Regular Saver vs Easy Access — Which Pays More?

Banks advertise regular savers at 6-7% AER — but you only earn that on money that has been in the account. The actual effective return is roughly half. This calculator shows the apples-to-apples comparison vs an easy-access account at a lower headline rate.

Pennywise Finance Editorial

Regular saver: partial-period compounding (first deposit earns full term, last earns one month). Easy access: standard compounding on full balance.

Fact-checked
Reviewed September 2026
About our calculators

Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers are never sent to a server.

Your numbers

Monthly amount£

Most UK regular savers cap £150-£300/mo.

Regular saver rate%

Easy access rate%

Term (months)

Result

Regular saver maturity—

Easy access final—

Difference—

Regular saver effective rate on money paid in—

The headline-rate trap

A 7% regular saver with £250/month for 12 months looks like it should earn 7% on £3,000 = £210. In reality it earns about £113. That is because:

First £250 is in for 12 months = earns 7% × £250 = £17.50
Last £250 is in for 1 month = earns 7%/12 × £250 = £1.46
Average: roughly half the headline AER

When regular savers actually win

When the headline rate is dramatically higher than easy-access AND you can commit the full amount. A 7% regular saver only beats a 4% easy access by a modest amount in year one. Switch after the 12-month term to compound.

The right strategy

Many savers use BOTH. Monthly contribution goes into the regular saver (higher rate). Larger balance sits in easy access (accessible, decent rate). On maturity, roll the regular saver into easy access and open a new one.

Frequently asked questions

Can I withdraw from a regular saver?

Usually yes, but it may forfeit the bonus rate or close the account. Check T&Cs — some are strict.

What if I miss a month?

Depends on provider. Many close the account or revert to a lower rate.

Should I stop my easy access to fund a regular saver?

No. The regular saver only accepts small monthly amounts — your lump sum has to live somewhere. Easy access is the obvious home.

Illustrative calculation. Not personalised financial advice. Rates, bands and allowances for the 2026/27 UK tax year, verified against gov.uk at time of review. For regulated advice consult an FCA-authorised adviser.