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Hargreaves Lansdown* has hiked the interest rate on its cash Isa from 4.3 per cent to 4.52 per cent, making it a best-buy easy-access account.

This is even when you factor in easy-access accounts that have 12-month boosted rates, such as cash Isas from Trading 212* and Plum*.

Plum currently offers 4.48 per cent, which includes a 1.94 per cent boost for a year. And since we originally published this article, Trading 212 has nudged up its headline cash Isa rate to top the table once again. The investing platform is offering 4.53 per cent, including a 0.93 per cent bonus for 12 months.

Hargreaves Lansdown launched the latest iteration of its cash Isa two weeks ago at a rate of 4.3 per cent. Customers who snapped up that deal will automatically switch to the better rate.

The account is offered in partnership with Shawbrook Bank, a UK challenger bank that offers savings accounts, business lending and property finance.

Your money's protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for up to £120,000, but keep in mind that this limit applies to the bank as a whole rather than just your account.

If you already hold money with Shawbrook Bank, funds deposited into Hargreaves Lansdown's cash Isa will count towards the £120,000 limit.

> Sign up for the cash Isa at Hargreaves Lansdown* 

Cash Isa rates are constantly moving and the trend recently has been down. 

Two weeks ago, both Trading 212 and Plum were offering 4.63 per cent and 4.62 per cent respectively, including their 12-month boosted rates.

With these rates reducing since then, it's worth considering Hargreaves Lansdown's cash Isa if you want a top rate and don't want to contend with a 12-month boost. Find out about the account and sign up at Hargreaves Lansdown*.

However there are some important caveats you should know before going ahead.

Hargreaves Lansdown doesn't offer a flexible Isa, which means that if you withdraw and replace funds, your Isa allowance will be reduced. 

Both Trading 212's and Plum's cash Isas are flexible, so funds that you replace in the same tax year won't count towards your allowance.

Hargreaves Lansdown doesn't accept transfers directly to its cash Isa. You must transfer to the stocks and shares Isa first and then shift your money from there.

This means you need to open a cash Isa with a minimum of £1 first, which is a problem if you’ve already maxed out your allowance.

When we reported on the launch at 4.3 per cent, readers told us in the comments that since taking up its previous cash Isa in November 2025 at 4.55 per cent, Hargreaves Lansdown has reduced the rate a number of times.

The platform has confirmed this issue now pays 3.45 per cent with savers notified 14 days ahead of any rate change.

The good news is it's possible to switch easily to a better rate within your account. 

This is because Hargreaves Lansdown works as a savings platform, offering accounts from multiple providers from one log in.

But it's a good reminder that when it comes to easy-access variable accounts, it's important to keep on top of the rate that you're getting – and be disloyal if it's not up to scratch.

If you'd prefer the certainty of a fixed rate, Coventry BS is offering a top one-year fixed rate Isa at 4.6 per cent, beating Hargreaves Lansdown's easy-access account. 

You only need £1 to open it, and you can transfer an existing Isa too.

Aldermore Bank is offering a two-year fix at 4.61 per cent. You need £1,000 to open the account, and transfers are accepted.

> Check the best savings rates currently available