The different types of savings accounts

Are you looking to open a new savings account but not sure which to choose?

In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common types of savings accounts and how they can fit different goals and needs.

Easy access savings accounts

Also known as instant access saving accounts, this type of savings account gives you immediate access to your money. You pay cash into them, earn some interest on your savings, and take out your money whenever you want, with no fees or penalties. Keep in mind that some banks will limit the number of withdrawals you can make.

You can typically open an easy access savings account online in a few minutes with a starting deposit of as little as £1. However, easy access accounts tend to offer lower interest rates than other savings accounts. Keep in mind that these interest rates are variable, meaning they can go up and down depending on changes in the market.

An easy access savings account might be a good choice if you:

• Need instant access to your money, for example, if this is your emergency fund

• Need to start small with your savings

• Want to add money to your account whenever you like

Notice savings accounts

Instead of allowing instant access to your funds, a notice savings account requires you to give advance notice before taking your money out. This means that you need to submit a request for withdrawal. Depending on your bank, you can do this online or you may need to mail a signed request form to your bank. With some providers you won't be able to withdraw before your notice period is complete. Others will let you withdraw early, but only if you pay a penalty charge. The withdrawal notice period varies depending on the bank and can range from anywhere between 7 days to 120 days.

Notice accounts usually require a higher minimum opening deposit, often from £1,000 but they tend to offer higher interest rates than easy access accounts. You can also expect that the longer the notice period, the higher the interest rate. Note that these rates tend to be variable.

A notice savings account might be a good choice if you:

• Want to save up for a goal with a specific time frame, such as paying for a house deposit or a wedding

• Want to put a barrier between you and your money to avoid impulse spending

• Don't need instant access to your savings

Fixed term savings accounts

Also known as fixed rate bonds or fixed rate accounts, these accounts let you lock your money away for a set period, usually one to five years. You won't be able to access your money before the end of the agreed term, or if you’re able to, you’ll likely incur a penalty fee.

In return, for the length of the term, you'll get a guaranteed interest rate that is generally higher than what you'd get from other savings accounts. This means you'll be protected if interest rates fall in the future. But you may miss out on potential earnings if interest rates go up. Typically you'll need at least £1,000 for a minimum deposit.

A fixed term savings account might be a good choice if you:

• Have a lump sum that you're willing to lock away for long-term goals

• Want a fixed interest rate for the term duration and a guaranteed return on your savings

• Don't want to add money to your savings regularly

Regular savings account

Regular savings accounts require you to put away a certain amount of money each month for an agreed period, typically 12 months. Depending on your bank, the monthly commitment can be anywhere between £10 and £500. You could face a penalty if you miss a deposit or take money out during the agreed term.

While regular savings accounts come with strict terms and conditions, they often offer higher interest rates than easy access or notice accounts. They can also help you develop a saving habit and be disciplined with your money, especially if you struggle to save towards a specific goal.

A regular savings account might be a good choice if you:

• Have a reliable source of income for the monthly deposit

• Want a higher interest rate

• Want to save a specified amount each month

• Don't need emergency access to your funds

Savings and tax treatment

While you need to pay tax on interest earned on your savings in the UK, there are several tax-free allowances you could take advantage of.

Personal allowance

This is the set amount of income you can earn tax-free each financial year. For the 2020/2021 tax year, the personal allowance is £12,570. You can use your personal allowance to shelter interest on your savings from tax if you haven't used it up on your wages, pension, or other income.

Starting rate for savings

If you earn less than £17,570 per year from other income (such as wages or pension), you're eligible for the starting rate for savings. This means you may get up to £5000 of savings interest tax-free.

The more you earn from other incomes, the less your starting rate for savings will be.

For every £1 you earn over the personal allowance of £12,570, your starting rate for savings decreases by £1.

For example, your salary is £15,000, and your interest on savings is £150. Your personal allowance protects £12,570 of your salary from tax, leaving you with £2,430 taxable (£15,000 minus £12,570). This reduces your starting rate for savings by £2,430, so your remaining starting rate for savings would be £2,570 (£5000 minus £2,430). This means your savings interest of £150 will be tax-free.

Personal savings allowance

Personal savings allowance (PSA) is the amount of interest you can earn each year on your savings without paying tax. Your allowance depends on the income tax band you fall into:

• If you're a basic rate (20%) taxpayer, your allowance is £1,000.

• If you're a higher rate (40%) taxpayer, your allowance is £500.

• If you're an additional rate (45%) taxpayer, you won't have a personal savings allowance.

Alternatively, you can use individual savings accounts (ISAs) to protect your savings from tax.

Individual savings accounts

With ISAs, you don’t have to pay tax on the interest you earn. However, there is a limit on how much you can deposit into an ISA each tax year, known as your ISA allowance, which is £20,000.

Note that if you don’t use all of your allowance before the end of the tax year, you can’t carry over any unused allowance to the next year. Your ISA allowance resets on April 6 each year.

An ISA might be a good choice if you:

• Want to earn tax-free interest on your savings

• Want to save for long-term goals, such as retirement or your first home

• Want to deposit your money however you like, in a one-off lump sum or monthly payments, as long as you don't go over the yearly ISA allowance

Final thoughts

If you're thinking about opening a new savings account, consider your goals, how much you have to get started, and how often you need to access your funds. Once you've picked the account that best suits your situation, look around for offers from different banks. While a higher interest rate is attractive, you should also pay attention to the quality of customer service.

Since each savings account has its own terms and conditions, make sure to read and understand them before you apply. Watch out for hidden fees and charges.

Last but not least, review your savings account once or twice a year to see whether it's still the right place to grow your money. If you decide to switch accounts, remember to check for any additional charges.

Happy saving!