menuclose
Back to Main Menu
UK.StockBrokers.com is committed to the highest ethical standards and reviews services independently. Learn How We Make Money
Home ‣ Guides ‣ 6 Best Cash ISA Accounts & Rates for 2026

Best Cash ISA Accounts & Rates for 2026

Elizabeth Anderson

Written by Elizabeth Anderson
Fact-checked by Steven Hatzakis
Edited by Jeff Anberg

February 26, 2026
close
Elizabeth Anderson Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth Anderson is the lead writer and researcher for UK.StockBrokers.com. She has been a financial journalist for more than a decade and has written for major publications including BBC, The Times, and Bloomberg.

stockbrokers-com-favicon.png Why you can trust us

Led by Elizabeth Anderson, Lead Writer and Researcher, the UK.StockBrokers.com research team collects data and tests products on an ongoing basis. We review the tools and features most important to U.K. investors – including beginners, casual investors, passive investors, and active traders.

We collect and track data on trading charges, fees, and interest rates to make it easier to understand the cost of investing in the U.K. We analyze a wide range of savings and investment offerings, like ISAs, SIPPs, investment portfolios, pensions, and active trading accounts. We hand-collect and audit data across more than 50 variables in our coverage of the best U.K. investment platforms.

Our researchers open personal brokerage accounts and test all available platforms on desktop, web, and mobile for each broker reviewed on UK.StockBrokers.com. Learn more about how we test.

A cash ISA allows you to earn interest on your savings without paying U.K. income tax on the returns. For many savers, it’s a simple and low-risk way to protect cash while keeping money accessible and separate from stock market investments.

This guide focuses on easy-access, variable-rate cash ISAs offered by investment platforms and stock brokers rather than traditional fixed-rate accounts from high street banks. These flexible options let you withdraw or move your money when needed, and in many cases manage your savings and investments within the same app.

If you’re saving for a short-term goal, building an emergency fund, or simply looking for a competitive rate without locking your money away, these broker-based cash ISAs could be a strong fit. I’ve compared them based on interest rates, flexibility, minimum deposits, and overall ease of use.

Best Cash ISA Accounts in the UK

Below are my picks for the best easy-access cash ISAs in the U.K. for 2026. This guide focuses on variable-rate cash ISAs offered by investment platforms and stock brokers, not fixed-rate accounts that lock your money away. Most of the accounts featured are flexible, meaning you can withdraw and replace funds within the same tax year without affecting your £20,000 ISA allowance.

All providers listed are authorised in the U.K. and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), protecting eligible deposits up to £85,000 per institution. Rankings are based on interest rate, flexibility, and overall user experience. As rates change regularly, always confirm the latest details directly with the provider.

Broker
Rating
"Best for"
Bullet Points
Overall Score
3.5/5
Best flexible cash ISA
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £0
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Why we like it
Review

CMC Invest is a mobile-first investment app best known for its commission-free stock trading, support for ISAs and SIPPs, and simple account structure for long-term investors. Read full review

Pros
  • Commission-free trading.
  • Can hold GBP, USD, and EUR in your wallet.
  • You can trade through an ISA and SIPP account.
  • Offers mutual funds.
Cons
  • No web platform.
  • £50 fee for phone trading is high.
  • Flat-fee monthly charges are on the more expensive end.
  • Interest on cash balances is 2%, lower than other platforms.
Overall Score
4.5/5
Competitive rate with slick app
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £0
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: No
Why we like it
Review

Trading 212 is a popular investing platform best known for its commission-free trading, easy-to-use mobile app, and support for low-cost investing in stocks and ETFs. Read full review

Pros
  • Tax-free investing via an ISA.
  • High interest rate on cash balances.
  • User-friendly mobile app with practice accounts available.
  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading, including fractional shares.
Cons
  • Doesn't offer a SIPP.
  • Limited educational materials when researching investments.
  • Only offers stocks and ETFs; does not offer mutual funds or bonds.
Overall Score
4.0/5
High promo rate
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £0
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Why we like it
Review

Moneybox is an app aimed at beginner investors known for its ‘rounding up’ feature. You link your bank account to the app and can round up your everyday purchases to the nearest pound, with the remainder invested. You can invest in funds, ETFs, and a small number of U.S. stocks through Moneybox.

