Martin Lewis’ Latest Savings Advice & Picks (UK, 2025)

The Bank of England base rate has changed, which has caused many banks to adjust savings account interest rates. When base rates drop, variable/easy access rates often fall too. MoneySavingExpert.com+2MoneySavingExpert.com+2
Cash ISAs are still particularly attractive for those who haven’t used their full allowance (£20,000 per tax year); Martin Lewis highlights ISA-linked savings that beat standard savings rates. MoneySavingExpert.com+2MoneySavingExpert.com+2
Regular savings accounts continue to offer top rates (if you’re willing to commit monthly deposits). Examples include Principality Building Society, Zopa, Co-operative Bank, and First Direct. MoneySavingExpert.com+2MoneySavingExpert.com+2

Here are some of Martin Lewis’ current top recommendations:

Type	Account / Bank	Rate (AER or equivalent)	Key Terms
Easy Access / App-based	Chase – linked savings	~ 5%	Best for those who don’t need to access funds often; bonus component for new customers. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Cash ISA	Trading 212 – Cash ISA	~ 4.82%–4.83%	Good if you still have ISA room; tax benefits are key. MoneySavingExpert.com+2MoneySavingExpert.com+2
Regular Savings	Principality BS	7.5% fixed (for 6 months)	High rate but restrictions: monthly deposit limit, no withdrawals. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Variable Regular Savings	Co-operative Bank / First Direct	~ 7% variable or fixed	Good for small regular deposits. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Banks for Higher Balances	Oxbury, OakNorth, Monument	~ 4.80%–4.90%+	Usually require higher minimum balances; better for sizeable deposits. NationalWorld+1

What to Watch Out For / Tips to Maximize Returns

Check Minimums and Withdrawal Rules
Some high-rate accounts require large minimum balances or limit the number of free withdrawals. If you need flexibility, go for easy-access accounts. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Know When the Bonus Period Ends
“New customer bonus” rates often drop after a set period (e.g. 12 months). Make a note of expiry so you can switch when the bonus expires. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Use Your ISA Allowance Wisely
Putting money into a Cash ISA means you don’t pay tax on interest. If you haven’t used your £20,000 ISA room, that’s usually the path of least resistance. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Lock in Fixed Rates When They Look Good
When fixed or regular savings rates are above predicted future variable rates, locking in might be sensible. Especially given that base rate cuts could cause variable rates to fall. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Switch If Your Rate Is Low
Martin Lewis often says: “ditch and switch” accounts that pay low rates. Moving your savings to a better deal can make a substantial difference over time. NationalWorld+1

Interest Rate Volatility: Variable rates can go down at any time. Don’t assume “best rate today” equals “best rate a year from now.”
Small Print Differences: Bonus terms, withdrawal penalties, minimums, restrictions — these often eat into the advertised returns.
Inflation Erosion: If inflation remains high, even “good” savings rates may yield negative real returns. Watch that gap.
Protection Limits: Most UK savings up to £85,000 are protected by FSCS; if you have big balances, spread them across providers to stay within the guarantee. NationalWorld+1

Review your current savings account rate — is it above 4–5%? If not, consider switching.
If you have ISA capacity left, put some money in a top Cash ISA.
If locking money away won’t hurt (i.e. you won’t need access for a while), investigate fixed-rate or regular savings deals.
Use savings comparison sites or Martin Lewis’ “Top Savings Accounts” guides to find up-to-date options.