Fixed interest rate
The interest rate remains the same from when the account is opened until the end of the agreed period
Our best fixed rate bond rates
Take a look at our fixed rate bond accounts with the highest interest rates.
Accurate as of 29 September 2026
Results preview sorted by highest to lowest interest rates - to compare our complete list of savings accounts, including cash ISAs and easy access accounts, view our full results table.
What is a fixed rate bond?
Fixed rate bonds are savings accounts that pay a set interest rate for an agreed period. You pay in a lump sum at the start and, in return, the rate will not change during the term.
What terms can I choose for a fixed rate bond?
Fixed rate bonds commonly run from around six months to five years, although the options vary by provider. One, two, three, and five-year terms are common. Compare the rate as well as the term length. A longer term does not always pay more, and you should only fix money you will not need before the bond matures.
Why consider fixing your savings?
A fixed rate bond gives you certainty: you know the interest rate you’ll receive for the full term. This can be useful if you have a lump sum you will not need before maturity and want to protect yourself if savings rates fall. But it does not guarantee you’ll get the best available rate throughout the term. If savings rates rise after you open the account, you could be locked into a lower rate. Compare fixed and easy-access accounts, and only fix money you can comfortably leave untouched.
How do fixed-rate bonds work?
Choose an account: Compare the interest rate, term, minimum deposit, how interest is paid and the rules for early access.
Make your opening deposit: Fixed rate bonds are designed for a lump sum. Some providers allow a short funding window, but you usually cannot keep adding money throughout the term.
Leave the money for the agreed term: Your rate stays fixed. Access is normally restricted; if early withdrawals are allowed, you may lose interest or pay a penalty.
Choose what to do at maturity: You can usually withdraw the money, move it to another savings account or reinvest it in a new bond.
What are the main features?
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Set agreed term
The money is locked away for the agreed period of time, which is usually 1, 2, or 3 years, but can also be as long as 5 years
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Restricted access
Access to your money is normally restricted until the agreed term ends. Some providers may allow early withdrawals, usually with a loss of interest or an early-withdrawal penalty; others do not allow them
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Higher interest rates
Fixed rate bonds may offer higher interest rates than other savings accounts because the money is less accessible
What are the pros and cons of fixed rate bonds?
There are advantages and disadvantages to fixed rate bonds. These include:
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Advantages
The interest rate is fixed for the agreed term
They can suit a lump sum you do not need immediately
They may offer a higher rate than easy-access savings accounts
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Disadvantages
You will usually have limited or no access to your money before maturity
Early withdrawal, if allowed, can mean losing interest or paying a penalty
If savings rates rise, your fixed rate may no longer be competitive
Interest may be taxable unless held in a tax-free wrapper, such as a cash ISA
How much interest can I earn with a fixed rate bond?
The amount of interest you’ll earn from a fixed rate bond depends on:
The interest rate
The length of the term – the bond duration
The higher the rate and the longer your money is locked away, generally the more interest you’ll earn. The table shows the return you might make, for example, from a £10,000 deposit where interest is added to the bond each year.
Length of bond | Interest rate |
|---|
5% | 5.5% | 6% | |
|---|---|---|---|
One year | £10,500 | £10,550 | £10,600 |
Three years | £11,576.25 | £11,742.41 | £11,910.16 |
Five years | £12,762.82 | £13,069.60 | £13,382.26 |
Based on a £10,000 initial deposit, with interest added to the account annually. Figures are illustrative only; actual returns depend on the account terms and how interest is paid.
Early withdrawals and charges
Fixed rate bonds do not usually charge ongoing account fees. The main cost to check is the early-withdrawal penalty, if the provider allows access before the term ends.
This could mean losing a set number of days’ interest, losing some or all interest earned, or being unable to withdraw at all. Read the account terms carefully before opening the bond.
How to best manage your fixed rate bond
Here are some effective ways to manage your fixed rate bond:
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Choose the right bond and deposit
Compare interest rates, terms, access rules and deposit limits to find an account that suits you. Decide how much of your lump sum you are comfortable locking away, then make sure it meets the account’s minimum deposit requirement.
