Compare Savings Accounts

If you’re happy to move your money regularly then chasing bonus rates can be a very profitable pastime. However, if this sounds like too much effort then an account that pays a consistently high rate of interest is likely to be more suitable. Accounts that offer rate guarantees are also a very good bet as they give you the confidence that your money is getting a good return until a certain date in the future.

What kind of access do I need?

While interest rates are an undoubtedly important part of choosing a home for your money, it’s also important to find an account that’s going to let you access your money in a way that suits you.

Fixed term options do often offer the best returns (and tend to be available in anything from 6 month to 5 year terms). However, if you are likely to need your money at all during the specified time frame then it’s unlikely that this type of account will be worth your while as the interest penalties typically associated with mid-term withdrawal will outweigh any benefit earned from the higher rate.

For this reason, high interest, instant access accounts are usually a good bet if you need to be flexible with your funds. Both taxable and tax-free accounts are available with instant access so you will be spoilt for choice and should base your decision largely on interest rates when comparing them.

In addition to this, you’ll also need to consider how you want to access your money. If you’re friendly with your computer then an online account is likely to be convenient and providers often offer the best returns over the internet. However, if you value a branch based service then this is something to look out for too as, while maximising your savings is about getting the best return on your money, it’s only worth it if you have an account that you feel comfortable operating.

Do I need an income from my savings?

Many accounts only pay interest annually, either on the anniversary of account opening or on some other pre-specified date. However, others allow you to take income from your investment on a monthly basis. Some accounts on the other hand offer both options so that you have the flexibility to choose without compromising on getting the type of account you want.

If you’re likely to need a monthly income from your money then this is definitely an important feature to consider when comparing accounts.

What now?

Once you’ve figured out what type of savings account is going to work for you it’s simply down to finding an account that matches your criteria, something that using our handy comparison tables should only take a few minutes at most.

However, it doesn’t stop there. While it’s tempting to sit back and relax once you’ve made sure that your money is working hard you shouldn’t get too comfortable as accounts do change and interest rates do drop. By keeping an eye on the return your account is providing and strategically switching when it stops giving you the best deal, you can make sure that your savings continue to grow as fast as they possibly can indefinitely.