The best cash ISA rates this week

The best easy access cash ISA rates

Plum holds onto the market-leading position on our easy access ISA chart after its increase last week went unchallenged; its Plum Cash ISA continues to pay 5.18% AER monthly when considering the 1.39% AER bonus included for 12 months. However, while this account can be opened and managed via mobile app with a single pound deposit, bear in mind you’ll receive a lower rate of 2.50% AER anytime your balance falls below £100, or for exceeding three withdrawals within the space of a year. Furthermore, although transfers in are accepted from a range of ISAs (more details of which can be found on our chart), opening the account by transferring an existing ISA will result in the removal of the introductory bonus and leave you with the underlying rate of 3.79% AER.

Alternatively, fellow app-based provider, Moneybox, still offers a marginally lower rate of 5.17% AER on anniversary with its Moneybox Cash ISA. This headline rate is also inclusive of a 0.45% bonus for 12 months and, like Plum’s account, it imposes a lower rate of 0.75% AER for making more than three withdrawals within a year or whenever there’s less than £500 in your account.

Meanwhile, the Cash ISA from Trading 212 dropped into third place on our chart following a reduction over the weekend. Nevertheless, at 4.90% AER, it offers the best rate if you’re looking for an easy access ISA that allows an unlimited number of penalty-free withdrawals. This account can be opened and managed either online or via mobile app with no minimum deposit required and pays interest on a daily basis. What’s more, as a flexible ISA, you can replace any withdrawn funds without it counting towards your annual allowance. But, before applying, be sure to check the provider’s partner banks to ensure your money is covered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

With a number of the best easy access ISA rates inclusive of an introductory bonus, it’s important to check whether you’re still receiving competitive returns once the offer expires and consider switching if not.

The best fixed cash ISA rates

In contrast to limited movement on our easy access ISA chart, many of the top rates from across the fixed ISA sector saw an uplift over the past week. Castle Trust Bank currently leads our one-year ISA chart after increasing its Fixed Rate e-Cash ISA to pay 4.52% AER on maturity. This account may particularly appeal to environmentally conscious savers, as the provider pledges to plant a tree for each account opened and funded within the given timeframe. It can be applied for and managed either online or by mobile app with a £1,000 deposit and permits additions to your balance for a further 14 days. Early access, meanwhile, can be gained on account closure subject to 90 days’ loss of interest.

However, if you’re looking for a slightly longer fixed term, Hodge Bank now offers the market-leading two-year fixed ISA rate; off the back of a recent increase, its 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA pays 4.40% AER either monthly or on anniversary on a minimum of at least £1,000. This online-only account accepts further deposits for 14 days from opening via a nominated account and allows early access subject to 180 days’ loss of interest. But, unfortunately for savers looking to move money across from an existing ISA, it doesn’t permit transfers in.

As for the best three-year fixed ISA rate, this now sits at 4.36% AER and can be found from two providers after both UBL UK and Secure Trust Bank made increases last week. The former’s 3 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA requires a £2,000 deposit to open online, in branch, by post or via mobile app, but this amount should be considered carefully as further contributions aren’t allowed. The account can additionally be managed over the phone, with early access only permitted on closure subject to 270 days’ loss of interest. You’ll also have the choice of receiving interest monthly, quarterly, on anniversary or on maturity.

Secure Trust Bank’s 3 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA (24.Dec.27), meanwhile, pays the same rate yearly and can be applied for online with a slightly smaller deposit of £1,000. It can then additionally be managed over the phone or by mobile app and accepts further deposits of at least £1,000 for 30 days via a nominated account. Once again, early access is only allowed upon closure of the account subject to a 270-day loss of interest penalty.

For a fixed term that is longer still, you could consider the Cash ISA 5 Year Bond from United Trust Bank which maintains the lead of our five-year chart after it was increased to pay 4.18% AER on anniversary.  This account can be opened online with a £5,000 deposit, after which it can also be managed over the phone or by post. Keep in mind, though, further additions are not permitted, and early access will incur 365 days’ loss of interest. That being said, there is the opportunity to withdraw any interest earned yearly on your account’s anniversary.

The best notice cash ISA rates

As it currently stands, Vanquis Bank will adopt top spot on our 30-day notice ISA chart as Tipton & Coseley BS is set to reduce the rate paid by its 30 Day Notice ISA (Mobile App Account) from tomorrow (4 December). Vanquis Bank's 30 Day Notice Cash ISA (Issue 1) pays 4.50% AER either monthly or on anniversary after opening online with a £1,000 deposit. This flexible ISA can continue to be managed online, with further additions permitted without restriction. As for early access before serving the full, 30-day notice period, this is subject to 30 days’ loss of interest.

Those willing to provide more notice before accessing their cash, meanwhile, can still find a higher rate of 4.85% AER from West Brom BS. After opening via the building society’s website with just £1, you can continue to manage its 60 Day Notice ISA (Issue 1) online and will receive interest either monthly or yearly. Again, there are no restrictions when it comes to making further deposits, while a 60-day loss of interest penalty applies for early access.

Nevertheless, bear in mind better rates remain available from the leading easy access ISAs which require no notice to make a withdrawal.