards provide baggage and trip delay insurance, getting a claim paid can take an extended period. Because airlines sometimes provide compensation for delayed flights and baggage, the credit card company may require you to prove what the airline reimbursed you before it will consider your claim.

“It is important to understand all parameters of the coverage, and you should review the details of any coverage you have through your credit cards,” Adamski said. He added, that due to the limitations described above, a third-party travel insurance program may be a great complement to the coverage offered through a credit card.

Can I insure only part of my trip?

Daniel Durazo, spokesperson for Allianz Partners US, said indeed you could purchase travel insurance to cover only part of your prepaid travel expenses. 

If, for instance, your flights are refundable and your car rental is cancellable, you may only want to buy travel insurance for the value of your prepaid accommodations. 

Travel insurance costs an average of 5% to 6% of the prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses you want to insure. Insuring a lower amount will bring down the cost of your travel insurance policy.

Can I insure a trip with a value of $0?

Adamski with AIG said, yes, you can insure a trip with a zero value. “In fact, purchasing a travel insurance plan where there are no prepaid nonrefundable costs is not uncommon, and a common scenario includes the use of airline or similar mileage to pay for travel,” he said.

So when someone is using rewards miles to purchase air tickets or other components of a travel experience, there may not be any non-refundable amount. “An insured can still purchase an AIG Travel plan at $0 trip cost and benefit from the comprehensive coverages offered in the plan, i.e., medical expense, baggage and medical evacuation,” said Adamski.

Is it worth buying an annual policy or are the limits much lower? 

Opting to buy an annual travel insurance plan may be a sound purchase for frequent travelers. “Typically, an annual plan may offer lower benefits and limited coverage for scenarios such as trip cancellation, trip interruption or travel delays but will, conversely, have robust coverage for medical expense and medical evacuation benefits,” explained Adamski.

Therefore, someone who’s taking a number of low-cost trips using domestic air travel may elect to buy an annual plan specifically for more catastrophic events, such as a medical evacuation, particularly if they’re not as concerned about protecting the low-cost airfares, he said.

As an example, parents who have children located throughout the U.S. and are paying for lower costs, such as domestic air tickets to travel and then staying with their children, have relatively low out-of-pocket costs. “An annual plan may be a good fit. However, if those parents decide to take a vacation and book a $25,000 cruise, an individual travel insurance plan would be a good option,” clarified Adamski.

Annual policies can vary widely in terms of how or whether they cover pre-existing conditions. Some policies may cover pre-existing conditions if you buy the plan shortly after paying the initial deposit, while others cover them only if you experience an acute flare-up. However, some don’t offer any extra protection and restrict coverage to a medical history look-back period.

To ascertain if a plan is correct for your travel circumstances, be sure to thoroughly review the terms and conditions, benefits, coverages and limits of your travel insurance policy.

When will travel insurance arrange payment for a medical emergency?

According to Durazo with Allianz, depending on your personal situation, you may need to pay up front for medical care or be able to rely on your travel insurance to handle payment.

“If you experience a minor injury, such as needing to get stitches for a cut or getting a splint for a sprained ankle, there’s a possibility you will need to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed later,” said Durazo. 

However, he said, should you experience a more serious injury that leaves you in the hospital for more than 24 hours, that’s typically when an insurance company can guarantee advance payment for medical care, up to the limit of your specific policy. 

“Experiencing a medical emergency when you’re far from home can be incredibly stressful,” said Durazo. “That’s why it’s essential to purchase emergency medical coverage from a credible travel insurance company, who you know will be there for you when you have a problem.”

Expert tip: A travel insurance company with a medical assistance team can help direct you to the local, pre-screened medical providers, provide translation services when speaking with medical professionals outside of your own country, guarantee payments to hospitals and help transfer you to a more appropriate medical facility for top care.

Is it worth buying travel insurance if my health insurance covers me?

Relying solely on your health insurance provider in a foreign country can leave you in a vulnerable situation. Even if your domestic health insurance reimburses for medical expenses incurred outside of the country — and many don’t — it may require you to get pre-authorization, find an in-network provider and submit reimbursement claims. This could put you in a tough spot if you need to pay for medical care before you can leave the country. 

Travel medical insurance , which is included in comprehensive travel insurance plans, can provide additional guidance and advance payments to ensure your safe return home.

According to Durazo, if your health insurance is accepted abroad, it’s important to speak with your health insurance provider to determine if your policy also includes coverage for potentially expensive emergency medical evacuation and transportation. 

“Emergency medical transportation, especially by air ambulance, can cost tens of thousands of dollars and be very difficult to arrange on your own,” said Durazo. “Your travel insurance policy can arrange and pay for costly emergency medical transportation.”

