Plain answers on savings.

How savings rates work, how your money is protected, and what to look for before you move it. Written by the Riff team, with links to every source.

Guide 1Why your easy access rate lags Bank RateWhen Bank Rate rises, most big banks pass on only part of it to easy access savers. Here's what the FCA found, and what it means for your savings.Guide 2How FSCS protection works, and what changed at £120,000The FSCS protects eligible savings up to £120,000 per person, per bank. Here's what's covered, how banking licences affect it, and what happened in December 2025.Guide 3What is Open Banking, and is it safe?Open Banking lets regulated apps see your accounts or make payments with your permission, without ever seeing your bank login. Here's how it works and how you stay in control.Guide 4Easy access, notice or fixed term: which savings account whenHow easy access, notice and fixed-term savings accounts differ, when each makes sense, and what changes for Cash ISAs in April 2027.Guide 5What is a savings agent?A savings agent is software that manages where your money sits on your behalf, inside rules you set. Here's how it differs from a savings platform or comparison site, and what to look for.