With the ISA season in full swing and the tax year deadline looming on 5 April 2026, savers are rushing to secure the best cash ISA rates available. Whether you want easy access to your money or prefer locking in a fixed rate for a set term, there’s a variety of options to consider. This guide breaks down the top cash ISAs this March, highlighting key features, rates and who each account suits best.
Quick Summary: Best Cash ISA Rates March 2026
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs Easy Access ISA: 4.4% AER, no minimum deposit, instant access.
- Shawbrook Fixed Rate ISA 1 Year: 5.1% AER, £1,000 minimum, fixed for one year.
- Atom Bank Easy Access ISA: 4.3% AER, £1 minimum, instant access.
- Leeds Building Society 2 Year Fixed ISA: 5.25% AER, £1,000 minimum.
- Coventry Building Society Easy Access ISA: 4.2% AER, £1 minimum.
- Handelsbanken Fixed Rate ISA 3 Year: 5.5% AER, £1,000 minimum.
- Virgin Money Easy Access ISA: 4.1% AER, £1 minimum.
1. Marcus by Goldman Sachs Easy Access ISA
Marcus offers one of the top easy access cash ISAs in March 2026 with a competitive 4.4% AER. There’s no minimum deposit, making it accessible for savers just starting out or those topping up existing savings. Withdrawals are instant, meaning you can access your money whenever you want without penalty. Interest is paid annually, which can benefit those looking to maximise returns without locking their cash away.
Pros: High rate for easy access, no minimum deposit, no withdrawal penalties, interest paid annually.
Cons: No fixed rate options if you want longer-term certainty, and rates could fluctuate as it’s not fixed.
Best for: Savers wanting flexibility and a strong instant access rate, especially useful for emergency funds or short-term savings goals.
Pricing: No fees or charges, interest paid annually.
2. Shawbrook Bank Fixed Rate ISA (1 Year)
For those prioritising a fixed rate, Shawbrook Bank offers 5.1% AER fixed for one year, with a £1,000 minimum deposit. This rate is among the best available for short-term fixed ISAs in March 2026. The fixed term means no access to funds without penalties until maturity, so it suits savers who can afford to lock their money away for 12 months.
The £1,000 minimum is fairly standard for fixed ISAs, ensuring savers commit a decent sum to benefit from the attractive rate. Interest is paid at maturity, which means you get the full return at the end of the term without monthly interest payments.
Pros: Strong fixed rate for a short term, predictable returns, interest paid at maturity.
Cons: Funds locked in for the entire year, £1,000 minimum deposit, no access without penalties.
Best for: Savers who don't need immediate access and want predictable returns over 12 months, ideal for medium-term savings goals or to avoid rate volatility.
Pricing: No fees or charges, interest paid at maturity.
3. Atom Bank Easy Access ISA
Atom Bank’s easy access ISA offers a competitive 4.3% AER with just a £1 minimum deposit. This makes it highly accessible to all savers, whether you’re new to ISAs or adding to an existing pot. Instant access to funds means you can withdraw whenever you like without penalties, which is crucial if you need liquidity.
Interest is paid monthly, helping savers to see their money grow steadily. Atom Bank operates purely online, which can appeal to tech-savvy savers looking to manage their accounts via an app or website.
Pros: Competitive rate, very low minimum deposit, instant access, monthly interest payments.
Cons: Online only, no branch network for face-to-face service.
Best for: Savers who want easy access and regular interest payments, or those comfortable managing their finances digitally.
Pricing: No fees or charges.
4. Leeds Building Society 2 Year Fixed ISA
Leeds Building Society is offering 5.25% AER fixed for two years with a £1,000 minimum deposit. This is one of the highest fixed rates available for savers willing to lock their cash away for a medium term. Interest is paid annually, so savers benefit from regular growth on their savings.
The two-year fixed term means no withdrawals allowed without losing interest, so it’s best suited to those confident they won’t need the money soon. Leeds Building Society is well-regarded for customer service and has a network of branches across the UK, which adds a level of reassurance.
Pros: High fixed rate for two years, interest paid annually, reputable provider with branch access.
Cons: Funds locked in for two years, £1,000 minimum deposit.
Best for: Savers looking for a balance between decent fixed returns and manageable commitment length.
Pricing: No fees or charges.
5. Coventry Building Society Easy Access ISA
Coventry Building Society offers an easy access ISA with 4.2% AER and a £1 minimum deposit, making it accessible for all. Instant access means savers can withdraw their money at any time without penalties. Interest is paid annually, so returns compound once per year.
Coventry is one of the largest building societies in the UK, known for competitive savings rates and good customer service. This ISA is well-suited for those seeking flexibility with a decent interest rate.
Pros: Low minimum deposit, instant access, reputable institution.
Cons: Interest paid annually rather than monthly, slightly lower rate than some competitors.
Best for: Savers wanting easy access with a reliable provider and a decent rate.
Pricing: No fees or charges.
6. Handelsbanken Fixed Rate ISA 3 Year
Handelsbanken’s three-year fixed ISA offers 5.5% AER, the highest fixed rate currently available for longer-term savers. The £1,000 minimum deposit is typical for fixed ISAs. Interest is paid annually, compounding each year over the three-year term.
This ISA is ideal for savers who want to maximise returns over a longer period and can commit to locking their money away. Handelsbanken operates with a smaller branch network but offers personalised service and a strong reputation.
Pros: Top fixed rate for 3 years, annual interest payments, strong customer service.
Cons: Funds locked in for three years, £1,000 minimum deposit, limited branch presence.
Best for: Savers seeking high fixed returns over the longer term and comfortable with the commitment.
Pricing: No fees or charges.
7. Virgin Money Easy Access ISA
Virgin Money’s easy access ISA pays 4.1% AER with a £1 minimum deposit. This makes it accessible for all saver levels. Instant access means no penalties on withdrawals. Interest is paid monthly, giving regular returns and easy tracking of growth.
Virgin Money is a well-known provider with a solid reputation and a straightforward online platform. This ISA suits savers who want to keep their money accessible while earning a decent rate.
Pros: Low minimum, instant access, monthly interest payments, reputable brand.
Cons: Slightly lower rate than some competitors, mainly online service.
Best for: Savers after flexible access with regular interest and a trusted provider.
Pricing: No fees or charges.
With ISA season peaking and the 5 April deadline fast approaching, it pays to compare the best cash ISA rates UK March 2026 has to offer. Whether you want the flexibility of easy access accounts with instant withdrawals or prefer locking in a fixed rate for one, two or three years, there’s a product to suit your savings goals. Choosing between top providers like Marcus, Shawbrook, and Handelsbanken means balancing access to your cash against securing the highest possible returns. Remember, the ISA allowance for 2025/26 is £20,000, so make sure you maximise your tax-free savings before the deadline.
This article was created with AI assistance.
