Best Easy Access Savings Accounts UK 2026
Last updated: April 2026 | Reading time: 8 minutes
If you want your money to work harder without locking it away, an easy access savings account is the smart first step. You keep full control — withdraw whenever you need — while still earning a competitive interest rate.
The problem is there are dozens of options and the rates change constantly. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Our top picks at a glance
| Provider | AER | Min deposit | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | 4.1% | £1 | Instant |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 4.3% | £1 | Next day |
| Chip | 4.84% | £1 | Instant |
| Plum | 4.92% | £1 | Instant |
| Monzo | 4.1% | £1 | Instant |
Rates correct as of April 2026. Always check the provider’s website for the latest rate.
1. Plum — Best overall rate
AER: up to 4.92% | Minimum: £1 | Access: Instant
Plum consistently offers one of the highest easy access rates in the UK. It’s an app-based savings account that also gives you smart budgeting tools alongside your savings pot. You can set automatic saving rules, meaning money moves itself across without you thinking about it.
The interest rate is variable, so it can go up or down — but Plum has maintained a strong rate for well over a year. The app is polished and easy to use on mobile, which makes it ideal if you’re just starting to build a savings habit.
Best for: Young savers who want the highest rate plus budgeting tools in one app.
2. Chip — Strong rate with smart features
AER: up to 4.84% | Minimum: £1 | Access: Instant
Chip is one of the most popular savings apps in the UK for good reason. Their AI-powered auto-save feature analyses your spending and quietly moves small amounts into savings without you noticing — then when you check your balance, you’ve saved far more than you expected.
Their easy access savings account earns a consistently competitive rate. Interest is paid monthly so you benefit from compounding even on a short-term basis.
Best for: People who struggle to save consistently — the automation does the hard work.
3. Marcus by Goldman Sachs — Trusted name, great rate
AER: 4.3% | Minimum: £1 | Access: Next working day
Marcus is Goldman Sachs’s consumer savings brand, and it’s become one of the most trusted names in UK savings. The rate is strong, there are no fees, and the account is straightforward — no gimmicks, just a solid interest rate on your money.
The one thing to note is that withdrawals take until the next working day to reach your bank account. That’s still fast, but if you need truly instant access, Chip or Plum edge ahead.
Best for: Anyone who wants a reliable, no-fuss savings account from a well-known institution.
4. Chase — Great for existing Chase current account holders
AER: 4.1% | Minimum: £1 | Access: Instant
Chase’s easy access saver links directly to its current account, which already offers 1% cashback on spending. If you’re already a Chase current account customer — or thinking of switching — combining the two is a smart move. Money transfers instantly between accounts, so you can dip in and out of savings seamlessly.
Best for: Chase current account holders, or anyone who wants a single app for spending and saving.
5. Monzo — Simple and familiar
AER: 4.1% | Minimum: £1 | Access: Instant
Monzo’s savings pots are built right into the main Monzo app, making them feel completely natural if you already bank with them. You can set up multiple savings pots for different goals — holiday, emergency fund, new laptop — and round-up spending automatically into savings.
Best for: Existing Monzo users who want savings built into their main banking app.
How to choose the right easy access savings account
Rate matters — but it’s not everything. A 0.5% difference on £1,000 is just £5 per year. At £10,000, it becomes £50. Focus on getting a rate that’s genuinely competitive rather than obsessing over the absolute highest.
Check if the rate is introductory. Some accounts offer a boosted rate for the first 12 months, then drop significantly. Always check the terms.
FSCS protection is non-negotiable. All the accounts on this list are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £85,000 per person. Your money is safe even if the provider goes under.
Think about access honestly. Do you genuinely need same-day access, or would next-day be fine? The slight inconvenience of waiting 24 hours sometimes comes with a meaningfully higher rate.
Use our savings calculator
Want to see exactly how much you could earn? Use our savings account calculator to compare what different rates mean for your specific balance over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is my money safe in these accounts?
Yes. All accounts listed are FSCS-protected up to £85,000. This means if the bank failed, the government would refund your savings up to that limit within 7 days.
Can I have more than one easy access savings account?
Absolutely. Many people keep money in 2–3 accounts to take advantage of the best rates across different providers. Your FSCS protection applies per banking licence, not per account.
Are the interest rates guaranteed?
No — easy access rates are variable, which means the provider can change them at any time. They’re required to give you notice of significant changes. Fixed-rate accounts lock in your rate, but then you can’t access your money until the term ends.
How often is interest paid?
Most of the accounts above pay interest monthly, which means you benefit from compound interest — earning interest on your interest.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Rates are subject to change. Always check the provider’s website for current terms before opening an account.
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