An ISA, or Individual Savings Account, is a savings account that you never pay any tax on. Currently the ISA allowance for the 2023/2024 tax year is £20,000. There are different types of ISA products available to help people save in different ways.
These include Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, Junior ISAs, Innovative Finance ISAs and Lifetime ISAs.
- Award-winning service
- Pick your own investments
- Tiered service fees of 0.2% or less a year
Capital at risk
Topics
Featured: Shepherds Friendly Society*
- One of the oldest and most respected mutual insurers in the world
- Excellent customer feedback and reviews
- 5 Star Defaqto Rating
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- An excellent, easy to navigate website with clear information
- Quick easy online setup
- Expert fund managers make investment decisions for you
- Handy online Resource Centre
- Free £50 Love2Shop voucher for new customers
- Award-winning: Moneyfacts 2019
Website: Shepherds Friendly Society
Read the full Shepherds Friendly Society review
Featured Aldermore*
- A part of FirstRand Group, one of South Africa’s largest financial services institutions
- Multiple award-winning: Best Fixed Rate Business Savings 2020, Best Cash ISA Provider 2020
- Fixed and variable rate Cash ISA products available
- Competitive rates not artificially inflated by bonuses or introductory offers
- Fast and easy set-up in minutes
- 14 day cooling off period
- Easily transfer ISAs from other providers
- Your money is protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK’s deposit guarantee scheme
- Online free signup
Website: Aldermore
Read the full Aldermore review.
Please note companies are ranked in no particular order and data comes from each company’s website and was last updated in March 2023.
COMPANY | Cash ISA | Stocks & Shares ISA | Innovative Finance ISA | Lifetime ISA | Junior ISA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aberdeen Standard | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Abundance | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Aegon | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
AJ Bell | NO | YES | NO | YES | YES |
Aldermore Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Allianz | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Al Rayan Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
ArchOver | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Arnold Stansby | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Assetz | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Aviva | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Nottingham Building Society | YES | NO | NO | YES | NO |
Barclays | YES | NO | NO | YES | NO |
Bath Investment Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Beverley Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
BIRA | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Blankstone Sington | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
BMO | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Brewin Dolphin | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Bristol Credit Union | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
British Pearl | NO | YES | YES | NO | NO |
Buckinghamshire Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Cambridge Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Capital Credit Union | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Castle and Crystal Credit Union | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Castlefield | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Charles Stanley | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Chorley and District Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Citibank | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Clockwise Credit Union | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Close Brothers | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Co-operative Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Coventry Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Crowd2Fund | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Crowd for Angels | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Crowd Property | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Crowdstacker | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Darlington Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Downing | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Dowgate | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Earl Shilton Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Ecology Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Equiniti | YES | YES | NO | YES | NO |
Fitzrovia Finance | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Flying Colours | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Folk 2 Folk | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Foresters Financial | NO | YES | NO | YES | YES |
Foresters Friendly Society | NO | YES | NO | YES | NO |
Formax Credit | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Freetrade | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Fund Ourselves | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Gatehouse Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Goji | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Hampshire Trust | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Hargreaves Lansdown | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Harpenden Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Hartleys Pensions | NO | YES | YES | NO | YES |
HNW Lending | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
HSBC Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
IG Markets | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Interactive Investor | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Invest and Fund | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Investengine | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
James Brearley and Sons | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
James Sharp | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Kingdom Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Kingston Unity Credit Union | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Landlord Invest | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Leeds Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Leek United Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Legal and General | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Lending Works | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Liontrust | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Liverpool Victoria | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Loanpad | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
M and G Securities | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Mansfield Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Marks and Spencer Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Marshall Sterling | NO | YES | YES | NO | NO |
Metropolitan Police Friendly Society | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
MFM | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
National Counties Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
National Savings | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
National Westminster Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Nationwide Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Netwealth | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Newcastle Building Society | YES | NO | NO | YES | YES |
Nottingham Building Society | YES | NO | NO | YES | YES |
Nutmeg | NO | YES | NO | YES | YES |
Orbis | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Partners Credit Union Limited | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Penny Post Credit Union Limited | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
PFP Wealth Management | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Pilling and Company | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Principality Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Progressive Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Proplend | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Punjab National Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Rathbone | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Rebuildingsociety.com | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Redmayne Bentley | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Red Rose Friendly Society Limited | YES | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Relendex | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Royal London | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Sainsburys Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Santander | YES | YES | NO | NO | YES |
SCM | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Scottish Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Scottish Friendly | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Secure Trust Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Shard Capital | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Share Credit | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Shawbrook Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Shepherds Friendly Society | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Shojin | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Slater Investments | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Stafford Railway Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Standard Life | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
State Bank of India | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Swansea Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
TAM | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Teachers Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Tesco Personal Finance | YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |
Tifosy | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
Triodos Bank | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES |
True Potential | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
TSB Bank | YES | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Ulster Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
United National Bank | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Vanguard | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Virgin Money | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Vitality | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Walker Crips | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Wealthsimple | NO | YES | NO | NO | YES |
Wesleyan | NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |
Yorkshire Building Society | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Zopa | NO | NO | YES | NO | NO |
ISA Provider Details
- Get up to £1,000 cashback
- No set-up fees
- Tiered service fees of 0.4% or less a year
- Share dealing for just £4.95 per trade
- Voted Best ISA Provider at the City of London Wealth Management Awards 2020
1. Aberdeen Standard
- Located in Chelmsford, Aberdeen Standard Investments has a global presence across 80 countries
- Asset management on behalf of governments, pension funds, insurers, companies, charities, foundations and individuals
- Stock & Shares ISAs available only
- Opportunities to invest in a range of different type of investments
- Also offers a full range of financial and wealth management solutions including span equities, multi-asset, fixed income, liquidity, sovereign wealth funds, real estate, private markets and more
- Easy online signup
Website: Aberdeen Standard
Read the full Aberdeen Standard review.
2. Abundance
- A market-leading ethical finance company
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Large choice of green and social investment opportunities
- Create a portfolio across multiple sectors and investment life stages
- £110million invested thus far with 45 ethical projects funded
- Minimum investment amount is just £5
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Fast easy online setup
- Some decent online reviews
- Award-winning: Ethical Consumer Best Buy
- Online free signup
Website: Abundance
Read the full Abundance review.
3. Aegon
- A long-standing, established company
- Multiple award winner including Best Claims Management / Claims Team award, Cover Protection award, Moneyfacts award, HR Specialist of the Year
- Stock & Shares ISAs available only
- Over 4,000 investment options for both advisers and customers
- A clear website with good product detail
- Moneyfacts 5 Star Rating
- Defaqto 5 Star Rating
- Online free signup
Website: Aegon
Read the full Aegon review.
4. AJ Bell
- With assets totalling £54.3 billion, AJ Bell is one of the UK’s largest investment platforms
- Stocks and Shares ISAs, Lifetime ISAs and Junior ISA products available
- A wide range of over 2,000 investment opportunities
- Specialist help and investment advice offered
- Low fees and costs – deal from £1.50 and never pay more than £9.95 per online deal
- Easy to use online account available 24/7
- Free investment tools, videos and research
- Customers with more than £4,000 in their account get free access to Shares magazine
- Award-winning: Sunday Times 100 Best Companies, Money Marketing Awards and Moneyfacts Annual Star Ratings 2020
- Online free signup
Website: AJ Bell
Read the full AJ Bell review.
