FAQs

Saving involves setting aside money from income regularly to accumulate funds for emergencies, future expenses, or long-term financial goals, promoting financial security and stability.

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What is a regular savings account?

A regular savings account is a basic and popular type of savings account provided by banks and financial institutions. It is frequently referred to simply as a "savings account." It provides people with an easy way to save money and earn interest on their deposits.

Regular savings accounts are appropriate for a range of financial objectives, including setting aside funds for future expenses, vacation savings, and emergency funds. They give you a safe, convenient location to keep your money while also earning a small amount of interest. However, you might want to investigate other savings options like high-yield savings accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs) if you're looking for higher interest rates or are prepared to lock in your money for a set period.

What is a fixed-rate savings account?

A fixed-rate savings account, also known as a fixed-term savings account or a certificate of deposit (CD), is a type of savings account offered by banks and financial institutions.

For people who can commit to keeping their money untouched for a duration of time and have a specific savings goal, fixed-rate savings accounts are a good choice. They are frequently used to achieve objectives like saving for a future vacation, paying for a down payment on a house, or keeping some of your savings in a low-risk, interest-bearing account. It's crucial to carefully consider the term, the interest rate provided, and whether you can afford to lock up your money for that length of time without needing access to it before opening a fixed-rate savings account.

What is an instant access savings account?

An instant access savings account, also known as an easy access savings account, is a type of savings account offered by banks and financial institutions that provides account holders with quick and unrestricted access to their funds.

Instant access savings accounts are the best option for people who want to earn interest on their savings while keeping it safe and accessible. They can be used for a variety of things, including setting up an emergency fund, saving for immediate needs, or holding money in reserve before making a more significant financial choice. However, you might want to look into other savings options like high-yield savings accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs) if you're looking for higher interest rates or are prepared to commit your money for a set time.

What is a tax-efficient savings account?

A tax-efficient savings account is a financial account or investment vehicle that is structured to reduce the effect of taxes on your investment returns or savings. By lowering your current tax obligation or enabling your investments to grow tax-deferred or tax-free, these accounts are made to take advantage of tax laws and regulations to help you keep more of your money. Different types of accounts and investments can be included in tax-efficient savings accounts, depending on the country.

To fully understand the implications and advantages of each type of tax-efficient savings account, it's important to speak with a financial advisor or tax professional. The specific tax advantages and rules for these accounts can vary depending on your country's tax code and regulations. The right tax-efficient savings accounts can help you maximize your savings and reduce your tax liability as part of your overall financial and retirement planning strategy.

What is a national savings and investment account?

A National Savings and Investments (NS&I) account is a type of savings and investment account available in the United Kingdom. NS&I is a government-backed financial institution that offers various savings and investment products to individuals, providing a safe and secure way to save and invest money. These accounts are popular among UK residents due to their government backing, which means that your savings are considered one of the safest places to put your money.

While NS&I accounts provide security and competitive interest rates, it's important to keep in mind that they might not always provide the best returns when compared to other private sector savings and investment options. To find the NS&I product that best meets your needs, people should carefully consider their financial objectives and compare it to other options. Additionally, NS&I account eligibility and terms are subject to change at any time, so for the most recent information, check the NS&I website or speak with a financial advisor.

What is a notice account?

A notice account is a type of savings or investment account offered by banks and financial institutions that requires the account holder to provide advance notice before making withdrawals or transfers from the account. These accounts are designed to balance the need for liquidity with the desire to earn a potentially higher interest rate compared to traditional instant access savings accounts.

Notice accounts are suitable for individuals who have funds they can afford to set aside for a longer period and who are willing to give advance notice to access those funds. These accounts can be used for various purposes, such as saving for a future expense, building an emergency fund, or earning a higher interest rate on a portion of your savings. Before opening a notice account, it's essential to carefully consider the notice period, the interest rate offered, and your own financial needs to ensure that it aligns with your goals and liquidity requirements.

What is a child trust fund? (UK)

A Child Trust Fund (CTF) was a long-term savings and investment account for children in the United Kingdom. However, CTFs are no longer available to new account holders, as they were replaced by Junior Individual Savings Accounts (Junior ISAs) in January 2011.

It's important to remember that Junior ISAs offer children in the UK a tax-advantaged savings and investment vehicle, serving a similar function to CTFs, which are no longer available for new accounts. Junior ISAs can be opened and funded on behalf of eligible children by their parents or guardians. In comparison to the now-discontinued CTFs, Junior ISAs provide more flexibility in terms of contribution caps and investment options.

What is an ISA?

An ISA is a tax-efficient savings and investment account in the context of personal finance, offered in the United Kingdom. ISAs were created to motivate people to save and invest by providing tax benefits. Because ISA contributions are not subject to income or capital gains taxes, people can grow their savings and investments more quickly. There are various ISA types, each with its own rules and restrictions, such as cash ISAs (for savings), stocks and shares ISAs (for investments), and others.

What is a JISA?

JISA is an acronym for "Junior Individual Savings Account." It is a kind of savings and investment account that is available in the UK and is intended especially for kids. To give children a financial head start as they get older, JISAs were created to motivate parents, grandparents, and other family members to save or invest money on their behalf.

