Millions of savers across the UK have received a welcome financial boost, as new data from Nationwide Building Society reveals the average person earned £436 in interest on their savings during 2025.
Savings Ambitions and the Interest Gap
The world's largest building society has published fresh research showing that British adults are setting ambitious savings targets for the coming year. On average, people across the UK aim to put away £7,535 in 2026. This figure is driven significantly by those aged 25 to 34, who plan to save almost double the national average amount.
The survey of 2,000 adults found a positive savings mindset among many, with nearly a third (32%) planning to save more money than they did in the previous year. A further 43% anticipate saving a similar amount. However, the research also uncovered a concerning gap, as one in ten (10%) admitted they do not expect to save anything at all in the coming year.
Despite the average £436 interest gain in 2025, fuelled by a period of higher interest rates, 13% of savers – just over one in eight – earned no interest whatsoever. Nationwide identified that a key reason for this is many people leaving substantial sums languishing in current accounts, which typically yield little or no return.
What Are Brits Saving For in 2026?
The Nationwide study also highlighted the primary financial goals motivating the nation's savers. The top reasons for putting money aside in the coming year are diverse, focusing on both security and enjoyment.
- Emergency fund (43%)
- Holidays (36%)
- Retirement (23%)
- Home improvements (20%)
- Children's futures (20%)
Expert Advice to Maximise Your Savings
Commenting on the findings, Richard Stocker, Head of Savings at Nationwide, offered clear guidance. "It's encouraging that most people aim to save in 2026, with many planning to put away more next year," he said. "However, too many are missing out on interest by leaving money in current accounts."
Stocker emphasised the importance of building consistent habits: "Our advice is simple: start early and save regularly to build a habit." He also pointed savers towards useful tools, recommending the budget calculator within the Nationwide app and highlighting incentives like the society's £175 bank account switching offer as a potential catalyst for developing a robust savings routine.
The data, collected in December 2025, paints a picture of a nation with strong savings intentions, but also one where a significant minority risk missing out on valuable returns by not ensuring their money is working as hard as it could be.
