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Why should I compare savings accounts?
Chances are that if you’re on this page you know this already, but choosing the right savings account can make a significant difference for your finances. Using a top-paying savings account could leave you much better off than if you left your money in a lacklustre account.
There can be a big difference between top paying accounts and those at the bottom of the league table. The more you build up your savings, the more difference it’ll make. Say you have £2,500 set aside. With 1.5% annual interest, it’ll earn you £37.50 after a year. With 4% interest though, you’ll get £100. The difference between a pub lunch for two at the local Spoons and a nice dinner in a fancy restaurant. Just saying.
The other important thing to keep in mind is that there are different types of savings accounts with different features that fit different saving profiles. Someone who has built up a large pot of savings might be able to afford tying up some of their cash for a year or two, whereas someone with a smaller pot of savings might be better off with an account that gives them immediate access to their money if they need it.
But you don’t have to choose between one or the other because you could split your savings into multiple accounts, each with its own purpose.
So you should compare accounts, rates and features to find the best savings account for you.
What's the difference between instant access and easy access?
For an account to be easy access rather than instant access, it means there may be a short wait when you want to take money out and there can be limits on the number of withdrawals you can make.
In our easy and instant access tables, we show products that are variable rate or cash ISAs, that allow instant withdrawals or withdrawals within 24 hours, and that have no penalties attached to withdrawals. However, for some products, there may be a limit to the number of withdrawals you can make in a specified amount.
How do I compare savings accounts?
Savings accounts aren’t the most complicated products in the personal finance world, so the list of their most relevant features is fairly short:
- Access. This is probably the first decision you need to make. Are you okay with your savings being locked away for a certain period of time? What if there’s an emergency? There are instant access savings accounts where you can withdraw the money with no notice needed to be given to your bank or building society. In contrast there are fixed-rate savings accounts where you can earn a higher interest rate but need to keep the money in the account for a fixed period of time.
- Interest rate. This is one of the most important factors to consider. Just be aware that, depending on how much you can deposit into the account and when, higher interest rates don’t always come with higher overall returns. You can browse savings accounts sorted by interest rate here.
- Minimum and maximum deposit. Some top-paying savings accounts either have a high minimum deposit (so most small savers can’t get them) or a fairly low maximum deposit (great for small savers but you’ll still need a different solution for the rest of your savings if you have more).
- Time limit/introductory rate. Many savings accounts (particularly fixed rate bonds and regular savings accounts) expire after a certain period of time. Make sure you’re aware of what happens to your savings next. Also, if you find a really great rate somewhere, chances are it will only last for one year or so. More on this below.
- Overall earnings. Okay, this isn’t exactly a feature, but it’s an easy way to compare deals when things get complicated. Think of how much money you want to put into your new account, figure out how much it’ll earn you and compare different deals to find out which the most lucrative is.
What is the FSCS?
Short for Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the FSCS protects customers when financial services fail. Look out for its logo on the financial products you’re comparing. If your money is in a bank – an institution that holds a banking licence – then up to £120,000 is protected by the scheme if the bank goes bust. However, if you had more than £120,000 across two banks in the same group – such as HSBC and First Direct – then only £120,000 is protected. Find out more about banking brands that share the same FSCS protection.
Since 2001, the FSCS has helped millions of UK customers, paying out billions of pounds. If a firm has stopped trading or does not have enough assets to pay up, the FSCS will step in.
Bottom line
If you’re just starting to save or you are looking to build up a cash cushion to fall back on in an emergency, an easy access savings account can be a great place to start. Just remember to seek out the best interest rate and make a note of when any bonus rate expires so that you’re ready to switch to a more competitive account when the time comes.
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