NE
Northwind Easy-Access
Easy-access account- 4.65% AER variable.
- No notice period required.
- Full FSCS protection.
- Min balance £1.
- Rate variable.
Rate correct as of 3 August 2026. Variable. FSCS protected up to £85,000.
Best Savings Accounts UK 2026 — Top Rates Compared
Easy-access, fixed-rate and Cash ISA savings compared by AER. All FSCS protected. See this month’s strongest UK savings rates without the marketing spin.
How to choose a UK savings account
The best savings account depends on three practical questions: How soon might you need the money? Have you used your annual ISA allowance? How much interest are you earning relative to your Personal Savings Allowance?
What we look at on every account
- AER (already includes compounding)
- Minimum and maximum balance limits
- Restrictions on withdrawals or notice periods
- Whether the rate is fixed or variable
- FSCS protection up to £85,000
FB
FixedBond 12-Month
Fixed-rate bond- 4.95% AER fixed for 12 months.
- Interest paid on maturity.
- Full FSCS protection.
- Min deposit £500.
- No early access allowed.
Rate fixed for term. Early access may not be available. FSCS protected.
CI
Cash ISA Max
Cash ISA- 4.40% AER tax-free interest.
- Easy-access withdrawals.
- Use your £20,000 annual allowance.
- Tax-free interest.
- FSCS protected.
ISA rules apply. Rate variable. FSCS protected up to £85,000.
AF
Apex 2-Year Fixed Bond
Fixed-rate bond- 5.10% AER fixed for 2 years.
- Guaranteed return on your savings.
- Full FSCS protection.
- Minimum deposit £1,000.
- No early withdrawals.
Rate is fixed for the duration. Early access is not permitted. FSCS protected.
HR
Horizon Regular Saver
Regular saver- Earn 6.00% AER variable interest.
- Build your savings habit monthly.
- Easy management via mobile app.
- Deposit £25–£250 per month.
- 12-month term.
Subject to eligibility. Must hold a Horizon current account. FSCS protected.
VI
Vanguard Cash ISA Easy-Access
Cash ISA- 4.55% AER tax-free variable.
- Unlimited fee-free withdrawals.
- Transfer existing ISAs in.
- Min balance £1.
- Annual ISA allowance applies.
ISA rules and tax limits apply. Rates variable. FSCS protected.
A simple UK savings approach that works
Keep three to six months of essential living costs in an easy-access account. If your interest is near your Personal Savings Allowance, fill the £20,000 annual ISA allowance. Anything you can lock away for 12 or 24 months goes into fixed-rate bonds.
FAQ
AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate. It shows the interest you would earn over a year including compounding, making it the fairest way to compare savings accounts.
Yes. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects up to £85,000 per person per banking licence. Joint accounts get £170,000 under the same licence.
If your interest is approaching your Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000 basic rate / £500 higher rate), a Cash ISA often works out better even if the headline rate is slightly lower, because the interest is tax-free.