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Consider how long to fix your savings
Think about how long you can go without accessing the money and how the term fits your financial goals. Compare the rates available for the terms you could realistically choose, rather than relying on interest-rate forecasts.
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Manage multiple bonds
You can open multiple bonds, and you can split your money between different terms. You can also open other savings accounts in addition to your bonds.
How do I access or withdraw my money from a fixed rate bond?
You can normally access your money when the fixed term ends, which is known as maturity. Before then, the provider may not allow withdrawals.
If it does, you will usually face restrictions and could lose interest or pay an early-withdrawal penalty.
Check the account terms before applying, particularly if there is any chance you may need the money early.
Our expert says…
Savers will want to get the best return they can on their cash. Fixed savings accounts can often offer competitive rates if you are comfortable locking your money away for a set period.
If you may need access to your money, an easy-access savings account could be a better fit. You can compare fixed and easy-access accounts in one place on MoneySuperMarket.
Make sure to check the provider is part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, so savings of up to £120,000 are protected. All the providers available through MoneySuperMarket are registered with the FSCS.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
How to choose the best fixed rate bonds for you
The best fixed rate bond is not necessarily the one with the highest AER. Before applying, check whether the term works for you, how and when interest is paid, the minimum and maximum deposit, and whether early access is possible.
Also check that the provider is covered by the FSCS and whether you are likely to pay tax on the interest.
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Compare interest rates
Higher rates generally lead to better returns
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Choose length of term
Consider how long you’re prepared to lock your money away
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Check minimum/maximum deposit
Fixed rate bonds set limits on how much you can deposit
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Be aware of penalty fees
Check the conditions in case you need to make an early withdrawal
How long should I fix my savings for?
Start with when you expect to need the money. Do not lock away your emergency fund or money you may need for planned spending. Then compare the rates available for the terms you could realistically choose.
You could split your savings across more than one term. This means part of your money may become available sooner, while the rest remains fixed for longer.
What happens when my fixed rate bond matures?
When your bond matures, you can usually withdraw your original deposit and any interest, move the money to another savings account, or reinvest it in a new fixed rate bond.
Your provider should tell you what will happen at the end of the term. If you do not give instructions, it may move your money into another account, which could pay a lower rate. Review your options before maturity and compare the rates available.
What are the alternatives to fixed rate bonds?
If a fixed rate bond isn’t right for you, there are other ways to save that may offer easier access, regular deposits or tax-free interest.
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Regular saver account
Regular saver accounts usually let you pay in a set amount each month, up to a maximum limit. They can offer competitive rates, but may restrict withdrawals and how much you can save.
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Cash ISA
A cash ISA lets you earn interest tax-free. You can choose an easy-access or fixed-rate account, depending on whether you need your money before the term ends. For the 2026/27 tax year, you can save up to £20,000 across your ISAs.
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Easy access saver
Easy access savers are a simple way to start saving money, often from as little as £1, and don't penalise you for withdrawing money
How to compare fixed rate bonds with MoneySuperMarket
MoneySuperMarket can help you compare fixed rate bonds all in one place
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Browse our providers
Just click the button below to see a list of all our fixed rate savings bond accounts, ordered by highest interest rate
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Filter and sort
Let us know your starting balance and preferred term length and we’ll filter accounts to show you what’s available
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Click through to provider
When you find the fixed rate bond you want, click straight to the provider to complete your application online today.
Fixed rate bond or fixed rate ISA?
Both accounts can pay a fixed interest rate for a set term and may restrict access before maturity. The key difference is tax: interest earned in a cash ISA is tax-free, while interest from a standard fixed rate bond can count towards your Personal Savings Allowance.
A fixed rate ISA uses part of your annual ISA allowance, so it may suit you if you want to shelter interest from tax. A standard fixed rate bond does not use your ISA allowance and may suit you if your interest stays within your Personal Savings Allowance.
Compare the rate, term, deposit limits, withdrawal rules and your likely tax position before choosing.