Can I get reimbursed if I’m too anxious to travel?

Travel insurance recognizes numerous “covered perils,” that would allow you to cancel your trip — even last-minute — and still be covered, subject to the terms of the insurance policy, said Adamski with AIG. “However, fear of travel is not a covered reason, nor is — as a more specific example — a concern that a developing tropical cyclone could become a hurricane and hit a certain destination when a traveler is scheduled to be there,” he said.

However, many travel insurance plans offer an optional “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade that would provide coverage for circumstances like these. The decision to pay extra for CFAR coverage is closely connected to the traveler’s risk tolerance, the value of the trip and circumstances that may arise that may not be covered under the terms and conditions of the base travel insurance plan, said Adamski.

“The key benefit put plainly is that this optional coverage could provide reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs in circumstances where no other coverage may apply. It is of great importance that travelers carefully review the terms of any policies that offer a CFAR option to get specifics on coverage amounts, limits or exclusions,” said Adamski.

For example, if a traveler has purchased the optional CFAR coverage and needs to cancel for a non-covered reason under their AIG travel insurance plan, Adamski said they may be reimbursed up to 50% of their prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost. “Please note that, under the terms of CFAR, the traveler must cancel the trip more than 48 hours prior to their planned trip departure,” he emphasized. 

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Erica Lamberg is a regular contributor to Fox News, Fox Business, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, AAA and USA TODAY. She writes about business, travel, personal finance, health, travel insurance and work/life balance. She is based in suburban Philadelphia.

Alyce Meserve is an experienced insurance, personal finance and travel writer. Alyce is a licensed insurance professional in life, health and property and casualty, and holds an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Duke University.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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Express Lane

Skip the queue and paperwork! Our exclusive Express Lane rate is designed to streamline the rental process and get you on the road as quickly as possible. (Only available at OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International airports.)

• Search for cars, select the “Express Lane” rate and submit your request
• You will be sent details to join the programme - you only need to sign up once
• Thereafter, when booking online or with one of our consultants, select the “Express Lane” rate and your information will be automatically sent through with your booking
• On arrival at the rental agency, simply present your valid driver's licence and collect your keys at the Investec Travel Express Lane counter.
• When making payment for Express Lane, please use a physical Visa card number in the renter's name (virtual cards are not accepted).

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Investec Limited (Investec Travel) 14 Dock Road Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Cape Town 8001

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Investec   Reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

3,528 total

Most relevant

A very good investment provider

I have had experience of Investec for many years through my work in the finance industry so I knew they are a reputable company. So when I heard they were offering a market leading interest rate on their 90 Day Notice account from MSE and as my ISA is maxed out, I decided to open an account. I did it all in the app on my phone, it was very quick and easy to open and verify my ID and I was able to transfer money in the following day. The account is very easy to view and manage in the app and I can see interest as its added monthly. Through my work, I am a sophisticated investor so I knew the pros & cons of notice accounts. I would recommend Investec but get advice on the products or read all the t&c's if you don't know all about different types of accounts.

Date of experience : 24 June 2024

So far so good.

So far so good. I opened an account on the 2 May 2024, so only just over a month ago. I was looking for somewhere to put some money with better interest rates than the high street banks. Investec was one of four I looked at, all advertising a very similar rate of interest. However, Investec was the only one that did not reduce the interest rate after six months. I had never heard of the company, so did a bit of hunting around on the internet for information regarding legitimacy, what I found helped me make my decision. If things go well and at the twelve month period my investment has grown as expected I will be very happy.

Date of experience : 21 June 2024

I feel investec is safe easy to deal…

I feel investec is safe easy to deal with and customer service is excellent

Date of experience : 27 May 2024

Have used Investec for a number of…

Have used Investec for a number of years. Not only have good rates & excellent customer service but they provide a quick & easy process with their online service. I trust Investec otherwise I wouldn’t be using them.

Date of experience : 20 June 2024

I'm impressed

I'm impressed. The website is user-friendly and it was quick and easy to apply for a savings account. Their tech is smooth. Helpful staff who are quick to answer your call and who actually know what they're talking about. They also don't badger you about surveys. I had an account with them a few years ago and had a good experience then, too. Well done so far, Investec.

Date of experience : 17 June 2024

After looking somewhere ti invest 80 with reasinable minthly incime and access the Investec 90 was the best on the market.The online proceedure was easy to follow even for a 77 year old.

Date of experience : 01 May 2024

I have invested with Investec.com for…

I have invested with Investec.com for the last 3 years, being attracted to them by the best interest rate on fixed savings account. They have maintained good rates in that period and i am notified 1 month prior to maturity of the options available to me should i wish to withdraw or renew, offering a higher rate than new customers. Simply The Best.

