Martin Lewis’ best savings accounts: MSE-recommended picks for 2025
Martin Lewis, through his MoneySavingExpert (MSE) platform, consistently highlights the top savings options for UK consumers aiming to beat inflation and maximise returns. In 2025, with expected inflation around 4%, the martin lewis best savings account recommendations focus on accounts offering at least 4% AER to protect your money’s value. These picks prioritise FSCS protection up to £85,000 per person, easy access for liquidity, and tax-efficient choices via the personal savings allowance.
Best easy access savings accounts
The standout easy access savings accounts in Martin Lewis’ recommendations for 2025 offer up to 4.75% AER, allowing instant withdrawals without penalties. This makes them ideal for emergency funds or short-term parking of cash, as rates can fluctuate with base rate changes from the Bank of England.
Top picks for liquidity
MSE’s top easy access pick is from providers like Chase or Cynergy Bank, both at 4.75% AER variable. Minimum deposits start from £1, with no withdrawal limits, ensuring flexibility. Compared to fixed options, these accounts suit those needing quick access, though rates may drop if interest rates fall further.
- Chase Saver: 4.75% AER, £1 minimum, unlimited withdrawals.
- Cynergy Bank Easy Access: 4.75% AER, £1 minimum, FSCS protected.
- Santander Easy Access: 4.5% AER, £500 minimum, app-based management.
For more on best savings account instant access options, see our detailed guide.
Best fixed rate savings accounts
Fixed rate bonds lock in returns for predictability, with Martin Lewis’ best picks for 2025 yielding up to 4.5% AER over one year. These are perfect for lump sums you won’t need soon, shielding against rate cuts, but early withdrawal incurs penalties.
Lump sum and term options
The highest one-year fixed rate is 4.5% AER from providers like RCI Bank or Shawbrook, requiring £1,000 minimum deposits. For shorter terms, six-month accounts offer around 4.2% AER. MSE advises checking for online-only access to get the best rates, as high street banks lag behind.
| Provider | Rate (AER) | Term | Min Deposit | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCI Bank | 4.5% | 1 year | £1,000 | No withdrawals |
| Shawbrook Bank | 4.4% | 1 year | £1,000 | Penalties apply |
| Investec | 4.3% | 6 months | £5,000 | Fixed term |
Explore best savings account rates for the latest comparisons.
Best regular and monthly savings accounts
Martin Lewis praises regular savers for building habits, with top 2025 rates up to 7.5% AER on limited monthly deposits, often £25 to £200. These accounts reward discipline but penalise missed payments or early access, making them unsuitable for irregular savers.
Leading options include Nationwide’s 6.5% AER for £200 monthly over 12 months, or First Direct’s 7% AER for £300 max. MSE notes these can outperform easy access for consistent depositors, potentially adding £100+ in interest annually on average contributions.
Tip: Automate monthly transfers to avoid penalties and maximise MSE-recommended yields. Track your personal savings allowance to stay tax-free.
Best children’s savings accounts
For families, Martin Lewis’ best child savings accounts in 2025 reach 5.5% AER in easy access formats, often linked to junior ISAs for tax-free growth. These accounts are controlled by parents until age 18, ideal for gifts or pocket money savings.
Top picks like Halifax Kids’ Saver at 5.5% AER require no minimum, while NatWest’s Children’s Savings offers 4.5% with branch support. MSE highlights how compounding can turn £100 monthly into significant sums by adulthood, emphasising early start benefits.
Learn more about the best savings account for children.
Best joint and business savings accounts
Joint accounts for couples double FSCS protection to £170,000, with Martin Lewis recommending easy access rates around 4.5% AER from providers like Marcus by Goldman Sachs. For businesses, specialist accounts from Starling or Metro Bank offer up to 4% AER with flexible access.
MSE advises joint savers to split large sums across accounts to maximise protection, while business owners should compare rates against current accounts for better yields on reserves.
For general advice, check the best savings account pillar guide, or MSE’s comprehensive savings accounts best interest page. Inflation-beating tips are covered on Be Clever With Your Cash, and child rates via Which?.
How to choose your savings account using Martin Lewis’ advice
Start with your goals: liquidity for easy access, growth for fixed rates, or discipline for regular savers, as per MSE guidelines. Factor in the £1,000 personal savings allowance for basic rate taxpayers to avoid tax on interest. Always verify FSCS protection and switch providers easily via the Current Account Switch Service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the martin lewis best savings account for 2025?
The martin lewis best savings account for 2025 depends on your needs, but MSE highlights easy access options at 4.75% AER for flexibility and fixed rates at 4.5% for security. These rates beat expected 4% inflation, ensuring real growth. Consider your deposit size and access requirements before choosing, as Martin Lewis emphasises matching accounts to personal circumstances for optimal returns.
What is the best easy access savings account martin lewis recommends?
Martin Lewis recommends easy access accounts like those from Chase or Cynergy Bank at 4.75% AER, praised for no penalties and low minimums. These suit emergency funds, allowing unlimited withdrawals while earning competitive variable rates. MSE updates these frequently, so check for changes post-Bank of England decisions, and ensure the provider is UK-regulated for safety.
How much interest can I earn in a martin lewis best child savings account UK?
In a martin lewis best child savings account UK, you could earn up to 5.5% AER on easy access options, turning £1,000 into about £55 annually tax-free under parental control. Junior ISAs integrate with these for long-term growth, compounding interest over years. Martin Lewis advises starting small and consistent, as early savings can significantly boost a child’s financial future without tax implications until adulthood.
Are fixed rate savings accounts worth it in 2025 per martin lewis?
Yes, fixed rate savings accounts are worth it in 2025 if you can lock away funds, offering 4.5% AER guaranteed versus variable easy access rates that may fall. MSE’s Martin Lewis warns of potential base rate cuts, making now ideal for securing yields above inflation. However, weigh penalties for early access against your liquidity needs to avoid losses on short-term goals.
What are the martin lewis best regular savings account options?
The martin lewis best regular savings account options yield up to 7.5% AER for monthly deposits up to £200, like Nationwide’s 6.5% plan. These encourage disciplined saving but limit flexibility with withdrawal penalties. Experts like Lewis suggest them for building habits, potentially earning £150+ yearly on average inputs, ideal for those committing to consistent contributions.
How does the personal savings allowance affect martin lewis best savings account choices?
The personal savings allowance allows £1,000 tax-free interest for basic rate taxpayers, influencing martin lewis best savings account selections by favouring high-yield options within limits. Exceed it, and 20% tax applies, so MSE recommends ISAs for larger sums. Advanced savers should calculate based on expected earnings, diversifying across accounts to optimise post-tax returns amid 2025’s rate environment.
What is the best joint savings account martin lewis suggests for couples?
The best joint savings account martin lewis suggests offers 4.5% AER easy access, doubling FSCS cover to £170,000 for shared pots like family holidays. Providers like Marcus excel here with no fees and app access. Lewis advises splitting over £85,000 across institutions, comparing rates to ensure couples maximise protection and yields without complicating joint finances.
