Best Cash ISA rates UK April 2026Cash ISA rates have fallen from their 2023 and 2024 peaks as the Bank of England cuts the base rate, but remain attractive versus pre-2022 levels. The best easy-access Cash ISAs currently pay around 4.5 to 5.0% AER, while the best 1-year fixed Cash ISAs offer 4.6 to 5.0% AER. Cash ISA allowance 2025/26: £20,000 per person. Interest earned in a Cash ISA is always tax-free regardless of your income. You can only open one new Cash ISA per tax year. Best easy access Cash ISA rates April 2026
Best fixed rate Cash ISA rates April 2026
Rates correct as of April 2026. Check Moneyfacts, Savings Champion, or MoneySavingExpert for the most current best-buy tables — rates change frequently. Cash ISA vs savings account: which is better?A Cash ISA makes most sense if you are a higher or additional rate taxpayer who has already used your Personal Savings Allowance (£500 for higher rate, £0 for additional rate). For basic rate taxpayers with a £1,000 PSA, a standard savings account paying a slightly higher rate may produce the same or better after-tax return — until the PSA is used up.
Can you transfer an existing Cash ISA to get a better rate?Yes. Use the ISA transfer process — request the transfer with your new provider, who contacts your old one. Never withdraw and re-deposit. Transfers preserve your tax-free status and do not count against your annual allowance. Key Cash ISA rules 2025/26
Verdict Chip or Plum for easy access; Shawbrook for fixed For easy access, Chip and Plum consistently lead the Cash ISA best-buy tables. For fixed terms, Shawbrook and Aldermore are regularly competitive. Check the current best-buy tables before opening — rates change week to week. Frequently asked questionsWhat is the best Cash ISA rate in the UK right now? As of April 2026, the best easy-access Cash ISA rates are around 4.75 to 4.90% AER. The best 1-year fixed Cash ISA rates are approximately 4.85 to 4.90% AER. Check Moneyfacts or Savings Champion for the latest deals. Can I open a Cash ISA if I already have a Stocks and Shares ISA? Yes. You can hold both types and pay into one of each in the same tax year, provided your total contributions across all ISAs do not exceed £20,000. What is a flexible Cash ISA? A flexible Cash ISA allows you to withdraw money and re-deposit it in the same tax year without it counting as a new subscription against your annual allowance. Not all Cash ISAs are flexible — check before opening. Is my Cash ISA safe? Cash ISAs at UK-authorised banks and building societies are FSCS-protected up to £85,000 per institution. Always check the provider holds its own banking authorisation — some operate under a shared licence. |
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