Easy access savings accounts

Easy access savings accounts are one of the most flexible types of savings accounts available to UK savers, giving you the freedom to top-up and withdraw money at your convenience.

All easy access accounts at Raisin UK are deposit protected and free to open online. The following are just some of the benefits offered by easy access accounts:

• Top-up and withdraw at your convenience
• Keep your account open for as long as you want
• Competitive variable rates of interest
• The FSCS or European DGS protects all savings accounts in our marketplace

If you want to save while retaining the ability to access your cash when you need it, you can still get good returns on your savings with an easy access savings account.

High street banks continue to offer easy access savings accounts at typically lower interest rates than other providers, so ensure you do your homework by viewing and comparing easy access accounts from alternative banks and building societies.

Register for a free Raisin UK account today to get started and watch your savings grow.

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Easy access savings accounts allow you to deposit your money and earn interest with minimal restrictions, so you can top-up or withdraw your money at your convenience. Typically, easy access accounts offer variable interest rates, which means that the interest rate may increase or decrease while your account is open.

You may also find there are some restrictions on easy access savings accounts, as well as notice periods, penalties and changes to interest rates.

The types of restrictions on easy access savings accounts will differ from bank to bank. However, typical restrictions include limitations on withdrawals that stipulate how often you can take out funds, e.g. twice per calendar year, or that funds can only be transferred to a nominated savings account. For example, if you have an easy access savings account with one bank, you could choose your current account as the ‘nominated account’ to make any withdrawals and transfers easier. 

You don’t usually need a large deposit to open an easy access savings account. While some of the top-rate, higher-interest easy access accounts may require deposits of up to £1,000, there are many available that offer initial deposits from just £1. This makes them an accessible product for new savers who may not have a large upfront deposit to put away.

There’s also no limit on the number of easy access savings accounts you can open. However, you’ll need to check that the total amount of interest you accrue across all of your accounts doesn’t exceed your personal savings allowance (if it does, you’ll need to declare it).

In some types of easy access accounts, there may be a penalty for withdrawing more money than the terms of the account stipulate. This penalty might come in the form of forfeiting interest on your savings or even a charge. That being said, there are plenty of easy access savings accounts that don’t restrict the number of withdrawals you can make, although bear in mind that the interest rate may be lower on these types of accounts.

As always, check the small print before you open a savings account, so you’re sure it’s right for your needs.

While they’re similar in that they both allow you to top-up and withdraw money, easy access and instant access accounts differ on a few key details.

Instant access savings accounts allow you to make unlimited withdrawals without incurring a charge or penalty. These types of accounts also enable you to withdraw money instantly as cash, and there’s no restriction on how much you can take out.

Although easy access savings accounts allow you to take out money at your convenience, there may be a limit on how often you can do this. Depending on the type of account you have, you might also have to wait a short while before you can access your funds. Another key difference is that some easy access savings accounts require you to transfer your savings to a current account before you can withdraw your cash.

The main benefit of easy access savings accounts is that they offer flexibility. This type of account might be right for you if you want to access your savings at your convenience, say in case of an emergency or if you’re not saving for anything specific. You can learn more about starting an emergency fund here.

Easy access accounts may also be a good idea for first-time savers and those who want to get into the habit of saving without making a big commitment, because you don’t need a lump sum to kickstart your savings.

For example, some easy access accounts require as little as £1 to open. Although you typically don’t need to invest a lot to open an easy access account, it’s important to try and save as much as you can, as you’ll earn more interest that way.

It’s usually beneficial to compare easy access savings accounts to find one that suits you and your savings goals. You can quickly compare a range of easy access savings accounts by visiting the table at the top of this page.

The biggest disadvantage of easy access savings accounts is that they typically offer lower interest rates than other savings accounts types, such as fixed rate bonds or notice accounts, due in part to the added flexibility they provide.

Other than that, there are sometimes stipulations in the fine print as to how many withdrawals you can make or how often. It’s important to check these details before you open an account.

Our guide to choosing an easy access savings account can help you weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether this type of account is right for you.

If you want to quickly and easily open savings accounts with deposit protection, register for a Raisin UK Account and log in to apply. Opening a Raisin UK account and applying for savings accounts from our partner banks is free, and once you’ve been approved, all you need to do is make a deposit and watch your savings grow.