Best Cash ISA Rates May 2026

Compare the best cash ISAs which could help you earn returns as interest on money you save. Check for ISA interest rates that beat both inflation and the recently updated Bank of England base rate so you know the money you save really is growing.

Best Cash ISAs	Description	Rate	Rate vs Current Inflation (3.3%)	Rate vs Bank of England Base (3.75%)	Transfers In and Out	Security	Get Account
Nationwide	Earn 4.60% fixed interest for 3 or 5 years; No withdrawals allowed (account will close).	4.60%	1.30%	0.85%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Open Account
Choose between 1, 2, 3 or 5-year fixed rate cash ISAs. The best rate of 4.60% is available on the 3 and 5-year fixed ISAs (1-year pays 4.50%, 2-year pays 4.55%). Early access closes the ISA and charges 60 days’ interest. At maturity, funds move to an instant access ISA. 18+ UK residents only.
Chip	Chip Smart Cash ISA. New customers can earn a rate of 4.32% for 12 months.	4.32%	1.02%	0.57%		FSCS protection up to £120,000 split across multiple banks.	Create Account
3.75% Bank of England base rate plus a 0.57% bonus. Interest calculated daily and paid annually. Money is saved in licensed banks Barclays, Lloyds and HSBC. Access money when you need it as often as you like. Withdraw money and return it without affecting your ISA allowance. 18+ UK residents only. Unpaid interest is forfeited if account is closed or transferred before your anniversary.
Plum	Earn 4.32% with a base rate plus a 1.78% 12-month bonus.	4.32%	1.02%	0.57%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. Split between Lloyds Bank and Citibank.	Open Account
The Plum Cash ISA rate of 4.32% includes a 1.78% bonus fixed for 12 months. Minimum £1 deposit, with rate penalties if balance falls below £100. Withdrawals limited to 3 in any 12-month period. 18+ UK residents only.
Post Office	1-year Fixed Rate ISA currently paying 4.30%.	4.30%	1.00%	0.55%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Create Account
1-year fixed ISA with minimum £500 deposit. Transfers accepted. 18+ UK residents only.
Paragon Bank	14-month fixed Cash ISA with a rate of 4.30%.	4.30%	1.00%	0.55%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Create Account
14-month fixed-rate ISA; accepts transfers in. Limited access during the fixed term. 18+ UK residents only.
Moneybox	Earn 4.30% with a 0.85% bonus for the first 12 months; limited to 3 withdrawals per year.	4.30%	1.00%	0.55%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Open Account
Minimum £500 opening deposit. Includes a 0.85% bonus for 12 months, after which the rate drops to 3.45%. 3 withdrawals allowed per 12 months. 18+ UK residents only.
Virgin Money	Virgin Money’s 1-year Fixed E-ISA offers a rate of 4.22%.	4.22%	0.92%	0.47%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. Online and app access.	Create Account
Fixed for 1 year; early withdrawals charge the equivalent of 60 days’ interest. 18+ UK residents only.
Moneyfarm	Flexi-access Cash ISA with 3.82% rate for year one; drops to 3.52% from year two. Up to 3 withdrawals per year.	3.82%	0.52%	0.07%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Open Account
Rate of 3.82% applies for year one (new customers, minimum £500, max 3 withdrawals per year). Drops to 3.52% after year one. Daily interest, flexible transfers. 18+ UK residents.
Trading212	Easy-access Cash ISA tracking the Bank of England base rate. Current rate 3.60% (BoE minus 0.15%). Instant access, no withdrawal penalties.	3.60%	0.30%	-0.15%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Open Account
Variable tracker rate: BoE base rate minus 0.15%, currently 3.60% AER. Rate adjusts immediately after BoE changes. Instant access with no withdrawal penalties. Open from £1. 18+ UK residents.
Chip	Easy-access Cash ISA with a variable tracker rate of 3.55% (BoE base rate minus 0.20%). Interest paid monthly.	3.55%	0.25%	-0.20%		FSCS protection up to £120,000 via ClearBank.	Create Account
Variable tracker rate: BoE base rate minus 0.20%, currently 3.55% AER. Interest paid monthly. Easy access with no ISA penalty on withdrawals. 18+ UK residents only.

