We are taking the app offline during the night (10:30pm - 1am) on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to perform essential maintenance.

During this time, you won't be able to open your Chip app to access your account, or make any deposits or withdrawals.

This won’t affect your balance or any pending transactions, and normal service will be resumed early morning on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

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What we’re doing

We are making some software updates and routine security upgrades.

We need to temporarily take the app offline to ensure minimal disruption to payments and processes, and we’re working through the night to limit the impact to Chip members.

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We’re here to help

If you have any questions, the team will be happy to help. Simply hop into your in-app chat, or drop us a line to hello@getchip.uk.

January is where all those “I’ll sort it next year” moments and prior good intentions are suddenly in the present.

That’s why this month at Chip we’re focusing on simple ways to get control of our money and feel a bit more organised.

Last week, we looked at savings challenges, with fun, motivating ways to build better habits.

This week, we’re tackling the real-life money situations people find themselves in right now. If any of them sound familiar, you’re not alone – and there’s an easy next step.

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1. “I haven’t used any of my ISA allowance”‍

Your ISA allowance resets in April and if it's been quietly sitting there unused, January is a good time to revisit it.

ISAs let your money grow tax-free¹, which makes it one of the most valuable tools for long-term saving – yet many people don’t take advantage of them.

Your ISA allowance doesn’t roll over either, so it’s important to use it before you lose it after 5 April.

¹Chip does not provide tax advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.

How Chip can help:

The Chip Cash ISA gives you a tax-efficient place to hold your savings, while still keeping access when you need it.

You can deposit up to £20,000 per tax year, earn interest tax-free, and stay flexible if plans change. It’s a simple way to make sure more of your money stays yours as your wealth grows.

Pleae note that the Chip Cash ISA is now closed to new customers.

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2. “My money is just sitting in my current account”

This is one that many of us are guilty of. In fact, it’s estimated that £526 billion is currently sitting idle in current accounts.

We get it, our salary is paid in, and it can be easy to just leave it there. But If your spare cash sits in your current account earning 0%, it’s likely losing value to inflation when it could be earning interest.

Current accounts are great for day-to-day spending, but not so great for holding onto money you’re not actively using.

How Chip can help:

The Chip Instant Access account lets your money start earning interest straight away, with unlimited withdrawals that arrive in seconds, whenever you need it.

It’s ideal for cash you want to spend in the short-term; so you can use it to top your current account as you go, while you pocket that extra interest.

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3. “I’ve got something coming up this year I’m saving for”

A holiday. A wedding. A house move. For a big life moment, January is often when those plans start to feel real – and so does the need to save for them.

But it’s not just about saving. The hard part can be staying on track. This is where ‘unlimited access’ isn’t actually that helpful, and some guard rails can come in handy.

How Chip can help:

The Easy Access Saver is designed for short-to-medium-term goals. With up to three penalty‑free withdrawals a year, it gives you structure without locking your money away; helping you stay focused on what you’re saving for.

It’s a gentle nudge towards consistency, and a simple way to avoid temptation and impulse purchases.

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Making it easy to get started:

Whichever situation you’re in, getting your money organised doesn’t need to be complicated. With all Chip savings accounts, you can:

Deposit in just a few taps using seamless Open Banking technology.‍

Move money instantly between accounts to suit your needs.‍

Set up automatic recurring deposits, so saving happens before you even think about it.

Less effort, less account admin, just more progress towards your goals. Use Chip to give your money a setup that works for the year ahead, so you can focus on your other resolutions this year.

Savings challenges have taken off because they make the often daunting task of saving money simple, engaging, and motivating.

By "gamifying" the process, they help people build consistent money habits with a clear structure that’s easy to follow.

The key is choosing a savings challenge that fits your lifestyle, so here’s a look at some of the most popular ones, so you can work out which one might suit you best.

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The £1 a day challenge:

What is it?: Save £1 every day for a year and you’ll end up with £365.‍

Why it works: This is one of the simplest challenges out there, and that’s exactly why it works. The amount is small, predictable and easy to commit to. Making it ideal if you’re new to saving or just want to rebuild the habit.‍

Best for: People starting from scratch, or anyone who wants to take things slow and steady, this challenge can ease you in.

