Compare Cash ISAs

2.75%

Instant access to your savings

Option to transfer cash ISAs from other providers

Save from as little as £1.00

Access account in branch, by phone or online

2.50%

Includes a 0.50% AER bonus for 12 months when ISA transfers
made before 30/04/2010 (excludes other RBS group providers)

Available to customers with a RBS current or instant access
savings account

No withdrawal penalties

Access account in branch, by phone, post or online

2.40%

Includes a 0.50% AER bonus for 12 months when ISA transfers
made before 30/04/2010 (excludes other RBS group providers)

Available to customers with a RBS current or instant access
savings account

No penalties for withdrawals 

Access account in branch, by phone, post or online

2.25%

Includes a 0.50% AER bonus for 12 months when ISA transfers
made before 30/04/2010

Available to customers with a RBS current or instant access
savings account

No penalties for withdrawals 

Access account in branch, by phone, post or online

1.75%

HSBC internet banking customers only

You must be 16 years and over to apply for this account

Existing ISA balances can be transferred in to this account

Interest in accrued daily

What is a cash ISA?

Individual savings accounts (ISAs) allow people to save or invest a limited amount of money without paying taxes on the returns.

Half of your ISA allowance can be saved in a cash ISA, the remainder, or the whole amount if you prefer, can be invested in a stocks and shares account.

You're allowed to save up to £7,200 a year tax free and this increases to £10,200 a year from April when the new tax year begins. Anyone aged 50 or above can save that much in this tax year too.

How do cash ISAs work?

Just as with standard savings accounts, there are a range of cash ISAs available, paying different rates. Whether you want an easy access, fixed rate or notice account, be sure to compare a number of providers to find the best ISA rate possible.

What to watch out for

Some ISAs will pay a high rate for the first 12 months because they include an introductory bonus, so you should be prepared to move to find the most competitive cash ISA rates. If you do need to switch accounts, make sure you transfer the balance rather than withdrawing it - otherwise you could lose the money's tax-free status. You're allowed to move money from a cash ISA into a stocks and shares account, but not the other way around.