Discover the best 3-year fixed-rate bonds

Compare the top 3-year fixed-rate bonds and get rates up to 4.45% AER. But if you might need a cheeky withdrawal, this probably isn’t for you.

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Is my money safe?

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) guarantees that it will step in to compensate the first £85,000 (£170,000 for a joint account) you have saved with a UK-authorised bank, building society or credit union in the event that the business goes bust.

Compare 3-year fixed-rate bonds

Table: sorted by interest rate, promoted deals first
Product
Rate
Invest
Deposit protection
Incentive
Link
Return
GB Bank logo
GB Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond
4.42% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,385.47
at maturity
GB Bank logo
GB Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Monthly
4.42% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,385.47
at maturity
Birmingham Bank logo
Birmingham Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 27
4.41% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,382.20
at maturity
JN Bank logo
JN Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Savings
4.39% AER fixed for 3 years
From £100
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,375.66
at maturity
Close Brothers Savings logo
Close Brothers Ltd Close Savings 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond
4.37% AER fixed for 3 years
From £10,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,369.13
at maturity
Raisin logo
Raisin UK Bank of Ceylon (UK) - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4.36% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,365.86
at maturity
Castle Community Bank logo
Castle Community Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4.35% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,362.59
at maturity
Raisin logo
Raisin UK RCI Bank - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4.35% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,362.59
at maturity
Raisin logo
Raisin UK Halcyon Money - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4.34% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,359.32
at maturity
Oxbury Bank logo
Oxbury Personal 3 Year Bond Account - Issue 16
4.33% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,356.06
at maturity
Cynergy Bank logo
Cynergy Bank UK 3 Year Bond
4.3% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,346.27
at maturity
Investec Bank plc logo
Investec Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Saver
4.3% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
N/A
Hodge Bank logo
Hodge Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Account/Bond Monthly
4.26% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,333.22
at maturity
Hodge Bank logo
Hodge Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Account/Bond
4.26% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,333.22
at maturity
Nottingham Building Society logo
Nottingham Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 37
4.25% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,329.96
at maturity
Zenith Bank (UK) Ltd logo
Zenith Bank (UK) Limited 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4.25% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
N/A
The Access Bank UK Limited logo
The Access Bank UK Limited Sensible Savings 3 Year Fixed Term Savings Bond
4.25% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,329.96
at maturity
FirstSave logo
FirstSave 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Monthly
4.25% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
N/A
Raisin logo
Raisin UK Zenith Bank (UK) - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4.25% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,329.96
at maturity
Nottingham Building Society logo
Nottingham Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 377
4.25% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,329.96
at maturity
FirstSave logo
FirstSave 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond
4.25% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,329.96
at maturity
Raisin logo
Raisin UK UBL UK - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4.21% AER fixed for 3 years
From £2,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,316.92
at maturity
UBL UK logo
UBL UK 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit Account Maturity
4.21% AER fixed for 3 years
From £2,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
N/A
UBL UK logo
UBL UK 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit Account
4.21% AER fixed for 3 years
From £2,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
N/A
UBL UK logo
UBL UK 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit Account Monthly
4.21% AER fixed for 3 years
From £2,000
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protected
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More info
N/A
Chetwood Bank logo
Chetwood Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate
4.21% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,316.92
at maturity
United Trust Bank logo
United Trust Bank Ltd 3 Year Personal Deposit Bond
4.2% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
N/A
Atom Bank logo
Atom Bank 3 Year Fixed Saver Monthly
4.2% AER fixed for 3 years
From £50
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,313.66
at maturity
Castle Trust Bank logo
Castle Trust Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate e-Saver
4.2% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,313.66
at maturity
Tandem Bank logo
Tandem 3 Year Fixed Saver
4.2% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
N/A
Atom Bank logo
Atom Bank 3 Year Fixed Saver
4.2% AER fixed for 3 years
From £50
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,313.66
at maturity
Ford Money logo
Ford Money Fixed Saver 3 Year Monthly
4.15% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,297.38
at maturity
Ford Money logo
Ford Money Fixed Saver 3 Year
4.15% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,297.38
at maturity
Charter Savings Bank logo
Charter Savings Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond
4.11% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,284.37
at maturity
Charter Savings Bank logo
Charter Savings Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Monthly
4.11% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,284.37
at maturity
Zopa logo
Zopa Bank Smart Saver 3 Year Fixed Term Pot
4.1% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,281.12
at maturity
