Savings Account Alternatives: How to Grow Your Money in 2025

Traditional savings accounts barely keep up with inflation, so many people look for smarter options. If you want your cash to work harder, there are a few alternatives that give better returns without risking your principal. Below we’ll walk through the most popular choices and how they fit everyday budgets.

High‑Yield Savings & Cash ISAs

High‑yield savings accounts are the easiest swap. Online banks can offer rates that are 3‑5 times higher than the big high‑street banks because they have lower overhead. You still get instant access, FDIC/FSCS protection, and no lock‑in period. In the UK, a cash ISA does the same thing—tax‑free interest and a range of providers with competitive rates. Look for accounts that have no monthly fees and a clear rate‑guarantee for at least six months.

Fixed‑Rate Bonds and Term Deposits

If you can lock your cash for a set period, fixed‑rate bonds (or term deposits) often beat savings accounts. A 12‑month bond might pay 4% APY, and longer terms can push 5% or more. The trade‑off is you can’t touch the money without paying a penalty, so use money you don’t need for emergencies. Check the early‑withdrawal terms and make sure the provider is covered by the FSCS.

Another twist on fixed‑rate products is the “boom‑and‑bust” bond offered by some challenger banks. These bonds start at a higher rate for the first few months and then drop. If you plan to roll over before the drop, you can capture the top yield without staying locked for a year.

Money Market Funds

Money market funds sit between cash and stocks. They invest in short‑term government and corporate debt, aiming for a stable net asset value (usually $1 per share). Returns hover around 2‑3% but can be higher when interest rates climb. Because they’re not bank deposits, they aren’t covered by FSCS, yet they are still low‑risk and highly liquid—often you can sell in one business day.

When picking a fund, watch the expense ratio. A low‑cost fund (under 0.20%) will keep more of the earned interest in your pocket. Also, verify the fund’s holdings are truly short‑term to avoid unexpected volatility.

Peer‑to‑Peer Lending

Peer‑to‑peer (P2P) platforms let you lend directly to borrowers, cutting out the bank. Returns can range from 5% to 12% depending on the borrower’s credit grade. The upside is higher income; the downside is the risk of default. Most platforms now have reserve funds and offer diversified portfolios to spread risk.

Start small—maybe £500 or $500—and let the platform auto‑allocate across many loans. Review the platform’s track record, fees, and whether it’s regulated by the FCA (UK) or SEC (US). Treat P2P as a supplemental investment, not your entire emergency fund.

Digital‑Only Investment Apps

New fintech apps combine features of savings and investing. They let you set goals, round‑up purchases, and automatically invest spare change into low‑cost ETFs or high‑interest cash accounts. The “auto‑save” feature can boost your balance without you thinking about it. Look for apps that charge zero fees for the cash account and have a transparent investment selection.

These apps are handy for people who find traditional banking confusing. You get a single dashboard, quick withdrawals, and sometimes bonus interest for meeting saving streaks.

Choosing the right alternative depends on three things: how quickly you need access, how much risk you’re comfortable with, and whether you want tax‑free earnings. Mix and match—keep three months of expenses in a high‑yield savings or cash ISA for emergencies, lock a portion in a fixed‑rate bond for steady growth, and allocate a small slice to P2P or money‑market funds for extra yield.

Whatever you pick, compare rates, read the fine print, and remember that higher returns usually come with a bit more restriction or risk. By diversifying across a few of these options, you can keep your cash safe while still beating the low rates of a standard savings account.