Pros
  • Makes investing easy
  • You can invest small amounts
  • Very user-friendly app
  • No trading fees for U.S. stocks (but there is an FX charge of 0.45%)
Cons
  • Limited number of investments
  • Limited research tools and educational material
  • Charges can work out expensive on small pots: £1 per month, plus 0.45% a year on the value of your investments in addition to fund fees
Overall Score
4.0/5
Offers both easy-access and fixed-rate ISAs
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: N/A
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: No
Why we like it
Review

Zopa is an online bank offering personal loans, savings accounts, car finance, and credit cards. Zopa does not offer investment services so you cannot invest in the stock market through a stocks and shares ISA or SIPP. But it does offer competitive rates of interest on its cash savings accounts if you are looking for a short-term place to save money.

Pros
  • Wide range of savings accounts paying generous interest
  • Offers access to both easy-access and fixed-rate deals through one account
  • Flexible cash ISA
Cons
  • Does not offer investment services
  • You have to transfer a minimum of £500 if transferring a cash ISA to Zopa
Overall Score
4.5/5
High interest rate for the first year
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: N/A
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Why we like it
Review

Plum is a money management app that helps users save, invest, and manage their spending. You can link your Plum account to other bank accounts to track your spending across multiple accounts as well as create savings goals and savings pots. You can invest in a limited range of funds and US stocks.

Pros
  • Helps you get a better understanding of your finances and manage your money better
  • ‘Round up’ feature makes it easy to save and invest
  • Generous interest rate offered on cash savings
Cons
  • Limited investment range for experienced investors
  • Monthly £2.99 subscription fee for the Plum investment ISA
  • Fund management fees are charged in addition to this
  • ISA is not flexible
Overall Score
4.0/5
Great for mobile-only users
  • Minimum Deposit: £1
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: N/A
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: No
Why we like it
Review

Chip is an investment and savings app that appeals to younger savers and investors. It offers easy-access savings accounts and cash ISAs as well as investment accounts. Chip offers competitive interest rates on its cash saving accounts. Its investment fees are low, although the investment range is limited to funds. The platform fee is 0.25% a year on top of a monthly £1 fee.

Pros
  • Limited range of diversified funds, making it easy for beginners to start investing
  • High interest rate on cash savings
Cons
  • The limited investment options may not appeal to experienced investors
  • Chip's stocks and shares ISA through ChipX costs £5.99 a month (£65 a year), although there are no platform fees

Your capital is at risk.

1. CMC Invest - Best flexible cash ISA

Company Overall Rating Minimum Deposit ISA SIPP
CMC Invest logoCMC Invest
3.5/5 Stars £1 Yes Yes

CMC Invest is top pick for cash ISAs because it keeps things straightforward: a standalone Cash ISA on the free Core plan, with no account fee to hold cash. The interest rate is currently 3.95% (variable), which makes it one of the more competitive easy-access options available through broker platforms.

Flexibility that suits real life. CMC Invest’s Cash ISA is flexible, meaning you can withdraw money and pay it back within the same tax year without reducing your annual ISA allowance (as long as you follow the provider’s flexible ISA rules). That’s useful if you’re saving for a shorter-term goal but want the option to access funds without permanently “using up” allowance.

An app-first experience that’s easy to manage. There’s no web platform for investing. Instead, you run everything through the mobile app. In testing, the app felt clean and quick for core tasks like opening the account, depositing money, and checking balances. It also includes useful touches like ESG information and live pricing, even though research and analysis tools are limited compared to more investment-heavy platforms.

CMC Invest app

Through the CIC Invest app, you can sort shares by most popular, sector or ESG score. You also sort ETFs, investment trusts and mutual funds on the same themes.

Elizabeth's take:

"CMC Invest’s Cash ISA is very straightforward. It’s fee-free to hold, easy to manage in-app, and the interest rate is genuinely competitive for an easy-access option."

Elizabeth Anderson

E%20Anderson%20headshot_170.jpg

Best for savers, not active investors. If your main goal is earning interest on cash inside an ISA, CMC Invest is a strong fit. You can invest through CMC Invest too, but the paid plans for a Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP come with monthly fees, so they won’t suit everyone. For a no-fuss, app-based Cash ISA with a competitive rate and flexible withdrawals, it earns the top spot.

2. Trading 212 - Competitive rate with slick app

Company Overall Rating Minimum Deposit ISA SIPP
Trading 212 logoTrading 212
4.5/5 Stars £1 Yes No

Trading 212 offers an easy-access cash ISA with a competitive interest rate, making it a strong option for savers who want straightforward, tax-free returns. The account is flexible, meaning you can withdraw money and replace it within the same tax year without affecting your £20,000 ISA allowance. There are no platform fees, and withdrawals are free, which helps keep costs simple and predictable.

