Best UK Savings Accounts 2026
Leaving cash in a high-street current account is costing you money. The best easy-access accounts pay 4–5% AER — that's £400–£500 a year on a £10,000 balance versus the 1% most big banks offer.
What you get
- Compare hundreds of FSCS-protected accounts in one place
- Easy-access, fixed-rate, notice and regular saver options
- Filter by minimum deposit and access type
- See effective rates net of intro bonuses
- Switch in minutes — no paperwork
How to choose
Easy-access vs fixed
Easy-access keeps your money available but rates can drop with notice. Fixed locks it away for 1–5 years at a guaranteed rate — usually 0.2–0.5% higher. Split between both if you're unsure.
Use your ISA allowance first
Interest above £1,000 (£500 for higher-rate, £0 for additional-rate) is taxed. A Cash ISA shelters £20,000/year tax-free for life — often worth a slightly lower rate.
Beware intro bonuses
A 5.2% rate with a 12-month bonus that drops to 2% is worse than a steady 4.8%. Look at the underlying rate and set a calendar reminder to switch.
FSCS protection
Up to £85,000 per person per banking licence is protected. Multiple brands can share a licence — spread bigger balances across separate licences.
What to compare
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Account type | Easy-access, fixed, notice, regular saver, Cash ISA |
| AER | The annualised rate after compounding — the only fair comparison |
| Minimum deposit | £1 to £1,000+ — affects which accounts you qualify for |
| Interest paid | Monthly compounds faster than annually |
| Intro bonus | Note when it expires |
| FSCS licence | Check you're not doubling up on a brand you already use |
FAQs
- Are my savings safe?
- Yes — every UK-regulated bank protects up to £85,000 per person per banking licence under the FSCS. Joint accounts double this to £170,000.
- Do I pay tax on savings interest?
- Basic-rate taxpayers get £1,000 tax-free, higher-rate £500, additional-rate £0. Anything above is taxed at your marginal rate. Cash ISAs avoid this entirely.
- Should I use a Cash ISA or regular savings account?
- If you've used your Personal Savings Allowance, the ISA is almost always better. If not, pick whichever pays the highest rate.