Barclays has announced an overhaul of its ISA product line, offering a range of new savings accounts with competitive interest rates.
The beginning of the new tax year remains one of the busiest periods for savers opening cash ISA accounts, according to fresh data from the bank.
The bank's figures reveal that 16 per cent of its customers deposited more than half of their total annual contributions during April and May 2025, shortly after allowances reset.
A similar pattern emerges at the opposite end of the tax year, with 13 per cent of savers making the majority of their deposits between January and February 2025.
Barclays has also moved to boost its savings offerings
| GETTYThis concentration of activity around key dates suggests many Britons prefer making substantial lump sum contributions rather than spreading payments throughout the year.
Sian McIntyre, the head of Savings at Barclays UK, said: "We know now is one of the most popular times to open a cash ISA account, as people open new products after their allowance has reset.
"Given recent market volatility and concerns over rising costs, more people than ever may decide the best place for their savings is a predictable and tax-efficient fixed cash ISA."
Ms McIntyre emphasised that savers should carefully evaluate which products suit their individual circumstances.
The ISA allowance resets each year on April 6, when a new tax year begins | GETTYLATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Banks are making changes to their line of ISA products
| GETTYSome may prioritise securing the highest possible interest rate, while others might value the ability to access funds without incurring penalties.
With uncertainty surrounding the Bank of England's base rate decisions this year, Ms McIntyre highlighted a strategic approach for those favouring cash ISAs.
She added: "With no clear consensus on what will happen with the Bank of England base rate this year, people preferring a cash ISA can take advantage of the fact you can split your allowance across multiple products.
"You can lock in some savings at the current rate to protect against any potential fall and then, if the rate rises, you can capitalise by depositing more in a new ISA with a higher fixed rate."
Bank of England interest rates over time | Bank of England Here is a full list of the ISA product changes from Barclays:
- 1 Year Flexible Cash ISA – 4.20 per cent (from four per cent)
- Premier 1 Year Flexible Cash ISA – 4.40 per cent (from 4.10 per cent)
- 18 Month Flexible Cash ISA – 4.20 per cent (from four per cent)
- Premier 18 Month Flexible Cash ISA – Premier: 4.40 per cent (from 4.10 per cent)
- 3 Year Premier Flexible Cash ISA – four per cent (from 3.65 per cent)
- 1 Year Fixed Bond – 3.70 per cent (from 3.30 per cent)
- 18 Month Retail Flexible Bond – 3.70 per cent (from 3.30 per cent)
- Premier 18 Month Retail Flexible Bond – 3.75 per cent (from 3.35 per cent).