Interest paid daily and easy to track. One standout feature is that interest is calculated daily and visible in real time through the app. You can see exactly how much you’re earning whenever you log in, which adds transparency and can make saving feel more tangible. The rate is variable, so it can change if wider interest rates fall or rise, but it remains competitive compared to many high street banks.

Simple setup through a well-designed app. Opening or transferring a cash ISA is straightforward, and the mobile app is clean and easy to navigate. You can also access your account via the website, which may appeal to those who prefer not to manage everything on a phone. The platform is designed to be intuitive, even if you're new to saving or investing.

Option to move into investing later. If your goals change, Trading 212 also offers a Stocks and Shares ISA, and you can move money between accounts within the platform. This may suit you if you want to start with cash and consider investing in future.

Trading 212 investment choices

Trading 212 offers thousands of stocks and ETFs. Through the ‘search’ tab on the mobile app, you can view investments by most popular, by sector or you can browse all stocks and ETFs.

3. Moneybox - High promo rate

Company Overall Rating Minimum Deposit ISA SIPP
Moneybox logoMoneybox
4.0/5 Stars £1 Yes Yes

Moneybox’s cash ISA stands out for its first-year interest rate, making it appealing for savers who want to maximise returns in the short term. The easy-access account offers a promotional rate for the first 12 months, after which the rate drops to a lower ongoing level. This stepped structure is common among app-based providers, but Moneybox’s introductory rate is among the more competitive currently available.

Flexible access with a higher starting deposit. The account is flexible, meaning you can withdraw money and replace it within the same tax year without affecting your annual ISA allowance. However, there is a £500 minimum deposit required to open the account. That’s higher than some competitors, so it may not suit those looking to start with a smaller amount.

App-focused experience designed for simplicity. Moneybox operates primarily through its mobile app, which is clean and easy to navigate. It is designed with newer savers in mind, offering a straightforward way to track balances and interest. While Moneybox is well known for its round-up feature, which automatically invests spare change from everyday spending, the same user-friendly design carries across to its cash ISA.

No fees on cash savings, wider ISA options available. There are no account fees on the cash ISA itself. Moneybox also offers other ISA types, including Lifetime ISAs, which may appeal if you’re saving for a first home or long-term goals. Overall, it suits app-focused savers comfortable managing their money digitally.

FAQs

Can I make withdrawals from a cash ISA?

Yes, if you have an easy-access cash ISA, like the ones featured in this guide, you can withdraw money at any time without penalties. Most of the providers listed also offer flexible ISAs, meaning you can pay money back in during the same tax year without it affecting your £20,000 allowance.

Fixed-rate cash ISAs, typically offered by banks, lock your money away for a set period in exchange for a guaranteed rate. These are not included in this guide.

What is the difference between a cash ISA and a savings account?

The difference is that interest earned in a cash ISA is tax-free. You will not have to worry about income tax.

With an ordinary savings account, you can earn up to £1,000 a year in interest before 20% income tax is due if you are a basic-rate taxpayer. This is known as the Personal Savings Allowance. Higher-rate taxpayers earning more than £50,270 a year can earn up to £500 in interest before income tax of 40% is due on interest above this. Additional rate taxpayers don’t get any Personal Savings Allowance so they will be paying 45% tax on interest earned from savings not held in an ISA.

ISAs should therefore be prioritised if you have a high level of cash savings and could go over the Personal Savings Allowance. You can pay up to £20,000 into ISAs each tax year.

escalator_warningInterested in learning more about ISAs?

Get the full rundown on ISAs by reading my complete guide to ISAs in the UK. Learn how to open a stocks and shares ISA or figure out the best provider for you when ready to open an account.

How many cash ISAs can I have?

You can have as many as you would like. It used to be the case that you could only pay into one cash ISA each tax year, but new rules as of April 2024 mean you can now pay into multiple ISAs of the same type each year.

Can I have two different cash ISAs with different providers?

Yes, you can hold and pay into cash ISAs with different providers. The only limitation is that you can not go over the £20,000 annual ISA allowance overall.

Can you transfer stocks and shares to a cash ISA?

Yes, you can transfer a stocks and shares ISA to a cash ISA if you want to reduce your exposure to the stock market. To keep the money in the ISA wrapper, request a transfer rather than withdrawing money from your account and then paying it into a cash ISA.

