A notice account sits between an easy access account and a fixed-rate bond. You give notice, wait, then receive your funds. Here is how notice accounts work, what the notice period means in practice, and how they compare with the alternatives.
What is a notice account?
A notice account is a UK savings account that pays a variable interest rate in exchange for a commitment to give advance notice before making withdrawals. The notice period — typically 30, 60, 90 or 120 days — begins from the moment you request a withdrawal. When the period ends, your funds become available. Notice periods range from seven days to 180 days, with 90 and 95 days being the most common. (Source: Moneyfacts, May 2026.)
How a notice account works — step by step
Opening: Most notice accounts accept deposits at any time. Minimum deposits typically range from £1 to £1,000 depending on the provider.
Earning interest: Interest accrues once funds are credited per the account terms. The rate is variable — providers can change it in accordance with account terms.
Requesting a withdrawal: Contact the provider and give notice. The notice period starts from that date. Your money continues earning interest throughout.
Receiving funds: Funds become available after the notice period ends, per the provider's process.
Early access: Some providers allow early access with a penalty — typically loss of a set number of days' interest. Not all providers offer this.
The notice period is not a fee or a penalty. It is simply the waiting time between requesting access and receiving your money. Your funds earn interest throughout.
Common notice periods and access implications
| Notice period |
Approx. wait |
Access implication |
| 30–35 days | ~1 month | Shorter wait for planned withdrawals |
| 60 days | ~2 months | Requires more advance planning |
| 90–95 days | ~3 months | Around three months between request and access |
| 120 days | ~4 months | Longer advance planning required |
| 180 days | ~6 months | Funds may be unavailable for around half a year |
A longer notice period does not automatically mean a higher rate. Rates depend on the provider, market conditions and account terms.
How notice account rates compare
Notice accounts have traditionally sometimes offered higher rates than easy-access accounts. However, there is no fixed relationship — at different points in the market, leading easy-access accounts may pay as much as or more than notice accounts.
💡 Compare current notice account rates
See today's top notice account rates alongside easy access and fixed bonds in the Savings Finder.
How notice accounts compare with alternatives
|
Easy access |
Notice account |
Fixed-rate bond |
| Access | Normally immediate | After notice period | Typically none until maturity |
| Rate type | Variable | Variable | Fixed for the term |
| Rate certainty | None | None | Guaranteed for full term |
| Early exit | Withdraw anytime | Penalty on some accounts | Generally not permitted |
vs fixed-rate bond: because the rate is variable, the provider may change it at any time. A fixed bond guarantees your rate for the full term.
vs easy access: withdrawals cannot be made immediately — an important consideration for money needed to cover unexpected expenses.
What to watch out for
The rate can change. Monitor your rate periodically and compare with alternatives.
Partial withdrawal rules vary. Some accounts require a full balance withdrawal. Read the terms before opening.
Minimum deposits vary. From £1 at some app-based providers to £1,000+ at specialist banks.
FSCS protection applies up to £120,000 per eligible person per authorised firm. Different banking brands can share the same authorisation.
Why people use notice accounts
Notice accounts are often used for money set aside over the medium term where the saver can plan withdrawals in advance but does not want to commit to a fixed maturity date.
Because immediate access is not normally available, some savers keep separate easy-access savings for money they may need at short notice.
🔍 Savings Finder — compare notice, easy access and fixed bonds side by side
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BritSavvy note: This article is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. Rate comparisons reference Moneyfacts (May–June 2026). FSCS protection is subject to eligibility and applicable rules.
What is a notice account?
A notice account pays a variable rate in exchange for giving advance notice — typically 30 to 120 days — before withdrawals. Your money earns interest throughout the notice period. (Source: Moneyfacts, May 2026.)
How does giving notice work?
Contact your provider and request a withdrawal. The notice period starts from that date. Funds become available after the period ends. Your remaining balance continues earning interest.
Can I access my money early?
Some providers offer early access with a penalty — usually loss of a set number of days' interest. Others do not permit early access. Check the account terms before opening.
Are notice accounts FSCS protected?
Yes — up to £120,000 per eligible person per authorised firm at UK-authorised banks and building societies.
Do notice accounts always pay more than easy access?
No. There is no fixed relationship. Competition and individual account conditions can mean an easy-access account pays more at a particular point in time. Notice accounts differ primarily in their access structure. (Source: Moneyfacts, May 2026.)