The best cash ISAs – earn up to 5.01%

In brief:

Cash ISAs from less well-known banks and building societies are offering interest rates higher than the current rate of inflation. When MoneyWeek researched rates in September 2026, it found the best easy-access account allowing penalty-free withdrawals offered 4.34% interest. Savers who don’t need to access their cash can earn 4.85% by placing it in a one-year fixed ISA, 5% in a two-year ISA and 5.01% in a three-year fixed ISA.

The best cash ISAs are currently offering inflation-busting rates of up to 5.01%. For savers who are happy to lock their money away for a set period, fixed-rate cash ISAs can be a good place to start.

Every adult in the UK gets a £20,000 tax-free Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance each tax year. We've rounded up the best cash ISA rates currently on the market.

Try 6 free issues of MoneyWeek today

Get unparalleled financial insight, analysis and expert opinion you can profit from.

Start your trial

Sign up for MoneyWeek’s free twice-daily newsletter.

Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.

Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.

Sign up

The best cash ISAs in September 2026

The best easy access cash ISAs

Easy access cash ISAs do what they say on the tin, letting you access your savings without penalty. You can currently earn up to 4.34% with this type of ISA.

The best one-year fixed rate cash ISAs

If you’re happy to lock your cash away without any withdrawals for a year, then you're guaranteed returns of up to 4.85% until your fixed term ends.

The best two-year fixed rate cash ISAs

If you have savings you’re happy to lock away for at least two years, you’ll find rates on cash ISAs of up to 5%.

The best three-year fixed rate cash ISAs

If you wish to lock away your cash for at least three years, the best fixed rate cash ISAs are offering up to 5.01%.

What you need to know about the best cash ISAs

When choosing a cash ISA, there are two main factors to look out for: how long you are comfortable locking your cash up for and the interest rate.

• Easy access ISA accounts allow you to withdraw funds without incurring a penalty.
• Fixed-rate cash ISAs offer a fixed rate of return – usually higher the longer you are prepared to lock your money away. Note: if you withdraw money before the end of the term, then you are likely to be penalised, usually with a reduction in the rate of interest.

Generally speaking, the longer you leave the money untouched, the more interest you can earn. Many ISAs are classed as ‘flexible’, meaning you can replace any funds you withdraw in the same tax year without affecting your annual ISA allowance – which is currently £20,000.

However, make sure you're making your money work hard for you, and earning inflation-beating savings rates on your cash.

James McCaffrey of TotallyMoney says: “If you’re sitting on savings, check the rate your provider is paying, and if it’s below 4%, then consider moving your money. It’s as simple as filling out a form, and you can transfer all or part of your savings, with cash ISA transfers taking no longer than 15 days."