Date of experience : 26 May 2024

Easy to set up account…

Easy to set up account and interest paid monthly into my current account. What would be even better is an app and dashboard but the link in my browser does the job !!

Very smooth ride ….

Very smooth ride ….. no bumps in the road. Smooth transition from maturing account to the next one. Competitive range of savings accounts and easy to use on line.

Date of experience : 22 June 2024

Registering for an account was quite…difficult

Registering for an account was quite difficult as my husband has had an account for some time and when I tried to send a small amount to start the account it was rejected. It was mixing up our accounts and assumed I was trying to put it into my husband’s account. We do share a computer but it took us a long time to sort it out. It was frustrating but once it was sorted it has been fine.

Date of experience : 13 May 2024

Reply from Investec

I'm sorry to hear that your application journey with us was quite difficult. Thank you for this feedback, I have shared your experience with our savings.

Excellent company

Excellent company. Can still talk to employee if you need to and they answer very quickly! So much better than most companies nowadays! Good rates of interest and always have end of year tax certificates out quickly.

Date of experience : 24 May 2024

Have been investing with Investec for…

Have been investing with Investec for many years. Happy to continue with them as I have always found them excellent and interest rates very good.

It was so easy!

It was so easy!! Usually doing things online can be a challenge.... but, on this occasion every step was clearly set out, and worked, another plus. Thank you.

Date of experience : 06 June 2024

I have used Investec on two or three occasions over the last couple of years for savings accounts & find them excellent. Their fixed rate bonds offer above average interest rates & are simple to open.. I can honestly say I have no complaints whatsoever about my experience.

Highly recommended

I have invested with Investec for several years now and have always found their products, service and security to be excellent. If ever I've had to call the helpline, the phone is answered promptly and my questions have always been answered fully and and problems resolved. Would highly recommend Investec.

Date of experience : 23 May 2024

Great account they give you a good rate…

Great account they give you a good rate and proper notice if the rate goes down on a notice account, others don’t do that.

Easy to open an account but i would…

Easy to open an account but i would really like the opportunity to talk to the Investec advisers.

You can speak to our live chat consultants if you need support, the team is available here: https://savings.investec.com/. Our live chat agents are not robots, you are going to be communicating with a human.

Highest interest rates

Investec had the highest fixed interest rates at the time, it was easy to open the account and at the end of the term the money was transferred automatically into my private account.

Date of experience : 16 May 2024

Easy to navigate and use website

Very straight forward, easy to use and navigate the website. Emails and text to keep updated with maturing savings. Transferring from matured account to new savings account instantaneously And of course very good interest rates!

Easy transactions.

No difficulties with any part of the transaction. Only thing I might of liked was the option to take out more than the interest without having to take all the capital then re-investing whats left.

Date of experience : 18 May 2024

Malaysia travel guide: the true Asia, two ways

Combine a city break in Kuala Lumpur with island relaxation on Langkawi for the best of multicultural Malaysia

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• Why you should visit

What to see and do

Where to stay.

To say one country encapsulates the world's largest continent is quite the claim, yet the "Malaysia, Truly Asia" tourism slogan lives up to the hype. But what no tagline could capture is the sheer vibrancy of this multicultural peninsula, where worshippers pray in temples dotted between towering skyscrapers, while mischievous "mafia" monkeys prey on unwitting tourists (of which more later).

Why you should visit Malaysia

Set at the meeting point between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, Malaysia has been dubbed "Asia's Melting Pot". Following centuries of trade and colonisation, the population comprises three main ethnic communities: Chinese, Indians and Malays.

For a concentrated taste of the resulting rich cultural stew, head to Kuala Lumpur . The world's sixth most visited city last year, the Malaysian capital is a chaotic blend of sleek hotels and crumbling colonial-era buildings, Michelin-starred restaurants and street-food stands, upmarket malls and outdoor markets, plus world-famous sights such as the Petronas Twin Towers.

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Kuala Lumpur is also home to some great green spaces, but to experience Malaysia's tropical rainforests and golden beaches, you'll need to go a little further afield. An hour from the capital by plane is Langkawi , an archipelago of 99 islands along the country's northwest coast. The main island, also called Langkawi, is home to around 100,000 people, whose numbers are being bumped up by a growing stream of tourists.

Langkawi's mangrove forests cover more than 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres)

Yet Langkawi is not over-developed: it was awarded Unesco Global Geopark status in 2007, prompting a push towards geotourism. The local tour guides have plenty of material to work with in the island's ancient jungles and labyrinth of mangroves housing sea caves and millions-year-old rock formations.

