Best Cash ISAs UK 2026: Compare Top Rates Up to 4.61%
Cash ISAs let you earn tax-free interest on your savings, making them one of the most straightforward ways to grow your money in the UK. With rates currently reaching up to 4.61%, now is a good time to compare your options.
We have compared the leading Cash ISA providers based on their interest rates. eToro currently leads the market with the highest rate at 4.61% AER.
Cash ISA Providers Ranked by Rate
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XTB Cash ISA Launch: 6.00% AER for 90 Days
Provider Overview
1. eToro Cash ISA: 4.61% AER
eToro currently offers the highest Cash ISA rate in the UK at 4.61% AER. The rate includes a fixed boost for the first 12 months on top of a variable base rate.
The eToro Cash ISA is delivered through a partnership with Moneyfarm, using Qualifying Money Market Funds (QMMFs) rather than traditional cash deposits. This means FSCS protection is capped at £85,000 (investment protection) rather than the £120,000 available for standard cash deposits.
Best for: Savers who want the highest rate and are new to Moneyfarm.
Read our full eToro Cash ISA review or learn about the eToro UK bonus.
2. XTB Cash ISA: 4.50% Blended AER (6.00% for 90 Days)
XTB has entered the Cash ISA market with a competitive launch offer. The base rate is 4.00% AER, with an additional 2.00% boosted rate for the first 90 days from account opening, giving an effective rate of 6.00% AER during that period. Over a full year, this works out to a blended rate of approximately 4.50% AER, making it the second-highest effective rate currently available.
The XTB Cash ISA is flexible, meaning you can withdraw and replace funds within the same tax year without affecting your annual ISA allowance. Transfers from other ISA providers are also supported without losing your tax-free status. The Cash ISA is available to both new and existing XTB clients.
After the 90-day promotional period, the rate reverts to the standard variable rate. Interest is paid on balances up to 100k.
New clients can also claim a free share from a choice of five UK-listed companies, including Rolls-Royce, Barclays, Tesco, BP, and Glencore. Availability is limited. See the full details in our XTB Free Stock Promotion article.
Best for: Savers who want to maximise short-term returns with one of the highest promotional rates in the market, plus a free share bonus.
Read our full XTB Cash ISA review.
Capital at risk. Investment values can rise or fall. Limited free stock availability. 2% ISA rate boost for 90 days. Interest paid up to 100k. New clients only. T&Cs apply.
3. Plum Cash ISA: 4.42% AER
Plum offers 4.42% AER on its Cash ISA. Plum is a money management app that also offers budgeting tools and investment options.
Best for: Savers who want budgeting tools alongside their ISA.
4. Moneybox Cash ISA: 4.27% AER
Moneybox offers 4.27% AER on its Cash ISA. Moneybox is known for its round-up savings feature and offers Lifetime ISAs and investment accounts alongside the Cash ISA.
Best for: Savers who use Moneybox for other products or want automated savings features.
5. Atom Bank Cash ISA: 4.25% AER
Atom Bank offers 4.25% AER on its easy access Cash ISA. As a digital-only bank, Atom Bank provides a straightforward savings experience through its mobile app.
Best for: Savers who want a competitive rate from an established digital bank.
6. Chip Cash ISA: 3.76% AER
Chip offers 3.76% AER on its Cash ISA. The mobile-only platform also provides a stocks and shares ISA for those who want to invest.
Best for: Savers who want a simple mobile experience with automated savings.
7. Lightyear Cash ISA: 3.75% AER
Lightyear offers 3.75% AER on its Cash ISA. Lightyear is an investment app that offers commission-free ETF trading alongside its savings products. New customers can get up to £100 in free US shares. Read our full Lightyear review.
Best for: Savers who want to combine savings with investing.
8. IG Cash ISA: 3.75% AER
IG offers 3.75% AER on its Cash ISA. IG is one of the largest trading platforms in the UK and offers a range of investment products. New customers can get up to £3,000 cashback when transferring investments from another broker.
Best for: Experienced investors who want savings alongside trading.
Read more about the IG transfer cashback offer.
9. Trading 212 Cash ISA: 3.60% AER
Trading 212 offers 3.60% AER on its Cash ISA. The account is fully flexible with no withdrawal limits. New customers can get free shares worth up to £100 with promo code.
Read our full Trading 212 review or check out our Trading 212 promo code article.
Best for: Savers who want flexibility and an established investment platform.
10. Monzo Cash ISA: 3.25% AER
Monzo offers 3.25% AER on its Cash ISA. Monzo is one of the most popular digital banks in the UK, making it easy to manage your ISA alongside your everyday banking.
Best for: Existing Monzo customers who want to keep everything in one app.
Related: High-Yield Savings Accounts
If you have already used your ISA allowance or want additional savings options, check out our best high-yield savings accounts UK comparison.
What to Consider When Choosing a Cash ISA
Interest Rate
Higher is better, but check whether the rate includes a bonus that expires after 12 months. Some providers offer stable rates without bonuses, while others front-load introductory rates that later drop significantly.
FSCS Protection
Traditional Cash ISAs offer FSCS protection up to £120,000 per person per institution. QMMF-based ISAs (like eToro) fall under investment protection, which caps at £85,000. Both are safe, but the limits differ.
Flexibility
A flexible ISA lets you withdraw and replace money within the same tax year without using up additional allowance. Most fintech Cash ISAs are flexible, but check before opening.
ISA Allowance Changes Coming in 2027
The current £20,000 ISA allowance applies until 5 April 2026. From April 2027, the allowance will drop to £12,000 for most people, with those aged 65 and over retaining the £20,000 limit.
This makes it worth maximising your ISA contributions while the higher limit is still available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cash ISA?
A Cash ISA is a tax-free savings account. You can deposit up to £20,000 per tax year across all ISA types, and any interest earned is free from income tax. This makes Cash ISAs more efficient than regular savings accounts, especially for higher earners.
Can I have multiple Cash ISAs?
Yes, since April 2024 you can open and pay into multiple Cash ISAs in the same tax year, as long as your total contributions do not exceed the £20,000 annual allowance.
Are Cash ISAs worth it?
For most UK savers, yes. Cash ISAs offer competitive interest rates (currently up to 4.61%) and all returns are tax-free. They are particularly valuable if you have used your Personal Savings Allowance or pay a higher rate of income tax.
What is the difference between a Cash ISA and a Stocks & Shares ISA?
A Cash ISA holds your money in a savings-style account earning interest. A Stocks & Shares ISA invests your money in assets like shares and funds, with potential for higher returns but also risk of loss. Both offer tax-free growth.
Can I transfer my existing Cash ISA to a new provider?
Yes, you can transfer existing ISA funds to a new provider. However, some providers only pay their best rates on new deposits, not on transferred funds. Always check the terms before transferring.
How safe is my money in a Cash ISA?
Traditional Cash ISAs are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person per institution. QMMF-based Cash ISAs (like eToro) are covered by FSCS investment protection up to £85,000. Both provide strong protection for UK savers.
Risk Disclaimer: Interest rates shown are correct as of March 2026 and may change. Variable rates are subject to change without notice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future. For QMMF-based Cash ISAs, the value of investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest.