Using JISAs, parents and guardians can invest and save money for their kids, giving them a solid financial base for adulthood. They provide a tax-effective way to accumulate savings for upcoming costs like education, a first car, or a down payment on a house.

What is a LISA?

A LISA, or "Lifetime Individual Savings Account," is a specialised type of tax-advantaged savings and investment account available in the United Kingdom. It is designed to help people save for specific long-term financial goals, with a particular emphasis on either purchasing their first home or saving for retirement.

Due to the government bonus, LISAs can be a helpful tool for people who want to save money for a first home or retirement. Before opening a LISA, you must, however, be completely aware of the restrictions and fines that apply to make sure that it will support your long-term financial objectives.

What is a fixed-rate bond?

"Fixed-rate bonds" or "fixed-term bonds" are a type of financial investment or savings product provided by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. These bonds are favoured by investors looking for a steady and predictable return on their investments because of their reputation for stability and predictability.

Conservative investors who value stability and a steady income stream may find fixed-rate bonds to be an appropriate investment. They are frequently used to preserve capital over a specified investment horizon or to produce a consistent source of interest income.

What is the annual equivalent rate?

The term "annual equivalent rate," also known as "annual equivalent percentage rate," is used in finance to describe the interest rate on savings accounts and investment products, particularly those that offer compound interest. With the help of AER, consumers can compare the true or effective annual returns they can anticipate from various savings or investment options in a uniform manner.

The Annual Equivalent Rate (AER), which takes into account the effects of compound interest, is a standardized way to express the annual return on savings accounts and investments. It makes it simpler for consumers to compare various financial products and decide where to save or invest their money.

What is a traditional savings account? (USA)

A traditional savings account is a basic, interest-bearing deposit account provided by banks and credit unions in the United States. It's one of the most popular and simple financial products that consumers can use to save money.

In the USA, a traditional savings account offers a safe, convenient, and interest-bearing way to save money. It's the best option for people who want to maintain the liquidity and accessibility of their funds while still earning a modest return on their savings. However, if you're looking for greater returns, you might want to think about investing in other things, like investment accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs).

What is a high-yield savings account? (USA)

A high-yield savings account in the United States is a type of savings account offered by banks and financial institutions that typically offers a higher interest rate compared to traditional savings accounts. These accounts are made to give savers the chance to increase the interest they receive on their money while still maintaining simple access to it.

High-yield savings accounts are a well-liked option for people who want to increase their return on savings while maintaining liquidity and security. To find the best high-yield savings account to meet your unique financial goals and preferences, it's crucial to compare the terms, fees, and features provided by various banks. Additionally, keep in mind that the interest rate you initially receive might not remain the same over time because these accounts' interest rates can change in response to changes in the general economy.

What is a certificate of deposit? (USA)

In the US, banks and credit unions offer time-based deposit accounts known as Certificates of Deposits (CDs). A type of savings account called a CD rewards you for locking in your money for a set period with a higher interest rate than regular savings or checking accounts.

For people who want to maintain a low level of risk while still earning a higher rate of interest than what is typically offered in standard savings or checking accounts, CDs are a popular option. Depending on the term of the CD, they are appropriate for both short- and long-term savings objectives. When deciding whether to invest in a CD and which term to choose, it's crucial to take your financial goals, your need for liquidity, and the current interest rate environment into account.

What is a money market account? (USA)

A money market account (MMA) is a type of interest-bearing deposit account provided by banks and credit unions in the United States. A hybrid financial product called MMAs combines the advantages of checking and savings accounts. They are made to give you more interest on your deposits than a standard checking account while still giving you some access to your money.

Money market accounts can be a good option for people who want to save money and get interest on it while still having access to their money. They are frequently used as emergency funds, short-term savings goals, or as a place to keep cash while making longer-term investment decisions. To find the MMA that best suits your financial goals and preferences, it is crucial to compare the terms, charges, and features of various MMAs provided by various financial institutions.

What is a savings bond? (USA)

In the United States, a savings bond is a form of government-issued debt that encourages saving while paying interest. Because they are guaranteed by the United States government, savings bonds are among the safest and most reliable investments. Series EE Bonds and Series I Bonds are the two primary categories of savings bonds that are currently offered in the United States.

Savings bonds have typically been a well-liked method for people to do long-term investing, particularly for objectives like education, retirement, or other major expenses. Due to lower interest rates than other investment options, they have, however, lost some of their appeal in recent years. For those who place a premium on stability and safety in their investments, they continue to be a trusted and safe method of saving.

What is a health savings account? (USA)

In the US, a Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account created to assist individuals and families in setting aside money specifically for qualified medical expenses. Anyone enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), a type of health insurance plan with higher deductibles and lower premiums than conventional health insurance plans, is eligible for a health savings account (HSA).

HSAs are made to give people and families more control over their healthcare expenses while providing tax benefits for both current medical costs and requirements for retirement savings. For those who qualify and can contribute to them, they can be a useful tool. HSAs, however, have particular eligibility requirements and usage restrictions, so it's important to understand the regulations and restrictions that go along with them.

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