Compound Interest Formula:
| From: | To: |
Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods. It allows savings to grow faster than simple interest, where interest is calculated only on the principal amount.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much your savings will grow with compound interest, taking into account how frequently the interest is added to your account.
Details: High interest savings accounts in the UK offer better returns than standard savings accounts, helping your money grow faster while maintaining accessibility and security of your funds.
Tips: Enter your initial deposit in pounds, the annual interest rate as a percentage, select how often interest is compounded, and the time period in years. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between simple and compound interest?
A: Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest is calculated on the principal plus any accumulated interest.
Q2: How often do UK savings accounts typically compound interest?
A: Most UK savings accounts compound interest annually, but some offer monthly or daily compounding which can yield higher returns.
Q3: Are high interest savings accounts safe in the UK?
A: Yes, UK savings accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per institution.
Q4: Do I pay tax on savings interest in the UK?
A: Most UK residents have a Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, £500 for higher rate taxpayers). Interest above these thresholds may be taxable.
Q5: Can I withdraw money from a high interest savings account?
A: This depends on the account type. Some allow instant access, while others may have withdrawal restrictions or notice periods.