5. Al Rayan Bank
- The UK’s oldest and largest Sharia compliant retail bank
- The UK’s only Sharia compliant instant access Cash ISA
- Islamic banking allow Muslims to conduct their finances appropriately
- Instant access to your money online or through our telephone banking service
- Flexibility to make additional deposits with no minimum amount, up to your annual cash ISA allowance
- Expected profit rate is 0.60%
- Sharia compliant return on your saving
- 24 hour automated telephone banking
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Award-winning: 2020 Gold Ribbon Customer experience, Best Islamic Bank of the Year
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Al Rayan
Read the full Al Rayan review.
7. Allianz
- Founded more than 125 years ago in Berlin, Allianz SE, the parent company of Allianz Global Investors, remains one of the world’s strongest financial communities with a rich investment history
- Supports over 82 million clients in 70 countries
- A global leader in asset management services and solutions
- A long history of portfolio building and asset management
- A wide range of Stock & Shares ISA products available
- Investment opportunities in all major asset classes
- Over 780 investment professionals with established expertise in equities, fixed-income, multi-asset and alternative investments
- Various ISA products to satisfy difference risk appetites
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Allianz
Read the full Allianz review.
8. Archover Business Lending
- Based in London, ArchOver Business Lending is a member of the Hampden Group, a leading provider of financial and business support services
- Manages insurance assets with an underwriting capacity in excess of £2bn
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- No fees
- Easy to transfer-in
- Loans have passed thorough credit analysis and are monitored monthly throughout the term
- ArchOver’s Investment Plan lets you invest into a portfolio of loans and at a lower threshold
- Choose between investing on a loan-by-loan or automated basis
- An easy-to-navigate, plain English website with clear information
- A professional, highly-regarded investment platform
- Excellent customer reviews
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Archover
Read the full Archover review.
9. Arnold Stansby
- One of the oldest member firms of the London Stock Exchange with its origins dating back to the 1870’s
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs only
- Monitor the progress of your ISA portfolio 24/7
- Half-yearly ISA valuation offered
- No outsourcing of your investments to 3rd parties – the process is managed internally from start to finish
- A large document library with supporting information
- Fast easy online setup
- Also offers a large range of related financial services including SIPPS, SASS, Probate, Inheritance Tax Planning, Trust Management and more
Website: Arnold Stansby
Read the full Arnold Stansby review.
10. Assetz Capital
- Assetz Capital was launched in 2013 with the aim of inspiring improvements to the financial system
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Quick Access, 30 Day Access and 90 Day Access IFISA options
- 14 day cooling down period
- Easy ISA transfer
- Defaqto 5 Star Rating
- Award-winning: Product Innovation of the Year
- Good customer reviews
- A straight-forward, easy to understand website with clear information
- Fast easy online setup
- Also offers peer-to-peer lending, commercial mortgages, SME loans, bridge loans, and other related financial services
Website: Assetz Capital
Read the full Assetz Capital review.
11. Aviva
- The UK’s largest insurance company with over 15 million customers
- Previously known as Norwich Union
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- Partnered with Wealthify: experts to help manage investment choices
- Good online resource and downloadable information packs
- Manage and track your ISA with our online investment service.
- Aviva’s Financial Advisors rated 4.6/5 in a 2019 survey
- Discount on fees over £20,000 investment
- Defaqto 5 Star Rating
- Award-winning: Boring Money 2019 / Personal Finance Awards ‘Best JISA’
- Online free signup
Website: Aviva
Read the full Aviva review.
12. Barclays
- Over 325 years of history and expertise in banking and investments
- A large selection of Cash ISAs to choose from
- Over 2,000 funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), trusts and shares to invest in
- Smart Investor provides access to tools, articles, videos and research to help customers make informed investment decisions
- Useful online resources available such as the cover calculator tool
- Handy online jargon buster guide
- Transparent fee structure
- Provided and administered by AJ Bell, an award-winning pension provider
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Barclays
Read the full Barclays review.
13. Bath Building Society
- Founded in 1904, Bath Building Society has grown to be a popular savings and investments provider
- Present-day assets of £292 million
- Specialises in savings accounts and mortgages
- Cash ISAs and Junior ISAs available only
- Personalised service; no call centres
- Active involvement in the local community and local community schemes
- Fast easy online setup
- Competitive interest rates
- Detailed product information on website
Website: Bath Building Society
Read the full Bath Building Society review.
14. Beverley Building Society
- Founded in 1866, Beverley Building Society is one of the UK’s longest-established societies
- Cash ISAs and Junior ISAs available only
- Also offers various mortgage, savings and investment products
- 5 Star service as voted by members
- Fast easy online setup
- Good product detail and information on website
- FSCS protected
Website: Beverley Building Society
Read the full Beverley Building Society review.
15. Bira
- Located in Birmingham, Bira Bank is the only trade association bank in the UK
- For over 120 years it has specialised in supporting independent retail businesses with the aim of influencing the media, changing Government legislation and providing support on areas of strain like business rates, parking and staffing
- Various fixed rate Cash ISAs available
- An useful online Knowledge Hub of supporting information
- Various member benefits
- No fees or penalties
- Personal, reliable service; no call centres
- Fast easy online setup
- Also offers loans and savings products, mortgages, foreign exchange and various financial products
Website: Bira
Read the full Bira review.
16. Blankstone Sington
- Established in 1976 and based in Liverpool
- A range of financial services for private investors, intermediaries and trustees, including model portfolio services, stockbroking, SIPPs, inheritance tax portfolios and investment management
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available only
- An easy-to-understand, clear website
- Fast easy online setup
- A range of financial services including model portfolio services, stockbroking, SIPPs, inheritance tax portfolios and investment management
- Website provides useful news, market reports and trustee feedback
Website: Blankstone Sington
Read the full Blankstone Sington review.
17. BMO
- A long established, credible company since 1817
- Experienced fund managers
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- Large range of investment trust options
- Access to a diversified and professionally run portfolio of shares
- Option to ‘pool’ via 10 Investment Trusts
- Award-winning Junior ISA: Online Personal Wealth Awards 2020
- Useful online help guides, documents and glossary
- 20 offices in 14 countries worldwide
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Assets are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Fast easy online setup
Website: BMO
Read the full BMO review.
18. Brewin Dolphin
- A long-established company with a rich history
- A network of 30 offices across the UK, Channel Islands and in the Republic of Ireland
- An award-winning research team, who undertake research across markets, asset classes and individual companies
- Investment ISAs and Junior Investment ISAs available only
- Fast easy online setup
- Six investment portfolios to choose from
- Investment options for Juniors
- Useful online investment guides
Website: Brewin Dolphin
Read the full Brewin Dolphin review.
19. Bristol Credit Union
- For over 20 years, Bristol Credit Union has been providing local community banking, ethical savings and fair loans for the people of Bristol, Bath and its surrounding areas
- Money you invest gets put to work for local good
- Cash ISAs available only
- Other services include personal loans, family finance plans and savings accounts
- A competitive return on your savings
- Transfers-in accepted
- Fast easy online setup
- A clear, plain English website, easy to understand
- Protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Website: Bristol Credit Union
Read the full Bristol Credit Union review.
