Easy Access Cash ISAs

Compare the AER offered by each provider, which expresses the annual interest rate on a standardised basis. Easy-access rates are generally variable, so the rate may change after you open the account.

Some accounts include a temporary bonus within the advertised rate. Check when the bonus expires, whether it is fixed or variable and what rate will apply afterwards.

Although these accounts are described as easy access, some restrict the number of withdrawals or reduce the interest rate when certain conditions are not met. Check how quickly you can access your money and whether restrictions apply.

A flexible ISA allows qualifying withdrawals to be replaced within the same tax year without counting the replacement towards your annual ISA allowance. Not all Easy Access Cash ISAs offer this feature.

Check the opening deposit requirement, any minimum balance needed to earn interest and whether additional payments are accepted. Contributions remain subject to the applicable ISA allowance.

Interest may be paid monthly or annually, either into the ISA or to another nominated account. Check whether interest remains within the ISA and whether the payment arrangements affect compounding.

Check whether the provider is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and whether your total eligible deposits with the same authorised institution fall within the applicable protection limit.