The battle for savers' tax-free deposits has escalated sharply ahead of the 5th April tax year deadline. The highest easy access Cash ISA had been steadily inching toward the 4.70% mark, but a sudden move by global fintech XTB has completely reshaped the best buy tables with a headline-grabbing 6.00% AER.
Competition among digital platforms and challenger brands remains fierce, resulting in a number of highly competitive introductory offers as providers vie for a share of the UK's 22.3 million ISA holders.
Best Easy Access Cash ISA rates compared
The following table provides a breakdown of the current top-performing easy-access accounts as of 17th March 2026:
| Provider | Account Name | AER (including bonus rate) | Bonus rate | Duration of bonus rate | Min. Deposit | Flexible ISA? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XTB* | Easy Access Cash ISA | 6.00% | 2.00% | 90 days | £10 | Yes |
| Trading 212 | Easy Access Cash ISA | 4.68% (see our review) | 1.08% | 12 months | £1 | Yes |
| Plum* | Cash ISA | 4.66% | 2.12% | 12 months | £1 | No |
| Tembo Money* | Cash ISA | 4.55% | 1.15% | 12 months | £10 | No |
| Hargreaves Lansdown Active Savings*
(provided by Vida Savings) |
Easy Access Cash ISA | 4.26% | n/a | n/a | £1 | No |
| Moneybox | Moneybox Cash ISA | 4.26% | 0.81% | 12 months | £500 | No |
Rates are correct as of 17th March 2026
Capital at risk. Investment values can rise or fall. XTB 2% ISA rate boost for 90 days. New clients only. T&Cs apply.
The return of the short-term bonus
XTB's 6.00% tax-free return is the market-leading rate, although this includes a 2.00% bonus for the first 90 days. Once this introductory period expires, the rate reverts to 4.00%. It is also worth noting that XTB does not accept transfers from other ISA providers, so this rate is only available for new deposits.
This time last year, the easy-access Cash ISA tables were dominated by short-term bonus rates; however, this ISA season, such short-term bonus rates have been absent. With the easy access cash ISA markets becoming increasingly competitive, other ISA providers may also start reintroducing 3-month bonus rates in an attempt to top the best buy tables.
The 12-month bonus alternatives
For those who prefer the greater stability offered by a longer bonus rate period, it is now possible to secure variable interest rates of over 4.6%, including 12-month bonuses:
- Trading 212 offers 4.68% AER, which includes a 1.08% bonus for 12 months (available via Money to the Masses - see review). The underlying variable rate sits at 3.60%, and like XTB, the bonus is not available on ISA transfers in.
- Plum is paying 4.66% AER, utilising a significant 2.12% introductory bonus for new customers over the first year.
- Moneybox has increased its offering to 4.26% AER (including a 0.81% bonus for 12 months). However, it requires a higher minimum deposit of £500 and restricts savers to just three withdrawals every 12 months.
Get 4.76% (AER Variable) with the Trading 212 Cash ISA
Earn 4.76% (AER Variable) with the Trading 212 Flexible Cash ISA:
- 3.60% AER (variable tracker) + 1.16% 12 month boost
- Flexible - withdraw anytime
- Completely free - no account fees
- T&Cs and eligibility criteria apply
Alternative for the bonus-averse
For savers who prefer to avoid bonus-inflated rates entirely, there are alternatives near the top of the market. Hargreaves Lansdown Active Savings* currently offers an Easy Access Cash ISA paying 4.26% AER with Vida Savings. While this rate is lower than those offered by the top challenger brands, it does not rely on a temporary bonus.
Hargreaves Lansdown Active Savings is a cash savings platform that gives you access to multiple savings rates from a range of banks (including Vida Savings), via a single login. It’s free to use, and you can switch between accounts without the hassle of opening multiple accounts.
Use it or lose it
With inflation currently sitting at 3.80%, any money in an account that isn't earning interest is gradually losing its real-world value. If you haven't yet utilised your £20,000 ISA allowance for the 2025/26 tax year, you may want to consider locking in one of these top rates before the window closes on April 5th. Always search the market to ensure you are getting the best rate and review the terms and conditions of any savings products to ensure they suit your specific financial needs.
When choosing a cash ISA, it is also important to consider whether you might need to access the funds in the short-term. Both XTB and Trading 212 offer a flexible ISA. This allows savers to withdraw and replace money within the same tax year without it counting towards their £20,000 annual limit.
When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
If a link has an * beside it this means that it is an affiliated link. If you go via the link, Money to the Masses may receive a small fee which helps keep Money to the Masses free to use. The following link can be used if you do not wish to help Money to the Masses or take advantage of any exclusive offers - XTB, Trading 212, Plum, Tembo Money, Hargreaves Lansdown
£200 Pension Cashback Offer
Make a qualifying deposit or transfer a pension to our partner Interactive Investor.
- Deposit or transfer a pension of at least £20k and you could earn £200 cashback
- Terms and Fees apply, Capital at risk
- New & Existing customers opening a SIPP
- Offer ends 30th June 2026
Before starting your transfer, check you won't lose any valuable benefits (such as guaranteed annuity rates or a lower protected pension age) and find out what exit fees you might have to pay
