Marcus vs Chase vs Chip vs Plum: Which Savings App Wins in 2026?
Last updated: April 2026 | Reading time: 7 minutes
These four are consistently the most popular savings options in the UK right now — and for good reason. But they’re not identical. Here’s a direct comparison so you can see which one actually suits your situation.
At a glance
| Marcus | Chase | Chip | Plum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AER | 4.3% | 4.1% | 4.84% | 4.92% |
| Minimum deposit | £1 | £1 | £1 | £1 |
| Access | Next day | Instant | Instant | Instant |
| Auto-save | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Budgeting tools | No | Basic | Yes | Yes |
| FSCS protected | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Current account | No | Yes | No | No |
| Cashback | No | Yes (1%) | No | No |
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Marcus is the simplest option on this list. It’s a pure savings account from Goldman Sachs — one of the world’s biggest banks — with no gimmicks, no app complexity, and a consistently strong rate. You won’t get auto-save or budgeting tools. What you get is a trustworthy institution, strong FSCS protection, and a rate that’s been competitive for years.
The catch: withdrawals take until the next working day. If you need same-day access, Marcus isn’t it.
Best for: People who want simplicity and trust a household name. Perfect as a “set and forget” savings account.
Chase
Chase is the only option here that offers a full current account alongside savings — and that makes it fundamentally different from the others. The savings account pays 4.1% AER, which isn’t the highest. But Chase’s current account pays 1% cashback on everyday spending (capped at £15/month).
If you spend £800/month on your Chase card, that’s £96/year in cashback — on top of whatever interest you earn. The combined value often beats the raw interest rate advantage of Plum or Chip.
Best for: Anyone looking to switch their main bank account. The cashback plus savings combination is genuinely compelling.
Chip
Chip’s headline feature is its AI-powered auto-save. Connect your bank account and Chip analyses your income and spending, then automatically moves small amounts into savings — typically every few days. Over the course of a month, most users save significantly more than they planned to.
The interest rate is excellent at 4.84% AER, and interest is paid monthly so you compound your returns even on shorter timeframes.
Best for: People who find it hard to save consistently. The automation removes the decision entirely.
Plum
Plum combines the highest easy access rate (4.92% AER) with the most comprehensive budgeting toolkit. You can set saving rules, create multiple savings pockets for different goals, track spending by category, and get weekly insights into where your money goes.
The free version covers everything most people need. There’s a paid tier (around £2.99/month) with additional features, but the free account is sufficient for most savers.
Best for: People who want the highest rate AND want to feel in control of their full financial picture. The best all-rounder on this list.
Which one should you choose?
- If you want the highest rate: Plum (4.92% AER)
- If you want auto-save + strong rate: Chip or Plum
- If you want to switch your main bank: Chase (cashback + savings in one)
- If you want simplicity from a trusted name: Marcus
- If you want to start with near-zero effort: Chip (auto-save does everything)
Can you use more than one?
Yes — and many people do. A common setup is Chase as your main current account (for the cashback), Plum or Chip for the bulk of your savings (for the higher rate), and Marcus as a straightforward backup pot. Your FSCS protection applies per banking licence, so keeping money across multiple providers actually increases your protection if you have large balances.
Use our calculator
Want to see what each rate actually means in pounds? Use our savings calculator — enter your balance and compare what 4.1%, 4.3%, 4.84%, and 4.92% actually earn you over 1, 2, or 5 years. The difference is more meaningful than it looks.
This article is for informational purposes only. Rates are variable and subject to change. Always check provider websites for current terms before opening an account. Savings Account Calculator may receive a commission if you open an account through links on this page.