- What are ISAs?
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) were introduced by the government as a way of encouraging individuals to save. ISAs provide a tax-free incentive, allowing you to earn interest without having to pay tax on it, unlike other investments held outside an ISA wrapper that are subjected to income or capital gains tax.
With standard savings accounts, higher-rate taxpayers lose 40% on any savings interest to the tax-man, while those in the basic-rate tax band lose 20%. Therefore, if you are a taxpayer, making use of your annual ISA allowance can be very rewarding, and comparing the market to find the best isa rates will help you to get the most from your tax free allowance. - How do ISAs work?
Each tax year (running from April to April), everyone living in the UK is entitled to a £7,200 ISA allowance which can be split up between a cash ISA and stocks and shares ISA (which increased to £10,200 from October 2009 for all savers aged 50 and over and April 6th 2010 for everyone else).
The maximum amount that can be put into a cash ISA within any one year is £3,600, however you can use up to your full £7,200 allowance solely for a stocks and shares ISA, without paying any tax on the returns you gain.
You can only open one cash ISA, and one stocks and shares ISA each tax year, but it is possible to move balances from existing ISAs into another ISA, as long as the new account provider allows transfers, and the transfer is carried out by the bank. - Where do I go to open an ISA?
If you're looking for somewhere to make use of your ISA allowance it is worth comparing different providers to find the best ISA rates. At Which4U, we compare ISAs from a wide range of providers, helping you to see which accounts offer the best ISA rates, and which account would best suit your savings needs. Whether you're looking for an ISA that rewards you for leaving your money untouched, or you require instant access to your account, we have something for you.
Something to remember when using this type of savings vehicle is that like standard savings accounts, ISA providers often pay high introductory rates lasting for the first 12 months from opening the account, so don't be shy to keep on-top of the best rates on offer and make the most of your savings. - What are investment ISAs?
Stocks & shares ISAs are a great alternative to their cash counterparts for those that wish to see their savings more as an investment. There are a number of options to choose from, each carrying a different level of risk together with various possible returns offered. These types of ISAs to provide the potential to earn much higher returns, but the reason for this is that the risk element is introduced, so it's up to you to decide whether you are happy with this.
Banking & Saving - Best ISA Rates - Compare High Interest ISAs
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Best ISA Rates
BEST ISA RATES - Compare top performing Isas with our easy to use table and quickly see the latest deals on offer. Make the most of your tax free allowance and start saving Today!
Best ISA Rates
| Provider | Account | AER | Notice | Deposit Per Year | Apply | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | Max | |||||
| View Full Table > | ||||||
 |
No withdrawals allowed. Transfer your existing ISA balances to this ISA and get 4.25% AER. Minimum deposit £500.
|
4.25%
|
Instant
|
£500 | £3,600 | |
|
|
No withdrawals allowed. Transfer your existing ISA balances to this ISA and get 3.75% AER. Minimum deposit £500.
|
3.75%
|
Instant
|
£500 | £3,600 | |
|
|
No withdrawals allowed. Transfer your existing ISA balances to this ISA and get 3.50% AER. Minimum deposit £500.
|
3.50%
|
Instant
|
£500 | £3,600 | |
 |
Get 2.70% AER/Tax Free on balances of £3,000 - £14,999 or up to 3.30% AER/Tax Free on balances of £30k+. You CAN transfer your existing ISA balances to this ISA. YOU MUST BE AN EXISTING LLOYDS CUSTOMER
|
3.30%
|
Instant
|
£3,000 | £150,000 | |
 |
Deposit £1k - £9k and get 2.0% AER for 12 months. Deposit £9K+ and get 2.75% AER for 12 months. Transfer your existing ISA balances to this ISA. NO withdrawal Restrictions
|
2.75%
|
Instant
|
£9,000 | £150,000 | |
- Get 4.25% AER Fixed for 4 Years
- Minimum opening balance - £500
- Maximum balance - up to £3,600 (£5,100 for those aged 50 or above on or before 5 April 2010) in any one tax year
- No withdrawals
- No additional deposits - after account opening. However, if you are aged 50 or above on or before 5 April 2010 and you have funded your fixed rate ISA with current year funds you can make a one-off extra payment into your account before 6 April 2010 so you can take advantage of the new ISA limit of £5,100.
- Manage your savings - In branch, by phone or view your balance online 24/7
- Britain's No 1 for ISAs*
- Number of accounts - you can only fund one cash ISA during any one tax year. If you already have an ISA with another provider and want to take advantage of our cash ISA interest rate, ask to transfer your ISA today
- YOUR SAVINGS ARE PROTECTED UP TO £50,000 BY THE FSCS - Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Get 3.75% AER Fixed for 3 Years
- Minimum opening balance - £500
- Maximum balance - up to £3,600 (£5,100 for those aged 50 or above on or before 5 April 2010) in any one tax year
- No withdrawals
- No additional deposits - after account opening. However, if you are aged 50 or above on or before 5 April 2010 and you have funded your fixed rate ISA with current year funds you can make a one-off extra payment into your account before 6 April 2010 so you can take advantage of the new ISA limit of £5,100.
