Compare UK Savings Accounts
Every Account Type, Side by Side, on DepositScout
Live rates from banks and building societies across easy access, fixed rate, notice and regular saver accounts — updated daily and all FSCS protected.
Live Rates
Today's Best Rates by Account Type
The top three providers in each category, checked 2 August 2026. Pick an account type to compare the full market.
Rates shown are AER and can change at any time. Full terms, eligibility and every provider we track are on each comparison page.
At a Glance
Which Savings Account Type Suits You?
The right account depends on when you'll need the money — here's how the four main types compare.
| Access to your money | Anytime — usually unlimited withdrawals | Locked away until the term ends | After 30–180 days' notice | Often restricted until the year is up |
| Interest rate | Variable — can change at any time | Guaranteed for the full term | Variable, usually above easy access | High headline rate, often fixed for 12 months |
| Best for | Emergency funds and short-term savings | Lump sums you won't need for a while | Planned spending you can see coming | Building a saving habit from monthly income |
| Key watch-out | Rates often drop once introductory bonuses end | Early withdrawals usually aren't allowed at all | The notice period applies even in an emergency | Monthly caps mean the headline rate applies to a small balance |
- Access to your money
- Anytime — usually unlimited withdrawals
- Interest rate
- Variable — can change at any time
- Best for
- Emergency funds and short-term savings
- Key watch-out
- Rates often drop once introductory bonuses end
- Access to your money
- Locked away until the term ends
- Interest rate
- Guaranteed for the full term
- Best for
- Lump sums you won't need for a while
- Key watch-out
- Early withdrawals usually aren't allowed at all
- Access to your money
- After 30–180 days' notice
- Interest rate
- Variable, usually above easy access
- Best for
- Planned spending you can see coming
- Key watch-out
- The notice period applies even in an emergency
- Access to your money
- Often restricted until the year is up
- Interest rate
- High headline rate, often fixed for 12 months
- Best for
- Building a saving habit from monthly income
- Key watch-out
- Monthly caps mean the headline rate applies to a small balance
Getting Started
How to Choose a Savings Account
Decide when you'll need the money
This single question picks your account type. Money you might need tomorrow belongs in easy access; money you can commit for six months or more earns noticeably more in a fixed rate bond or notice account.
Compare the whole market, not just your bank
The big high-street names rarely top the tables. Smaller banks and building societies compete hardest for deposits, and every UK-authorised provider carries the same FSCS protection.
Read the rate, not just the headline
Check whether a rate includes a temporary bonus, how often interest is paid, and any limits on deposits or withdrawals. A slightly lower rate with no strings often beats a headline with conditions.
Set an alert and be ready to switch
Savings rates move constantly. Loyalty is expensive — the best answer this month may not be the best next month, so let the rates come to you instead of checking manually.
Is my money safe?
Deposits with UK-authorised banks and building societies are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person, per firm. Hold more than that? Spread it across providers that don't share a banking licence.
See every provider we trackWill I pay tax on interest?
Basic-rate taxpayers earn £1,000 of interest tax-free each year; higher-rate taxpayers get £500. Above that, interest is taxed — which is where a Cash ISA earns its keep.
Common Questions
Savings Accounts, Answered
Keep Exploring
More Ways to Grow Your Money
Prefer tax-free saving?
Cash ISA
Tax-free interest on up to £20,000 a year.
Junior ISA
Tax-free savings for children under 18.
Lifetime ISA
25% government bonus towards a first home or retirement.
Stocks & Shares ISA
Invest tax-free — compare platforms and fees.
New to ISAs? Start with our ISA hub — every type explained in plain English.
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