Checking & Savings

Make your money work harder — with market-leading savings rates and flexible current accounts designed for UK members. As a not-for-profit credit union, we return our profits to you through better rates, not shareholder dividends.

Rates Up to 5.25% AER
Consistently beat high street banks
FSCS Protected
Up to £85,000 per person guaranteed
Quick Online Opening
Open in under 10 minutes
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing always
Current Accounts (Checking)

Current Accounts That Cost Less

All UK current accounts include a Visa® debit card, CASS switching guarantee, and full mobile banking. Switching is simple — we handle all the paperwork and guarantee no missed payments.

AccountMonthly FeeOverdraft RateBenefits
Tamarack Free
Our most popular account
£039.9% EARDebit card, mobile banking, bill alerts, £500 interest-free overdraft first 3 monthsOpen
Tamarack Rewards
For frequent travellers
£9.5029.9% EAR1% cashback on spending, worldwide ATM fee-free, comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protectionOpen
Student Account
Ages 18+ with valid student ID
£00% up to £2,000Interest-free overdraft, free ISIC card, railcard discounts, graduate loan offersOpen
Senior Account (60+)
Exclusive benefits for members 60+
£00% up to £500Priority phone line, in-branch assistance, no ATM fees worldwide, higher savings ratesOpen

Current Account Switch Guarantee

Switch to Tamarack in just 7 working days. We move all your direct debits, standing orders, and salary payments automatically. Plus, receive £100 cashback when you switch using the Current Account Switch Service and deposit £1,000 within 30 days.

Savings Calculator

See How Much You Could Earn

Use our savings calculator to compare returns across our range of accounts. Whether you're building an emergency fund, saving for a deposit, or planning for retirement, we have an account to match your goals.

  • Interest calculated daily, paid monthly or annually
  • Compound interest on all savings accounts
  • Instant transfers between Tamarack accounts
Try Our Calculator
£10,000
1-Year Fixed Easy Access Cash ISA
Interest Rate 5.10% AER
Interest after 1 year £510.00
Total balance £10,510.00

Illustrative example only. Actual returns may vary. Fixed rate accounts require funds to be locked for the full term.

Savings Accounts

Savings Rates That Actually Matter

We consistently beat the high-street banks on savings rates because we return profits to members, not shareholders. All accounts are FSCS protected up to £85,000.

Easy Access Savings
Flexible
Easy Access Savings
Withdraw any time without penalty. Ideal for emergency funds or short-term goals. Access via mobile app 24/7. Rate variable and reviewed monthly to stay competitive.
3.85% AER / gross p.a.
Open Account →
1-Year Fixed Rate Bond
Best Rate
1-Year Fixed Rate Bond
Lock away £1,000–£500,000 for 12 months and earn our highest available rate. No early withdrawal permitted. Interest paid annually or at maturity.
5.10% AER / gross p.a.
Open Account →
Cash ISA
Tax-Free
Cash ISA
Save up to £20,000 this tax year completely free of UK income tax. Available as easy access (3.95%) or fixed term (4.50%). Transfer in existing ISAs.
4.50% AER / gross p.a.
Open Account →
Regular Saver
Monthly Habit
Regular Saver
Save £50–£500 per month for 12 months and earn our bonus rate. Build a savings habit with automatic transfers. No penalty for one missed payment per year.
5.25% AER / gross p.a.
Open Account →
Junior Cash ISA
For Under-18s
Junior Cash ISA
Save up to £9,000 per tax year for your child. Locked until age 18, then converts to adult ISA. An incredible tax-free head start for their future.
4.75% AER / gross p.a.
Open Account →
Notice Account
90-Day Notice
Notice Account
90-day notice period for withdrawals in exchange for a better rate than easy access. Minimum £1,000 deposit. Manage notice periods via online banking.
4.35% AER / gross p.a.
Open Account →
Financial Wellness

Smart Savings Strategies

🎯

The 50/30/20 Rule

Allocate 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. Our Regular Saver account is perfect for building that 20% habit automatically.

Read Our Guide →
🏦

ISA Allowance Use

Use your £20,000 annual ISA allowance before 5 April. Unlike normal savings, ISA interest is completely tax-free — forever. Unused allowance doesn't roll over.

Maximise Your ISA →
🛡️

Emergency Fund First

Before locking money in fixed bonds, build a 3-month emergency fund in our Easy Access account. Access instantly when life throws surprises.

Start Your Fund →
Fixed Rate Bonds

Lock In Today's Rates

Rates change. Lock in a fixed return before the next Bank of England decision. Ideal for lump sums you won't need immediate access to.

TermAER / GrossMin DepositMax DepositInterest Paid
6 Months Fixed4.80%£1,000£500,000At maturityOpen
1 Year Fixed Best Buy5.10%£1,000£500,000Annually or at maturityOpen
2 Years Fixed4.90%£1,000£500,000AnnuallyOpen
3 Years Fixed4.70%£5,000£500,000AnnuallyOpen
5 Years Fixed4.55%£5,000£1,000,000AnnuallyOpen

Understanding Fixed Rate Bonds

Fixed rate bonds guarantee your interest rate for the entire term, protecting you against Bank of England rate cuts. However, you cannot withdraw funds early (except in exceptional circumstances with 90 days' notice and interest penalty). Consider laddering your deposits — splitting savings across 1, 2, and 3-year bonds — to maintain some flexibility while maximising returns.

FSCS protected up to £85,000 per person, per institution. Joint accounts receive £170,000 protection. All rates subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.

Member Benefits

Save More as a Member

Joining Tamarack Credit Union means becoming a member-owner, not just a customer. This brings exclusive benefits beyond competitive rates.

  • Annual member dividend when profits allow (averaged 2% last 5 years)
  • Preferential loan rates — savings balance reduces loan interest
  • Free financial coaching and budgeting workshops
  • Voting rights at our Annual General Meeting
Become a Member

Member Savings Example

High Street Bank Savings £10,000 @ 2.5%
£250 interest per year
Tamarack 1-Year Fixed Bond £10,000 @ 5.10%
£510 interest per year
Extra earnings with Tamarack +£260

Based on £10,000 deposit. Rates accurate as of April 2026. Actual returns may vary.

Start Saving Today

Open a savings account in under 10 minutes entirely online, or visit our Carlisle branch for face-to-face support. Your future self will thank you.

Open a Savings Account Visit Our Branch