20. British Pearl
- Based in London, British Pearl is an online property investment platform
- Stocks and Share ISAs and Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Diverse investment opportunities across any number of properties which vary in type, location and risk profile
- Manage your ISA with an easy-to-use dashboard
- No day to day management fees or additional charges
- Transfer funds from existing ISAs for free
- Early exit options with a Resale Market
- 3 – 5 year investment terms
- Clear, transparent information
- A functional, easy-to-understand website
- Fast easy online setup
- Good customer reviews
Website: British Pearl
Read the full British Pearl review.
21. Buckinghamshire Building Society
- Located in Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire Building Society is a mutual building society
- A commitment to working in an ethical and responsible manner to the benefit of its members and the local community
- Cash ISAs available only
- No penalties for withdrawals
- Minimum £1 deposit
- Instant access or 30 day options with different variable interest rates
- Credit scoring not utilised; customers are assessed using a manual underwriting system
- Also offers savings accounts and mortgages
Website: Buckinghamshire Building Society
Read the full Buckinghamshire Building Society review.
22. The Cambridge Building Society
- Established in 1850, The Cambridge Building Society is a UK mutual building society with total assets of £1,586 million
- Fixed and variable interest rate Cash ISA options
- A useful online Help Centre with downloadable FAQs, guides and more
- Website is clear and easy to understand
- Fast easy online setup
- Some positive reviews: polite, reliable and helpful staff
Website: Cambridge Building Society
Read the full Cambridge Building Society review.
23. Capital Credit Union
- One of the largest credit unions in the UK with almost 23,000 members
- Cash ISAs available only
- Also offer loans, mortgages and savings accounts
- Free life insurance with this Cash ISA
- Useful online loan calculator and FAQs
- A simple, straightforward clear website
- Fast easy online setup
- Good customer reviews
- Approachable and helpful staff, plain English with no banking jargon
Website: Capital Credit Union
Read the full Capital Credit Union review.
24. Castle and Crystal Credit Union
- A membership-based, not-for-profit co-operative
- Surplus profits are awarded to members as dividends on savings
- Cash ISAs available only
- No withdrawal or transfer penalty fees
- Savings products compare favourably with banks and building societies
- Savings are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Fast easy online setup
- Minimum balance is just £1
- Excellent customer reviews
- Staff are helpful, reliable, good at communicating, and with fast service delivery
Website: Castle & Crystal Credit Union
Read the full Castle & Crystal Credit Union review.
25. Castlefield
- Established in 2002, Castlefield specialises in providing financial advice and opportunities for individuals or businesses that want to invest in charities or ethical funds
- Tailored financial advice
- Specialist Investment ISAs available only
- A junior version of the ISA is also available
- Specialist investments in charities or ethical funds
- ‘B.E.S.T’ investment selection methodology identifies investments not only based on traditional financial criteria, but also on other critical success factors such as environmental and social impact and good standards of corporate governance
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Castlefield
Read the full Castlefield review.
26. Charles Stanley
- Established in 1792, one of the oldest firms on the London Stock Exchange
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available only
- Direct communication with your investment manager – not a separate relationship manager
- Online client portal gives 24/7 access
- Manage your own investment funds or allow the company’s investment specialists to make the decisions for you
- Bespoke discretionary managed service
- Withdraw your money at any time
- Straightforward to setup, transfer in existing ISAs
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Fast east online setup
- Good customer reviews
- A fast process on a stable funds platform
Website: Charles Stanley
Read the full Charles Stanley review.
27. Chorley Building Society
- Formed in 1859, Chorley Building Society provides trusted mortgages and savings accounts
- Cash ISAs and Junior Cash ISAs available only
- 14 day cooling off period
- A bespoke, tailored and personal service
- Profits go back to members
- Minimum deposit is just £1
- Fast easy online setup
- Excellent customer review
Website: Chorley Building Society
Read the full Chorley Building Society review.
28. Citi
- A goal-based advisory service with 200 million customers worldwide
- Investment ISAs available only
- Access to a wide range of onshore and offshore investment solutions
- Clients will work with a dedicated Relationship Manager
- Award-winning: Wealth Briefing Awards 2019
- Enjoy a £2,000 welcome reward for signing up
- Cash reward of £800 for online referrals
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Citi
Read the full Citi review.
29. Clockwise Credit Union
- Established in 1992, Clockwise Credit Union Clockwise Credit Union is a membership-based, not-for-profit financial organisation
- Junior ISA products available only
- Access to a fun and interactive online account page
- Refer a Friend £100 prize scheme
- Manage your money online or with the mobile app
- Funds protected by the FSCS
- A decent website with plenty of useful information
- Fast easy online setup
- Positive customer reviews
Website: Clockwise Credit Union
Read the full Clockwise Credit Union review.
30. Close Brothers
- One of the UK’s largest and longest established financial providers
- A member of the FTSE 250
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- Clear and competitive pricing with no hidden costs or charges
- No annual ISA fees
- No charge for transfers
- An easy to use online portal, accessible at any time
- Buy, sell and switch investments easily online
- Useful downloadable factsheets, FAQs and help guides
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Close Brothers
Read the full Close Brothers review.
31. The Cooperative Bank
- A long established, trusted brand and one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives
- A large selection of fixed and variable interest rate Cash ISA products
- Fast easy online setup
- Open an account with just £1
- Good support tools on website, including a savings budget calculator and product help guides
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
Website: Cooperative Bank
Read the full Cooperative Bank review.
32. Coventry Building Society
- The second largest building society in the United Kingdom
- Award-winning: Gold Ribbon Customer Experience, Moneyfacts Awards, Best Building Society for Savings
- A range of variable and fixed rate Cash ISAs to choose from
- A plain-English, easy to understand website
- Simple and transparent product offerings
- Fast easy online setup
- Partners of The Royal British Legion with certain ISAs supporting the charity
Website: Coventry Building Society
Read the full Coventry Building Society review.
33. Crowd for Angels
- Based in London and established in 2014, Crowd for Angels is a UK crowdfunding platform
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- ISA is free to open
- No fees for investing in Crowd Bonds and there are no annual management fees
- Takes less than 5 minutes to process an application
- Available online 24 hours a day
- A choice of UK companies to lend to
- Crowdfunding opportunities include shares, crowd bonds and digitalised securities
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Fast easy online setup
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Excellent customer reviews
Website: Crowd For Angels
Read the full Crowd For Angels review.
34. Crowd Property
- Based in Birmingham, Crowd Property is a founding member and only specialist property platform in the Innovate Finance 36H Group
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Auto Invest tool for quick easy online investing
- No platform administration fees
- No financial advisor fees
- Excellent customer reviews
- Live webinars to advise on newly launched projects
- Useful online help resources also include podcasts, guides and more
- A clear, easy to understand website
- A reliable crowd funding platform
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Crowd Property
Read the full Crowd Property review.
