Emergency Fund Protection
Keep 3–6 months of expenses in instant access accounts, even if rates are lower. This money needs to be available immediately when life throws unexpected problems your way.
Deposit Based Investment
Sometimes you need somewhere safe to keep money while you decide what to do next. We help you find the right deposit accounts that protect your capital and earn decent interest without complexity.
Unlike a Building Society or Bank account your capital is not guaranteed.
The tax treatment is dependent on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in future.
This information is for guidance only and does not constitute financial advice.
Deposit based investment guide
When you need your money to be there when you need it
Not every pound should be invested in the stock market. Emergency funds, house deposits, or money you’ll need within a few years belong somewhere safe and accessible. Deposit-based investments give you security and liquidity while earning better returns than basic current accounts, though you’re still losing purchasing power if interest doesn’t keep up with inflation.
Types of deposit based investments available:
- Cash ISAs sheltering up to £20,000 annually from all tax on interest earnings
- Fixed rate bonds offering guaranteed returns for specific periods with your money locked away
- Notice accounts paying higher interest in exchange for advance warning before withdrawals
- National Savings & Investments products backed 100% by the UK government
- Premium Bonds offering prize draws instead of guaranteed interest, with tax-free winnings
- Easy access savings accounts providing instant access with variable interest rates
With personal savings allowances reduced to £1,000 (basic rate) or £500 (higher rate), cash ISAs become valuable quickly. All interest is tax-free regardless of how much you earn.
Fixed rate accounts lock in today’s interest for set periods but restrict access to your money. Variable rates can rise or fall but typically offer more flexibility for withdrawals.
NS&I products are 100% guaranteed by HM Treasury, unlike bank accounts protected only up to £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Easy access accounts let you withdraw immediately but usually pay lower rates. Notice accounts require advance warning but compensate with higher interest.
Allowances correct as of 2025/26 tax year.
Common deposit account strategies
Ladder Fixed Rate Accounts
Spread money across fixed rate accounts with different maturity dates. This protects against missing out if rates rise while ensuring some money is always becoming available.
Cash ISA Maximisation
Use your full £20,000 ISA allowance each year, starting with cash ISAs if you’re not comfortable with investment risk. Once invested, ISA growth is protected from tax forever.
NS&I for Large Deposits
For amounts above £85,000, consider NS&I products which have 100% government backing rather than relying on multiple bank accounts for compensation scheme protection.
An ISA is a medium to long term investment, which aims to increase the value of the money you invest for growth or income or both. The value of your investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the amount you invested.
HM Revenue and Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.
How we help
We understand that financial decisions feel heavy because they affect everything that matters to you. Our job is to make them lighter, clearer and easier.
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How can we help with your savings strategy?
Find the right place for money you can't afford to lose
We'll help you understand your options and find accounts that work for your timeline and tax situation.