Disclaimer: Our website and publications aim to give you general information to help you make financial decisions. It is not advice, nor can it take account of your own particular circumstances. For advice with a view to making decisions about your own circumstances you should consult a financial or other professional adviser.

© The Financial Services Authority.

National Savings and Investments

National Savings and Investments (NS&I) are savings products and investments issued on behalf of the government. Because of this, any money you invest is totally secure. The products come in many shapes and sizes. For example, some are aimed at particular sorts of taxpayer, some are for people looking for income, and others provide growth.

All NS&I products are 'deposit-based'. This means you can get back at least the money you paid in – and you will get back more if you leave it there and let the interest grow – making them a good home for savings you don't want to take risks with.

It's a good idea to compare NS&I with similar deposit-based products from banks and building societies before deciding where to save.

Different types of savings accounts offered by NS&I are:

  • investment accounts;
  • mini cash ISAs;
  • easy-access savings accounts; and
  • premium bonds.

Type of account Minimum investment Access to your money Interest
Investment £20 You must give one month's notice or lose 30 days' interest Variable. Taxable but paid without tax deducted.
Mini cash ISA £10 Within seven working days Tax-free. Variable rate.
Easy access account £100 Up to £300 on demand at post offices or cash machines. Variable. Taxable but paid without tax deducted.
Premium bonds £100 Within eight working days Monthly prize fund. Size of each month's prize fund is set by allocating the equivalent of one month's interest on the total value of eligible bonds.

Find out more about different types of NS&I products on its website.