High-yield savings accounts in the UK: account types and where to look

Easy access accounts let you withdraw money whenever you need it, which makes them ideal for emergency funds and short-term savings. The best easy access rates tend to come from app-based banks and smaller providers rather than the big high street names. Rates change often, so compare today's deals on a comparison site before choosing.

Fixed-rate bonds lock your money away for 1–5 years in exchange for a higher interest rate. Fixed rates move with expectations for Bank Rate, so check current best buys before you commit. These suit money you don't need for the fixed term. Use them for longer-term goals where you're certain you won't need early access.

Notice accounts require you to give notice before withdrawing, typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 days. They usually pay more than easy access accounts but less than fixed rates, and offer a middle ground for money you probably won't need immediately but can't fully lock away. Good for house deposit savings or general medium-term goals.

Premium Bonds from NS&I don't pay interest, instead, your bond holdings are entered into a monthly prize draw. The prize fund rate is 4.35% at the time of writing (October 2026), with odds of 21,000 to 1 for each £1 bond, but this is an average: you could win more or less, or nothing at all in a given month. They're 100% backed by HM Treasury (rather than the FSCS), completely accessible, and the prizes are tax-free. Suitable for the lottery-minded saver.

Do not settle for your bank's default rate. The gap between a low-paying high street account and a competitive one can be large: on £20,000, every 1 percentage point of interest is worth about £200 a year. Check comparison sites such as MoneySavingExpert, Which? and Moneyfacts, and set a calendar reminder to review your rates every few months. The savings rates calculator shows what a better rate is worth in pounds.