Zopa logo
Zopa Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Savings
4.1% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,281.12
at maturity
Shawbrook Bank logo
Shawbrook Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 76 Monthly
4.09% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,277.87
at maturity
Shawbrook Bank logo
Shawbrook Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 76
4.09% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,277.87
at maturity
Raisin logo
Raisin UK National Bank of Egypt - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4.08% AER fixed for 3 years
From £10,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,274.62
at maturity
Vanquis Bank logo
Vanquis Bank Ltd 3 Year Savings Bond
4.08% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,274.62
at maturity
Vanquis Bank logo
Vanquis Bank Ltd 3 Year Savings Bond Monthly
4.08% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
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More info
£11,274.62
at maturity
Newbury Building Society logo
Newbury Building Society Fixed Rate Bond (1 June 2028)
4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,248.64
at maturity
Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd logo
Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd 3 Year Union Premier Bond
4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
ICICI Bank UK logo
ICICI Bank UK Plc 3 Year Fixed Deposit (Non-withdrawable) Monthly
4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd logo
Union Bank of India (UK) Ltd 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Leeds Building Society logo
Leeds Building Society 3 Year Monthly Income Bond (Issue 26)
4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £100
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Leeds Building Society logo
Leeds Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 641
4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £100
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,248.64
at maturity
ICICI Bank UK logo
ICICI Bank UK Plc 3 Year Fixed Deposit (Non-withdrawable)
4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
ICICI Bank UK logo
ICICI Bank UK Plc 3 Year Fixed Deposit (Non-withdrawable) Quarterly
4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Aldermore logo
Aldermore 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond
3.95% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,232.42
at maturity
Aldermore logo
Aldermore 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Monthly
3.95% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,232.42
at maturity
Prosper logo
Prosper GB Bank - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
3.94% AER fixed for 3 years
From £20,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
N/A
ICICI Bank UK logo
ICICI Bank UK Plc HiSave 3 Year Fixed Rate Account
3.9% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Principality Building Society logo
Principality Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 510
3.9% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,216.22
at maturity
Skipton Building Society logo
Skipton Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 282
3.9% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,216.22
at maturity
ICICI Bank UK logo
ICICI Bank UK Plc HiSave 3 Year Fixed Rate Account Monthly
3.9% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Cambridge Building Society logo
Cambridge Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond (Issue 3)
3.9% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,216.22
at maturity
Skipton Building Society logo
Skipton Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 282 Monthly
3.9% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Principality Building Society logo
Principality Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 510 Monthly
3.9% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
National Savings & Investments logo
National Savings & Investments 3 Year Guaranteed Income Bond Issue 76
3.88% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
HM Treasury protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
National Savings & Investments logo
National Savings & Investments 3 Year Guaranteed Growth Bond Issue 76
3.88% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
HM Treasury protected
Go to site
More info
£11,209.75
at maturity
State Bank of India logo
State Bank of India 3 Year Green Fixed Deposit
3.85% AER fixed for 3 years
From £10,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,200.04
at maturity
Suffolk Building Society logo
Suffolk Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond (31.08.2028) Monthly
3.85% AER fixed for 3 years
From £100
FSCS logo
protected
More info
N/A
State Bank of India logo
State Bank of India 3 Year Fixed Deposit (Monthly)
3.85% AER fixed for 3 years
From £50,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
State Bank of India logo
State Bank of India 3 Year Fixed Deposit
3.85% AER fixed for 3 years
From £10,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,200.04
at maturity
Suffolk Building Society logo
Suffolk Building Society Online 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond (31.08.2028)
3.85% AER fixed for 3 years
From £100
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,200.04
at maturity
Suffolk Building Society logo
Suffolk Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond (31.08.2028)
3.85% AER fixed for 3 years
From £100
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,200.04
at maturity
Yorkshire Building Society logo
Yorkshire Building Society 3.80% Fixed Rate e-Bond to 31/08/2028
3.8% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,183.87
at maturity
Nationwide Building Society logo
Nationwide Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Branch Bond
3.8% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,183.87
at maturity
Yorkshire Building Society logo
Yorkshire Building Society 3.80% Fixed Rate Bond to 31/08/2028
3.8% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,183.87
at maturity
Yorkshire Building Society logo
Yorkshire Building Society 3.80% Fixed Rate Bond to 31/08/2028 M
3.8% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Family Building Society logo
The Family Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond (45) Monthly
3.8% AER fixed for 3 years
£5,000 - £9,999
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Family Building Society logo
The Family Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond (45)
3.8% AER fixed for 3 years
£1,000 - £9,999
