Regular savings accounts
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Regular savings accounts can be a great way to save for a special event or simply to build your savings over time. They also have the added benefit of helping you to pick up good savings habits and learn how to save consistently. But with so many options available, how can you find the best regular savings account for you?
On this page, you’ll learn more about regular savings accounts, how they work and the key benefits. We also include the most important things to consider to help you find the best regular savings account for you.
Monthly deposits: Regular savings accounts require you to make monthly deposits over a set period of time
Savings habits: Regular savings accounts may encourage good savings habits and can help you to meet short-term financial goals
Beware restrictions: There are some restrictions with regular savings accounts, such as maximum deposit amounts and missed payment penalties
What is a regular savings account?
Also known as a ‘monthly savings account’ or ‘regular saver’, a regular savings account requires you to commit to saving a set amount of money each month, over a fixed period. With a monthly savings account, you automate these monthly payments, so you know exactly how much money you’re saving and when.
Regular savings accounts tend to have better interest rates than standard savings accounts, but restrictions usually apply:
Most monthly savings accounts have low maximum deposit limits to moderate the interest you can earn
Some banks may penalise you if you miss a monthly payment
You may be restricted from accessing your money until the end of the term.While monthly savings accounts may offer a better return than traditional savings accounts, their interest rates are generally not as competitive as those available on lump sum savings accounts such as fixed rate bonds and notice accounts.
How do regular savings accounts work?
When you open a regular savings account, you’ll normally be required to set up an automated monthly deposit. The amount of money you deposit into your regular saver is up to you, but there are minimum and maximum limits depending on the account you open. The minimum monthly deposit is usually £10, and the maximum £500.
It’s important that you deposit the set amount of money each month, as banks can penalise you by lowering your interest rate or charging you if you don’t. Other things to consider include restrictions on how much you can save, when you can withdraw money and the duration for which you’ll receive the specified interest rate.
Once you’ve completed your savings term, you could withdraw your original deposit along with any interest you’ve earned and spend it on something special, or perhaps reinvest your money as a lump sum in a fixed rate bond or notice account to grow your savings even more.
What happens if I miss a monthly payment?
Monthly savings accounts tend to have strict rules, and fulfilling your commitment to a monthly payment is often one of those rules. If you do miss a payment, your account may be closed or your interest rate reduced. You might find it helpful to check the small print before you open a regular saver.
Can I make withdrawals from my regular savings account?
Whether you can withdraw money from your regular savings account is likely to differ between accounts and providers, but most regular saver accounts don’t allow you to withdraw money before the end of your agreed term.
Monthly savers that do allow withdrawals may charge you for taking out money or penalise you with a lower interest rate. This is something to keep in mind when deciding which regular savings account is right for you. If you’d like a little more flexibility in accessing your savings, you might also consider an easy access account.
Is a regular savings account the best option for me?
A regular savings account might be right for you if you don't have a lump sum to invest, but can save a small amount on a monthly basis. The restrictive nature of a regular saver makes it ideal if you struggle to save but want to grow a pot of money for a significant purchase, such as a house deposit, your retirement or a wedding. It's also a good way for teenagers and young adults to learn how to save and get into the habit of saving.
If you're saving for a special event like a wedding or holiday, a monthly savings account might earn more interest than a standard savings account. Another option worth considering is a notice account, which would typically offer a higher interest rate.
What are the benefits of a regular savings account?
The key benefit of regular savings accounts, and the reason that most people opt for them, is the higher rate of interest you get when compared to other savings accounts.
Another advantage is that they often run over a shorter period of time, such as 12 months, making them a great option for short-term savings goals such as a wedding or new car.
Regular savings accounts also restrict access to your money during the agreed term and limit the withdrawals you can make, which can be handy if you struggle with impulse spending.
What’s more, any money you deposit in regular savings accounts provided by UK regulated banks and building societies is protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The FSCS will pay compensation up to the limit of £85,000 per person (£170,000 for joint accounts), per authorised financial institution in the event your bank or building society collapses.
Do I pay tax on a regular savings account?
Basic rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 of tax-free interest on their regular savings account. Higher rate taxpayers can earn up to £500. If you're an additional rate taxpayer, you won't benefit from this personal savings allowance.