35. Crowd2Fund
- Based in London, Crowd2Fund is an investment platform for private businesses and investors
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Supports investment in British businesses
- Passionate about entrepreneurship
- Access to funds at competitive rates
- Earn 6% to 15% APR
- Quickly build a diversified and balanced portfolio
- Easy-to-use funding platform which is simple to navigate and understand
- Fast easy online setup
- Excellent customer reviews and recommendation
Website: Crowd2Fund
Read the full Crowd2Fund review.
36. Crowdstacker
- Established in 2014, St. Albans, Crowdstacker is an FCA regulated peer-to-peer lending platform
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- No investor fees
- Easy ISA transfers
- Receive interest quarterly or annually direct to your account
- Withdraw interest as cash or reinvest your interest in new investments
- Helpful articles, knowledge hub and online tools
- Online access 24/7 to monitor and manage your money
- Fast: it only takes 5 minutes to open an account online
- Choose exactly which businesses to lend to from those available on the platform
- Award-winning: Best Innovative ISA Provider, Best Peer-to-Peer Lending Platform
- Good customer reviews and recommendations
Website: Crowdstacker
Read the full Crowdstacker review.
37. Darlington Building Society
- A long-standing, reputable Building Society over 160 years old
- Cash ISAs and Junior Cash ISAs available only
- View your accounts and request transfers quickly and easily online
- Helpful online library of support documents and user guides
- A clear, easy-to-understand website
- Open an account with as little as £1
- Award-winning: British Bank Awards 2020
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Darlington Building Society
Read the full Darlington Building Society review.
38. Dowgate Capital
- Specialists in corporate broking and wealth management services
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- A Junior version of the Stocks and Share ISA also available
- Fast easy online setup
- Build your own portfolio of investments
- A variety of shares, fixed interest stocks, gilts, unit trusts and investment trusts to pick from
- Other services include stock brokerage, trading, financial planning, investment strategies and advisory services
Website: Dowgate Capital
Read the full Dowgate Capital review.
39. Downing
- Founded in 1986 and located in London, Downing has over 25,000 investors with over £1 billion of their assets
- Investment ISA products available only
- Investment opportunities include funds in renewable energy, care homes, health clubs and children’s nurseries
- Downside Protection Cover included as standard if you’re under the age of 90
- Optional Life Cover covers 40% of your original gross investment if you die within the first two years
- Focus on ‘micro-cap’ companies
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Downing
Read the full Downing review.
40. Earl Shilton Building Society
- A long-standing established organisation
- Over 160 years’ experience in providing mortgage and savings products and services
- Specialises in Instant Access Cash ISAs
- Junior version of the Cash ISA also available
- An informative well-populated website
- Fast easy online setup
- Positive customer reviews
- Great customer service
Website: ESBS
Read the full ESBS review.
41. Ecology Building Society
- Established in 1981 as an eco-friendly building society
- Helps finance environmental building renovations and supports sustainable development
- Online Ecology Hub for green news
- Specialist Ecology Cash ISA
- A good range of simple, transparent savings accounts
- Fast easy online account setup
- A decent library of online help information
- Clear, easy to understand product information on the website
- Excellent online reviews
Website: Ecology Building Society
Read the full Ecology Building Society review.
42. Equiniti Financial Services
- A FTSE 250 listed company with a large global customer base
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Lifetime ISA products only
- Fee holiday for the first two quarters
- Best Execution Price Promise
- The lowest custody fee in the market of just 0.2% per annum
- Invest in companies from around the globe and in funds which offer a basket of ready-made investments
- Fast easy online setup
Website: EQi
Read the full EQi review.
43. Fitzrovia Finance
- A specialized property lending marketplace
- An established lender in development, investment and bridge loans
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- A Seven Step risk control process to minimise risk
- Excellent return of 5.5% p.a. on your investment
- An experienced investment management team
- The company only finances or lends to developers that can secure their borrowing with real estate
- Large investment portfolio to choose from
- Fast easy online setup – three quick easy steps to get started
Website: Fitzrovia Finance
Read the full Fitzrovia Finance review.
44. Flying Colours
- Based in Ascot, established in 2015
- Investment ISAs available only
- Unique service helps you find advisers nationally
- Advisers are fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Choose to be a DIY investor and select your own stocks and funds
- A large collection of nationwide hubs
- A clear easy-to-understand website
- Fast easy online signup
- Good customer reviews
Website: Flying Colours
Read the full Flying Colours review.
45. Folk2Folk
- Peer-to-peer lending for local businesses across Cornwall, Devon, Three Counties and Midlands, and Rutland
- Helps create and sustain financially and socially successful local communities
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Tax-free interest of up to 4.5%-9% p.a.
- No IFSA fees
- Transfers-in allowed
- A clear, straightforward website, easy to get started
- Fast easy online setup
- A professional yet personal customer service
Website: Folk2Folk
Read the full Folk2Folk review.
46. Foresters Financial
- Based in Bromley, Foresters Financial was established in 1874 to help families achieve long-term financial health and security
- Stocks and Share ISAs and Lifetime ISA products available only
- Junior ISAs also offered
- Manage your savings online through MyPlans, with 24/7 access to your plan details, value, fund performance, documents and information
- Access your member benefits through MyForesters, where you are able to apply for grants, find activities you want to attend and access LawAssure.
- Accounts are quick and easy to open in minutes
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Helpful online guides and tax calculators
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Foresters Financial
Read the full Foresters Financial review.
47. Foresters Friendly Society
- A long-established, reputable organisation since 1834
- Profits are distributed to members not shareholders
- Stocks and Share ISAs and Lifetime ISA products available only
- Free M&S Gift Card for opening a new account
- Access to Foresters Extras membership benefits, including discretionary grants
- Plans are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme for extra protection
- A clear, informative website
- Fast easy online setup
- Good customer reviews and recommendations
Website: Foresters Friendly Society
Read the full Foresters Friendly Society review.
48. Formax Credit
- Established in 2013, a leading global provider of state of the art, diversified, and professional financial services
- A regulated Peer-to-Peer platform
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Qualified individuals and organisations can lend money to small and medium sized UK businesses
- Fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Formax Credit
Read the full Formax Credit review.
49. Freetrade
- Stocks and Share ISA products available only
- Choose from thousands of UK and US stocks, ETFs and investment trusts
- Invest from as little as £2
- A simple, transparent freemium pricing model
- No transfer or exit fees
- Award-winning app lets you access and manage your portfolio from anywhere
- £3/month low, flat fee that doesn’t grow with the size of your investments
- Buying and selling shares is commission-free forever
- Award-winning: Best Online Trading Platform 2020
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- A member of the London Stock Exchange
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Freetrade
Read the full Freetrade review.
50. Fund Ourselves
- Located in London and Woking, Fund Ourselves is a mission-driven FinTech marketplace
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Earn up to 15% p.a. tax-free interest on your short to medium term peer-to-peer investment
- No fees to access your money
- Also no fees to transfer funds in or out
- A fully automated market system with auto-match algorithms
- Fully diversified investment opportunities
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Fund Ourselves
Read the full Fund Ourselves review.
