cash stack icon

Savings Guides

We've collated our most popular and most recently-published savings account guides in one place for you. Designed to help you through the basics as well as more complicated issues, browse our entire back catalogue below.

Ready to compare rates? Browse today's best savings account rates.

Advertisement

Our most popular savings account guides

guides icon
How much can I give as a cash gift and how is tax affected?

There are many reasons why you may want to give a cash gift to your loved ones. We explain the implications from a tax perspective.

There are many reasons why you may want to give a cash gift to your loved ones. We explain the implications from a tax perspective.

Read More
guides icon
How are my savings taxed in the UK?

Every basic rate taxpayer in the UK currently has a PSA of £1,000, which means the first £1,000 of savings interest earned in a year is tax-free and you only have to pay tax on savings interest above this.

Every basic rate taxpayer in the UK currently has a PSA of £1,000, which means the first £1,000 of savings interest earned in a year is tax-free.

Read More
guides icon
Who Owns Whom? Check FSCS Protection

This guide reveals which brands operate under which banking licence, helping savers work out to what degree their savings are protected by the FSCS.

This guide reveals which brands operate under which banking licence, helping savers work out to what degree their savings are protected by the FSCS.

Read More
guides icon
How can I find lost Premium Bonds?

Premium Bonds can easily be forgotten or lost. If you are the rightful recipient of a prize don't panic, NS&I will hold the funds for you. Find out more here.

Premium Bonds can easily be forgotten or lost. If you are the rightful recipient of a prize don't panic, NS&I will hold the funds for you. Find out more here.

Read More
guides icon
FSCS Explained: Are My UK Savings Safe?

All banks and building societies listed by Moneyfacts are signed up to a depositor protection scheme that would cover your money in the event the institution went bust. This guide gives you all the information about depositor protection limits and rules across different regions and areas.

Established by the UK Government in 2001, the FSCS is used to protect and reimburse consumers and businesses. Find out more about how to keep your savings safe.

Read More
guides icon
What is a Trust Account?

A trust is where money or other assets are held on behalf of somebody else (known as a beneficiary). The beneficiary could be a child, an adult who lacks capacity to manage their own affairs or an organisation. Read our guide to find out more about trust accounts.

A trust is where money or other assets are held on behalf of somebody else. Our guide explains more.

Read More
guides icon
The difference between AER, gross rate and net rate

With AER, gross rate and net rate all ways of expressing the amount of interest paid by an account, find out the key differences between these three concepts.

With AER, gross rate and net rate all ways of expressing the amount of interest paid by an account, find out the key differences between these three concepts.

Read More
guides icon
What are challenger banks?

They regularly top the savings charts and tend to have a reputation for offering great service too – but what is a challenger bank, and can they be trusted as an alternative to the established banking giants?

They regularly top the savings charts and tend to have a reputation for offering great service too – but what is a challenger bank, and can they be trusted?

Read More

All our savings account guides

guides icon
Who Owns Whom? Check FSCS Protection

This guide reveals which brands operate under which banking licence, helping savers work out to what degree their savings are protected by the FSCS.

This guide reveals which brands operate under which banking licence, helping savers work out to what degree their savings are protected by the FSCS.

Read More
guides icon
What type of savings account do I need?

With so many types of savings accounts on the market, it can be difficult to know which is best for you. That’s why we’ve made this handy guide.

With so many types of savings accounts on the market, it can be difficult to know which is best for you. That’s why we’ve made this handy guide.

Read More
guides icon
Is it better to pay off a mortgage or save?

It can be hard to decide whether to put money into savings or use it to overpay your mortgage. See our guide for the pros and cons of each option.

It can be hard to decide whether to put money into savings or use it to overpay your mortgage. See our guide for the pros and cons of each option.

Read More
guides icon
What are challenger banks?

They regularly top the savings charts and tend to have a reputation for offering great service too – but what is a challenger bank, and can they be trusted as an alternative to the established banking giants?

They regularly top the savings charts and tend to have a reputation for offering great service too – but what is a challenger bank, and can they be trusted?

Read More
guides icon
Should you sign up to a savings platform?