- Manage your savings - In branch, by phone or view your balance online 24/7
- Britain's No 1 for ISAs*
- Number of accounts - you can only fund one cash ISA during any one tax year. If you already have an ISA with another provider and want to take advantage of our cash ISA interest rate, ask to transfer your ISA today
- YOUR SAVINGS ARE PROTECTED UP TO £50,000 BY THE FSCS - Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Get 3.50% AER Fixed for 2 Years
- Minimum opening balance - £500
- Maximum balance - up to £3,600 (£5,100 for those aged 50 or above on or before 5 April 2010) in any one tax year
- No withdrawals
- No additional deposits - after account opening. However, if you are aged 50 or above on or before 5 April 2010 and you have funded your fixed rate ISA with current year funds you can make a one-off extra payment into your account before 6 April 2010 so you can take advantage of the new ISA limit of £5,100.
- Manage your savings - In branch, by phone or view your balance online 24/7
- Britain's No 1 for ISAs*
- Number of accounts - you can only fund one cash ISA during any one tax year. If you already have an ISA with another provider and want to take advantage of our cash ISA interest rate, ask to transfer your ISA today
- YOUR SAVINGS ARE PROTECTED UP TO £50,000 BY THE FSCS - Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Save up to £3,600 in the 2009/10 tax year without paying any tax on the interest
- Transfer/Deposit £1 - £9,000 & get 2.0% AER (includes a 12 month variable rate bonus of 1.50% gross/AER)
- Transfer/Deposit £9,000+ & get 3.0% AER (includes a 12 month variable rate bonus of 2.00% gross/AER)
- After 12 month intro rate reduces to:
- £1 - £9,000 = 0.5%AER
- £9,000 + 1.00%AER
- Pay-in/Withdraw via Abbey Branch, Online, and Telephone
- YOUR SAVINGS ARE PROTECTED UP TO £50,000 BY THE FSCS - Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Enjoy TAX-FREE saving with our simple cash ISA account.
- Direct ISA (Issue 6): 2.75% AER tax-free (variable) from £9k+
- 2.00% AER tax-free (variable) from £1k+ which includes a 12 month variable rate bonus of 1.50% AER tax-free
- 2.75% AER tax-free (variable) from £9k+ which includes a 12 month variable rate bonus of 2.25% AER tax-free
- TRANSFER in existing ISA funds from another Cash ISA.
- No withdrawal charges.
- Open account in minutes.
- ACCESS your MONEY within 24 hours when a transfer is made into your Alliance & Leicester current account: or up to 4 working days for a transfer to another provider.
- Available to those aged 16 or over.
- Earn a variable rate of 2.50% AER/tax-free.
- This rate includes a fixed introductory bonus of 1.50% AER for the first 12 months from account opening.
- Interest paid annually on the 31st March.
- Save up to £3,600 per tax year. From 6 October 2009 you can save up to £5,100 per tax year if you were born on or before 5 April 1960.
- Make withdrawals from as little as £1.
- Set up regular payments into your ISA from your current account.
- Manage your Cash ISA Saver through Internet Banking if you're registered.
- You can transfer your existing ISA into us, with our ISA transfer form.
- Earn 2.5% AER tax free fixed for 1 year
- Minimum opening balance - £500
- Maximum balance - up to £3,600 (£5,100 for those aged 50 or above on or before 5 April 2010) in any one tax year
- No withdrawals
- No additional deposits - after account opening. However, if you are aged 50 or above on or before 5 April 2010 and you have funded your fixed rate ISA with current year funds you can make a one-off extra payment into your account before 6 April 2010 so you can take advantage of the new ISA limit of £5,100.
- Manage your savings - In branch, by phone or view your balance online 24/7
- Britain's No 1 for ISAs*
- Number of accounts - you can only fund one cash ISA during any one tax year. If you already have an ISA with another provider and want to take advantage of our cash ISA interest rate, ask to transfer your ISA today
- YOUR SAVINGS ARE PROTECTED UP TO £50,000 BY THE FSCS - Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Act now and you can enjoy a great tax free rate of 2.5% AER variable (2.47% gross p.a variable, including a 1.47% gross p.a bonus fixed for 12 months from opening)
- This rate then reverts to a variable Cash ISA rate currently 1.00% gross/AER.
- The interest is calculated daily and paid monthly.
- You can invest from £1 up to £3,600 each tax year and benefit from tax free savings.
- You can NOT transfer your existing ISA balances to this ISA
- The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year.
- You can invest in one lump sum or in any number of smaller payments up to the annual subscription limit (£3,600).
- YOUR SAVINGS ARE PROTECTED UP TO £50,000 BY THE FSCS - Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Save from £1 and save up to £3600 per tax year
- If you wish to transfer your existing ISAs balances to this ISA you will earn the following rate of interest:
- £0 - £9,999 = 2.00% AER
- £10,000 - £29,900 = 2.25% AER
- £30,000+ = 2.50% AER
- Instant access to your funds with no penalties
- Monthly tax-free interest – Natwest can pay the interest into your Cash ISA Plus or another NatWest account.