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The 1p challenge:

What is it?: Start by saving 1p on day one, then increase by 1p each day. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved £667.95.‍

Why it works: This challenge eases you in gently, with very small amounts at the start and larger ones towards the end of the year. It’s satisfying to watch it grow in value

‍Best for: Those who like visible progress and don’t mind gradually increasing contributions daily over time.

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The monthly incremental challenge:‍

‍What is it?: Start with £10 in January, £20 in February, £30 in March... This increases each month until December. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved £780.‍

Why it works: This challenge lines up neatly with monthly pay cycles and feels manageable even as amounts grow. It’s also easier to plan around than daily saving.‍

Best for: Monthly savers who want predictability without the effort of adding money daily.

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The 52-week challenge:

What is it?: Save £1 in week one, £2 in week two, all the way up to £52 in week 52 (a total of £1,378).‍

Why it works: This is a popular one for a reason. It gives you a clear weekly target and works well if you’re paid monthly or weekly. You can also flip it and start with the bigger amounts first – whatever works for you‍

Best for: Anyone who likes structure and wants a more meaningful savings pot by the end of the year.

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The fiver challenge:

What is it?: Save £5 in week one, £10 in week two, £15 in week three. All the way to £260 in week 52. Giving you a total of £7,000.‍

Why it works: This one isn’t for the faint-hearted, and can really supercharge your savings. Contributions ramp up quickly, so you’ll need planning and discipline to stay on track but it can be very powerful if you’re saving for something big.‍

Best for: Higher earners or experienced savers working towards a large, time-bound goal.

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The no-spend challenge:

‍What is it?: Pick a week, fortnight or a month where you only spend on essentials, and move everything else you would’ve spent into a savings account‍

Why it works: This is a bit different as it isn't about saving fixed amounts, it’s more about awareness of your spending. It can be hard to stick to, but for many people this can be eye-opening, and the chance for a bit of a reset.    ‍

Best for: Anyone who likes to challenge their willpower, reset and quickly boost savings with no tech or maths required.

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So… which one should you choose?

The best savings challenge is the one you’ll actually stick to.

If you’re building confidence, start small. If you’re saving for something specific, choose a challenge that lines up with your goal. And, if you’ve fortunate to have more disposable income, push yourself to save those bigger amounts.

Remember, you don’t have to follow these rules perfectly. Tweaking amounts, skipping weeks, or restarting is still progress. Saving isn’t about being perfect. ‍

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How Chip can help

Savings challenges work best when they’re automated and that’s exactly where we come in.

‍With our smart recurring deposits, Chip can regularly move money into a savings account for you automatically, so you don’t have to remember every contribution yourself.‍

With our Goals feature, you can set clear targets and track your progress in the app, whether you’re aiming for £365, £7,000 or beyond.

Whatever challenge you choose, Chip helps turn good intentions into real results - and earn interest while you do it.

Learn more about our savings accounts.

The 2025/26 tax year ends at midnight on 5 April 2026 and your annual ISA allowance will reset for a new tax year.

If you have any ISA allowance remaining (you can check this in your app) and want to make a deposit within the 2025/26 tax year, here’s the deadlines you need to know.

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Deposit before:

• 23:00 on Tuesday 31 March 2026 — Stocks & Shares ISA

• 23:00 on Thursday 2 April 2026 — Smart Cash ISA  

Deposits that successfully make it into your Chip ISAs before these deadlines will count towards your 2025/2026 ISA allowance.

Any further deposits into your Cash ISA beyond these deadlines, may still successfully land in your balance, but we can’t guarantee it. Successful deposits made before 23:59 on Sunday 5 April will count towards your 2025/2026 ISA allowance.

But please note that there can be unexpected delays, often caused by banks limiting deposits out and circumstances outside of our control. Your deposit is only valid when it reaches our banking partner—see more below.  

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Next year will be the last year you can use your full allowance in cash

In the 2025 Autumn budget the government announced that 2026/27 will be the last year where you put your full £20,000 annual ISA allowance into cash.

From April 2027 onwards you will only be able to put £12,000 of your total £20,000 annual allowance into cash (unless you’re over 65).

So, bear in mind if you do like to put your full allowance into cash, you’ve only got one more year to fill it up.

