Switching ISAs

A question about : Switching ISAs

I've currently got around Ј1700 in an Abbey postal ISA which was set up several years ago. The rate has dropped to 5.05% which is ok, but it could be better. I'd like to move the money to another account: the Barclays ISA mentioned in Martin's article pays 6.5% but doesn't allow transfers in, which is annoying.

Given I've not used any of my current ISA allowance for the 07/08 tax year, would I be able to have the balance of the Abbey ISA paid into my current account, and then use that to open the Barclays ISA? Last time I withdrew money from the Abbey account it was quite slow to appear in my current account, so there's a chance it may not be there in time to open the Barclays account - what's the latest I can open a Barclays ISA in order for it to be counted in the 07/08 tax year?

Best answers:

• The current tax year ends 5th April.
  If you weren't planning on using any other funds for this year's allowance, then it would make no difference to close the Abbey one then open a new one with the money.
• Thanks very much