Reporting savings scams
We’re aware some fraudsters are trying to use the MoneySuperMarket brand to trick consumers into handing over money or financial details, by offering fake ISA and savings products with eye-catching rates. The best way to stop these scams is to report them.
How do I report a savings scam?
If you think you’ve been contacted by a fraudster, please stop all communication with them and report it to Action Fraud.
If it’s someone impersonating MoneySuperMarket, please contact our customer services team.
Check out our tips on how to keep you and your family safe from scams.
Learn more about fixed rate bonds and savings
How much can I invest in a fixed rate bond?
Fixed rate bonds have minimum and maximum opening deposits, which vary by provider. Some accounts accept small deposits, while others require more, so check the account terms before applying. The most competitive rates may require a larger deposit, although this is not always the case.
You can usually make your initial deposit only during a short funding window. Once that has closed, you normally cannot add more money to the bond.
Eligible savings with UK-authorised banks, building societies and credit unions are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £120,000 per eligible person, per authorised firm. Check that your provider and account are covered.
Am I eligible for a fixed rate bond?
Eligibility varies by provider, but you will usually need to be at least 18 and a UK resident for tax purposes.
Some accounts are online-only, and providers may have their own identity, address and opening-deposit requirements.
Check the account terms before applying, particularly if you are opening the account for someone else or are under 18.
How is interest paid on a fixed rate bond?
The provider sets when and how interest is paid. It may be paid monthly, quarterly, annually, on the anniversary of opening the account, or when the bond matures.
Depending on the account, you may be able to have interest paid into a separate account or added to the bond. If it is added to the bond, you can earn interest on previous interest. Check the account terms before applying, as payment options vary.
Do I have to pay tax on interest earned from a fixed rate bond?
Interest from a standard fixed rate bond can be taxable. However, most people can earn some savings interest before tax is due through their Personal Savings Allowance.
For the 2026/27 tax year, the allowance is £1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers and £500 for higher-rate taxpayers. Additional-rate taxpayers do not get a Personal Savings Allowance. Interest in a cash ISA is tax-free.
Tax rules can change, and your position depends on your total income, so check the latest guidance if you are unsure.
Can you lose money on a fixed rate bond?
You are unlikely to lose your original deposit with an eligible FSCS-protected provider, provided you keep within the protection limit. However, if you withdraw early, a penalty could reduce the interest you receive, and, depending on the account terms, could reduce the amount you get back.
You could also miss out if savings rates rise after you fix your rate, or if inflation reduces the spending power of your money over time.
What is the difference between a fixed rate bond and a regular savings account?
A fixed rate bond is a type of savings account that pays a set interest rate for a fixed term. Your money is usually locked away until maturity.
A regular or easy-access savings account normally lets you pay in and withdraw more freely, but its interest rate can change. A regular saver may also require you to pay in a set amount each month.
Compare the interest rate, access rules, deposit limits and how long you are happy to leave the money untouched.
Can I deposit more money into my bond after I have opened it?
Fixed rate bonds are usually designed for one lump-sum deposit. Some providers give you a short window after opening the account to add money up to the maximum balance, but you normally cannot make regular top-ups during the term.
Check the provider’s funding deadline and maximum deposit before applying.
How does the Financial Services Compensation Scheme protect my savings?
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects eligible money held with UK-authorised banks, building societies and credit unions if the firm fails.
It can compensate up to £120,000 per eligible person, per authorised firm. Protection is automatic, but you should check that your provider and account are covered, and remember that different brands can share the same banking licence.
What is AER?
AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate. It shows what the interest rate would be over one year, making it easier to compare savings accounts that pay interest at different intervals. It does not mean every bond term lasts a year.
Comparing savings accounts
You can compare savings accounts using a number of factors. These include the interest rates they offer as well as how long the rate will last, the amount you might need to deposit in order to open the account, and how you can access the account. Once you’ve decided which account you want, simply click through and you’ll be taken to the provider’s website.
Not sure what type of account to go for? Our Savings Decision Tree can help you decide.
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Reviewed on 29 Sep 2026 by
Sources and supporting information
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[1]
Accurate as of 28 September 2026.
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[2]
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