- Manage your ISA by Phone, post, in branch and online
- Save up to £3,600 in the 2009/10 tax year without paying any tax on the interest
- Transfer/Deposit £1 - £9,000 & get 2.0% AER (includes a 12 month variable rate bonus of 1.50% gross/AER)
- Transfer/Deposit £9,000+ & get 3.0% AER (includes a 12 month variable rate bonus of 2.00% gross/AER)
- After 12 month intro rate reduces to:
- £1 - £9,000 = 0.5%AER
- £9,000 + 1.00%AER
- Pay-in/Withdraw via Abbey Branch, Online, and Telephone
- YOUR SAVINGS ARE PROTECTED UP TO £50,000 BY THE FSCS - Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Enjoy TAX-FREE saving with our simple cash ISA account.
- Direct ISA (Issue 6): 2.75% AER tax-free (variable) from £9k+
- 2.00% AER tax-free (variable) from £1k+ which includes a 12 month variable rate bonus of 1.50% AER tax-free
- 2.75% AER tax-free (variable) from £9k+ which includes a 12 month variable rate bonus of 2.25% AER tax-free
- TRANSFER in existing ISA funds from another Cash ISA.
- No withdrawal charges.
- Open account in minutes.
- ACCESS your MONEY within 24 hours when a transfer is made into your Alliance & Leicester current account: or up to 4 working days for a transfer to another provider.
- Available to those aged 16 or over.
- Save from £1 and save up to £3600 per tax year
- Earn 0.50% AER to 2% AER depending on deposit:
- £50,000+ = 2.00% AER
- £27,000 - £49,999 = 1.75% AER
- £22,000 - £26,999 = 1.10% AER
- £15,000 - £21,999 = 0.95% AER
- £9,000 - £14,999 = 0.75% AER
- £1 - £8,999 = 0.50% AER
- Instant access to your funds with no penalties
- Monthly tax-free interest – Natwest can pay the interest into your Cash ISA Plus or another NatWest account.
- Manage your ISA by Phone, post, in branch and online
- Minimum investment of £1.
- Invest up to £3,600 in this tax year – click here to see the changes to ISA limits for over 50’s after 6th October 2009.
- No limitations on the amount you may withdraw.
- Mini cash ISA transfers from other providers permitted~.
- Interest paid annually.
- Transfers from other Principality Building society accounts to e-ISA accounts are not permitted.
- YOUR SAVINGS ARE PROTECTED UP TO £50,000 BY THE FSCS – Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
- Fixed tiered interest rates.
- Earn from 2.70% AER/Tax Free on balances of £3,000 to £14,999
- Earn 3.30% AER/Tax Free on balances of £30,000 or more.
- Interest rate fixed for 24 months from account opening.
- Interest calculated on a daily basis and paid on anniversary of account opening and upon account maturity.
- Tax-free savings from previous years ISA allowances to maximise savings.
- Continued growth - at the end of the 24 month fixed rate period, your account pays interest at our standard variable Cash ISA Saver rate.
- Manage your account through Internet Banking, PhoneBank® or branch.
- Save up to £3,600 each tax year. From 6 October 2009 you can save up to £5,100 each tax year if you were born on or before 5 April 1960.
Latest ISA News 
-
Saga reveals keenness to save into ISAs
- Over-50s are keen to make use of the increased savings allowance on hand with individual saving accounts (ISAs). Significant numbers of older Britons are taking advantage of the ...
- Read More >
- Tue 9th Mar, 2010
-
ISA savers should "get a move on"
- Savers have been reminded of the need to make full use of ISAs before the end of the current tax year. It is imperative that people take full advantage of investing in ISAs.So claims ...
- Read More >
- Mon 8th Mar, 2010
-
Increased ISA limits 'appeal to over-50s'
- 77 per cent of over-50s are planning to take advantage of increased ISA allowances, according to Barclays Wealth. The increased ISA allowance is proving appealing to the over-50s, ...
- Read More >
- Fri 5th Mar, 2010
-
Savers keen to take advantage of ISA rise
- New UK accounts could include an ISA deal this year. Consumers who are interested in securing individual saving accounts (ISAs) might want to take note of the latest Fidelity ...
- Read More >
- Fri 26th Feb, 2010
-
Co-op Bank news: Older people lack ISA awareness
- Awareness about individual saving accounts (ISAs) among the over-50s appears to be lacking. A significant proportion of older people may not be making the most of individual saving ...
- Read More >
- Thu 25th Feb, 2010
-
Study reveals lack of ISA awareness
- Many people lack awareness when it comes to placing money into individual savings accounts. A significant number of Britons may not be making the most of their money when it comes to ...
- Read More >
- Tue 23rd Feb, 2010
-
Savers urged to make most of ISAs
- Savers are being urged to use ISAs instead of standard savings accounts. Savers are being urged to make the most of ISAs after research revealed they are being underused. Figures from ...
- Read More >
- Mon 22nd Feb, 2010
Editors Choice
Deposit £1 - £10K and get 2.0% AER. Deposit £10-£30K and get 2.25% AER. £30K+ = 2.50% AER.(with no withdrawal penalties!) makes this our editors choice...