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Best ways to deposit

Our most popular option for transferring into your ISA is through connected bank transfer. Simply follow the instructions in the app to connect to your provider.

You can also make a manual bank transfer into your Cash ISA, which is best used for making deposits over £5,000.

In most cases, for both of these methods, your money arrives in seconds, but it can take up to two hours.

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Looking to transfer from another ISA?

You can easily transfer an ISA from another provider into Chip’s Cash or Stocks & Shares ISA.

Transfers don’t affect your annual £20,000 ISA allowance, as your allowance applies to new money only, so you don’t need to factor this in regard to the end of the tax year. You’re free to initiate a transfer anytime you like.

Make sure you check our list of approved Cash ISA providers we accept transfers from.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept transfers from providers not on this list at the moment, but we are adding more all the time.

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Having trouble depositing?

If this is your first ISA deposit, we’ve found our members have the most success making a first deposit of less than £1,000.

Keep in mind that your bank may limit daily transactions on transferring money from your current account to your ISA.

These limits can vary drastically between providers, so check with your bank if you’re looking to move larger amounts.

You may have also set your personal limits on daily transfers, so adjust these accordingly if you haven’t already.

There may also be additional security checks on larger transactions, so factor this in and try and plan ahead.

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“I’m lost, what’s an ISA?”

ISAs are tax-efficient savings and investment accounts that offer tax-efficient exemptions on interest and returns earned within the account.

However, you are limited to depositing £20,000 within a given tax year (which runs April to April). This is your ‘annual ISA allowance’ and it is available on a use it or lose it basis.

You can learn more about ISAs in our quick guide here.

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It’s simple with Chip

Navigating ISAs is easy with Chip. You can have a Cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA or both; all accessible in one easy-to-use app.

Our flexible Smart Cash ISA allows you to make unlimited withdrawals and deposits without affecting your £20,000 allowance. Providing penalty-free access to your funds, whenever you need them, with all the tax advantages.

Our Stocks & Shares ISA allows you to effortlessly set up recurring deposits, which are then invested directly into the funds you've selected. This ensures your money is consistently working for you in your chosen investments to build wealth tax-free.

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We all have financial goals. Whether you're aiming for early retirement, paying off your mortgage, or growing your pension, the path to success depends on more than just numbers. 

It's about mindset. Managing money isn’t just about budgeting or resisting impulse buys; it’s about understanding your relationship with money. 

So, with that in mind, let’s explore some psychological strategies and simple tricks to help keep you on track with your savings goals.

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Discover your money personality

Each of us has a unique relationship with money, influenced by upbringing, experiences, and even cultural shifts. Some people naturally save, always preparing for the future. Others tend to spend impulsively, enjoying life in the moment.

To understand your money personality, reflect on how your family viewed money growing up.

Did your parents or friends have the same financial habits as you? Acknowledging your financial background can be eye-opening.

For example, in the 1980s, the average age of marriage in the UK was 25, while today it’s 34. Similarly, first-time homebuyers were 28 on average in the '80s, but now the typical age is 34.

These shifts mean our financial expectations have changed dramatically, but our attitudes may not have kept pace.

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Visualise your financial success

Imagine yourself in 10 years, living your dream life – perhaps you’re mortgage-free, retired early, or taking monthly holidays.

Visualisation is a powerful tool and can help turn long-term goals into daily motivators.

Create a vision board, save goal-related images on Pinterest, or stick a picture of your future dream on your fridge. Keeping these visuals front and centre will reinforce your motivation to stay committed to your financial journey.

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Break it all down

Achieving financial freedom doesn’t happen overnight – it requires small, consistent actions. Breaking down your big savings goal into manageable steps makes the journey less overwhelming.

Celebrate each milestone, whether it’s saving your first £1,000 or hitting 25% of your target. Each victory boosts your motivation and reinforces positive habits.

And, if you slip up or miss a goal, don’t beat yourself up. Life happens – what matters is bouncing back and focusing on the next milestone.

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Master delayed gratification

In a world of instant gratification, learning to delay is a game-changer. When faced with an impulse purchase, take a pause. Ask yourself how it will (or could) impact your future.

Your Chip app can help with this by showing you how far you’ve come, and what’s still ahead. If impulse control isn’t your strong suit, budget a little "fun money" each month. This way, you’re not depriving yourself, you’re just adding a delay to your gratification.