51. Gatehouse Bank
- Based in Wallsend, Gatehouse Bank is a UK Bank offering Shariah-compliant ethical savings, home finance, buy-to-let finance, commercial property finance and more
- A large range of fixed and variable interest rate Cash ISAs to choose from
- Shariah-compliant ethical savings
- Quick and easy to set up
- Manage your account online 24/7
- Award-winning: Global Islamic Finance Awards / Moneynet Awards / MoneyComms Awards and more
- Helpful downloadable guides and documents
- Online videos and tutorials
- A clear, easy-to-navigate website
- FSCS protected
Website: Gatehouse Bank
Read the full Gatehouse Bank review.
52. Goji
- Founded in 2015, Goji is a direct lending company based in London
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Management of 30 IF ISA platforms
- Electronic ISA transfers
- Automated HMRC reporting and workflow management
- Automated support for ISA transfers from existing ISA managers
- Cutting-edge management services
- Fast easy onboarding
- ISA funds held in FCA compliant client money account
- Investment Association Fintech member
- Award-winning: Alternative Investment Awards Best P2P Lending Technology Provider
- Backed by AXA Strategic Ventures and Anthemis
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Goji
Read the full Goji review.
54. Hargreaves Lansdown
- Founded in 1981 and based in Bristol, Hargreaves Lansdown is a FTSE 100 company with over £105bn under administration for over 1.27 million clients
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- Check your investments 24/7, online or via the company’s award-winning app
- Freedom to invest almost anywhere you like
- Choose from over 2,500 funds, shares, investment trusts and more to build your portfolio
- Satisfaction guarantee; return of account fees if unhappy
- Award-winning: Your Money, Good Money Guide, Feefo Gold Trusted Service
- Positive customer feedback and decent online reviews
- Quick and easy to signup online
Website: Hargreaves Lansdown
Read the full Hargreaves Lansdown review.
55. Harpenden Building Society
- Formed in 1953, Harpenden Building Society is an English building society, the 30th largest in the United Kingdom with total assets of £315 million
- Cash ISA products available only
- Variable interest rate is 0.45% AER
- Quick and easy to signup online
- A clear website with easy-to-understand information
- 14 day cooling off period
- Minimum deposit of just £1
- Award-winning: Personal Finance Awards, Mortgage Awards
Website: Harpenden Building Society
Read the full Harpenden Building Society review.
56. Hartley Pensions
- Based in Bristol and established in 1981, Hartley Pensions provides various pension products
- Stocks and Shares ISAs, Innovative Finance ISAs and Junior Stocks and Shares ISA products available
- No fees charged to transfer out
- Quick and easy to signup online
- Calls answered by trained financial industry professionals, not call centre staff
- Every client gets their own personal administrator
- Flexible, straight-forward products
Website: Hartley Pensions
Read the full Hartley Pensions review.
57. HNW Lending
- Based in London, HNW Lending is a peer-to-peer asset-based lender that offers asset-based funding solutions
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Fast and free sign-up and application process
- Good security and high returns
- Authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority
- FCA-approved wind-down plan protects lenders in case of insolvency
Website: HNW Lending
Read the full HNW Lending review.
58. HSBC
- One of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations, serving more than 40 million customers
- Loyalty Cash ISA product
- Low cost admin fees
- Fast and free sign-up and application process
- Receive a loyalty rate after 12 months
- A trusted brand with many years of expert guidance including insights and investment tools
- Award-winning: Best Buy 2020, Moneywise Pension Awards 2019
Website: HSBC
Read the full HSBC review.
59. HTB
- With headquarters in London, HTB is a specialist bank focussed on providing business finance, specialist mortgages and development finance solutions
- Two specialist fixed rate Cash ISA products available
- Award-winning: Platinum Trusted Service Award, Savings Champion 2019
- Minimum investment for this account is just £1
- A clear, plain English website
- Fast easy online signup
Website: HTB
Read the full HTB review.
60. IG
- Stocks and Shares ISA available only
- Full transparency: total cost of ownership (TCO) shown before you invest
- Top-of-the-range platforms are powerful, intuitive and offer full visibility on pricing and performance
- Choose either a share dealing account or a ready-made IG Smart Portfolio
- Invest in over 10,000 shares, funds and investment trust
- Zero commission on US shares, and just £3 on UK shares
- Free set-up, with free transfers for electronic shares
- Some decent customer reviews and positive feedback
- Fast easy online setup
- A 24-hour helpdesk
- Award-winning: Online Personal Wealth Awards 2020
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Website: IG
Read the full IG review.
61. Interactive Investor
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- Access to more than 40,000 UK and global investment options
- Ready-made portfolios and fund recommendations available
- Flat rate fees which covers you for multiple accounts
- No trading fees
- One free trade per month: get back £7.99 credit every month to buy or sell any investment
- Free to top up your ISA each month
- Award-winning: Best ISA Provider at the 2019 City of London Wealth Management Awards
- £100 cash back if you switch ISAs
- Positive customer feedback and user experiences
- Online free signup
Website: Interactive Investor
Read the full Interactive Investor review.
62. Invest & Fund
- Founded in 2012, Invest & Fund is a peer-to-peer marketplace helping individuals, high net worth lenders, private banks, family offices and institutions
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Earn Interest Tax Free on Loans
- Expertise in credit risk assessment, property development and lending
- 100% focus on residential property and bridging finance
- Start lending from £500, earn the full return minus 0.75%
- A clear easy-to-understand website
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Invest & Fund
Read the full Invest & Fund review.
63. Invest Engine
- Based in London, Invest Engine helps construct robust, globally-diversified portfolios
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- Income portfolios yield 2.4%, 3.3% and 5.5% a year
- Portfolio determined by your personal situation – your goals, investor profile, time frame and tolerance of risk
- No set‑up fees, dealing fees or withdrawal fees
- Low fees of just 0.25% a year
- Easy access with no exit fees
- Transfer existing ISAs for free
- Fast easy online setup
- A simple clear dashboard
Website: Invest Engine
Read the full Invest Engine review.
64. James Brearley
- A well-established company with 100 years longevity
- Stocks and Shares Flexible ISA and Junior Stocks and Shares ISA products available
- A wide range of equities, fixed interest securities and collective investment schemes
- A decent library of downloadable help resources
- Nominee Service provides clients with a secure and efficient facility in which to hold their investments
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Fast easy online setup
Website: James Brearley
Read the full James Brearley review.
65. James Sharp & Co
- Based in Lancashire, James Sharp & Co is an independent stockbroking firm and a member of the London Stock Exchange
- Self-Select Investment ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- Execution-only or advisory dealing services
- A wide range of investments
- Minimum subscriptions of £10 allowed
- Annual charge cap of 1.5%
- Fast easy online setup
Website: James Sharp & Co
Read the full James Sharp & Co review.
66. Kingdom Bank
- A 65 year old Christian bank
- Provides a range of financial services to suit individuals as well as charities
- One Year Fixed Rate Cash ISAs available only
- Protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Fast easy online setup
- Transfers in accepted
Website: Kingdom Bank
Read the full Kingdom Bank review.