And then, of course, there's the wildlife. The island is named after the reddish-brown (kawi) sea eagles (lang) that dominate the skies above. Other, less obvious, predators to watch out for are Langkawi's gangs of long-tailed brown macaques, nicknamed the "monkey mafia" by locals owing to their habit of snatching not only food but also phones. A tip for targeted tourists: offer the gangster macaque food with both hands to make them drop the loot.

Assuming visitors hang on to their phones, both Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur are packed with Instagram-worthy sights. 

The capital also has plenty to offer nature lovers, who can find tranquillity in the 227-acre Lake Gardens in the heart of the city. A short stroll away is Kuala Lumpur's Bird Park, an enclosed aviary of more than 3,000 birds from more than 200 species. And there are more attractions to get visitors' hearts aflutter at the neighbouring Butterfly Park, billed as the world's largest, with more than 5,000 butterflies.

Kuala Lumpur claims another record with the Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest twin skyscrapers at 1,483ft (452 metres). The towers' Observation Deck offers unbeatable views of the city's eclectic architecture and neighbourhoods, each of which have a distinctive vibe.

Among the most atmospheric is Brickfields, aka Little India, a colourful maze of shops and stalls selling saris, spices, flower garlands and more, amid packed temples, churches and mosques. There are plenty of opportunities to feed body as well as soul here too, at low-key restaurants serving high-quality food including Malaysia's national dish, nasi lemak , a spicy coconut rice.

Foodies are equally well served on Langkawi, where floating fish farms double as restaurants where diners can select their still-flapping meal from containment nets and aquariums. These fish farms are popular stopping points on mangrove river cruise tours, an unmissable experience for any visitor.

Mangrove cruises on the Kilim River are a great way to spot wildlife and learn about this delicate ecosystem

Highlights of a cruise through Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, one of the island's three main conservation areas, include hand-feeding stingrays and exploring limestone caves where hundreds of bats hang overhead (visitors are advised to close their mouths when looking up, to avoid an unwanted feeding of droppings). 

Expert guides also help cruise-goers to get up close – but not too close – to the park's many other inhabitants, from crocodiles and kingfishers to otters and snakes. And visitors can do their bit to help with conservation efforts by planting mangrove trees, which can store up to 10 times more carbon than forests.

Slightly less virtuous but just as unmissable is a sunset cruise around the archipelago. Guests can sip cocktails and cool off from the tropical heat in the bath-temperature Andaman Sea. Along with water sports, there is further entertainment to be had watching local fishermen's dogs living their best lives after swimming to nearby island shores for doggy playdates.

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur sits amid skyscrapers besides the city's largest park, the Lake Gardens

Tourists also looking to live their best lives in Malaysia can get off to the right start by checking into a St. Regis hotel. 

Offering grandeur with a great location, the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur overlooks the Lake Gardens in the Sentral district, a key transportation hub. In a nod to the city's multicultural identity, the 48-storey hotel blends Asian aesthetics with art deco style, with acres of gleaming marble and crystal-chandeliered high ceilings.

Those high ceilings are a boon come sunset, when, as in all St. Regis properties, a daily champagne sabring ritual takes place. Inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte, who opened bubbly with his sabre in both victory and defeat, the hotel's bottle-chopping fun offers guests the chance to enjoy a free drink and even have a go at sabring. Though, presumably, only while sober.   

The ritual is one of a series introduced by the St. Regis chain founder John Jacob Astor IV, who later went down with the Titanic. Astor's other innovations include a 24-hour butler service tailored to meet guests' every need, from unpacking luggage to delivering a morning cuppa.

The hotel's suites and bathrooms have stunning views over Kuala Lumpur

The rooms are equally top-notch, with floor-to-ceiling windows and mod cons including hi-tech toilets with an electronic bidet and seat warmer (don't knock it till you've tried it). On a more high-brow note, the hotel's attractions also include an impressive collection of artwork by big names including Andy Warhol and Terry O'Neill.

Food is another draw at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, which is home to seven restaurants and bars, including a sushi joint overseen by three Michelin-starred chef Takashi Saito.

The Brasserie has a French cafe vibe and a superb menu that blends vibrant European and Malaysian flavours

The hotel's largest restaurant is The Brasserie, which along with French-Mediterranean cuisine, serves an incredibly extensive buffet breakfast. Possibly the only thing not on the menu is durian, an extremely pungent Malaysian fruit that is banned in most public buildings.

Only the sweetest of smells can be scented at the hotel's spa, where bespoke massages are a great way to relax after a stint in the rooftop pool or adjacent gym. With all these facilities, little wonder that some people decide to stay for good: while the hotel's first 21 storeys house 208 guest rooms, those above are filled with residences inhabited by permanent "guests", including families with pets.

