Cash ISAs: The Best Currently Available List

flobbalobbalob

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81957218#Comment_81957218

Don't be tempted, they started off with a leading rate before and then it literally plumeted. I wouldn't go with them again. They have consistently failed to keep up with the competition.

ToastLady

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958146#Comment_81958146

For clarity, Monument flexible ISA rate was 4.76% around this time last year when I opened it, dropped to 4.25% 29/5/25, dropped again to 4% 21/8/25 and then down to 3.74% from 1/1/26, and has stayed at that rate up until now.
The current offering with boost is for new customers only, otherwise I may have gone back with them. However, would have been quicker off the mark in transferring when the rate kept dropping.

Nijinsky

Firstly, a massive thanks to Kazza for that superb post. I appreciate your continual hard work keeping the list up to date to give us the best ISA's on offer.

I've only used a Cash ISA for a couple of years. I went with Moneybox and then switched to Trading 121. Both were variable rates which started at the best interest rate on offer at the time, but the rates gradually reduced throughout the 12 month periods.

This year, there isn't much difference between the rates of the variable and fixed ISA's, so I think it makes sense to look at the fixed rate options. I think it makes little sense going for a slightly better rate with a variable ISA, only for that rate to probably decrease within a few months.

However, my personal wishes with a Cash ISA is to have the option to still be able to dip into it if required, otherwise I will just be keeping additional money in my normal bank account in case there is an emergency. I see Santander at 4.5% is recommended, but if I wish to withdraw my money, Santander's terms say I can't take out a portion of my money, I will have to take everything out, which is not what I want.

Looking at the list of options for what I want - an ISA with the best possible interest rate giving me the option to dip into it if required, I think Barclay's look the best option at a fixed rate of 4.2%.

Alternatively, I can switch to Plum on a variable 4.61% rate (Trading 121 have the best variable rate at 4.62%, but that's only available to new customers and I'm currently with them). This rate will probably drop to under 4% as the year goes on though, so I'm thinking this will be an unnecessary gamble and it will be better to switch to Barclay's on a fixed 4.2% rate for the next 12 months.

Basically, the reason for my post is to put my current thoughts out there and see if anyone else is thinking similar to myself, so we can bounce ideas off each other and help each other make the best decision.

Thanks for reading and good luck everyone!

Growingold

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958163#Comment_81958163

Barclays FR ISA terms say you can make up to three withdrawals during the term, each one of up to 10% of your balance.  But you can top up throughout the year up to your subscription limit.

Gambler

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958174#Comment_81958174

They are also doing cashback for transfers.

https://www.barclays.co.uk/savings/isa-transfer-in-offer/

Bob2000

Barclays 12 or 18 month isa 4.2%

Have l got this right?

If l open the account today then request a transfer in from another provider on 24th this month, would l be able to also transfer in another isa in Sept?

ToastLady

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958201#Comment_81958201

No, transfers in only within 30 days of opening.

Bob2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958209#Comment_81958209

I thought it was wishful thinking on my part. But you definitely can add funds throughout the term of the isa?

ToastLady

You don’t have to top up an ISA with the full £20,000 each tax year – just what you can, when you can. However much you top up, any interest you earn will be tax-free. Remember, if you don’t use your ISA allowance by the end of the tax year, you’ll lose it as it won’t roll over into the next year.

https://www.barclays.co.uk/savings/isas/1-year-flexible-cash-isa/

Bob2000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81958214#Comment_81958214

Thank you.