Updated on 11/05/2026

Cash ISAs are a fantastic way to save money for a short term period and earn a consistent interest rate on your balance.

What should you consider when choosing a cash ISA?

Consider what you value most before you choose a cash ISA product to save into. Here are some of the most important considerations when choosing a savings product:

Cash ISAs can be the perfect option if:

• you want a guaranteed rate of return on your savings
• you need access to your money (although some accounts are “fixed” or limit withdrawals)
• you have a savings balance of up to £20,000 to save
• you haven’t yet used your £20,000 ISA allowance this financial year (2025 – 26 financial year 06th April 2025 – 05th April 2026).

You may prefer an alternative product type, like an investment account or stocks and shares ISA if:

• you’re willing to risk short to medium term losses for longer term growth
• you’re unlikely to need the money soon
• you’ve already used your ISA allowance but have more money to save or invest (a general investment account could work here)
• you’re looking for greater returns than cash ISAs can offer
• you’ve already paid your entire £20,000 allowance into either a cash ISA or a stocks and shares ISA this financial year.

It isn’t just about getting the best cash ISA savings rate but also about:

• access to withdraw your money when you need to
• how you can use, pay into, withdraw from and manage your account (online has largely replaced in-branch account options).
• beating the rate of inflation (if you can) because inflation erodes the value of your money if you’re saving at or below this rate you’re technically losing money
• the base rate of interest, if you have a tracker mortgage or are borrowing money, you may be better off putting the money towards paying down your debts.

Cash ISAs Compared

Generally, cash ISA savings products are designed to help you earn interest on the money you deposit while offering access to the money you have saved when you need it.

Cash ISAs that allow unrestricted access to your money are called easy access or instant access ISAs.

Other types of cash ISA can reward you, often with higher interest rates (and therefore better returns on the balance you deposit, but not always!), when you agree to lock your money away for fixed period of time.

These types of ISAs are called fixed rate cash ISAs.

Popular terms available for fixed rate cash ISAs include:

Term	Interest Rate	Number of Years
1 year	4.30%	Money locked away for 1 year
2 years	4.50%	Money locked away for 2 years
3 years	4.75%	Money locked away for 3 years
5 years	5.00%	Money locked away for 5 years

For example, if you’re solely interested in earning the best interest rate and don’t need the money for at least 12 months, you can factor in fixed rate cash ISA savings into your comparison.

Sometimes, the rate of return you’ll get for locking money away can be higher if you agree to a longer term of no or restricted access to your deposit.

Our table, for example purposes only, details how a provider might incentivise longer fixed term cash ISA deposits with higher rates for longer terms.

If you may need the money soon, then choosing an account which doesn’t limit your withdrawals and doesn’t issue interest penalties for making a withdrawal would best suit you.

How to use our Cash ISA comparison table

We’ve picked some of the best ISA providers who offer Cash ISA savings options and consolidated details of their products into our table.

We’ve included essential details like:

• the interest rate you can earn on your money
• the current rate of inflation (which is the rate at which your savings are eroded by continually rising prices)
• the Bank of England base rate of interest (which can affect the cost of borrowing, like your mortgage or loans)
• Security, FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme) regulation and protections
• Minimum account deposits, withdrawal limits, access types and any other information

The Bank of England dropped the base rate of borrowing from 4.00% to 3.75% on Monday 22nd December 2025.

The Best ISA Rate?

Right now, the best cash ISA rate account is provided by Nationwide a long established Building Society.

The Nationwide are offering some great rates, which can be even better if you’re will to lock your savings away in a fixed rate ISA.

• 5 year fixed rate cash ISA – 4.60% AER
• 3 year fixed rate cash ISA – 4.60% AER
• 2 year fixed rate cash ISA – 4.55% AER
• 1 year fixed rate cash ISA – 4.50% AER

These interest rates are available online or in branch, which is good news for those who prefer to handle their savings in person and like to visit a local branch.