The St. Regis Langkawi hugs the turquoise Andaman Sea

Sadly for visitors considering selling up back home, no residency options are available at the St. Regis Langkawi . But few will forget a stay at this idyllic island retreat, tucked between rainforest and the sea, a short drive from Langkawi’s main town, Kuah. 

The vibe throughout the hotel is laid-back glamour, with grand, light-drenched spaces full of local artworks, and colour schemes influenced by the sea and the island vegetation. 

Suites at the beachside hotel are havens of luxury and comfort

Those themes continue in the 85 spacious suites and in Kayuputi, a fine-dining restaurant standing on stilts above the water beside the hotel's private beach. Designed by top architect Bill Bensley, Kayuputi ("white wood" in Indonesian) is like the world's plushest beach hut, with teak columns and antiques galore inside, and an outdoor deck that's the perfect setting for sunset cocktails.

The Bill Bensley-designed Kayuputi restaurant is evocative of an art collector's holiday home 

Come morning, the place to be is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant L’Orangerie, where the St. Regis team again score top marks with the vast breakfast buffet. 

For a quintessentially island experience, though, nothing beats the beachfront Pantai Grill. With platters of succulent charcoal-grilled meats and seafood served at tables on the golden sand, this is how barbecues are meant to be done.

Diners can enjoy delicious wood-fired food only metres from the shore at Pantai Grill

The St. Regis Langkawi also provides a lesson in meeting guests' many other wishes, with a hair salon, spa, gym, boutique and ballroom, plus live music every evening in the bar. A host of activities are on offer too, from paddleboarding and kayaking to wine tasting and batik painting.

Of course, some guests may prefer to just relax in the seafront infinity pool. But as with Malaysia in general, the beauty lies in the "endless possibilities", to quote another of the country's tourism slogans. Just watch out for the monkeys.

Kari Wilkin was a guest of the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur and the St. Regis Langkawi

Room rates start from £176/$223 (double room) at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, 50470 Malaysia. Room rates start from £221/$280 (double room) at the St. Regis Langkawi, Jalan Pantai Beringin, Langkawi, 07000 Malaysia. For more information, visit marriott.com

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Kari Wilkin is The Week Digital’s global managing editor. She joined the UK site as production editor in 2017, after moving across from The Week magazine. Her career as a journalist began as a sub-editor at newspapers including The Sun, Metro, the Daily Star and News of the World, followed by stints at Elle and Asda Magazine. She also helped to launch the UK edition of Women’s Health magazine, as chief sub-editor with a sideline in writing; has penned travel and lifestyle articles for titles including The Telegraph and The Sun; and is a contributor on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast.

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Ahead of Busy Travel Season, Target Unveils $49 Backpack That Converts to a Carry-All

The 35L Travel Backpack opens up to reveal separate interior compartments for packing clothes, toiletries and even your laptop.

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The busy summer travel season is heating up, with AAA reporting nearly 71 million Americans hitting the road for Fourth of July alone. One way to beat the expected chaos at the airport: skipping a check-in bag in favor of a carry-on .

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The soft-sided backpack opens up to reveal a zip-up mesh compartment on one side that’s perfect for clothing, while the other side features smaller zip pockets for toiletries and accessories. A front section, meantime, features a padded sleeve for a laptop (up to 17 inches) or tablet, with room for your phone, chargers and books too. A zip-front pocket is great for your passport, plane ticket, snacks and other grab-and-go essentials.

Popular on Variety

Most airlines only allow for one carry-on suitcase and a personal item, but the clever design of this backpack lets it almost double up as a second packed bag as well.

Target’s Open Story travel backpack measures 19.25 Inches (H) x 13 Inches (W) x 8.25 Inches (D). At under $50, it’s a no-brainer to pickup for your next flight or road trip. It doubles as a great work bag too, with the separate compartment great for packing your gym clothes or outfit change before dinner.

Available in four colorways, get the Target 35L Travel Backpack while it’s still in stock on Target.com .

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Investec   Reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

3,528 total

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Great company

I’ve had a few accounts with Investec, they offer a good rate of interest and are reliable and efficient. The website is easy to deal with, I’ve always done everything online with ease.

Date of experience : May 01, 2024

A good rate and loyalty renewal benefits

A good rate to start with and simple to get set up. When you have a fixed term investment it’s great to know that if you want to renew you get a small loyalty uplift in rate versus what’s openly available.

Date of experience : April 24, 2024

So far dealing have been excellent with…

So far dealing have been excellent with no problems.

Date of experience : June 20, 2024

Easy to identify the account I wanted…

Easy to identify the account I wanted and the application was a piece of cake. Lots of communication on progress of account set up and dates for action.

Date of experience : May 06, 2024

Does exactly what it promises

Does exactly what it promises. Easy to open, web site very clear and straight forward.