If you have non-savings income (for example a salary or pension) of less than £17,570 for 2024/25 - or £20,640 if you are eligible for the blind person’s allowance - you may also be eligible for the starting rate for savings, which allows you to receive up to a maximum of £5,000 in tax-free interest. The £5,000 starting rate is reduced by £1 for every £1 of non-savings income you earn over your personal allowance (£12,570 in 2024/25).
How to choose the best regular savings account for you
To find the best regular savings account for you, first consider your own financial circumstances, how much you have to save each month, and whether or not you will need access to your cash during the agreed period.
Typically, the best regular savings account is the one that pays the highest rate of interest. It’s also important to check the small print to make sure the set term and withdrawal options work for you. It can help to compare regular savings accounts and their features to make an informed decision.
Key points to consider when opening a regular savings account
Before choosing a regular savings account, a high interest rate shouldn’t be your only consideration. The key considerations outlined below contain important information that might help.
1. How many regular savings accounts you can open
You can open more than one regular savings account across different banks, although some of the best regular savers require you to already have a current account with that bank. A regular savings account is designed for you to save smaller amounts monthly. If you have more to save, you can open more than one monthly savings account.
2. Does this type of savings account meet your savings goals?
The total amount you earn from a regular savings account is likely to be less than you would earn from a fixed rate bond or notice account. This is because you're saving a smaller amount each month and growing your savings pot, rather than earning interest on one lump sum. What’s more, some regular saver accounts offer variable interest rates, meaning your interest rate may drop during the term of your account.
3. What restrictions the account has
Some of the top regular savings accounts can be quite restrictive, such as limiting the number of withdrawals you can make or penalising you if you miss a payment, so be sure to do your research to help you find the best monthly savings account for you.
4. What the term of the account means for your savings
Some regular savings accounts switch to standard savings accounts after 12 months. At this stage, you might consider switching to an account that offers a better interest rate.
5. How much interest you’ll actually receive
The interest you earn at the end of your term isn’t based on the total balance from 12 months of savings. Instead, it’s calculated as an average of what you save each month, meaning you could end up earning less interest than the headline rate suggests.
How can I get the best interest rate on a regular savings account?
To get the best interest rate on a regular savings account, it can be helpful to compare different accounts to make sure you’re getting the best advertised rate. When you open your regular saver, you could consider making the maximum permitted monthly deposits in order to earn more interest on your savings. This is important to consider when calculating what you will earn from the account.
What are my options once I've built up my savings in a regular monthly savings account?
Aside from withdrawing your savings to pay for something special, you could use the money you’ve saved to make a lump sum deposit into a fixed rate bond or notice account, where you can earn a better interest rate. If you want to open a lump sum savings account through our marketplace, you can find short term notice accounts and easy access savings accounts which offer variable rates, as well as longer term fixed rate savings accounts.
Register for a Raisin UK account today
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Registration only takes a few minutes and it’s completely free to apply and open an account. Once your application has been approved, simply make your initial deposit, sit back and watch your savings grow.Read our quick start guide here, and if you have any further questions, our UK-based Customer Services Team will be happy to help.
Regular Savings Accounts FAQs
What’s the difference between a regular savings account and a monthly savings account?
There is no difference between a regular savings account and a monthly savings account. This type of account is called a regular savings account because you save money regularly, and it's also known as a monthly savings account because you save money each month.
Are notice accounts different from regular monthly savings accounts?
Yes, notice accounts are different from regular monthly savings accounts as they require you to give your bank notice before making a withdrawal (typically between 30 and 180 days).
How is interest paid on regular savings accounts?
By committing to deposit a fixed sum monthly for a set term, your bank will reciprocate by offering a fixed interest rate on your savings. How interest is paid on your monthly savings account will vary, but most banks pay interest annually directly into your savings. It can help to clarify this before you open an account. The interest you earn will also depend on the interest rate and how much you deposit.
How do I choose the best regular savings account for me?
The best way to find a regular savings account that works for you is to first set out your budget, savings goals, how much money you can commit to depositing each month and whether or not you’ll need access to your money during the term of the account. It’s also a good idea to refer to the terms and conditions of the account. Once you have all of that information, you can compare regular savings accounts online or in-branch.
How many regular savings accounts can I have?
You can open more than one regular savings account with different banks. However, some providers require you to have an existing current account with that bank.
Are regular savings accounts protected by the FSCS?
Money you deposit into banks and building societies that are UK-regulated is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This covers up to £85,000 per person, per banking group (or £170,000 for joint accounts) in the event your bank or building society collapses.