Best savings account of the week: Savers warned 'loyalty does not pay' as top rates shift again

Despite the drop, Cahoot is offering an inflation-busting five per cent AER on its easy access account, while Principality Building Society continues to pay 7.50 per cent AER fixed for six months on its regular savings account — the highest rate currently available.

Mr French said: “Savers looking to secure a guaranteed return on their cash should be aware that while there are a handful of notable new deals available on the market, some of the top rate fixed bonds have fallen slightly in the last week.”

One standout deal comes from FirstSave, which now pays 4.45 per cent AER on its one-year fixed bond — the highest in its category. Meanwhile, fixed cash ISA rates have stabilised after recent cuts, with Tembo Money leading the one-year ISA table at 4.27 per cent AER.

For those willing to lock in for longer, UBL UK is offering 4.22 per cent AER on its five-year fixed cash ISA. NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland have also entered the fray with a one-year fixed ISA paying 4.20 per cent, appealing to savers who prefer banking with a household name.

Mr French added: “Savers must take time out to ensure their pots are earning decent returns, as loyalty does not pay. Challenger banks and building societies are paying some of the best rates on the market, which should not be overlooked.”

He advised consumers to sign up for rate alerts and enable banking app notifications to stay informed on market changes.

Best regular savings accounts

Here is a full list of the best regular savings currently on offer this week with interest rates attached:

• Principality BS – 7.5 per cent AER / 7.36 per cent Gross
• Zopa – 7.1 per cent AER / 6.87 per cent Gross
• The Co-operative Bank – 7.0 per cent AER / Gross
• Nationwide BS – 6.5 per cent AER / Gross
• Darlington BS – Six per cent AER / Gross
• Yorkshire Building Society – Six per cent AER / Gross
• Monmouthshire BS – Six per cent AER / Gross
• West Brom BS – Six per cent AER / Gross
• Market Harborough BS – Six per cent AER / Gross
• Market Harborough BS – 5.8 per cent AER / Gross

Best fixed-rate savings accounts

Here is a list of the best savings accounts offering a one-year fixed interest rate:

• OakNorth Bank – 4.45 per cent AER / Gross
• Habib Bank Zurich plc – 4.44 per cent AER / Gross
• Habib Bank Zurich plc – 4.44 per cent AER / Gross
• JN Bank – 4.43 per cent AER / Gross
• JN Bank – 4.43 per cent AER / Gross
• Atom Bank – 4.4 per cent AER / Gross
• Chetwood Bank – 4.4 per cent AER / Gross
• LHV Bank – 4.4 per cent AER / Gross
• Tandem Bank – 4.35 per cent AER / Gross
• Cynergy Bank – 4.35 per cent AER / Gross

Best cash ISAs

Here is a list of the best cash ISAs with a one year fixed interest rate attached currently on offer:

• Tembo Money – 4.27 per cent AER / Gross
• Zopa – 4.17 per cent AER / 4.09 per cent Gross
• Virgin Money – 4.16 per cent AER / Gross
• Hodge Bank – 4.16 per cent AER / Gross
• Vanquis Bank – 4.16 per cent AER / Gross
• Skipton BS – 4.16 per cent AER / Gross
• Bath BS – 4.15 per cent AER / Gross
• Paragon Bank – 4.15 per cent AER / Gross
• Cynergy Bank – 4.15 per cent AER / Gross
• Vida Savings – 4.11 per cent AER / Gross

Here is a full list of the best cash ISAs with a variable interest rate attached currently on offer:

• Plum – 4.37 per cent AER / 4.32 per cent Gross
• Harpenden BS – 4.31 per cent AER / Gross
• Family Building Society – 4.30 per cent AER / Gross
• Teachers BS – 4.30 per cent AER / Gross
• Moneybox – 4.30 per cent AER / 4.22 per cent Gross
• Marsden BS – 4.30 per cent AER / Gross
• Aldermore – 4.21 per cent AER / Gross
• Chip – 4.20 per cent AER / 4.12 per cent Gross
• Principality BS – 4.20 per cent AER / Gross
• Aldermore – 4.20 per cent AER / Gross

Best easy-access accounts

Here is a full list of the best easy access savings accounts without a bonus attached:

• cahoot – 5.00 per cent AER / Gross
• Snoop – 4.35 per cent AER / 4.26 per cent Gross
• Harpenden BS – 4.31 per cent AER / Gross
• Spring – 4.30 per cent AER / 4.22 per cent Gross
• United Trust Bank – 4.30 per cent AER / Gross
• Family Building Society – 4.25 per cent AER / Gross
• Manchester BS – 4.25 per cent AER / Gross
• Penrith BS – 4.21 per cent AER / Gross
• cahoot – 4.20 per cent AER / Gross

Here is a full list of the best easy access accounts with a bonus attached:

• Chip – 4.80 per cent AER / 4.70 per cent Gross
• Chase – 4.50 per cent AER / 4.41 per cent Gross
• Sidekick – 4.48 per cent AER / 4.43 per cent Gross
• Shawbrook Bank – 4.30 per cent AER / 4.22 per cent Gross
• Principality BS – 4.25 per cent AER / Gross
• Tesco Bank – 4.20 per cent AER / Gross
• Skipton BS – 4.16 per cent AER / Gross
• Post Office Money® – 4.13 per cent AER / Gross
• Chip – 4.07 per cent AER / 4.00 per cent Gross
• Nottingham BS – 4.05 per cent AER / Gross

Principality Building Society continues to lead the regular savings market with a 7.50 per cent AER fixed for six months.

FirstSave now tops the one-year fixed bond table, offering 4.45 per cent AER.

Tembo Money leads the one-year fixed cash ISA category at 4.27 per cent AER.

Easy access savers can still find inflation-beating returns, with cahoot paying 5 per cent AER.