Date of experience : June 21, 2024

Investec is the best savings investment…

Investec is the best savings investment company I've used by virtue of its instant communications on both deposit and withdrawal transactions. Other companies I've used can take up to 24 hours before transactions are logged which can be very frustrating.

Date of experience : May 07, 2024

Easy to use online portal

Easy to use online portal with the option to get interest per month(always useful)

Date of experience : June 01, 2024

It's good to have another Investec…

It's good to have another Investec Bond. Finally transferred from the end of an Investec Bond to another Bond.

Date of experience : June 11, 2024

Amazing service

Amazing service, very kind support team!

Date of experience : June 19, 2024

I admit to being a total technophobe

I admit to being a total technophobe, so the fact that I was able to use Investec speaks volumes regarding how easy it is to navigate. A satisfied customer, thank you.

Date of experience : May 27, 2024

EASY TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT

EASY TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT, BUT I HAVE ALWAYS HAD BRILLIANT SERVICE FROM INVESTEC

Date of experience : May 20, 2024

Was easy to open an on line account…

Was easy to open an on line account and manage it. I had business dealings with Investec in 1990s that was the days of personal contact and was excellent experiance.

Date of experience : March 21, 2024

Very easy to open and manage

Very easy to open and manage, text messages when you do any transactions. Good interest rates

Date of experience : July 16, 2023

You provided a clear procedure and returns.

You provided a clear procedure to decide how much and for how long I wanted to save in a safe location. Returns and conditions were fair and clear.

Date of experience : May 30, 2024

Providing good Interest Rates and communication

Providing good Interest Rates on Savings, plus reminders of Maturities in good time to arrange reinvestment. Webite is very clear and easy to use.

Investec offered a very respectable…

Investec offered a very respectable rate upon completion of my first year and it was very simple to continue once again for a second year. Highly recommended

Date of experience : May 23, 2024

3rd year of investing my savings

This is the 3rd year I’ve invested my savings with Investec in fixed rate bonds. Safety, confidence and excellent response to any queries is paramount - Investec are always beyond reproach.

Investec, a great experience.

My first year investing with Investec was really easy and successful. They did exactly what they said they would. It all went so smoothly I have reinvested again this year.

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

It’s been very easy to set up.

It’s been very easy to set up. It just works for me. I’m a senior and not very techi but have managed this. I know if I need help, help is there. I’v been with Investec several years and I’ve had no trouble at all.

Very easy to set up and lots of e. Mails back reassuring everything ok , excellent

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A Cooling Mattress Pad That Chilled Me to My Core

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from testing mattresses , it’s to generally keep your expectations low when it comes to anything labeled “ cooling .” A lot of mattresses are marketed as cooling, but a more accurate way to describe most of these beds would be “less hot.” It’s not that the purported cooling materials inside them don’t work, but that they often don’t work the way we expect them to — the idea is to keep you from getting too warm in the first place rather than hitting you with a cooling blast, like the AC in a car might.

A quest to actually be cooled is why I recently spent a few weeks testing the Chilipad Dock Pro Cooling Bed System, from Sleepme. A few years ago, Strategist writer and self-proclaimed hot sleeper Dominique Pariso tested (and loved) the brand’s original product, the Chilipad Cube , so as summer heat set in, I set up the brand’s newest cooling system, the Dock Pro . It’s similar to the Cube in that it’s basically a tube-filled pad that goes over your mattress and uses water to regulate temperature. However, it has a few upgrades from the older system: app controls (including the ability to schedule temperature changes), a control unit that more easily fits under a bed, and, according to Sleepme, more cooling power (95 watts for the Dock Pro compared to 52 watts for the Cube). If you want to get really precise , you can also synchronize it with Sleepme’s sleep tracker , which makes real-time temperature adjustments based on your sleep data, but I don’t have one, so I didn’t try that (the tracker also adds a lot to the cost, at $199 plus a $6 monthly subscription fee). Like the Cube, the Dock Pro comes in two models: a “Me” version that just covers half a mattress and a “We” version that covers the whole thing and has two zones, so that two sleepers can each control their own temperature preferences. Both come in queen, king, and California king (half-)sizes.

I have the “Me” version, which was easy enough to set up. I laid the Dock Pro’s mattress pad over a waterproof mattress protector (which the company recommends, just in case) and positioned it on my side of the bed; the hardest part was getting the two large elastic bands around the sides and bottom of the mattress. You can position the pad so the tube hook-up is at either the head or the foot of your bed, and I went with head because that made it easier to tuck the tubing and cords out of sight. You can place the control unit almost wherever you want, though the instructions say not to block airflow from the grille and air filter. I did notice after remaking the bed that the dark gray mattress pad was very visible through my white linen sheets — something to keep in mind if your sheets are at all sheer.