To do so, go to the website of the cash ISA provider you want and fill in a transfer form. You can transfer all or only part of your savings. You can also transfer from stocks and shares ISA to a cash ISA with the same provider if they offer both – such as Hargreaves Lansdown. Your investments will have to be sold before the transfer, so the process can take a few weeks.

How much can I put into a cash ISA?

There are no overall limits on how much can be held in cash ISAs. However, there is a cap of £20,000 that can be paid into ISAs each year.

Are cash ISAs tax-free?

Yes, cash ISAs are completely tax-free which is their main appeal. Do be aware that there is always the chance that tax rules may change in the future.

When is the best time to open a cash ISA?

Any time that works for you! Ideally make sure you have maxed out your ISA savings as much as you can before the end of the tax year (5 April) as any unused allowance can’t be carried over to the next tax year.

Cash ISAs are typically for those who may need access to savings within the next few years and who don’t want to risk stock market uncertainty. If you’re saving for the long-term – five years plus – a stocks and shares ISA may be more suitable as there is typically a better chance of growth outpacing inflation.

​​

Our testing

Why you should trust us

Elizabeth Anderson has been a financial journalist for more than a decade. She’s written for major national newspapers, contributed to corporate reports and research, and reviewed dozens of share dealing platforms, SIPP providers, ISAs, and brokerage firms. Elizabeth started her career at Bloomberg and has worked for the BBC, The Telegraph, The Times and the i newspaper. She is passionate about helping people understand finance and investing. A keen investor herself, Elizabeth invests through general dealing accounts, ISAs and several SIPPs.

Steven Hatzakis is a well-known finance writer with 25+ years of experience in the foreign exchange and financial markets. He is the Global Director of Online Broker Research for Reink Media Group, leading research efforts for ForexBrokers.com since 2016. He has served as a registered commodity futures representative for domestic and internationally-regulated brokerages. Steven holds a Series III license in the US as a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA).

All content on UK.StockBrokers.com is handwritten by a writer, fact-checked by a member of our research team, and edited and published by an editor. Our ratings, rankings, and opinions are entirely our own, and the result of our extensive research and decades of collective experience covering the U.K. brokerage industry.

Ultimately, our rigorous data validation process yields an error rate of less than .1% each year, providing site visitors with quality data they can trust. Click here to learn more about how we test.

How we tested

At UK.StockBrokers.com, our online broker reviews are based on our collected quantitative data as well as the observations and qualified opinions of our expert researchers. Each year we publish tens of thousands of words of research and collect hundreds of data points while testing brokerage firms, share dealing platforms, SIPP providers, ISA providers, and other financial service providers relevant to U.K. investors.

Mobile testing is conducted on modern devices that run the most up-to-date operating systems available:

  • For Apple, we use MacBook Pro laptops running the latest version of and the iPhone 15 running the latest version of iOS.
  • For Android, we use the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra devices running Android OS 14.

All websites and web-based platforms are tested using the latest version of the Google Chrome browser.

Our researchers thoroughly test a wide range of key features, such as the availability and quality of trading platforms for web, desktop, and mobile, charting, real-time and streaming quotes, and educational resources – among other important variables. We also evaluate the overall design of the mobile experience, and look for a fluid user experience moving between mobile and desktop platforms.

Popular Guides

CompareBest UK Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2026Best Stock Trading Apps UK of 2026Best UK Day Trading Platforms of 2026

Popular Retirement Guides

Popular Stock Broker Reviews

About the Editorial Team

Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth Anderson, lead writer and researcher, has been a financial journalist for more than a decade. In addition to her work with UK.StockBrokers.com, she has written extensively for major publications including BBC, The Times and Bloomberg. A keen investor herself, she is passionate about helping people understand finance and investing.

Steven Hatzakis

Steven Hatzakis is the Global Director of Online Broker Research for UK.StockBrokers.com and ForexBrokers.com. Steven previously served as an Editor for Finance Magnates, where he authored over 1,000 published articles about the online finance industry. Steven is an active fintech and crypto industry researcher and advises blockchain companies at the board level. Over the past 20 years, Steven has held numerous positions within the international forex markets, from writing to consulting to serving as a registered commodity futures representative.

Jeff Anberg

Jeff Anberg is a Senior Editor at UK.StockBrokers.com. Along with years of experience in media distribution at a global newsroom, Jeff has a versatile knowledge base encompassing the technology and financial markets. He is a long-time active investor and engages in research on emerging markets like cryptocurrency. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature with a minor in Philosophy from San Francisco State University.

close
navigate_before navigate_next