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Cash Isas:
Best Buys
Which? Best Buy cash Isas savings accounts offer high interest rates, are available nationally, have a notice period of 90 days or less and don't charge a cash penalty when you transfer your money out. All the providers are authorised by the FSA and fully covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
To earn a 'yes' in the 'consistent Best Buy' column, the savings account must have been a Which? Best Buy for the whole of the last six months.
If you've used your cash Isa savings account allowance, try one of our Which? Best Buy taxable savings accounts.
Why choose a Which? Best Buy cash Isa savings account?
Choosing a cash Isa savings account with a high interest rate can make a big difference in the long run - especially if you are looking to put aside your whole cash Isa savings allowance each year. An extra 2% in interest, for instance, makes a difference of £200 a year on a balance of £10,000.
However some cash Isa savings accounts add an extra 1% to the interest rate for a limited period to entice you in, so you'll need to keep an eye on the interest rate and switch to a different cash Isa if it becomes uncompetitive.
Best Buy cash Isas
| Best Buys Cash Isas that allow transfers in from other providers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider and account  | Initial deposit | Notice period | AER (%) | Consistent Best Buy? | Find out more |
| Scottish Widows Bank E-cash Isa | £10 | None | 6.00% | No |  |
| This internet-only account includes a bonus of 1.5% payable for 12 months. Interest is paid yearly | |||||
| Kent Reliance BS Direct | £1 | None | 5.76% | Yes | |
| This postal account is a Best Buy with no complications. Interest is paid yearly. | |||||
| Stafford Railway BS | £1 | None | 5.6% | No | |
| This branch-based or postal account is a Best Buy paying 5.6% paid from £12,000 - 5.15% below £12,000 Interest is paid yearly. | |||||
| Abbey Direct Issue 2 | £1 | None | 5.5% | No | |
| AER drops to 4% after 13 months depending on account balance. Interest is paid yearly. Can be operated by post, phone or internet. | |||||
| Alliance & Leicester Easy Isa  | £1 | None | 5.5% | No | |
| Rate includes a 1% bonus payable for 12 months. This account is operated over the telephone or via the internet and pays interest yearly. | |||||
| Principality Building Soc. e-Isa | £1 | None | 5.5% | Yes | |
| This internet account is a Best Buy with no complications. Interest is paid yearly. | |||||
The AER is the annual effective rate - it's basically the interest rate, but it takes account of whether interest is paid monthly (and compounded) and any bonuses.
Other savings options
If you've already used your cash Isa allowance this year, try one of our Which? Best Buy taxable savings accounts
- The best tax-free cash Isas
- Isas to help you make the most of your money
- Annual limits explained
