Cash & Savings

Zakat on Savings Account UK 2026

All cash savings — whether in an easy access account, a Cash ISA, a fixed-term bond, or a current account — are included in your annual Zakat calculation at 2.5% of the balance on your Hawl date.

Quick answer: Yes — Zakat is due on all savings accounts. Add the full balance of every cash account (current, easy access, ISA, fixed bond) on your Hawl date. Include this total with your other zakatable assets, subtract short-term debts, and pay 2.5% if the total exceeds the silver Nisab (approx. £496 in 2026).

Which savings accounts are zakatable?

✓ Zakatable
Current account — the balance on your Hawl date is included in full.
✓ Zakatable
Easy access savings account — full balance included.
✓ Zakatable
Cash ISA — the ISA tax wrapper does not affect Zakat. Full balance included.
✓ Zakatable
Fixed-term bond / notice account — even if locked, the money is yours. Full balance included.
✓ Zakatable
Premium Bonds winnings (NS&I) — retained prize money is cash and is included.
✗ Not zakatable
Workplace/personal pension — separate rules apply. See Zakat on pensions guide.

Worked example — multiple savings accounts

Example: Saver with three accounts

Current account (Barclays)£1,200
Easy access savings (Marcus)£6,000
Cash ISA (Nationwide)£8,500
Total cash savings£15,700
Gold jewellery (18ct, 25g)£1,593
Total zakatable wealth£17,293
Less: credit card balance due− £350
Net zakatable wealth£16,943
Zakat due (2.5%)£423.58

Bank interest — what should you do?

If you hold your savings in a conventional (interest-bearing) account, the interest credited to your account is considered riba under Islamic law. Most scholars advise:

  • Do not include interest in your wealth — donate it to charity without seeking reward
  • Pay Zakat on the principal (capital) balance only
  • Some scholars hold that since the interest forms part of your bank balance, you should include it in the Zakat total as well (to purify it)

If you hold savings in a Sharia-compliant account (such as Gatehouse Bank or Al Rayan Bank), no interest is involved — the full balance is zakatable without this consideration.

The Hawl date and savings fluctuations

Zakat is calculated on the balance you hold on your Hawl anniversary date — not the average over the year. If you saved £20,000 during the year but spent £15,000 before your Hawl date, you calculate Zakat on the remaining £5,000. If your savings dipped below the Nisab during the year, the Hawl resets.

FAQs

Is Zakat due on a savings account?
Yes. The full balance of any savings account — easy access, fixed-term, or notice account — is included in your zakatable wealth on your Hawl date. If your total zakatable wealth (savings plus gold, stocks, business assets, etc.) exceeds the silver Nisab (approx. £496 in 2026) and has been held for one full lunar year, you owe 2.5% Zakat on the total.
Is Zakat due on a Cash ISA?
Yes. A Cash ISA is simply a savings account with a tax wrapper — the underlying cash is fully zakatable. Include the full balance on your Hawl date in your Zakat calculation.
Is Zakat due on a fixed-term savings bond?
Yes. Even if you cannot immediately access the funds without penalty, the money is still yours and is zakatable. Include the full balance on your Hawl date.
What about bank interest credited to my savings?
Most scholars hold that interest (riba) income should not be retained — it should be donated to charity without seeking reward. Many Muslims separate out the interest portion and give it away. Your Zakat is calculated on the principal (capital) balance, and some scholars include the interest in the zakatable total since it forms part of the balance.
Is Zakat due on a child's savings account?
A child who has not reached puberty is not obligated to pay Zakat. However, some scholars (particularly Hanafi) hold that a guardian should pay Zakat on behalf of a minor's savings. If in doubt, paying is the more cautious position.
Do I pay Zakat on all my savings or just the amount above the Nisab?
You pay 2.5% on your total net zakatable wealth — not just the surplus. If your total wealth is £10,000 and the Nisab is £496, you pay 2.5% of £10,000 (£250), not 2.5% of £9,504.