What is an ISA?
An Individual Savings Account is a financial product that lets you save money each year without incurring any tax. While general savings accounts are subject to tax, ISAs are ideal if you have long-term financial goals and want to make the most of your money.
As long as you remain within the yearly allowance of £20,000 for 2024/25, you won’t pay any tax on your savings. Many people choose to open two or more ISAs – splitting their £20,000 allowance between different savings goals (you can’t do this with a Lifetime or Junior ISA).
Choose between a variety of ISAs:
Cash ISAs
Cash ISAs are similar to regular savings accounts apart from one key difference: you won’t pay tax on any interest you earn – as long as you remain within the £20,000 limit.
Most Cash ISA providers offer different products, and the one you choose should align with your savings goals.
For example, if you’re saving for a property deposit, a fixed-rate ISA might be beneficial, as the money is locked away for a set time, but you’re guaranteed the same interest rate for between one and five years.
If you’d prefer more flexibility, instant access ISAs let you withdraw money as and when needed. Limited access ISAs are also available, offering higher interest rates than their instant access counterparts.
Stocks and Shares ISAs
Investment ISAs are ideal if you want to diversify your financial portfolio by investing money in a variety of stocks, shares, and other products.
While they share similar traits with Stocks & Shares ISAs, you can invest money in ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), bonds, gilts and investment trusts.
The main benefit of these ISAs is that you can avoid Capital Gains and Income tax on your returns as long as you remain within the allowance.
If you’re more interested in traditional investments, a Stocks & Shares ISA will suit your needs, but Investment ISAs are more flexible.
Lifetime ISAs
Lifetime ISAs are popular financial planning tools that ensure you’re saving for the future. As long as you’re over 18 and under 40, you can open an account and start saving for your first home or anything else.
The best thing about Lifetime ISAs is their flexibility, as you can combine cash and investments. With maximum annual limits of £4,000 and a 25% government bonus, these products keep you on track and offer high returns.
If you don’t use your ISA by the time you turn 50, you can’t deposit any more funds. However, you can keep the account active and withdraw money when ready.
Peer-to-Peer ISAs
P2P or Innovative Finance ISAs enable you to reap the rewards of one of the most popular investment models. Peer-to-peer loans continue to be popular, and these ISAs mean you can make a positive return on your investment.
For example, if you choose an IFISA and receive 5% interest on your initial investment, you won’t need to pay any income or capital gains tax.
While these ISA products are growing in popularity, they require careful evaluation.
Junior ISAs
Junior ISAs let you plan for your child’s future and ensure they have vital financial support. If you’re the parent or primary guardian, you can open an ISA on behalf of your child and pay up to £9,000 each year without incurring any tax.
Once the child turns 18, they can access and withdraw the money from their account. Junior ISAs ensure financial support and make it easier to put money away for your child and receive a return on your investment.
While Cash ISAs are most popular for juniors, some companies also offer Stocks & Shares Junior ISAs.
Find the ISA you’re looking for
Tax-free returns
Interest you make on your savings is tax-free.
Competitive rates
Lots of providers means lots of competitive rates.
Shop around
Find an ISA that suits your life and your savings.
FAQs
What's the maximum ISA allowance?
You can invest up to £20,000 in one or multiple ISAs annually. Your allowance won’t roll over to other years, so it’s best to make the most of it.
Are there age limits for ISAs?
In most cases, you need to be 18 and over to open an ISA, but 16-year-olds with Junior ISAs can register as the main contact for their accounts (18 is still the minimum age to withdraw money).
People over 40 can’t open a Lifetime ISA.
Can I withdraw money from my ISA?
It usually depends on the ISA you choose. For example, flexible Cash ISAs let you withdraw and reinvest money as and when needed, while fixed ISAs have restrictions.
Withdrawing money might incur a fee, so reading your ISA’s terms and conditions is important.
Are ISAs risk-free?
Cash ISAs are similar to traditional savings accounts if you’re looking for a low-risk option. Investment ISAs have higher risks because the market can change at any time.
On the plus side, higher risk can sometimes result in more rewards.
Can I transfer an ISA to another provider?
Yes, it’s possible to transfer your ISA to another company or change the type of ISA. Your new provider can help you do this.
Lifetime ISAs
Junior ISAs
Stocks & Shares ISAs
Invest tax-free in stocks and shares