67. Kingston Unity Friendly Society
- A long-established, reputable company since 1840
- Profits are shared with members, not for corporate profit
- Investment ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- Save from £25 per month, a lump sum of £500 or more or a combination of the two
- Expertly managed With Profits fund invests in a range of assets
- A guaranteed return of your initial investment on the 10th anniversary or each subsequent 5th anniversary
- Company only invests in ethical businesses
- A clear, easy-to-understand website
- Safe and secure online signup in minutes
- FSCS protected
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
Website: Kingston Unity Friendly Society
Read the full Kingston Unity Friendly Society review.
68. Landlord Invest
- Specialists in landlords financing
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Returns of up to 12% per annum
- Choose the loans you invest in – all loans are secured by British property
- Secure online signup in minutes
- No investor fees
- Receive monthly interest payments
- FCA authorised
- One of the first platforms to offer a residential property-backed IFISA
- A clear, easy-to-understand website
Website: Landlord Invest
Read the full Landlord Invest review.
69. Leeds Building Society
- The fifth largest building society in the UK
- A large selection of fixed and variable rate Cash ISAs
- Secure online signup in minutes
- Useful online Knowledge Hub
- Clear, easy-to-understand product information
- Some excellent customer reviews and praise for the customer service team
Website: Leeds Building Society
Read the full Leeds Building Society review.
70. Leek United Building Society
- An independent mutual building society based in Leek, Staffordshire
- A range of fixed and variable rate Cash ISAs
- Secure online signup in minutes
- A clear, easy-to-understand website
- Useful online help guides
- A long 150 year heritage
- Protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Website: Leek United Building Society
Read the full Leek United Building Society review.
71. Legal & General
- A well-established company with a rich history
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- Invest in an ISA from only £20 a month
- Choose from a range of over 50 individual funds
- Or select one of the company’s ready-made funds
- Easy access online account
- No transfer fees switching ISAs
- No entry or exit fees
- Online account management area for quick access to customer history
Website: Legal & General
Read the full Legal & General review.
72. Lending Works
- Lending Works is a UK peer-to-peer lending platform based in London
- Innovative Finance ISAs available
- Sign up in two minutes, then open your IFISA in one simple step
- Lending Works Shield provides first-loss cover across entire loan book
- Diverse investment opportunities split across many loans
- Flexible access options with fee-free early exit
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Some very good customer reviews
Website: Lending Works
Read the full Lending Works review.
73. Liontrust
- Launched in 1995, Liontrust Asset Management plc is a British asset management company based in London, specialising in fund management
- Specialist fund management services
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- Junior ISAs also offered
- My Liontrust gives 24/7 online access to your investments, your personal details and past transactions
- Award-winning: AJ Bell Fund & Investment Trust Awards 2020, FE fundinfo Alpha Manager of the Year Awards 2020
- Quick and easy to sign up and begin
Website: Liontrust
Read the full Liontrust review.
74. Loanpad
- Based in London, Loanpad provides a user-friendly, lower-risk platform for investors
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- 3.25% returns with a Loanpad ISA Classic account
- 4.25% returns with ISA Premium account
- Fast, simple on-boarding process
- Daily access
- An easy to understand, clear website
- Excellent customer reviews
- An easy-to-use, reliable platform that out-performs others in the industry
Website: Loanpad
Read the full Loanpad review.
75. LV=
- A company with longevity and a rich 175 year history
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- Access to a selected range of leading investment managers
- A large range of blended investment solutions to choose from
- All funds are risk-rated by leading market analysts, Defaqto and Distribution Technology
- Member benefits, such as discounts on other products
- Moneyfacts 5 Star Rating and Defaqto Gold Certification
- A clear, well laid-out website
- Useful adviser hub with access to online resources and valuation tools
- Fast, simple on-boarding process
- Excellent online customer reviews
Website: LV=
Read the full LV= review.
76. M&G Investments
- A well-established investment management company with a rich history
- Over 85 years of investment experience
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- Junior ISAs also offered
- A large range of funds to invest into
- Fast, simple on-boarding process
- An easy to understand, clear website
- No entry or exit fees
Website: M&G Investments
Read the full M&G Investments review.
77. Mansfield Building Society
- Long-established, serving customer and member needs since 1870
- As a mutual building society it actively supports the local community through sponsorship, charitable support and the direct engagement of staff
- A choice of three Cash ISA products to choose from
- Minimum Balance of just £1, up to £20,000 tax-free each year
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Mansfield Building Society
Read the full Mansfield Building Society review.
78. Marshall Sterling
- Based in Mayfair, London, Marshall Sterling is an Investment, Asset and Wealth Management organisation
- It provides a broad range of financial service solutions
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Innovative Finance ISAs available
- A wide range of ISA qualifying stocks and shares from both the UK and on six international markets
- Invest in funds, bonds, gilts and more
- Low cost dealing and administration charges
- FCA Authorised and HMRC approved
- Fast easy online setup
Website: Marshall Sterling
Read the full Marshall Sterling review.
79. Moneyfarm
- Moneyfarm is a wealth management company with over 40,000 customers across Europe
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- A single account management fee across your whole Moneyfarm account
- ISA transfers in or out without penalties
- Portfolio management team will monitor, adjust and rebalance your portfolio
- Live guidance whenever you need it, backed by 24/7 digital investment advice to keep your investments on track
- Fast easy online signup
- A good selection of online resources, eBooks and help guides
- FCA-authorised and covered by the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
- Award-winning: UK’s Best Online Direct to Consumer Investment Platform
Website: Moneyfarm
Read the full Moneyfarm review.
80. M&S Bank
- A long established trusted UK brand
- A large range of related financial services offered
- Fixed and Variable Rate Cash ISAs available
- Unlimited transfers from other ISA providers
- Excellent customer feedback
- A decent library of downloadable supporting literature and help guides
- An online virtual assistance for additional help
- Free £100 gift voucher offered to new customers
- Fast easy online signup
Website: M&S Bank
Read the full M&S Bank review.
81. National Savings and Investments
- A long-established, reputable company established 160 years ago
- Direct ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- The minimum investment amount is just £1
- Quick and easy online signup
- Easy access to savings without an access charge or penalty
- A new easier-to-navigate website
- Monthly premium bonds prize draw
Website: National Savings and Investments
Read the full National Savings and Investments review.
82. Nationwide Building Society
- A trusted, popular brand
- The largest building society in the world with over 15 million members
- A large range of savings accounts including Cash, Fixed and Variable interest ISAs
- 14 day cooling offer period on product taken out
- A well informed website
- Decent online FAQs and supporting information
- Easy to manage accounts online
Website: Nationwide
Read the full Nationwide review.
83. Natwest
- A major retail and commercial bank in the United Kingdom, established in 1968
- Part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group
- Quick and easy online signup
- Variable and Fixed Rate Cash ISA products available
- My Rewards Scheme offers multiple benefits for customers
- £125 Switch offer
- Positive feedback on the product app and web banking tools
Website: Natwest
Read the full Natwest review.
84. NCBS
- Based in Surrey, National Counties Building Society is a mutual organisation that is owned by its saving and borrowing members
- Easy Access Cash ISAs available
- Transfers from flexible and non-flexible cash ISAs are accepted
- Easy access to savings without an access charge or penalty
- Open an account from just £1
- Organisation is owned by its members and therefore not subject to Stock Market fluctuations
- A member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Fast easy online signup
Website: NCBS
Read the full NCBS review.
