Savers are often faced with a tricky choice: either lock their money away for a year or more to earn a decent interest rate, or keep it in an easy-access account and settle for much less.
But there’s a little-known option that can give you the best of both worlds: notice accounts.
Notice Accounts Offer Higher Rates
Notice accounts can pay as much as 4.3%, significantly higher than most easy-access accounts, which usually sit below 4%.
The key difference is that you give the bank or building society notice—typically 40 or 60 days—before withdrawing your money.
This setup lets you earn a better rate without permanently tying up your cash.
Top Notice Account Options
For example, Aldermore Bank recently launched a notice account paying 4.3% with a 60-day notice period.
Paragon Bank also offers a competitive 4.15% if you’re willing to give 40 days’ notice.
Both accounts are flexible: you can withdraw funds in the same tax year and replace them without affecting your £20,000 annual cash ISA allowance.
Accessing Your Money Early Comes With a Cost
If you need money sooner, both banks allow early access, but there’s a fee.
Aldermore reduces your rate to 3.6% if you take money out before 60 days, while Paragon lowers it to about 3.7% for early withdrawals within 40 days.
Alternatives for Easy-Access Cash
If you prefer fewer restrictions, easy-access accounts with limited withdrawals can still offer strong rates.
Vida Savings’ Defined Access ISA 3 pays 4.11% and allows four withdrawals a year.
Aldermore’s Double Access Issue 3 pays 4.2% with two withdrawals, while Coventry’s 5 Access ISA gives 4.15% with five withdrawals.
Top Market Rates for Easy-Access ISAs
For maximum flexibility, Trading 212 offers an easy-access cash ISA paying 4.38%, currently the highest rate available on the market.
This option is ideal if you want your cash fully accessible while still earning a competitive return.