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 savings accounts
Seeking out the best savings account is important no matter what your age. But if you’re over 60, you might be thinking about your retirement, which means it’s even more important to ensure you’re building a decent savings pot for your future.
This guide explores the different savings options available for those over 60.
What type of savings account should I get?
This will depend on your savings goals and whether you’re looking for a stable interest rate.
If you want an account that gives you the flexibility to access your money when required, an easy-access savings account could be the way to go. This type of account lets you pay in money when you want to as well as withdraw it. The downside is that interest rates aren’t always competitive, but they are variable which could work to your advantage when the base rate is on the up.
Alternatively, you could choose a notice account. This still gives you access to your savings, but you will need to give notice if you need to withdraw your cash. Typically, you will need to give anywhere between 30 and 180 days’ notice depending on the account. Interest rates are usually higher than they are for easy-access accounts.
If you have a lump sum to invest and you’re happy to lock it away for a period of between 6 months and 5 years, a fixed-rate bond might be more suitable. Because you’re required to leave your money tied up for a set term, interest rates are more competitive. Just be aware that interest rates are fixed, so if external interest rates rise, you won’t see any benefit. Also note that once you’ve paid in your lump sum, you can’t usually add further money.
For those preferring to put a sum of money away each month, a regular savings account could be worth considering. Here, you save a set amount each month for a year, and after that, you’ll be able to access your cash.
Finally, another option is a tax-efficient cash ISA. You can choose between easy-access cash ISAs and fixed-rate cash ISAs, depending on what suits your financial plans. You can also invest money into a stocks and shares ISA if you prefer – however, this will only be suitable if you’re planning to invest for at least 5 years, preferably more, and it’s sensible to seek financial advice first. Although stocks and shares ISAs have the potential to offer higher returns, they are also riskier and you could end up getting back less than you originally invested.
For the 2024/2025 tax year, you can invest up to £20,000 into an ISA – this can be invested in either a cash ISA or a stocks and shares ISA, or split between them.
Are over 60s savings accounts worth it?
That depends. Over 60s savings accounts could be a good option if they pay a high rate of interest and offer the right kind of flexibility. However, it’s crucial to look at exactly what an over 60s account offers compared to a standard savings account that can be opened no matter what your age.
Don’t assume that if an account specifically states it’s for the over 60s that it’s the best option for you. Make sure that it is a truly competitive deal compared to the wider market before signing up to anything.
How to choose the best savings account
To find the best savings account, compare the whole market carefully. Consider which account offers the best interest rate and which is most suited to your needs. The following points can help you with your decision:
- Access. How much access do you need to your savings? Are you happy to lock your money away for a while or would you prefer to be able to withdraw cash if you need it? If you’re not sure, a notice account could be a good compromise.
- Account management. Are you happy managing your account online or via an app, or would you prefer to visit a branch if required?
- Interest rate. Always check how the interest rate you’re being offered compares to other accounts on the market to make sure it’s a good deal. Keep in mind that easy-access rates tend to be variable, which means if the base rate continues to increase, your account interest rate is likely to rise too. But if rates go down, your account interest rate could drop. Fixed-rate accounts have a fixed interest rate.
- Minimum balance. Many easy-access savings accounts can be opened with as little as £1. But you’ll usually need a larger sum of around £500 to £1,000 if you want to open a fixed-rate bond – remember that you can’t usually top up a fixed-rate bond, so it’s best to invest a larger sum of money from the outset.
- FSCS protection. Check whether your money will be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which protects up to £85,000 per person, per financial institution. If your savings provider has a UK banking licence, you’ll be covered.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Many accounts can be opened with fairly low deposits
- You can choose whether you want to access your cash easily or lock it away
- Many savings accounts can be managed in multiple ways, whether in a branch, over the phone or online
Cons
- Interest rates can be fairly low on easy-access accounts
- If you need to access your cash early, depending on the account, you might have to pay a penalty
- Tax will be payable on any interest income outside an ISA that exceeds your personal savings allowance (£1,000 for a basic-rate taxpayer and £500 for higher-rate taxpayers)
An overview of our savings accounts for over-60s comparison
Rates up to | 8% AER |
---|---|
Number of accounts | 1,840 |
Number of brands | 135 |
Minimum investment | £0 |
Maximum investment | £10,000,000 |
Opening options | Website, mobile app, branch, telephone, post |
Whatever your age, it’s important to consider what you want from your savings account before deciding. Ask yourself if you’re happy to tie up your funds and for how long? How do you want to manage your account and how much of a deposit have you got saved up?
As the Bank of England base rate continues to rise, savings rates are gradually becoming more competitive, so the key is to shop around and look for the best deal. Don’t feel you have to pick a savings account that’s advertised as being for over 60s – make sure you do your research fully first.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
Premium Bond alternatives
Could an alternative prize draw savings account work for you?
-
Sidekick review: A banking app that wants to empower you to grow your wealth
Sidekick is a money management app with the aim of unlocking investment opportunities for everyone that are usually reserved for the ultra-wealthy.
-
Working from home statistics: How many people work from home?
Our research found that 41% of Brits work from home at least some of the time as of September 2024. We look at who is working from home and how working from home affects productivity.
-
What is the average savings interest rate in the UK?
High inflation could be making your savings accounts lose value in “real terms”. We look at historical savings versus inflation rates.
-
Savings statistics: Average UK savings in 2024
Our 2024 savings statistics show the average person in the UK has £11,185 in savings but 1 in 6 Brits (16%) have no savings at all.
-
Chase Saver account review
Find out whether the Chase Saver account is the best place for your savings.
-
Paying tax on interest from a savings account
If you earn interest from a savings account, you need to pay tax on that interest at the same rate as the rest of your annual taxable income.
-
How much money should I have in savings?
See how much money people your age have in savings, and learn how to boost your savings balance if it’s below average.
-
Premium Bond alternatives
In this guide, we explore some alternatives to premium bonds and whether these may be a better savings option for you.
-
Is it safe to use a debit card online in the UK?
It’s a straightforward and convenient process, but paying with a credit card may be safer.