Nationwide are part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, meaning your deposits are protected up to £120,000. If you exceed this, your money could be at risk if Nationwide go bust.

Alternatives, with competitive rates, where easy and instant access options are available include;

• Chip 4.32% on the Smart cash ISA
• Plum offering 4.32% on their flexible cash ISA

Best Cash ISAs	Rate	Rate vs Current Inflation (3.3%)	Rate vs Bank of England Base (3.75%)	Get Account
Nationwide	4.60%	1.30% (3.3%)	0.85% (3.75%)	Open Account
Plum	4.32%	1.02% (3.3%)	0.57% (3.75%)	Open Account
Post Office	4.30%	1.00% (3.3%)	0.55% (3.75%)	Create Account
Paragon Bank	4.30%	1.00% (3.3%)	0.55% (3.75%)	Create Account
Moneybox	4.30%	1.00% (3.3%)	0.55% (3.75%)	Open Account
Virgin Money	4.22%	0.92% (3.3%)	0.47% (3.75%)	Create Account
Moneyfarm	3.82%	0.52% (3.3%)	0.07% (3.75%)	Open Account
Trading212	3.60%	0.30% (3.3%)	-0.15% (3.75%)	Open Account
Chip	3.55%	0.25% (3.3%)	-0.20% (3.75%)	Create Account

Fixed Rate Cash ISAs

With the Bank of England base rate of interest holding at 3.75%, fixed rate cash ISAs that beat this rate can offer a better savings return vs the erosion of cash. Here are the best fixed rate cash ISA interest rates.

Best Cash ISAs	Description	Rate	Rate vs Current Inflation (3.3%)	Rate vs Bank of England Base (3.75%)	Transfers In and Out	Security	Get Account
Nationwide	Earn 4.60% fixed interest for 3 or 5 years; No withdrawals allowed (account will close).	4.60%	1.30%	0.85%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Open Account
Choose between 1, 2, 3 or 5-year fixed rate cash ISAs. The best rate of 4.60% is available on the 3 and 5-year fixed ISAs (1-year pays 4.50%, 2-year pays 4.55%). Early access closes the ISA and charges 60 days’ interest. At maturity, funds move to an instant access ISA. 18+ UK residents only.
Post Office	1-year Fixed Rate ISA currently paying 4.30%.	4.30%	1.00%	0.55%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Create Account
1-year fixed ISA with minimum £500 deposit. Transfers accepted. 18+ UK residents only.
Paragon Bank	14-month fixed Cash ISA with a rate of 4.30%.	4.30%	1.00%	0.55%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Create Account
14-month fixed-rate ISA; accepts transfers in. Limited access during the fixed term. 18+ UK residents only.
Virgin Money	Virgin Money’s 1-year Fixed E-ISA offers a rate of 4.22%.	4.22%	0.92%	0.47%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. Online and app access.	Create Account
Fixed for 1 year; early withdrawals charge the equivalent of 60 days’ interest. 18+ UK residents only.

Fixed rates of interest for cash ISAs generally mean your return is fixed at a specific percentage for the ISA term.

If the Bank of England base rate drops, your ISA savings are protected.

You should check the terms carefully, most providers charge interest penalties or limit withdrawals during the term.

If you think you might need the money before the term completes, consider instant or easy access ISAs.

Weigh up how much being able to access your money is worth to you in missed interest.

Larger and more well-established banking organisations can offer competitive interest rates on fixed term ISAs so they can be worth considering, even though they are are less convenient.

As interest rates decline, more immediate and instant access ISA savings products tend to drop their rates faster and further because of the ease of withdrawals.

As rates drop, consider switching to the best easy access ISA rate to help ensure you maximise your savings returns.

Instant Access and Easy Access Cash ISAs

Instant access cash ISAs and easy access cash ISAs allow you unlimited withdrawals of the money you have saved there. Unlike fixed rate cash ISAs, where money is “locked away” often behind interest rate penalties or fees for early withdrawal.

Compare instant and easy cash ISA rates.

