If you're planning to save money, the first port of call has traditionally been a tax-free cash ISA.
However, the new Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) means basic rate taxpayers can now earn up to £1,000 a year in interest before they have to pay tax. This jumps to £500 for those on a higher rate band.
For most people, this means they're no longer limited to just ISAs for their savings, giving them the freedom to follow the best rates instead.
For example, if your current account provider has a savings account with a high rate, you might find it more convenient to pop your cash in there for a year.
The best easy access savings accounts are the ones that can offer a high rate of interest as well as unrestricted access.
It can also pay to look outside of your comfort zone as it's often the smaller, lesser known banks that pay the best rates.
"Savers are paying for the convenience of keeping their cash with their main bank, rather than chasing down the best possible deal for flexible access to their savings," explains Rachel Springall at Moneyfacts.
"As rates continue to improve away from the biggest banks, it may be a good time for savers to reconsider more unfamiliar brands to get the best possible return."
The accounts on this page are all without a bonus, which means they don't have an additional fixed rate for a certain time (usually 12 months) adding to their overall interest rates.
Best easy access accounts right now
Shawbrook Bank: 1.67%, minimum £1,000 at opening, no notice period, unlimited withdrawals, no penalties, online only.
Cynergy Bank: 0.66%, minimum £1 at opening, no notice period, unlimited withdrawals, no penalties, online only.
Marcus Online Savings Account: 1.6%, minimum £1 at opening, no notice period, unlimited withdrawals, no penalties, online only.
Saga: 0.6%, minimum £1 at opening, no notice period, unlimited withdrawals, no penalties, online and by phone only..
Alternatively visit Moneyfacts.co.uk to view its best buy easy access accounts right now.
What is an easy access account and how much can I put in one?
Easy access accounts are pretty self-explanatory.
They allow you to put money away with the freedom to take it out if you need to do so, unlike a notice account, for example.
They're similar to a flexible ISAs (which also let you pay in and withdraw during your term) but not traditional ISAs which won't let you pay in once you hit the limit, ie if you pay in £20,000 then withdraw £5,000 you won't be able to replace it.
The best easy access savings accounts are the ones that offer a high rate of interest as well as unlimited withdrawals.
Always check the small print though:
Is there a maximum number of withdrawals allowed?
If you decide to withdraw your money, will you have to pay a penalty?
Is the account easy to access? In some cases, they're available by phone or post only which could make accessing it in an emergency tricky.
Is an easy access account right for me?
If you know you want to save but aren't ready to commit fully, an easy access could be just the baby-step you need.
Most accounts can be opened with just £1 and topped up as and when. Of course, the more you put away, the greater your chances of a better return.
You can view more easy access bank accounts on MoneySupermarket online.
To read more on the different types of savings accounts, see our guide, here.
