A notice savings account sits between an easy access account and a fixed rate account in terms of flexibility. You can withdraw your money, but you have to tell the bank in advance — giving a set period of notice, typically 30, 60, or 90 days. In return, you usually earn a higher interest rate than you would with a standard easy access account.
In this guide, we explain how notice accounts work, who they’re best suited to, and what to look out for before opening one.
How does a notice savings account work?
When you open a notice account, you agree to give the bank a minimum amount of notice before making any withdrawal. The most common notice periods are 30, 60, 90, or 120 days — though some accounts go up to 180 days.
To withdraw money, you submit a notice request. The bank then starts the clock. After the notice period has elapsed, your withdrawal is processed and the funds are transferred to your linked current account.
In the meantime, your money continues to earn interest. Notice account rates are variable — the bank can change them — but they’re typically higher than easy access rates to compensate for the reduced flexibility.
What are the benefits of a notice account?
Better rates than easy access. Because you’re committing to give advance notice before withdrawing, the bank rewards you with a higher interest rate. This can make a meaningful difference on larger balances over time.
More flexibility than a fixed rate bond. Unlike a fixed rate account, your money isn’t completely locked away. You can access it — you just have to plan ahead.
No fixed end date. Notice accounts don’t have a set term. You can keep your money in one indefinitely, giving notice whenever you need to withdraw, without having to make decisions about reinvesting at the end of a fixed period.
Encourages planned saving. The notice requirement naturally discourages impulse withdrawals. If you tend to dip into savings without a clear plan, a notice account can help you stay disciplined.
What are the drawbacks?
You can’t access money immediately. In a genuine emergency, waiting 30, 60, or 90 days for your money isn’t practical. This makes notice accounts unsuitable for your emergency fund — that should stay in an easy access account.
Variable rates. Unlike a fixed rate bond, the interest rate on a notice account can change. If rates fall, your return could reduce during your notice period or at any point thereafter.
The rate premium varies. Sometimes the gap between notice account rates and easy access rates is significant; sometimes it’s small. It’s worth checking whether the extra notice period is genuinely worth it before switching.
Who is a notice account best suited to?
Notice accounts work well for savers who:
- Have savings beyond their emergency fund that they don’t need immediate access to
- Want a better rate than easy access but aren’t ready to commit to a fixed term
- Are saving toward a specific goal — a house deposit, a car, or a renovation — where they know roughly when they’ll need the money but want flexibility in the exact timing
- Want to avoid the temptation of dipping into their savings unnecessarily
They’re less suitable for anyone who might need their money at short notice, or for your core emergency fund — that needs to stay accessible at all times.
30, 60, or 90 days — which notice period should I choose?
The longer the notice period, the higher the rate tends to be — though this isn’t always the case, so it’s worth comparing across terms.
A 30-day notice account offers a modest rate improvement over easy access with minimal inconvenience — a month’s notice is manageable for most planned withdrawals.
A 60 or 90-day notice account tends to offer a more meaningful rate uplift. If you’re disciplined about planning ahead, these are worth considering — especially if you have a lump sum sitting idle that you won’t need for several months.
As a practical rule: choose the notice period you’re genuinely comfortable with, not simply the longest one available. A 90-day notice account is only useful if you’re confident you can wait 90 days when you need to withdraw.
Are notice savings accounts safe?
Yes — provided your provider is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which protects up to £85,000 per person, per institution. Always confirm FSCS protection before opening any savings account.
How much interest will I earn?
Use our savings calculator to see how much interest you’d earn based on your balance, the notice account rate, and how long you plan to save.
Notice account vs easy access vs fixed rate — a quick comparison
| Easy Access | Notice Account | Fixed Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Withdraw anytime | Give notice first | No access until term ends |
| Interest rate | Lower | Middle ground | Higher |
| Rate type | Variable | Variable | Fixed |
| Best for | Emergency fund | Planned savings | Money you won’t need |
For a full breakdown of the best notice accounts and how they compare to other savings options right now, see our savings accounts guide.
Summary
A notice savings account offers a middle ground between easy access flexibility and fixed rate returns. You get a better rate than easy access in exchange for planning your withdrawals in advance. They work best for savers with surplus funds beyond their emergency pot who want to earn more without fully committing to a fixed term. Just make sure your emergency fund stays in an account you can access immediately — a notice account isn’t the right home for money you might need urgently.