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,248.64
at maturity
Nationwide Building Society logo
Nationwide Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Online Bond
3.8% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,183.87
at maturity
Dudley Building Society logo
Dudley Building Society Three Year Fixed Rate Bond Issue 3
3.75% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,167.71
at maturity
The Co-operative Bank logo
The Co-operative Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit Monthly
3.75% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Monmouthshire Building Society logo
Monmouthshire Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond - Issue 9
3.75% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,167.71
at maturity
The Co-operative Bank logo
The Co-operative Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
3.71% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,154.80
at maturity
Ikano Bank logo
Ikano Bank Fixed 3 Year Saver Monthly
3.7% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,151.58
at maturity
Ikano Bank logo
Ikano Bank Fixed 3 Year Saver
3.7% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,151.58
at maturity
TSB logo
TSB 3 Year Fixed Bond
3.7% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,151.58
at maturity
Paragon Bank logo
Paragon 3 Year Fixed Rate Monthly
3.7% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,151.58
at maturity
TSB logo
TSB 3 Year Fixed Bond Monthly
3.7% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,151.58
at maturity
Raisin logo
Raisin UK Isbank UK - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
3.7% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,151.58
at maturity
Paragon Bank logo
Paragon 3 Year Fixed Rate
3.7% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,151.58
at maturity
Tesco Bank logo
Tesco Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Saver Monthly
3.6% AER fixed for 3 years
From £2,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Post Office Money® logo
Post Office Money 3 Year Online Bond Issue 133
3.6% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,119.35
at maturity
Castle Trust Bank logo
Castle Trust Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Saver Maturity
3.6% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,119.35
at maturity
Tesco Bank logo
Tesco Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Saver
3.6% AER fixed for 3 years
From £2,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Progressive Building Society logo
Progressive Building Society 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond (Issue 9)
3.6% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,119.35
at maturity
Post Office Money® logo
Post Office Money 3 Year Online Bond Issue 133 Monthly
3.6% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,119.35
at maturity
M&S Bank logo
M&S Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Savings Issue 57
3.55% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,103.25
at maturity
Post Office Money® logo
Post Office Money 3 Year Fixed Rate Growth Bond Issue 63
3.5% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,087.18
at maturity
ICICI Bank UK logo
ICICI Bank UK Plc 3 Year Fixed Deposit (Withdrawable)
3.5% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,087.18
at maturity
Punjab National Bank logo
Punjab National Bank (International) Ltd 3 Year Fixed Rate Deposit
3.5% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,087.18
at maturity
Buckinghamshire Building Society logo
Buckinghamshire Building Society Fixed Rate Bond Issue 218 maturing 31 August 2028
3.42% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,061.49
at maturity
Santander logo
Santander 3 Year Fixed Term Saver Monthly
3.4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Santander logo
Santander 3 Year Fixed Term Saver
3.4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,055.07
at maturity
Turkish Bank (UK) Ltd logo
Turkish Bank (UK) Ltd 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
3.4% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
£11,055.07
at maturity
Charity Bank logo
Charity Bank Ethical 3 Year Fixed Rate Account
3.36% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,042.25
at maturity
OakNorth logo
OakNorth Bank Personal 36 Month Fixed Term Deposit
3.25% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,007.03
at maturity
Danske Bank logo
Danske Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
3.24% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,003.83
at maturity
National Savings & Investments logo
National Savings & Investments 3 Year Green Savings Bond Issue 7
2.95% AER fixed for 3 years
From £100
HM Treasury protected
Go to site
More info
£10,911.36
at maturity
Conister Bank logo
Conister Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
2.78% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
N/A
Metro Bank logo
Metro Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Savings Account Monthly
2.75% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Metro Bank logo
Metro Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Savings Account
2.75% AER fixed for 3 years
From £500
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
Conister Bank logo
Conister Bank 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit Monthly
2.61% AER fixed for 3 years
From £5,000
FSCS logo
protected
More info
N/A
RCI Bank UK logo
RCI Bank UK – 3 Year Fixed Term Savings Account
4.35% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,362.59
at maturity
RCI Bank UK logo
RCI Bank UK – 3 Year Fixed Term Savings Account
4.35% AER fixed for 3 years
From £1,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,362.59
at maturity
QIB (UK) logo
QIB (UK) – Raisin UK - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
4% AER fixed for 3 years
£1,000 - £85,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,248.64
at maturity
Bank of Ceylon (UK) logo
Bank of Ceylon (UK) – Raisin UK - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
3.8% AER fixed for 3 years
£1,000 - £85,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
£11,183.87
at maturity
Isbank logo
Isbank – Raisin UK - 3 Year Fixed Term Deposit
3.7% AER fixed for 3 years
£1,000 - £85,000
FSCS logo
protected
Go to site
More info
N/A
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Please note: This calculator provides estimations based on assumptions such as that you do not make withdrawals. You should always refer to the account provider for exact figures as they may vary from our results. Interest may be taxable.

