Compare easy access savings accounts up to 4.01% AER (09/2025)

Easy access savings accounts (also known as instant access savings accounts or easy access savers) are one of the most flexible types of savings accounts available to UK savers, giving you the freedom to top up and withdraw money at your convenience.

All easy access accounts at Raisin UK are deposit protected and free to open online. The following are just some of the benefits offered by easy access accounts:

• Top up and withdraw money at your convenience

• Keep your account open for as long as you want

• Competitive variable rates of interest

• The FSCS or European DGS protects all savings accounts in our marketplace

Last updated: 03.10.2025

If you want to save while retaining the ability to access your cash when you need it, you can still get good returns on your savings with an easy access savings account.

High street banks typically offer easy access savings accounts at lower interest rates than other providers, so it’s worth seeing what alternative banks and building societies have to offer. Our top easy access savings account pays 4.01% AER variable.

Register for a free Raisin UK Account today to get started, and watch your savings grow!

Easy access savings accounts allow you to deposit your money and earn interest with minimal restrictions, so you can top up or withdraw your savings pot at your convenience. Typically, easy access savings rates are variable, which means that the interest rate may increase or decrease while your account is open. If the rate drops, you can always shop around by regularly checking the table above and comparing with other providers to find the best easy access rate for you.

You may find there are some restrictions on easy access savings accounts, as well as notice periods and penalties, so it's worth doing an easy access savings account comparison before you open a new account.

Typical restrictions may include limits on how often you can withdraw money, e.g. twice per calendar year, or rules stating that funds can only be transferred to a nominated account. For example, if you open an easy access savings account with a bank, you might be asked to nominate your current account to receive any withdrawals and simplify the process.

Most easy access savings accounts offer variable interest rates, meaning that the interest rate you receive could increase or decrease.

There are several reasons why the interest rate on your easy access savings account may change, but it typically fluctuates in line with the Bank of England’s base rate. This means that a lot of economic factors come into play when determining interest rates. A provider may also alter their rate when a competitor bank or building society changes theirs.

Because of this, it’s worth comparing interest rates on easy access accounts to find one with the highest interest rate right now.

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a licensed financial adviser or professional before making any financial decisions. Your financial situation is unique, and the information provided may not be suitable for your specific circumstances. We are not liable for any financial decisions or actions you take based on this information.

• Flexible or instant access. Withdraw funds at any time, often without notice. 

• Low or no minimum deposit. With some easy access accounts, you can start saving with a small initial deposit.

• Regular deposits. You can ‘top up’ your savings with regular deposits, allowing you to build your savings over time. 

• No fixed term. Your savings aren’t locked away, so you can add or withdraw money as you want.

• Variable interest rates. Rates can go up or down while your account is open, based on the provider and other factors.

• Online or mobile access. Most easy access accounts can be managed from a digital device.

• Withdrawal rules vary. Some accounts allow unlimited withdrawals, while others (for example, triple access accounts) limit you to a few per year. When you do want to access your cash, there may be a minimum amount you have to take out.

Everyone has different priorities when choosing where to put their savings. Consider the following pros and cons when deciding on the best easy access savings account for your needs:

The main benefit of easy access savings accounts is their flexible access, but they may not always offer the most competitive interest rates. For some savers, a short-term fixed rate bond may provide a greater return if they’re willing to invest funds for a fixed term without making a withdrawal. Alternatively, a notice account offers a middle ground. Rates are often slightly higher than easy access savings accounts, but you’ll need to give advanced notice (typically 30 or 60 days) before you can access any money in the account.

An easy access savings account might be right for you if you want to access your savings at your convenience, such as in case of an emergency or if you’re not saving for anything specific. You can learn more about starting an emergency fund here.

Easy access accounts may also be a good idea for first-time savers and those who want to get into the habit of saving without making a big commitment, because you don’t always need a huge lump sum to kickstart your savings (depending on the bank you choose) and can access funds when you need them.

It’s usually beneficial to compare easy access savings accounts to find one that suits you and your savings goals. You can quickly compare a range of easy access savings accounts by visiting the table at the top of this page.

To find the best easy access account interest rates, you’ll need to compare accounts from a range of different providers. There are lots of comparison tools online, or you can visit the table at the top of this page to compare high-interest easy access accounts on the Raisin UK marketplace.

You may find that the best easy access interest rates are offered on accounts that impose certain restrictions. Although most easy access accounts allow you to top up and take out money at your convenience, some banks may restrict the number of withdrawals you can make in return for a competitive interest rate.

When you’re searching for the best easy access interest rates, it’s also worth considering the effect of compounding. Arguably, the best easy access and instant access savings accounts are those that compound interest on a regular basis, as they can help you to grow your savings faster.

Don’t forget that both easy access savings accounts and instant access savings accounts pay a variable interest rate, which means it could fluctuate. It’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully as some introductory offers, for example, a high interest rate, may expire after a set period. Some banks may also move you onto a lower interest rate if your balance drops below a certain level.

Many easy access and instant access savings accounts pay interest on a monthly basis, but interest can also be credited to your account every quarter or year. Every account and provider is different, so it’s worth checking this before you open your account.

When you’re comparing high-interest instant access accounts, it’s also important to check how often interest is compounded and to note that there’s a difference between the AER and the gross interest rate.

The AER, or annual equivalent rate, is the interest rate most commonly used to make comparisons between savings accounts because it allows you to see how much interest you’ll earn over a full year. Unlike the gross interest rate, it takes into account other factors such as bonuses, compounding and bank charges.

Some easy access accounts might give you the option to have the interest added to your savings or paid directly into a nominated account.

If you're ready to begin your savings plan, you can quickly and easily open savings accounts with deposit protection by registering for a Raisin UK Account and logging in to apply. It’s free to open a Raisin UK Account and apply for savings accounts from our partner banks and building societies, and once you’ve been approved, all you need to do is make a deposit and watch your savings grow.

If you have any questions, get in touch with us by phone, email, or post. Find the contact details here.

To find the best easy access account interest rates, you could compare accounts from a range of different providers. There are lots of comparison tools online, or you can visit the table at the top of this page to compare high-interest easy access accounts on the Raisin UK marketplace.

You may find that the best easy access interest rates are offered on accounts that impose certain restrictions. Although most easy access accounts allow you to top up and take out money at your convenience, some banks may restrict the number of withdrawals you can make in return for a competitive interest rate.

When you’re searching for the best easy access interest rates, it’s also worth considering the effect of compounding. Accounts that compound interest on a regular basis can help you to grow your savings faster.

Don’t forget that both easy access savings accounts and instant access savings accounts pay a variable interest rate, which means it could fluctuate. It’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully as some accounts come with introductory offers, like a higher interest rate that may expire after a set period. Some banks may also move you onto a lower interest rate if your balance drops below a certain level.