Savings platforms bring together selected savings accounts of many banks and building societies into one place for savers

Savings platforms bring together selected savings accounts of many banks and building societies into one place for savers

Read More
guides icon
How can I find lost Premium Bonds?

Premium Bonds can easily be forgotten or lost. If you are the rightful recipient of a prize don't panic, NS&I will hold the funds for you. Find out more here.

Premium Bonds can easily be forgotten or lost. If you are the rightful recipient of a prize don't panic, NS&I will hold the funds for you. Find out more here.

Read More
guides icon
FSCS Explained: Are My UK Savings Safe?

All banks and building societies listed by Moneyfacts are signed up to a depositor protection scheme that would cover your money in the event the institution went bust. This guide gives you all the information about depositor protection limits and rules across different regions and areas.

Established by the UK Government in 2001, the FSCS is used to protect and reimburse consumers and businesses. Find out more about how to keep your savings safe.

Read More
guides icon
Can you make money from stoozing?

Stoozing is a money hack that uses credit cards to help to maximise the interest you earn on your savings. Find out how it works and if it’s worth doing.

Stoozing is a money hack that uses credit cards to help to maximise the interest you earn on your savings.

Read More
guides icon
Cash ISA vs Savings Account: Which Should I Choose?

Cash ISAs and savings accounts have some key differences, including their tax implications and rules around deposits and withdrawals. Find out more here.

Cash ISAs and savings accounts have some key differences, including their tax implications and rules around deposits and withdrawals.

Read More
guides icon
How to make and manage a money budget

Effective budgeting is a key part of money management. Find out how methods such as the 50/30/20 technique, piggybanking and budgeting apps could help you better understand where your money is going and how you can make the most of it.

Effective budgeting is a key part of money management. Find out how making and managing a money budget could help your money go further.

Read More
guides icon
How to get the best return from your savings

Getting a decent return from your savings takes more than putting money in the first account you come across. Choose poorly and you won't come anywhere near to securing the best rate.

Getting a decent return from your savings takes more than putting money in the first account you come across. Our guide explains how to get the best return.

Read More
guides icon
Premium bonds or savings accounts: Which is better?

Do you want a guaranteed return or the chance of a winning big? Our guide on premium bonds vs. savings accounts explains the pros and cons of each.

Want to know the difference between a premium bond and a savings account? This guide explains the pros and cons of each.

Read More
guides icon
Using a current account as a savings vehicle

With the right current account you could enjoy valuable additional benefits while securing a return on a portion of your savings.

With the right current account you could enjoy valuable additional benefits while securing a return on a portion of your savings.

Read More
guides icon
How are my savings taxed in the UK?

Every basic rate taxpayer in the UK currently has a PSA of £1,000, which means the first £1,000 of savings interest earned in a year is tax-free and you only have to pay tax on savings interest above this.

Every basic rate taxpayer in the UK currently has a PSA of £1,000, which means the first £1,000 of savings interest earned in a year is tax-free.

Read More
guides icon
The difference between AER, gross rate and net rate

With AER, gross rate and net rate all ways of expressing the amount of interest paid by an account, find out the key differences between these three concepts.

With AER, gross rate and net rate all ways of expressing the amount of interest paid by an account, find out the key differences between these three concepts.

Read More
guides icon
What does compound interest mean?

We all know that we earn interest on our savings. But what happens to the interest once we've earned it? It’s either moved (or paid) into a different savings or current account, or it stays in the same account and is added to your savings.

What does compound interest mean? Read out guide to find out more.

Read More
guides icon
Has your local bank branch closed? Here’s what you can do

What are your options if your local bank branch faces closure?

What are your options if your local bank branch faces closure?

Read More
guides icon
How to fund home improvements

In this guide we’ve listed some of the different ways you can finance your home renovation project.

In this guide we’ve listed some of the different ways you can finance your home renovation project.

Read More
guides icon
How much can I give as a cash gift and how is tax affected?

There are many reasons why you may want to give a cash gift to your loved ones. We explain the implications from a tax perspective.

There are many reasons why you may want to give a cash gift to your loved ones. We explain the implications from a tax perspective.

Read More
guides icon
The ultimate guide to saving for your first home

Saving for a deposit can seem like a daunting task but there's plenty of practical steps you can take to boost your savings and cut your costs.

