CoverMapUK savings rates in 2026
| Account type | Typical top rate (AER) |
|---|---|
| Easy access cash ISA | Up to 4.75% |
| 1-year fixed cash ISA | Up to 4.82% |
| 2-year fixed cash ISA | Up to 4.98% |
| 5-year fixed cash ISA | Up to 5.25% |
Rates change frequently, sometimes within the same week, so it's worth checking current best-buy tables rather than relying on last month's figures.
ISAs vs standard savings accounts
A cash ISA works like a normal savings account, but interest earned inside it is entirely tax-free, up to your annual ISA allowance. Outside an ISA, interest above your Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000/year for basic-rate taxpayers, £500 for higher-rate) is taxable. For most UK savers, using the ISA allowance first is the simpler, safer default. See our ISA allowance guide for the full breakdown.
Other Types of Finance
This page focuses on savings and ISAs. CoverMap also covers these other UK finance topics:
Current fixed and variable rates, and how to avoid an expensive SVR.
Real effective rates by loan size, not just the headline advertised APR.
A beginner's guide to Stocks & Shares ISAs and long-term investing.
Auto-enrolment minimums, and why the average pot falls short.
Savings & ISA Guides
How top easy-access, fixed and cash ISA rates compare right now.
Which type of ISA suits your savings goals and risk tolerance.
How the £20,000 annual allowance works, and what's changing from April 2027.
The trade-off between locking in a rate and keeping your money flexible.
A practical framework for sizing a UK emergency fund before you invest or lock up savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one ISA?
Yes — you can pay into multiple ISA types in the same tax year (e.g. a cash ISA and a stocks & shares ISA), as long as your total contributions don't exceed the £20,000 combined annual allowance.
What happens to my ISA allowance if I don't use it?
It doesn't carry over. Unused ISA allowance is lost at the end of each tax year (5 April) — there's no way to catch up later.
Is cash ISA interest really tax-free forever?
Yes, for as long as the money stays inside an ISA wrapper, interest is tax-free regardless of how much you've accumulated over the years.