Savers stash cash in easy-access accounts so their money is at hand to access it as quickly as possible if they need to.

But two in three so-called easy-access accounts now delay savers' access to funds, new research reveals.

Currently, 20 out of the top 30 easy access-accounts either impose a cut-off time for withdrawals or don't offer Faster Payments within two hours, the research - conducted by independent information website MoneyComms for Spring Savings - found. 

Only three of the top 10 easy-access providers offer faster payments to transfer money immediately between a customers' easy-access account and nominated bank account on request. 

The remaining seven accounts set cut-off times for withdrawals or only offer access to funds the next working day. 

Of the top 30 providers, 14 set a cut-off time for same-day access to funds. Six require requests before 3pm, otherwise transfers will occur on the next business day, posing a challenge for those needing immediate access. 

Some providers even impose a cut off time as early as 11am for withdrawal requests.

Five of the top 30 'easy access' accounts commit to sending customers money back by the end of the next working day.

Andrew Hagger, personal finance expert at MoneyComms says: 'Having to wait an extra business day to transfer funds to your current account isn't acceptable in today's hi-tech Open Banking world. 

'The access problem is even greater over a weekend or when there's a bank holiday involved. 

'The best easy access accounts will offer the combination of a great rate and real instant access via faster payments.' 

When opening an easy-access account, it is vital to see how quickly money will land back in your account if required.

Additionally, many of the top deals have restrictions on the number of withdrawals that can be made penalty-free in a year or have bonus deals that run out after 12 months.