Compare high-interest savings and Isas

Build up an emergency savings fund

Everybody ought to have a certain amount of savings to hand. The rule of thumb is to have three months's essential outgoings (things like rent and food) in an instant-access savings account. This is called an emergency fund

The Money Advice Service

Beat the taxman with an Isa

Isas are one of the few totally legitimate ways you can get one over on the taxman. They were introduced in 1999 to stimulate saving and, unlike bog-standard savings accounts, HMRC can't get its hands on the interest your savings rack up

Kristian Dando, Gocompare.com

Why use Gocompare.com for your money products?

By their very nature financial products are complex and the prospect of reviewing your money matters can be quite daunting. But our research shows comparison sites are helping people become more money conscious and feel more empowered when making financial decisions

John Miles, business development director at Gocompare.com

Why choose Gocompare.com's savings and Isa comparison service?

With the help of our partners LoveMoney,* you can quickly and easily compare the best rates for savings and for Individual Savings Accounts (Isas).

Low interest rates and austerity have been with us for some time, meaning it's harder than ever - and more important than ever - to find a good return on your money. Learn all about the products available by reading our saving and Isa guides

If you choose to use our comparison service, the easy-to-use page will present information describing the key facts about each account and will offer you the chance to purchase the products. Amongst the savings accounts on offer, you can choose from easy-access options, peer-to-peer savings and one-, three- or five-year bonds. Isa accounts can be a fantastic, tax-free way to save your money, and we can help you find the right deal whether you're looking for cash Isas and/or stocks and shares Isas.

Low interest rates and austerity have been with us for some time, meaning it's harder than ever - and more important than ever - to find a good return on your money. Learn all about the products available by reading our saving and Isa guides, where you'll also find both our frequently asked questions on savings and frequently asked questions on Isas.

Many people seem mystified by Isas but they are basically just regular savings products protected by a tax-free 'wrapper', meaning that you get to keep 100% of the precious interest. We've got dedicated guides on cash Isas, stocks and shares Isas and junior Isas, with information on allowances, transfers, age restrictions, how many Isas you can own, and much more.

Our guides offer more information on key saving products such as easy access accounts, fixed-rate bonds, notice accounts, regular-saver deals, guaranteed equity bonds, affinity accounts, over-50s products and off-shore accounts. Find out how interest rates and tax rates are displayed and paid, and why you should pay attention to maximum and minimum deposit levels, notice periods, withdrawal restrictions and short-term bonuses.

You'll also find information on National Savings and Investments (NS&I), the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and the Banking Code, plus more general help on why you should save, and the importance of keeping a rainy-day fund.

Did you know...?

The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April
You can save up to £5,760 tax free in a cash Isa until 5 April, 2014. So long as the money stays in an Isa account, you won't have to pay any tax on the interest you earn
Just 18% of UK savers switched their Isa or deposit account in 2012**