Saving for a deposit can seem like a daunting task but there's plenty of practical steps you can take to boost your savings and cut your costs.

Read More
guides icon
What is a Trust Account?

A trust is where money or other assets are held on behalf of somebody else (known as a beneficiary). The beneficiary could be a child, an adult who lacks capacity to manage their own affairs or an organisation. Read our guide to find out more about trust accounts.

A trust is where money or other assets are held on behalf of somebody else. Our guide explains more.

Read More
guides icon
What is Shari’ah-compliant banking and how does it affect your finances?

From expected profit rate to home purchase plans, there are a number of terms you will have to know if you are to consider a provider which complies with Islamic banking principles. Also known as Shari’ah-compliant banking, we explain below how this works.

From expected profit rate to home purchase plans, there are a number of terms to consider when using an Islamic banking provider.

Read More
guides icon
UK base rate explained - and how to respond to changes

Eight times a year, the Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee meets to decide the UK’s base rate. When this happens mortgage and savings rates will feel the impact, affecting consumers across the board. Below we have explained what the BoE’s base rate means and how it affects you.

We have explained what the Bank of England’s base rate means and how it affects you.

Read More
guides icon
Is Help to Save worth it?

Help to Save is a Government scheme that offers a bonus of up to £1,200 on your savings.

Help to Save is a Government scheme that offers a bonus of up to £1,200 on your savings.

Read More
guides icon
How does investing with robo-advice work?

How does investing with robo-advice work or should you manage your own investments or speak to a financial adviser?

How does investing with robo-advice work or should you manage your own investments or speak to a financial adviser?

Read More
guides icon
How to start saving money using an app

Find out how money saving apps work and how they use AI to help you save money everyday.

Find out how money saving apps work and how they use AI to help you save money everyday.

Read More
guides icon
Structured deposits - a glossary

A glossary of key terms for structured deposits.

Read More
guides icon
Beware of land banking schemes

A guide on what the land banking scam is and how to avoid it.

Read More
guides icon
How can I save for the future of my child?

For a parent, knowing that your child has a financially secure future is bound to be one of your top priorities, which is why many like to begin saving for their child as soon as possible. Read our guide to learn more.

This guide tells you more about how to save for your children. We share tips about savings accounts to help save for university, a car or a first home.

Read More
guides icon
Structured Deposit Products Explained

In simple terms, a structured deposit product can be thought of as a combination of a traditional savings account and a stock market investment.

In simple terms, a structured deposit product can be thought of as a combination of a traditional savings account and a stock market investment.

Read More
guides icon
Do Regular Savings Accounts Pay The Best Rates?

Regular savings accounts seem to have higher rates. This guide explains why and how interest you earn is really calculated.

Read More
guides icon
Are offshore savings accounts worth it for expats?

If you've decided to take the plunge and start a new life abroad is worth considering an offshore savings account. Our guide explains.

If you've decided to take the plunge and start a new life abroad is worth considering an offshore savings account. Our guide explains.

Read More

Search Guides

How Moneyfactscompare works

  • drawing of money scales

    BALANCED. Moneyfactscompare.co.uk is entirely independent and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority for mortgage, credit and insurance products.

  • blue outline of free tag

    FREE. There is no cost to you. Our service is entirely free and you don't need to share any personal data to access our comparison tables.

  • drawing of pound sign and arrow

    TRANSPARENT. We only receive payment from product providers and intermediaries for apply online links and adverts through to their websites.

  • blue outline of binoculars

    COMPREHENSIVE. We research the whole market and scour the small print so you can find the best products for your needs.

Receive the latest news, straight to your inbox

All of our newsletters are available free by email to all Moneyfactscompare.co.uk users.

Send me Weekend Moneyfactscompare, Savers Friend, Companies Friend and selected third-party offers.

Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will never contact you by phone to sell you any financial product. Any calls like this are not from Moneyfacts. Emails sent by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will always be from news@moneyfacts-news.co.uk. Be ScamSmart.

Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will never contact you by phone to sell you any financial product. Any calls like this are not from Moneyfacts. Emails sent by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will always be from news@moneyfacts-news.co.uk. Be ScamSmart.