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AER explained

What is AER?

AER could help you compare savings interest.

Get started with AER here.

What does AER mean in savings?

AER is short for Annual Equivalent Rate. But don’t worry if that sounds a bit complicated. It’s simply one of the main types of interest rates used on savings accounts.

An AER shows the interest your savings might earn over a year, as a percentage of your balance.

It differs across savings accounts. So, you could look at the AER of each account to compare them at a glance, and get an idea of the potential interest.

As you may expect, a higher AER interest rate could lead to bigger returns on your savings.

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How does AER work?

The AER on a savings account could give you a realistic picture of what your money might earn.

That’s because banks include something called ‘compound interest’ when they calculate AER interest rates.

This is interest you earn on your savings – plus any previous interest you’ve received on them. In other words, it’s paid on top of what you have already made.

AER pros and cons

Pros

  • Easy to spot. Banks often flag the AER when highlighting an account’s features and benefits.
  • Handy comparisons. The AER interest rate might make it simpler to compare the potential returns on different savings accounts before you apply.
  • Realistic picture. By including compound interest, an AER could give you an accurate snapshot.
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Cons

  • Just one part of the story. The AER isn’t the be all and end all when comparing and managing savings accounts. You might also want to think about tax on savings interest. Plus, whether there may be limits on accessing your money.
  • Impact of fees and charges. While the AER includes compound interest, it doesn’t cover fees and charges. For example, fees for accessing or managing your cash.
  • Room for confusion. Since the AER is just one type of interest rate, there’s the potential to get things mixed up. Don’t worry, we explain some other types below.
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What is the difference between AER and gross interest?

Like AER, gross interest is a type of interest rate that’s given to savings accounts. It’s a headline rate, showing the interest you might earn before tax deductions.

The main difference between the two is that the AER includes compound interest. But this isn’t the case with the gross interest rate.

So, an account’s AER could be higher than its gross rate if it pays interest multiple times a year.

What is the difference between AER vs APR?

The key difference between AER vs APR comes down to the products they work with.

APR is short for Annual Percentage Rate. You’ll generally see it when borrowing money, rather than saving. An APR can show the cost of borrowing cash with a certain loan or credit card. It includes the interest you’ll pay, plus other charges.

But you may see an AER when browsing different savings accounts. It’s all about the interest you might earn on your money after putting it away.

AER FAQs

Further support along your saving journey

Compare our accounts

Explore the features and interest rates of all NatWest savings accounts in one place.

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Get started with Round Ups

Round Ups is available to customers who have an eligible current account, an eligible instant access savings account and are registered for the NatWest mobile app. Round Ups can only be made on debit card and contactless payments in Sterling.

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Set up your own savings goal

Specific account eligibility apply. App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

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