85. Netwealth
- Based in London, Netwealth is a wealth management service offering online planning tools
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- Junior ISAs also offered
- Globally diversified portfolios to choose from, centrally managed
- Quick easy online signup
- Good product information, easy to understand
- Knowledge Centre has online tools and downloadable help resources
Website: Netwealth
Read the full Netwealth review.
86. Newcastle Building Society
- Founded in 1980, The Newcastle Building Society is the biggest building society in the North East
- A large range of competitive ISA offerings, including Lifetime ISAs
- Junior versions of the ISAs also available
- Clear, easy-to-understand information on website
- Supports local charities with financial product contributions
- Some positive reviews from happy customers
- Quick easy online signup
Website: Newcastle Building Society
Read the full Newcastle Building Society review.
87. The Nottingham
- Founded in 1849, The Nottingham Building Society is a mutual society
- It provides mortgages, savings, estate agency services, home insurance and financial planning services
- Lifetime ISA, Notice ISA and Junior ISA products available
- Quick easy online signup
- Clear, easy-to-understand information on website
- A good level of product detail offered
- Free advice from trusted mortgage brokers
Website: The Nottingham
Read the full The Nottingham review.
88. Nutmeg
- The first, and now the largest, digital wealth manager in the UK
- Stocks and Shares ISAs, Junior ISAs and Lifetime ISA products available
- A wide range of risk levels and investment portfolios
- Excellent customer reviews
- Simple, jargon-free services and advice
- Quick easy online signup
- Transparent 24/7 access to your account
- Social responsibility focus
- Accounts are proactively managed by an experienced investment team
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Award-winning: Best Stocks & Shares ISA Provider 2019
Website: Nutmeg
Read the full Nutmeg review
89. Orbis
- 10 global offices with £25billion of assets
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- Access to global investment expertise with the two Orbis funds you can invest in
- Online dashboard lets you manage and view your investments easily
- Fast and easy account setup
- No fees layers; pay only if Orbis outperforms and get refunded in times it doesn’t
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- A privately owned company: no shareholder pressure
Website: Orbis
Read the full Orbis review
90. Partners Credit Union
- Partners Credit Union is a financial cooperative that was established in 1993 initially for employees of Liverpool City Council
- Now the field of membership includes anyone who lives or works in Merseyside
- Cash ISAs available only
- Includes free life insurance
- Instant access to money with no fees or penalties
- Protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Quick easy online signup
Website: Partners Credit Union
Read the full Partners Credit Union review
91. Penny Post Credit Union
- Penny Post Credit Union is a financial co-operative providing secure saving accounts and affordable loans to its members
- A specialist service for employees and families who work for the Royal Mail Group, Parcelforce Worldwide or the Post Office
- Cash ISA product, up to £20,000 tax-free each year
- No limit to withdrawals
- No penalties or other costs
- Quick easy online signup
Website: Penny Post Credit Union
Read the full Penny Post Credit Union review
92. PFP Wealth
- Founded in 2013 and located in Birkenhead, PFP Wealth provide holistic financial advice to personal and corporate clients
- Specialist Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- A Junior version of the ISA is also offered
- A large portfolio of expertly-managed investment funds
- Professional Financial Advisers give personal financial and investment advice
- Set up monthly payments, invest lump sums, or do both
- Award-winning: Wealth Management Company of the Year / Best Advisory Service 2020
Website: PFP Wealth
Read the full PFP Wealth review
93. Pilling & Co
- Founded in 1893, Pilling & Co specialise in Investment Management and Discretionary Management services
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available only
- Low cost, tax efficient products
- Low administration fees
- Free transfers in
- Fast easy online signup
- Freedom to change your investments as often as you want
- Quarterly newsletter with investment guidance
- Good customer feedback; a helpful and friendly traditional stock broker
Website: Pilling & Co
Read the full Pilling & Co review
94. Police Mutual
- Police Mutual was set up in 1922 to provide financial services and welfare support to the Police Service
- It is open to both Officers and Staff, serving and retired
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available only
- 75,000 people currently save for their future with Police Mutual
- £25 Gift Card for opening an account
- A wide choice of investments
- Website is clear and in plain English, so easy to understand
- Fast easy online signup
Website: Police Mutual
Read the full Police Mutual review
95. Principality Building Society
- The 6th largest UK building society with over 150 years’ experience
- A large choice of fixed and variable rate Cash ISAs
- Includes a Web ISA with flexible benefits
- Clear, easy to understand information on website
- Useful online calculators and web resources
- A good level of product detail offered
Website: Principality
Read the full Principality review
96. Progressive Building Society
- Long-established and reputable since 1914
- A large choice of Cash ISA products
- Junior versions of the ISA available
- Clear, easy to understand product information
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Fast easy online signup
Website: Progressive Building Society
Read the full Progressive Building Society review
97. Proplend
- Proplend is a financial technology platform that specialises in sub-£5m commercial property loans
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Innovative Finance ISA is flexible to allow temporary withdrawals
- Fast easy online signup
- No extra fees or limits: the charge is the same 10% lender fee on interest credited
- Access to a large range of funds
- Earn 5-12% AER tax-free
- Manually choose which loans to invest in or enable the hassle-free Auto-Lend facility
- Excellent customer feedback
Website: Proplend
Read the full Proplend review
98. Punjab National Bank
- A long-established bank with a global reputation
- One of the largest banks in India with over 100 million customers
- Two Cash ISAs; one with a variable rate of interest, the other with a fixed rate
- Minimum amount to open an ISAs is just £1
- Invest up to £20,000 tax-free
Website: Punjab National Bank
Read the full Punjab National Bank review
99. Rathbones
- Rathbones provides individual investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities, trustees and professional partners
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- A Junior version of the ISA is also offered
- Set up monthly payments, invest lump sums, or do both
- Fees are simple, clear and fair
- Fast easy online signup
Website: Rathbones
Read the full Rathbones review
100. rebuildingsociety.com
- Launched in 2012, rebuildingsociety.com is a Leeds-based peer-to-peer lending platform
- Focused on finance for small and medium businesses
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Easy transfer from other ISAs
- Average Net Return: 6.9%
- Earn up to 18.1% interest, commercial terms depend on credit score
- Get setup in 40 minutes
- Minimum investment amount only £10
- Access your capital on the Secondary Marketplace
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Defaqto 5 Star rating
Website: rebuildingsociety.com
Read the full rebuildingsociety.com review
101. Red Rose Assurance
- An ISA compliant with Shariah beliefs
- It will not make investments in: Weapons and Defence, pork-related products, Tobacco, Alcohol, Financial Services or Entertainment sectors
- Instead it focuses on Technology, Health Care, Consumer Goods, Industrials, Oil and Gas, Consumer Services and Basic Materials
- Funds are managed by the HSBC Islamic Global Equity Index Fund
- Current bonus rate is 3.5%
- With-Profits fund offers a mixture of equities, gilts, corporate bonds, property and cash
- Fast easy online setup
- A useful library of downloadable supporting content
- A Junior version of the ISA also offered
Website: Red Rose Assurance
Read the full Red Rose Assurance review
102. Redmayne Bentley
- Established in 1875 and based in Leeds
- Redmayne Bentley provides traditional personal investment expertise across a range of investment management and stockbroking services