If you can lock your money away for 3 years, there are some good savings accounts to choose from paying competitive rates of interest. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re thinking about locking your money away in a 3 year fixed rate bond, including the pros and cons and how to choose the one that suits you best.

What are 3 year fixed rate bonds?

Fixed-rate bonds are a type of savings account that allow you to lock away your money for a set time – in this case 3 years. You won’t be able to add to these funds or withdraw from them during this period. In fact, many banks only release the funds before maturity if the account holder dies or goes bankrupt, and any early withdrawals would be highly likely to involve forfeiting interest or paying a fee.

In return for entrusting your lump sum to the bank for 3 years, you’ll usually get a higher rate of interest compared to an easy access account (which allows you to withdraw funds whenever you need them). Plus, the interest rate is guaranteed not to change for the duration of the bond.

Bonds with a 3-year term will generally pay a better rate than 2-year (or shorter) terms but a worse rate than 4-year (or longer) terms.

However, at the moment, you can actually get a better rate (6.25% vs 4.42%) on a 1-year term. If you suspect that interest rates are likely to start to come down, then you may still prefer to "lock in" for 3 years, even if it's at a lower rate.

Locking your money away for a longer period can also be risky if interest rates are likely to rise in the foreseeable future. If this happens, your money could end up being tied up in an account that is no longer competitive and you won’t be able to switch to a better paying account without being heavily penalised.

What are the available types of fixed-rate bonds?

When comparing 3 year fixed rate bonds you’ll come across a variety of different features and eligibility criteria. This can include:

  • Minimum deposit. The minimum amount you’ll need to open a 3 year fixed rate bond tends to vary between £1,000 and £5,000. Some providers may require a higher deposit, while a few may allow you to open an account with just £500.
  • Account management. OK, there’s not a lot of account management to do with a fixed-rate bond… but it can be nice to see your savings growing in an app, perhaps alongside your other accounts.
  • Interest payments. You may be given the option to have your interest paid monthly or on the anniversary of the bond. If you syphon off the interest, then it won’t get a chance to compound, and at the end of the bond your pot will likely be worth less due to inflation.
  • Existing customers only. Some banks only offer certain bonds to those who already have a current or savings account with them.
  • Top-up payments. Check whether your account allows you to add to your deposit within the first few weeks of opening your account, or whether you can only pay in one lump sum at the start.

How to find the best 3-year fixed-rate bonds

The only real factor you need to consider when choosing the best 3-year fixed-rate bond is the interest rate on offer.

You can find the best-paying 3-year fixed-rate bonds using any price comparison website, like this one!

There are other differences, including customer service and terms regarding the early withdrawal of your funds, but for most savers, these pale in comparison to the interest rate on offer.

How much money do you need to open a 3 year fixed rate bond?

You’ll typically need a minimum deposit of between £1,000 and £5,000 to open a 3-year fixed rate bond. However, some accounts will allow you to open them with as little as £500.

The maximum deposit is typically around £250,000, but some providers will allow you to save a few million (if you’re lucky enough to have it).

Be sure to check how long you have to pay in your deposit – this could be anywhere between 14 and 30 days after opening your account. Check whether you can top up your funds too.

Which are better: 3-year fixed-rate bonds or 3-year fixed-rate ISAs?

These 2 savings mechanisms are actually pretty similar, but with a couple of noteworthy differences.

Both restrict you from withdrawing your money early. However, bonds are a private contract where you agree to lend money to a third party for a set period, and as such, funds generally can’t be accessed before maturity except in the event of death, bankruptcy or at the bank’s discretion. Cash ISAs, meanwhile, are savings accounts with government-defined parameters, and the bank is legally obliged to grant you access to your funds at your request… but is allowed to charge a penalty if you do so.

