Marcus easy-access savings customer getting less than 1.3%? Boost your rate with a few clicks

Both the Marcus savings account and cash ISA currently pay interest of 1.05% – and, for those that add the bonus, the total rate will increase to 1.3%.

If you're already a saver with Marcus, activating the bonus is a no-brainer – but it's worth noting that even with the interest boost, Marcus isn't the top-paying easy-access savings account currently on the market, and you can earn significantly more elsewhere (see below).

You can add the Marcus bonus rate to your existing account at any time – it will stay on your account for 12 months from the date you add it. If you currently have a bonus interest rate applied to your account and you add this new one, the new one will replace it.

If you don't have a Marcus savings account or ISA, the additional bonus will be automatically added when you open the account.

Chase and Virgin Money offer higher rates

The top-paying easy-access accounts – where you can put money in and withdraw it whenever you want – are currently linked to current accounts. Virgin Money's linked M-Plus Saver account pays a 1.56% AER variable rate of interest, but to a maximum £25,000 (and 0.7% on anything above that amount). To get this, you need to open a Virgin M-Plus current account, which comes with fee-free spending abroad – but requires a hard credit check when you apply.

This is closely followed by the app-only Chase bank account. Its linked easy-access savings account pays 1.5% AER variable on up to £250,000. The debit card on the main current account pays 1% cashback on most spending for 12 months, and is also cheap for spending and withdrawing cash abroad – you just need to pass ID checks to get it. It's worth noting there's currently a five-week wait for new applicants.

See our table comparing the top two accounts or our Top savings accounts guide for more information.

How to add the bonus rate to your Marcus account

To add the 0.25% bonus to your account using a laptop or computer:

• Log in to your account on Marcus.co.uk.

• Select 'view' next to where it says 'online savings account'.

• Scroll down and select 'review your savings' under 'bonus rates'.

• Select 'renew your bonus' and follow the instructions.

To add the bonus interest rate using the Marcus app:

• Log in to the app and click 'online savings account'.

• Tap on the three dots on the top right hand corner of the screen.

• Select 'view bonus options'.

• Select 'renew your bonus' and follow the instructions.

If you're considering opening a cash ISA, see our Top cash ISAs guide for more information.