To finish the process, I used a large cup to fill the control unit’s tank with about two liters of water, as you might with a humidifier, added the provided cleaning solution (which the directions say to do during set-up), and downloaded the Sleepme app. There are buttons on the control unit that you can use to change the temperature, but the app allows you to customize and create scheduled routines, which I wanted to try.

One of the app’s most useful features is the option to create a “sleep program,” kind of like an alarm-clock schedule — you can set the Dock Pro to automatically turn on at a specific temperature, at a specific time, on specific days. From there, you can set it so the temperature progressively changes throughout the night for “optimal” sleep: If you put in your bedtime and wake-up time, the app will automatically suggest temperature changes throughout the night (getting cooler about 30 minutes after bedtime, then getting slightly warmer halfway through the night to optimize REM sleep). But you can tweak these, delete them, or add other automatic adjustments if you want. You can also turn on a “warm awake,” in which the Dock Pro will gradually warm to max heat to wake you up.

The Dock Pro can cool your bed to as low as 55 degrees or as high as 116 degrees. Initially, I set up a weeknight routine with a starting bed temperature of 65 degrees, because it sounded like a cool enough temperature that would make for a pleasant sleep in the early summer heat. When I went to bed, I was impressed: The mattress pad was quite chilly, and the sensation of laying on it was unique — it felt like I was floating on top of a cold body of water, but completely dry. Then, a while after shutting off the lights, I realized I was too cold, and having trouble falling asleep. I upped the temperature to about 75 degrees and still felt cool, but comfortable enough to drift off.

When I woke up in the morning my bed was super warm from the “warm awake” function. For the most part, I felt so cozy that I didn’t want to get out of bed. But if you sweat easily, I don’t think I’d recommend this setting, unless you really want to be sauna’d out of bed every day, since the Dock Pro’s max temperature is 116 degrees, and you can’t adjust the “warm awake” setting lower than that. If you want to wake up warm but not sweltering, you could just add a different adjustment to more subtly increase the temperature in the morning.

The mattress pad is very thin and, other than showing through my sheets, barely perceptible — I can’t feel any tubing through it, and it has stayed in place pretty well. My partner isn’t bothered by it, and says he hasn’t noticed much difference with the Chilipad on just half our bed. Maintaining the system has been straightforward. I’ve refilled the control unit about once a week during the three weeks I’ve been testing it. The brand recommends using distilled water; though you can use tap water, it may leave some sediment build up, which could reduce efficiency over time. I’ve used tap water so far, but if I keep the system on my bed in the long term, I’ll switch to distilled water to keep the everything in good condition.

And after a few weeks of fiddling with my sleep program, I’ve learned the most comfortable sleep temperature for me is somewhere between 75 and 80. Though I’m not an overly hot sleeper, I have appreciated the cooling effects as the temperatures have routinely been 90 degrees and above where I live in North Carolina. It should be plenty effective for people who feel like they are sleeping in an oven and want to feel more like they are sleeping in a fridge. And because I tend to get fairly cold at night during the rest of the year, I’m excited to try the warming features once fall and winter roll around.

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Investec   Reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

3,528 total

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Great company

I’ve had a few accounts with Investec, they offer a good rate of interest and are reliable and efficient. The website is easy to deal with, I’ve always done everything online with ease.

Date of experience : 01 May 2024

A good rate and loyalty renewal benefits

A good rate to start with and simple to get set up. When you have a fixed term investment it’s great to know that if you want to renew you get a small loyalty uplift in rate versus what’s openly available.

Date of experience : 24 April 2024

So far dealing have been excellent with…

So far dealing have been excellent with no problems.

Date of experience : 20 June 2024

Easy to identify the account I wanted…

Easy to identify the account I wanted and the application was a piece of cake. Lots of communication on progress of account set up and dates for action.

Date of experience : 06 May 2024

Does exactly what it promises

Does exactly what it promises. Easy to open, web site very clear and straight forward.

Date of experience : 21 June 2024

Investec is the best savings investment…

Investec is the best savings investment company I've used by virtue of its instant communications on both deposit and withdrawal transactions. Other companies I've used can take up to 24 hours before transactions are logged which can be very frustrating.

Date of experience : 07 May 2024

Easy to use online portal

Easy to use online portal with the option to get interest per month(always useful)

Date of experience : 01 June 2024

It's good to have another Investec…

It's good to have another Investec Bond. Finally transferred from the end of an Investec Bond to another Bond.

Date of experience : 11 June 2024

Amazing service

Amazing service, very kind support team!