With ISAs, you have an annual limit (it’s £20,000 in the 2025/2026 tax year). With fixed-rate bonds, there may be a maximum savings amount applied by the savings provider, but it’s typically much higher.

You also won’t pay tax on savings interest earned within an ISA. This is less of a big deal since the introduction of the personal savings allowance, under which basic-rate taxpayers can earn £1,000 of tax-free savings interest per year, and higher rate tax-payers can earn £500. However, now that interest rates have risen, many savers are closer to exceeding their personal savings allowance, so cash ISAs still have a place.

Interest rates tend to be higher on 3-year fixed-rate bonds than on 3-year fixed-rate ISAs, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule, so it’s worth checking!

Is your money safe in a 3 year fixed rate bond?

If you deposit money with a financial institution that has a UK banking licence, the first £85,000 will be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) should your bank go bust. Joint accounts will be covered up to £170,000.

Limits apply per institution which means if you have accounts with two banks under the same banking group, such as NatWest and RBS, the total cover will only be £85,000 across both accounts.

What happens at the end of the 3 years?

At the end of the 3-year period, your account will “mature” and your provider should pay you the interest you’re owed. You’ll then typically be able to have the money transferred to your current account. Or you can renew your account with the same provider – usually by choosing a different deal at a different rate of interest.

Are 3-year fixed rate bonds a good investment?

Yes, with a couple of caveats! Fixed-rate bonds are a type of cash savings account so stick to FSCS-covered banks and building societies so there’s no risk to your capital. However, if you choose a longer term bond, which will generally have a higher rate of interest, you run the risk of interest rates going up while your money is locked away at that fixed rate. This means your money could be tied into an account that’s no longer competitive. Conversely, of course, if interest rates come down, yours won’t and you’ll be sitting pretty.

It’s a good idea to keep at least some rainy-day savings in an easy-access account, rather than locking everything away.

For longer-term saving and investing, it’s not a bad idea to consider investing some of your pot in stocks and shares. This comes with a risk that you’ll lose money, but also a chance to beat inflation.

Which are the best 3-year fixed-rate bonds at the moment?

Our best fixed-rate bonds are the highest interest rates available. To get the latest rates, we use Moneyfacts data, which covers nearly the full market of savings products and is checked and updated daily. We don’t include accounts from private banks.

All the fixed-rate bonds in our list have savings protection – for most, this is the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Other schemes include that of NS&I, which is 100% backed by HM Treasury, and the Gibraltar Deposit Guarantee Scheme.

  • Cynergy Bank – Fixed Rate Bond - 4.45%
  • GB Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond - 4.42%
  • GB Bank – 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond - 4.42%
  • GB Bank 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond Monthly - 4.42%
  • Birmingham Bank – 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond - Issue 27 - 4.41%

Interest on savings accounts has greatly improved over the last few years, thanks to the Bank of England pushing up the base rate in an attempt to control inflation. This means 3-year accounts are now paying a lot more than they used to, and there are some great accounts to choose from. However, if you take out a 3-year account it’s worth remembering that you can’t access the money for the term of the account. So if rates rise again, you’ll be stuck with the rate you fixed at.”

Rebecca Goodman, financial journalist

An overview of our 3-year fixed-rate bond comparison

Rates up to 4.45% AER
Number of accounts 240
Minimum investment £1
Maximum investment £5,000,000
Opening options Branch, website, mobile app, post, telephone

Pros and cons of fixed-rate bonds

Pros

  • You’ll generally bag a better rate than you would on instant-access products.
  • The rate’s fixed, so you’ll know in advance exactly what you’ll get back at the end of the term.
  • You can deposit more money compared to an ISA.
  • Apply for a bond that’s covered by the FSCS, and your money’s protected if the bank goes bust.

Cons

  • You may have to pay tax on the interest you earn.
  • Your money’s effectively locked away, which you may regret if your circumstances change dramatically.
  • Although the interest might be better than instant-access products, it might still be below inflation.

Bottom line

If you can afford to lock away a lump sum for 3 years, and you have funds in another account you can access in an emergency, a fixed rate bond can be a good place to put your money. Interest rates are often more competitive than other savings options and you’ll have the security that if interest rates drop, your savings rate won’t.

A 3-year fixed rate bond can be a good vehicle for part of your savings/investments pot.

Frequently asked questions

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Defaqto. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Rebecca Goodman, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
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Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

Matthew's expertise
Matthew has written 261 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage
  • Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features
  • Publishing easy-to-understand guides

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