Top easy access and fixed rate Cash ISA rates — Trading 212 · Moneybox · Atom Bank · Zopa · NS&I compared
A Cash ISA lets you earn interest completely tax-free — no income tax, no matter how much interest you earn. With UK savings rates at 4–5% in 2026 and the Personal Savings Allowance only £500 for higher-rate taxpayers (£1,000 for basic-rate), a Cash ISA quickly becomes worthwhile for anyone with meaningful savings.
| Tax band | PSA | Savings at 4.5% AER to exceed PSA | ISA advantage from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic rate (20%) | £1,000 | ~£22,222 | Balance over ~£22k |
| Higher rate (40%) | £500 | ~£11,111 | Balance over ~£11k |
| Additional rate (45%) | £0 | £0 — all interest taxable | From £1 |
Trading 212 has consistently offered one of the best easy access Cash ISA rates on the market, frequently topping best-buy tables. The account can be opened and managed entirely through the app, with instant access to your money and no withdrawal penalties. Eligible for ISA transfers from old providers.
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Moneybox offers a Cash ISA with its popular round-up feature — linking to your bank card and rounding up every purchase into savings. Competitive rates alongside habit-forming savings tools make Moneybox ideal for people who struggle to save consistently. Also offers fixed-rate Cash ISA terms.
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Atom Bank consistently offers some of the best fixed rate Cash ISA deals on the market, particularly for 1-year and 2-year terms. Fixing your rate protects you if the Bank of England base rate falls. If you won't need the money for a defined period and want certainty, Atom's fixed Cash ISA is a strong choice.
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Zopa's full banking licence means it's FSCS-protected up to £85,000 and offers a range of Cash ISA products including easy access and fixed terms. Zopa is well-regarded for transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a strong savings rate history. The app is clean and competitive rates make it a reliable choice.
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NS&I's Direct ISA is backed by HM Treasury — there is no FSCS limit; your entire balance is government-guaranteed. Rates are typically lower than market-leading fintech Cash ISAs, but the absolute security of government backing makes it attractive for savers with balances over the £85,000 FSCS limit, or those who prioritise safety above rate.
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| Feature | Easy access Cash ISA | Fixed rate Cash ISA |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | Variable — changes with BoE base rate | Fixed for the term (1–5 years) |
| Access | Instant or short notice | Penalties for early withdrawal |
| Best when | Rates rising or may need money | Rates falling or certain you won't need it |
| Flexibility | Add/withdraw freely | Usually deposit only at opening |
| Rate certainty | No — rate can drop | Yes — guaranteed for term |
Trading 212 or Zopa easy access — instant withdrawal, top rate, no lock-in.
Atom Bank fixed rate — lock in today's rate before any potential BoE cuts.
Moneybox — round-up feature builds the habit; competitive rate on top.
NS&I Direct ISA — only provider with 100% government guarantee, no FSCS cap.
A Cash ISA is worth it if your savings interest exceeds your Personal Savings Allowance. Basic-rate taxpayers get a £1,000 PSA; higher-rate taxpayers only £500. With rates at 4–5%, you only need around £11k–£22k saved before interest becomes taxable. A Cash ISA shelters all interest tax-free. The allowance is use-it-or-lose-it — unused allowance cannot carry forward.
Yes. ISA transfers move existing ISA savings to a new provider without losing the tax-free status. Look for providers that accept ISA transfers. The receiving provider handles the transfer — never withdraw cash yourself, or you lose the ISA wrapper. Transfers can take 2–4 weeks for cash ISAs.
The overall ISA allowance is £20,000 per person per tax year. You can use all of this in a Cash ISA, all in a Stocks and Shares ISA, or split it across types — as long as the total doesn't exceed £20,000. You can hold a Cash ISA and a Stocks and Shares ISA with different providers in the same year.
If your interest exceeds your PSA, a Cash ISA is better — you pay no tax on the interest. For higher-rate taxpayers with over ~£11,000 saved at 4.5%, the Cash ISA saves tax immediately. For basic-rate taxpayers with modest savings under ~£22,000, the PSA often covers all interest and regular savings accounts can be competitive on rate.