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Automate your savings

Set it and forget it. Automation is one of the easiest ways to grow your savings without thinking about it. Set up automatic transfers to your savings or investment accounts as soon as you get paid. This way, you learn to live off what’s left, while your wealth grows in the background.

Also, perhaps think about keeping push notifications on for your money apps so you can celebrate small wins when deposits are made. This can be a great daily reminder of your progress.

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Surround yourself with support

Money talk doesn’t have to be taboo. Surround yourself with friends or communities that share your financial goals. Whether it’s a local investment club or an online group, sharing ideas and strategies can keep you inspired and accountable.

Social media can be a great resource for connecting with others who are saving for similar goals. You can learn from their mistakes and successes, while also building a support network for those inevitable tough moments.

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Keep learning

Financial knowledge is empowering. Always try to keep learning, whether it's mastering tax laws, exploring different types of investments, or brushing up on budgeting tips. Staying informed can help you make smarter decisions and ensure you stay in control of your financial future.

Mastering your money mindset isn’t just about controlling impulse buys or following a rigid budget. It’s about aligning your financial actions with your long-term goals.

Every small step you take today is building a brighter future for yourself. Remember, the journey to financial freedom is uniquely yours. Celebrate each win, embrace the process, and keep your eye on the prize.

With the right mindset and tools—like the Chip app—your financial future can become more than just a dream.

Recognising savings burnout

Savings burnout is more than just feeling the pinch before payday. It can show up as:

• Apathy towards financial goals;
• Increased impulse spending;
• Neglecting your budget;
• Resentment towards your savings efforts.

If any of this sounds familiar, take a step back and review your financial patterns.

Have you been spending more or saving less? You might be experiencing savings burnout without realising it. Checking your actions holistically can help you pinpoint where things changed.

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Reframe your mindset

Rather than seeing saving as a sacrifice, reframe it as an investment in your future self. Every pound saved isn’t depriving you—it’s empowering your future.

For instance, for every £100 you save, use a savings calculator to estimate what it could be worth in 10 years with compound interest. Seeing your contributions grow over time can motivate you to keep going.

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Celebrate small wins

It's easy to overlook minor successes when chasing big financial goals. Did you resist an impulse buy? Or save that work bonus instead of spending it? Celebrate those achievements!

However, try to choose rewards that won’t drain your budget, like an afternoon to yourself, extra reading time, or skipping a social event you’ve been dreading. Sometimes, self-care and small indulgences are the perfect reward.

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Embrace flexibility

A rigid savings plan can lead to burnout. Build flexibility into your budget to allow for the occasional indulgence.

Setting aside 'fun money' can help you balance saving for the future with living today. It’s essential to enjoy the journey, not just focus on the destination.

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Diversify your savings strategy

Feeling stuck? Shaking up your savings approach might be what you need. Consider:

• Exploring different types of savings accounts;
• Checking out tax-efficient options like ISAs;
• Looking into ethical investment opportunities.

A diversified approach can keep you engaged while potentially increasing your returns.

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Practise financial self-care

Just as you would take rest days in your fitness routine, incorporate financial self-care into your money management. This could mean:

• Taking a day off from checking your accounts;
• Treating yourself within your budget;
• Spending time on low-cost hobbies.

Financial wellness is a key part of your overall well-being, so make time for it.

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Support and inspiration

If possible, connect with people who share your financial goals. Join online communities, listen to finance podcasts, or attend local savings clubs. Building a supportive network can help keep you motivated and accountable.

The Chip community is a great place to start. Engaging with like-minded individuals can rekindle your drive to save.

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Reassess, realign

If savings burnout persists, reassess your goals. Are they still relevant to your current life? Don’t hesitate to adjust your targets as needed. Regularly using the goal-setting feature in the Chip app can help you keep things aligned with your values and life circumstances.

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The path forward

Overcoming savings burnout requires a balance between discipline and flexibility. It’s about moving forward steadily, not racing to the finish line. With the right mindset and tools, you can reignite your savings spark and get back on track.

Remember, Chip is more than just a savings tool – it’s your partner in building a brighter financial future.

With each small step you take, you’re moving closer to your goals. Every great financial journey has challenges, but it’s how you overcome them that counts.

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