With Bank Rate at 3.75% at the time of writing (October 2026), savings rates are well above the near-zero levels of the 2010s, but the gap between the best and worst accounts is wide. Whether you need instant access for your emergency fund or can lock money away for a year, there's an account that maximises your interest. For our full, regularly updated guide to choosing an account, see high interest savings accounts and Cash ISAs compared.
Easy-Access Savings Accounts
Best for emergency funds and short-term goals. You can withdraw anytime without penalty:
- Chase Saver: Competitive rate, no minimum deposit, instant access via app
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Easy online management
- Monzo Instant Access: Built-in savings pots, great if Monzo is your main bank
- Chip: app-based saving with access to several partner savings accounts
- Compare your rate against the top of the easy-access tables on MoneySavingExpert or Which? rather than accepting your bank's default rate
Fixed-Rate Savings Accounts
Lock your money away for higher rates. Only use money you genuinely won't need:
- 1-year fixes: compare against the best easy-access rate first; when rate cuts are expected, fixes can pay the same or less
- 2-year and longer fixes: lock in a rate for longer, but your money is tied up
- Best for: Known future expenses (wedding in 18 months, car in a year)
- Warning: Early withdrawal usually means losing all or most interest earned
- Check whether interest is paid monthly or at maturity (monthly is better for compounding)
Regular Saver Accounts
These offer the highest rates but require monthly deposits:
- Most require £25-£250 monthly deposits for 12 months
- Headline rates are usually higher than easy-access accounts, but interest is only earned on the monthly deposits as they build up
- Available from most major banks (often for existing current account holders)
- After 12 months, the money usually moves to a standard easy-access account
- Pair with a saving challenge to stay disciplined with monthly deposits
ISA vs Regular Savings Account
Thanks to the Personal Savings Allowance, basic rate taxpayers can earn £1,000 in interest tax-free, and higher rate taxpayers £500. If your savings interest is below these thresholds, ISAs offer no additional tax benefit. However, a Lifetime ISA is worth considering for the 25% bonus if you're saving for a first home or retirement, and a Stocks and Shares ISA becomes valuable once your savings grow.
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