Savings accounts are often described as either easy-access or fixed-rate. Notice savings accounts sit between the two. You can withdraw your money, but you need to tell your provider in advance.

This article explains how notice accounts work and how their rates have compared with easy-access and fixed-rate accounts.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It doesn't cover the whole market, and products not mentioned here may suit some savers better. We aim for accuracy but make no guarantees, so please check details with the provider before relying on them.

How does a notice savings account work?

With a notice account, you must give notice before you withdraw money. For example, with a 90-day notice account, you'll receive your money 90 days after you ask to withdraw it. Notice periods vary. On provider websites we checked in October 2026, they ranged from 14 days to 180 days.

Other points to know:

• Rates. Interest rates are usually variable, so they can change after you open the account. Some notice accounts track the Bank of England's Bank Rate.

• Paying in. You can usually add money when you like, up to the account's maximum balance. Some accounts have a minimum opening deposit.

• Early access. This varies by account. Some let you withdraw without notice in exchange for losing some interest, for example 30 days' interest on the amount withdrawn. Others don't allow withdrawals before the notice period ends, even with a penalty.

• Longer notice periods. Some providers pay more for a longer notice period, but this isn't always the case and the difference can be small.

Can the interest rate change during the notice period?

Yes. Because rates are usually variable, your provider can lower the rate after you've opened the account, including while you're waiting for a withdrawal.

FCA rules say that before a material rate change, your provider should give you reasonable notice that takes the account's notice period into account. A change isn't treated as material if your balance is under £100.

How this works depends on the provider:

• Some give notice of a cut that is at least as long as the account's notice period.

• Others give a shorter warning but let you close the account without notice for a set period after they tell you about the cut.

Check the account's terms before you open it, so you know how much warning you'd get and what your options would be.

How do notice account rates compare with easy-access and fixed-rate accounts?

Data from the Bank of England shows that easy access and notice account rates have been nearly identical, on average, over the past few years. Fixed accounts were higher over the same period.

At the top of the market, the picture can be different. Based on rates published on Moneyfactscompare on 24 September 2026:

• the highest 90-day notice rate was 4.37%

• the highest easy-access rate was 5.00% (including a bonus)

• the highest one-year fixed rate was 5.06%

These figures reflect products listed by Moneyfacts and may not capture the whole market.

Some things to weigh up:

• Fixed-rate accounts. The rate stays the same for the term, but you usually can't withdraw until the term ends, or you may pay a penalty. Longer fixes don't always pay more than shorter ones.

• Easy-access accounts. You can usually withdraw at any time. The rate is variable.

• Notice accounts. The rate is usually variable, and you need to wait for the notice period before you get your money.

Rates change often, so compare the current rate on a notice account with easy-access and fixed-rate accounts before you open one.

Notice cash ISAs

Some providers offer notice accounts as cash ISAs, so the interest is tax-free. The average notice ISA rate was 3.31% at the start of September 2026, according to Moneyfacts. The ISA allowance is £20,000 for 2026/27. From 6 April 2027, the government plans to limit how much people under 65 can put into cash ISAs to £12,000 a year.

Tax on savings interest

Outside an ISA, most people can earn some savings interest tax-free under the Personal Savings Allowance:

• £1,000 a year for basic-rate taxpayers

• £500 for higher-rate taxpayers

• £0 for additional-rate taxpayers

The starting rate for savings may let you earn up to £5,000 more tax-free if your other taxable income is under £17,570. See GOV.UK for details.

Is my money protected?

Money in a notice account with a UK-authorised bank or building society is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £120,000 per person, per authorised firm. Some brands share one banking licence, which means they share one £120,000 limit. Read more: Why FSCS protection is important

Read more: Compare savings accounts