The Short Version
Best rate first, always
When you look at a DepositScout comparison table, the order isn't random and it isn't for sale. We rank accounts by what they actually deliver for savers — starting with the interest you'll earn.
We compare 90+ UK providers, refresh the data throughout the day, and keep our rankings completely separate from how we make money. The rest of this page explains the details so you can trust what you're seeing.
What we measure
Every account is assessed on the same factors, so the comparison is fair and like-for-like.
Interest rate (AER)
The headline driver. We compare the Annual Equivalent Rate so every account is measured on the same like-for-like basis, including how often interest is paid and compounded.
Access and term
Easy access, notice and fixed-rate accounts are grouped so you compare like with like. Within a group, we account for the notice period or term length tied to the rate.
Deposit limits and fees
Minimum and maximum deposits, plus any account fees or conditions that change what you actually earn, are factored in so a headline rate is never misleading.
FSCS protection
We clearly flag whether deposits are covered by the UK's Financial Services Compensation Scheme so you can weigh up protection alongside the rate.
How the ranking works, step by step
From raw data to the table you see, here's the journey every rate takes.
We gather the data
We track rates from 90+ UK banks, building societies and fintechs, pulling product details straight from each provider's own published information.
We verify it
Every rate is checked against the provider's official source and refreshed throughout the day, so the tables you see reflect what's actually on offer.
We rank by the best deal for you
By default, accounts are ordered by AER, highest first, within each account type. The product that pays you the most sits at the top — full stop.
We break ties fairly
When two accounts offer the same rate, we use neutral tie-breakers such as access terms and provider name. A commercial relationship never decides the order.
"Top Pick" is automatic
The only label on our tables is "Top Pick", and it is worked out from the data: it marks the highest rate in the category you are viewing. It cannot be assigned by hand or paid for, and it never changes the order of the table.
Where ranking works a little differently
Not every account is comparable on rate alone. In these cases we adjust the approach so the order still makes sense.
Notice & fixed-rate accounts
These are grouped by their notice period or term so you compare like with like. You can sort by access period, and where rates tie, the higher AER wins.
Stocks & Shares ISAs
Returns aren't fixed, so there's no AER to rank by. Instead we order these by running cost — the lower the ongoing charges, the higher it sits — and clearly flag that capital is at risk.
Top Pick
Worked out automatically: it marks the highest rate in the category you're viewing. Nobody assigns it by hand and it can't be paid for. It's a label on the data, not a recommendation.
Your own filters
You're always in control. Re-sort any table by rate or access, and filter by account type, so the ranking matches what matters most to you.
Our ranking is not for sale
Some links on our site are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you open an account through one. Look for the small green star that marks them.
Here's the line we never cross: a commercial relationship never moves a product up or down the table. Providers can't pay for placement, and the best rate wins regardless of whether we earn anything.
Want the full picture of how we fund a free service? Read How We Make Money and our Editorial Policy.
Kept up to date
Rates are checked against official sources throughout the day.
Protection shown
We flag FSCS cover so you can weigh up safety too.
Always verify
Providers can change terms, so check before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Do providers pay to appear higher in your tables?+
No. Providers cannot buy a better position. Accounts are ordered by the rate they pay you, and commercial relationships never change that order.
What does the green star next to a provider mean?+
It marks an affiliate link — if you open an account through it, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It has no bearing on where the product ranks.
Why isn't the highest rate always at the very top?+
We group accounts by type — easy access, notice and fixed-rate — because they aren't directly comparable. Within each group, the highest AER comes first. You can also re-sort tables yourself, for example by notice period.
How often are rates updated?+
We check and refresh rates throughout the day against each provider's official source. Providers can still change terms without notice, so always confirm the details on their site before applying.
How is a "Top Pick" chosen?+
It isn't chosen by anyone — it's calculated. "Top Pick" marks whichever account pays the highest rate in the category you're viewing, so it updates on its own as rates move. It can't be assigned by hand or bought, and it isn't a recommendation to open that account.
See the rankings for yourself
Now you know how the order is decided. Compare the latest UK savings rates, sorted with your interests first.