Compare cash ISA rates

ISAs or Individual Savings Accounts are a special tax free scheme launched by the government in 1999 to encourage people to save money. There are two types of ISAs, cash ISAs and stocks and shares ISAs.

ISAs are tax free as long as all of the conditions are met. Mini cash ISAs no longer exist. They were abolished by the government in 2007 and automatically became cash ISAs from April 2008. Maxi cash ISAs were also abolished in 2007.

The current limit on the amount you can invest in an ISA is £5,340 per year in a cash ISA. You are also allowed to invest a further £5,340 in an investment ISA otherwise known as a stocks and shares ISA or you can invest £10,680 in an investment ISA but if you do this you can’t invest any money into a cash ISA in the same year. The ISA deadline for investing each year is the 5th April.

	ISA Countdown: Part three: Fixed rate cash ISAs In the 3rd part of our ISA countdown the focus is on fixed rate cash ISAs. If you are looking for a fixed tax-free return on your savings that has little risk then one of these ISA products may appeal.
	ISA Countdown: Part two - The best cash ISA deals In the second feature in our ISA countdown we reveal the top ten best cash ISAs currently on the market and what to look for when you choose one.
	Halifax tops Junior Cash ISA deals for family finances The Halifax is offering a best-buy rate of six% for a Junior ISA if a parent invests in a Halifax Cash ISA that pays 2.6%. Combined both could receive 4.3% - well above top ISA rates.
	How to invest in a stocks and shares ISA With the ISA deadline just over three weeks ago, and you want to try and beat the low returns available from a cash ISA then our guide gives the lowdown on investment ISAs.
	Cheshire BS unveil new rates on cash and fixed rate ISAs The Cheshire BS has launched its Direct Cash ISA paying 3.35 per cent and an 18-month fixed rate ISA that pays 4.05 per cent today.