Date of experience : 19 June 2024

I admit to being a total technophobe

I admit to being a total technophobe, so the fact that I was able to use Investec speaks volumes regarding how easy it is to navigate. A satisfied customer, thank you.

Date of experience : 27 May 2024

EASY TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT

EASY TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT, BUT I HAVE ALWAYS HAD BRILLIANT SERVICE FROM INVESTEC

Date of experience : 20 May 2024

Was easy to open an on line account…

Was easy to open an on line account and manage it. I had business dealings with Investec in 1990s that was the days of personal contact and was excellent experiance.

Date of experience : 21 March 2024

Very easy to open and manage

Very easy to open and manage, text messages when you do any transactions. Good interest rates

Date of experience : 16 July 2023

You provided a clear procedure and returns.

You provided a clear procedure to decide how much and for how long I wanted to save in a safe location. Returns and conditions were fair and clear.

Date of experience : 30 May 2024

Providing good Interest Rates and communication

Providing good Interest Rates on Savings, plus reminders of Maturities in good time to arrange reinvestment. Webite is very clear and easy to use.

Investec offered a very respectable…

Investec offered a very respectable rate upon completion of my first year and it was very simple to continue once again for a second year. Highly recommended

Date of experience : 23 May 2024

3rd year of investing my savings

This is the 3rd year I’ve invested my savings with Investec in fixed rate bonds. Safety, confidence and excellent response to any queries is paramount - Investec are always beyond reproach.

Investec, a great experience.

My first year investing with Investec was really easy and successful. They did exactly what they said they would. It all went so smoothly I have reinvested again this year.

Date of experience : 03 April 2024

It’s been very easy to set up.

It’s been very easy to set up. It just works for me. I’m a senior and not very techi but have managed this. I know if I need help, help is there. I’v been with Investec several years and I’ve had no trouble at all.

Very easy to set up and lots of e. Mails back reassuring everything ok , excellent

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This $30 wireless charger got rid of my bedside cable clutter

I’m not a huge fan of wireless chargers. They tend to be slower and bulkier than your typical wall chargers, plus they can’t charge things like my over-ear headphones or a laptop . That’s why I have a ton of USB-C cables and Anker wall chargers at my desk.

A bit of cable clutter does not bother me when I am working — I am a tech reporter, I usually need lots of cables and chargers to do my job. But my bedside is a different story. I’ve been using an Anker charger and two charging cables in my bedside outlet for years. It does the job well, but having two long cables next to my bed isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing thing in the world.

Enter: wireless charging for your bedside.

What is the Hicober 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station?

Hicober 3-in-1 wireless charging station.

The Hicober wireless charger is designed for Apple devices, with charging pads for your iPhone, Apple Watch and earbuds. It is largely made of plastic and rubber, but the phone charging pad is magnetized and keeps your phone from sliding out of place.

It delivers up to 10W of power for iPhone, 2.5W for an Apple Watch and 3W for a pair of compatible wireless earbuds. The charging pad has a USB-C port on the top that must be plugged into a wall charger to supply power.

select Minimize chaos on your next trip with these expert-approved accessories

How i use the hicober 3-in-1 wireless charging station, to charge three devices with one cable.

The main reason I wanted to try this charging station was to reduce the amount of cables near my bedside. This charging station turned three charging cables into one. If you’re like me and you like to have your phone, smartwatch and wireless earbuds by your bed, this charger seriously reduces cable clutter.

To travel with

There’s a good reason this charging station is one of the best travel accessories on Amazon — it is small, slim and compact. It can also fold in on itself, stacking like three little pancakes, making it compact enough to fit into your weekender bag or luggage .

You can also fold it in such a way that it makes a triangle, turning into a makeshift phone stand in a pinch (though I didn’t use this feature very much).

Things to note

Not for fast charging.

Wireless chargers typically don’t charge as fast as wall chargers, and the Hicober is no exception. The bottom of the charging station states plainly that it delivers up to 10W for phones, 2.5W for Apple Watch and 3W for earbuds. None of these are the maximum power delivery available to each device — the iPhone 15 for example can take up to 20W, so you could charge any of them faster with separate dedicated chargers. This slightly slower speed is not an issue for overnight bedside use, though.

The bottom line

This wireless charger is an exercise in minimalism: it gets rid of clutter from my bedside and in my travel bag. It won’t do you any good if you need to charge larger items like tablets , over-ear headphones or laptops, you’ll need a charging block for those devices. But outside of those exceptions, this is a low-cost charger that made my bedside space more comfortable.

Why trust NBC Select?

Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including reviews for products like the FitBit Charge 6 , Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Apple Watch Series 9 . Has has tested hundreds of tech products.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Harry Rabinowitz is a reporter for Select on NBC News.