How to switch
- Open the new savings account online. You need proof of identity and a current account in your own name; that current account becomes your fixed linked account.
- Transfer your savings from your old savings account to your current account, and from there to the new savings account. It usually arrives the same or the next working day.
- You can keep your old savings account; that almost never costs anything. There is no need to close it, and your current account simply stays with your own bank.
- Put the new account on your list or set an alert, so you notice when the rate drops.
Frequently asked questions
Does switching savings accounts cost money?
No. Opening a savings account and transferring money between your own accounts is free. Your current account, debit card and direct debits do not change: you only move your savings.
Is my money just as safe at another bank?
At every bank in this comparison savings fall under a statutory European deposit guarantee scheme, up to €100,000 per person per bank. That is the same protection as at a big Dutch bank; at a foreign bank, that country's scheme pays out.
Why do big banks pay less interest?
Big banks already hold a lot of savings and need to make little effort for them. Smaller and foreign banks attract savings with a higher rate. Within the guarantee limit that makes no difference to safety.
Do I have to close my old account?
No. You can leave it empty or use it as a buffer. Many savers keep a small amount at their own bank for immediate expenses and put the rest where the rate is highest.