Why Cash ISAs are here to stay – five benefits of a Cash ISA in 2026
Cash ISAs are a topic for discussion again. Read more about why they're here to stay and the benefits of having a Cash ISA.
If you’re looking for a safe space for your money to grow, you’re in the right place.
Savings are personal, because they need to fit around how you want to save. In our opinion, the best savings accounts are the ones that work with you, making saving simple, trusted and rewarding. And choosing where to save shouldn’t feel complicated.
So, whether you’re building an emergency fund, saving for something special or looking to grow your money over the longer term, our expertise and comparison tools help you understand your options and see what your money could earn.
Compare personal savings accounts side by side, including savings rates, access options and whether an ISA or bond is right for you.
| Account type | Rate | Term | Rate type | Withdrawals | Balance | Benefits | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Access | 4.01% AER | No fixed term | Variable | Unlimited - access your savings any time | Minimum balance of £1 up to a maximum of £250,000 | - Access your money any time. - Unlimited deposits and unlimited withdrawals. - Open multiple accounts for different savings goals. | Learn more |
| 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond | 4.67% AER | 1 year | Fixed | No withdrawals during your term. | Minimum balance of £1,000 up to a maximum of £1,000,000 | - Guaranteed interest rate when you apply. - Great if you don't need access to your money right away. | Learn more |
| 2 Year Fixed Rate Bond | 4.74% AER | 2 years | |||||
| 3 Year Fixed Rate Bond | 4.74% AER | 3 years | |||||
| 5 Year Fixed Rate Bond | 4.73% AER | 5 years | |||||
| 1 Year Cash ISA | 4.59% AER | 1 year | Fixed | No withdrawals during your term. | Minimum balance of £1,000 up to a maximum of £20,000 per tax year | - Guaranteed interest rate when you apply. - Earn tax-free interest. - New accounts only, we don't accept transfers in. | Learn more |
| 2 Year Cash ISA | 4.61% AER | 2 years | |||||
| 3 Year Cash ISA | 4.61% AER | 3 years | |||||
| 5 Year Cash ISA | 4.62% AER | 5 years | |||||
| Remember, the tax treatment of your savings will depend on your personal circumstances and may change in the future. | |||||||
Whether you’re comparing personal savings rates in the UK, exploring fixed vs variable savings rates, or looking for the best savings rates for 2026, we believe savings should be simple and earning interest should be easy. So, if there’s anything you need to run over or dip into, it’s all here:
What is a personal savings account?
A personal savings account is a secure account where you can earn interest on your money. Unlike a standard bank account, designed to hold your money for everyday expenses, savings accounts are intended for short, medium and long-term savings goals. They allow your money to grow over time through interest, which may be fixed or variable depending on the account.
How interest works on savings accounts
Interest is the money you earn on your savings. It’s usually calculated daily and paid monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the account. There are two main types of interest: variable and fixed. Variable rates can go up or down over time and fixed savings rates will stay the same for a set period. Some accounts also benefit from compound interest, where interest is earned on both your original savings and any interest already paid. This can help your savings grow over time.
Are savings accounts safe?
At Hodge Bank, we work with fraud prevention partners and regulated financial institutions to help keep your money secure. All eligible deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), the UK’s deposit guarantee scheme, for up to £120,000 per eligible person. We also provide ongoing guidance to help you stay safe from scams such as Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud.
How does a savings account work?
The bank will pay you interest on the balance of any money deposited into a savings account. This interest can also compound, meaning the interest you earn will also earn interest over time, which can help savings grow faster. The amount of interest you earn and when you can make deposits and withdrawals will depend on the type of account you open.
Who can open a personal savings account?
If you’re over 18 and living in the UK and a UK tax resident only, you can open a savings account with us. An Easy Access account, great for the casual saver, can be opened with as little as £1, while a Fixed Rate Bond or Cash ISA requires a minimum deposit of £1,000.
How to open a savings account
With Hodge Bank, it’s quick and easy to open a new savings account with us and manage your account online. You’ll need to pay your deposit into your account within 14 days of account opening from your nominated UK bank account in your name, so you’ll need to provide these details during your application. You’ll also need a valid email address and UK mobile number.
Get help with your savings account, or find support with managing your money and staying safe online.
Find more information about commonly asked savings questions here.
Yes, you can open more than one savings account to match your needs. Having a mix, for example, an Easy Access for emergency funds or short-term goals and Fixed Rate bonds or Cash ISA for longer-term goals.
From time to time, we stop offering certain products to new customers. You can view the list here.
Managing savings online is quick and easy with Hodge Bank. Our Easy Access accounts allow no notice, quick withdrawal and our Fixed Rate Bonds and our Cash ISAs allow you lock your money for the agreed term at a set interest rate.
Emergency funds can hold money aside to pay for unexpected expenses such as repairs or changes to income. A good starting point could be 3-6 months income for essential expenses. You can build this gradually setting aside a regular amount each month into an Easy Access account. The balance will also earn interest helping it grow over time.
Interest earned may be taxable unless held in an ISA, which offers tax-free savings within your allowance.
From as little as £1 for Easy Access accounts, and £1,000 for Fixed Rate Bonds and ISAs.
Choosing the best account for savings will depend on your goals. Easy Access suits flexible savers, Fixed Rate Bonds can work better for long-term planning (terms start from 1 year), and Cash ISAs offer tax-efficient savings. Remember, each personal savings account interest rates will differ.
A current account is designed for everyday spending, like paying bills and managing regular payments and spending. A savings account is designed to hold money you don’t need day-to-day, earning interest which helps it grow over time.