Best Cash ISAs	Description	Rate	Rate vs Current Inflation (3.3%)	Rate vs Bank of England Base (3.75%)	Transfers In and Out	Security	Get Account
Chip	Chip Smart Cash ISA. New customers can earn a rate of 4.32% for 12 months.	4.32%	1.02%	0.57%		FSCS protection up to £120,000 split across multiple banks.	Create Account
3.75% Bank of England base rate plus a 0.57% bonus. Interest calculated daily and paid annually. Money is saved in licensed banks Barclays, Lloyds and HSBC. Access money when you need it as often as you like. Withdraw money and return it without affecting your ISA allowance. 18+ UK residents only. Unpaid interest is forfeited if account is closed or transferred before your anniversary.
Plum	Earn 4.32% with a base rate plus a 1.78% 12-month bonus.	4.32%	1.02%	0.57%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. Split between Lloyds Bank and Citibank.	Open Account
The Plum Cash ISA rate of 4.32% includes a 1.78% bonus fixed for 12 months. Minimum £1 deposit, with rate penalties if balance falls below £100. Withdrawals limited to 3 in any 12-month period. 18+ UK residents only.
Moneybox	Earn 4.30% with a 0.85% bonus for the first 12 months; limited to 3 withdrawals per year.	4.30%	1.00%	0.55%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Open Account
Minimum £500 opening deposit. Includes a 0.85% bonus for 12 months, after which the rate drops to 3.45%. 3 withdrawals allowed per 12 months. 18+ UK residents only.
Post Office	Easy Access ISA paying 4.16%.	4.16%	0.86%	0.41%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Create Account
Easy access interest rate of 4.16% including a 3.26 fixed bonus for 12 months.
Moneyfarm	Flexi-access Cash ISA with 3.82% rate for year one; drops to 3.52% from year two. Up to 3 withdrawals per year.	3.82%	0.52%	0.07%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Open Account
Rate of 3.82% applies for year one (new customers, minimum £500, max 3 withdrawals per year). Drops to 3.52% after year one. Daily interest, flexible transfers. 18+ UK residents.
Trading212	Easy-access Cash ISA tracking the Bank of England base rate. Current rate 3.60% (BoE minus 0.15%). Instant access, no withdrawal penalties.	3.60%	0.30%	-0.15%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. FCA regulated.	Open Account
Variable tracker rate: BoE base rate minus 0.15%, currently 3.60% AER. Rate adjusts immediately after BoE changes. Instant access with no withdrawal penalties. Open from £1. 18+ UK residents.
Chip	Easy-access Cash ISA with a variable tracker rate of 3.55% (BoE base rate minus 0.20%). Interest paid monthly.	3.55%	0.25%	-0.20%		FSCS protection up to £120,000 via ClearBank.	Create Account
Variable tracker rate: BoE base rate minus 0.26%, currently 3.49% base rate AER, plus a 0.06% bonus. Interest paid monthly. Easy access with no ISA penalty on withdrawals. 18+ UK residents only.
Virgin Money	Virgin Money M Access ISA 3.25%.	3.25%	-0.05%	-0.50%		FSCS protection up to £120,000. Online and app access.	Create Account
Top up and withdraw money whenever you like. Accepts transfers in and manage online or in branch.

Instant and easy access cash ISAs offer the benefit of increased flexibility, you can access your money whenever you need to, but can tend to offer lower rates of interest on the balance of your savings.

Other ISA Facts

Remember:

• you must be a UK resident to open an ISA
• you’ll need to prove your identity
• you’ll need to provide your National Insurance Number
• you have a maximum of £20,000 to contribute to an ISA each financial year
• FSCS protections are limited up to £120,000 as of December 1st 2025 but can be shared between banks, check the details of your new account provider carefully if you’re:
  • exceeding £120,000
  • you already have deposits invested in another account with them
  • they share a banking licence with another provider or bank

Cash ISA FAQs

Where are the high street banks in your comparison table?

We’re busy adding more cash ISA providers to our tables. Expect to see them soon.