06 Jan 2026
Investec index shows one-year accounts give savers the highest average rates
- The gap between average rates and highest rates can be as much as 1.13% in notice accounts and between average rates and lowest as much as 2.48%
- Investec Save’s Best Buy Savings Accounts index** is monitoring the highest and lowest rates across the savings market
Savers are currently earning the highest average rates on 1-year fixed rate accounts at 4.02% with the lowest average rates paid on Notice accounts at 3.38%, new analysis from Investec Save shows.
However, the difference between the average paid on 1-year fixed rate accounts and the best buy is 0.48% and the difference between the highest and lowest rate is 0.9%, the analysis conducted by Andrew Hagger of Moneycomms for Investec Save.
Investec Save’s Best Buy Savings Accounts Index monitors average rates across different types of savings accounts, tracking the highest and lowest returns. In total, 687 savings accounts were reviewed.
It found that Notice Accounts currently pay the lowest average rates and have the biggest differences between average and highest rates at 1.13% and between average and lowest at 2.48%.
Average rates on 5-year fixed rate accounts at 3.92% are the second highest ahead of 1-year fixed rate ISAs at 3.9% with 4-year fixed rates and 2-year fixed rates at 3.87% and 3.86%, respectively.
Investec Save currently pays 4.35% AER* on its 1-Year Fixed Rate Saver and 4.12% AER on its 1-Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA.
David Hunt, Head of Deposits, Investec, said: “The savings market remains highly competitive but it is clear that the best rates currently available are from 1-year fixed rate accounts reflecting demand from savers looking to lock in higher rates for longer.
“Savers however want to spread their deposits across a range of accounts including fixed and instant access ISAs as well as instant access accounts and notice accounts as they are not able to lock cash away for a year or longer.
“That is why we have launched the Index to help people to make their money work harder. By seeking out competitive rates and making full use of available ISA allowances, savers can continue to grow their wealth.”
The table below shows average rates across different types of accounts and the difference between the average and the highest and lowest rates for the top 100 1-year fixed rate accounts and instant access ISA and standard accounts as well all 2-year, 3-year, 4-year, 5-year fixed rate accounts and all 1-year fixed rate ISAs and notice accounts up to 90 days.
| Type of account | Average rate | Difference of average to highest rate | Difference of average to highest rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-year fixed rate | 4.02% | +0.48% | -0.42% |
| Five-year fixed rate | 3.92% | +0.48% | -0.96% |
| One-year fixed rate ISAs | 3.90% | +0.4% | -0.5% |
| Four-year fixed rate | 3.87% | +0.45% | -0.77% |
| Two-year fixed rate | 3.86% | +0.59% | -0.86% |
| Three-year fixed rate | 3.84% | +0.41% | -1.06% |
| Instant access accounts | 3.83% | +0.68% | -0.73% |
| Instant access ISAs | 3.53% | +0.99% | -1.01% |
| Notice accounts up to 90 days | 3.38% | +1.13% | -2.48% |
Investec Save’s range of accounts can be opened online in minutes and are fully managed online with no hidden fees or charges.
They include its Fixed Rate Saver with 2-Year or 3-Year terms available offering 4.05 AER*. The Fixed Rate Saver provides simplicity and security for savers. Interest is paid on maturity of the 1-Year term and annually on the 2-Year and 3-Year terms.
No withdrawals are permitted until the end of the term in each case, and no further deposits can be made after the first seven days.
Its 90-Day Notice Saver, which currently offers 3.93% AER*, offers unlimited deposits with withdrawals subject to 90-days’ notice.
The Online Flexi Saver, which currently offers 3.73% AER*, is a simple and secure instant access savings account. Unlimited deposits and withdrawals are allowed. This makes the Online Flexi Saver perfect for unexpected expenses that might arise, such as car maintenance or a vet bill.
Find out more information on Investec Save products
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