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- Fast easy online setup
- Useful online ISA Calculator
- Glossary of terms and online library of information
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Award-winning: ‘Best ISA Provider’ at the London Wealth Management Awards
- The Additional Permitted Subscription allows you to make contributions in addition to your annual allowance, up to the value of your deceased spouse or civil partners ISA
Website: Redmayne Bentley
Read the full Redmayne Bentley review
103. Relendex
- Based in London, Relendex is a peer-to-peer commercial real estate lending platform
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- The Self-Select IFISA lets you choose exactly which loans you want to put your money into
- The Secured-Portfolio IFISA offers an investment portfolio that is created for you
- No transfer out fees
- Excellent customer reviews
- An easy to use platform that is simple to invest in
- Quick easy online signup
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Website: Relendex
Read the full Relendex review
104. Royal London
- A long-established, popular brand
- The UK’s largest pensions company
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- A large range of investment opportunities
- Fast easy online setup
- Tax relief efficiencies
- Invest in both non-insured assets as well as insured assets
- Fast, direct access to a team of experts
- Award-winning: Money Marketing Awards, Financial Adviser Service Awards and Company of the Year
Website: Royal London
Read the full Royal London review
105. Sainsbury’s Bank
- A trusted British brand
- Good customer feedback and reviews
- Variable, flexible Cash ISAs available
- A quick, simple online process
- Minimum investment of just £1
- Easy access to your money: no withdrawal restrictions
- Also offers loans, savings, insurance, travel money and credit cards
Website: Sainsbury’s Bank
Read the full Sainsbury’s Bank review
106. Santander
- A popular, well-known retail and commercial brand
- Offers a large of range of different ISA products to suit all tastes
- Includes a flexible tax-free Cash eISA
- A large range of financial and personal support services also available
- Award-winning: Moneyfacts 2020
- Clear, easy-to-understand product information on website
- Fast easy online setup
- FSCS protected
Website: Santander
Read the full Santander review
107. SBI UK
- State Bank of India is an Indian multinational, public sector banking and financial services statutory body headquartered in Mumbai
- Fixed or variable rate Cash ISA options
- Quick easy online setup
- Clear, easy to understand product information
- Handy online ISA calculator
- Useful support guides and downloadable content
- Excellent customer feedback
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
Website: SBI UK
Read the full SBI UK review
108. SCM Direct
- Founded in 2008 and based in Mayfair, London, SCM Direct is an award-winning online wealth manager
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- A Junior version of the ISA is also offered
- Transfer any existing ISA accounts to SCM Direct
- Invest in a mix of bonds, equities and cash
- No performance fees, advisor charges or exit penalties
- Quick easy online setup
Website: SCM Direct
Read the full SCM Direct review
109. Scottish Friendly
- One of the largest mutual life offices in the UK
- No shareholders, so profits are used to benefit members
- Investment ISAs and Junior Investment ISAs available
- Choose from either: My Easy Choice ISA, My Choice ISA and My Prime ISA, depending on your level of experience and appetite for risk
- Easy to manage online system and mobile app
- Company donates £10 to the Mental Health Foundation when you add £10 to your ISA
- A clear, easy-to-understand website
- Very good customer reviews
- Fast easy online signup
- Award-winning: Best Junior ISA provider at the Investment Life and Pensions Moneyfacts Awards / Best Mutual Insurer
- Member benefits including access to savings and offers from thousands of leading brands and local outlets
Website: Scottish Friendly
Read the full Scottish Friendly review
110. Scottish Building Society
- Scotland’s only independent building society established in 1848
- Loyalty Cash ISAs
- Transfers-in from both Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs allowed
- Minimum amount just £1
- Access money any time without penalties
- Variable interest rate of 0.60% AER tax-free
- Protected up to a total of £85,000 by the FSCS
- Award-winning: Scottish Mortgage Awards 2020
Website: Scottish Building Society
Read the full Scottish Building Society review
111. Secure Trust Bank
- Established in 1952, Secure Trust Bank is an award-winning UK retail bank
- Fixed Rate Cash ISAs available
- Transfers-in accepted
- 24/7 online access to your account
- Excellent customer reviews
- After-care service including follow up phone calls
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Award-winning: CSE Customer Service Excellence
Website: Secure Trust Bank
Read the full Secure Trust Bank review
112. Shard Capital
- Shard Capital is a leading wealth and asset manager offering investment, dealing and capital markets services to private, corporate and institutional clients
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- A Junior version of the ISA is also offered
- Tailored service: your investments can be tailored to fit your specific objectives, attitude to risk and time horizon
- Investment opportunities include AIM shares, collective investments, government securities, corporate bonds and cash
- No minimum investment
- Quick easy online signup
- Award-winning: Online Personal Wealth Award
Website: Shard Capital
Read the full Shard Capital review
113. ShareCredit
- ShareCredit is a London-based lending platform
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Refer-a-Friend Scheme to earn 0.10%, annually, on all of their investments
- £10 minimum investment on the primary market
- No investment fees
- Quick easy online signup
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- An excellent online FAQ section
Website: ShareCredit
Read the full ShareCredit review
114. Shawbrook Bank
- Founded in 2011, Shawbrook is a specialist savings and lending bank
- It offers loans, residential and commercial mortgages, business finance and savings products to serve the needs of SMEs and individuals in the UK
- A large range of fixed and variable rate Cash ISAs
- Quick easy online setup
- Thorough product detail and information
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Transfers in from other Cash ISA or Stocks and Shares ISA providers are permitted
- Protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Website: Shawbrook Bank
Read the full Shawbrook Bank review
115. Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society
- A well-established credible friendly society since 1892
- Investment ISAs and Junior Investment ISAs available
- No initial or hidden charges
- Bonus rate of 3.50%
- Invest from just £30 per month
- Quick easy online setup
- Clear, easy to understand product information on website
- Excellent customer reviews
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
- A member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Website: Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society
Read the full Sheffield Mutual Friendly Society review
117. Shojin
- Based in London, Shojin Property Partners is an investment company that provides access to institutional-grade investment opportunities in the UK real estate sector
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Transferring any existing ISAs into Shojin projects is straightforward and quick
- A wide variety of IFISA eligible projects to invest in
- No management fees
- A clear, easy to understand website
- Platform interface is intuitive, clear and simple to use
- Excellent customer reviews
- Quick, easy and free to setup online
- Authorised by the FCA
Website: Shojin
Read the full Shojin review
118. Slater Investments
- Established in 1994 and based in London, Slater Investments is an investment management company
- It focuses on running segregated mandates for corporate clients and high net worth individuals
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior Stocks and Shares ISAs available
- Fast easy online signup
- A decent library of downloadable support guides
- A clear, easy to understand website
Website: Slater Investments
Read the full Slater Investments review
119. Stafford Railway Building Society
- A long-established credible organisation since 1877
- Cash ISA products available only
- Fast easy online signup
- Minimum deposit of just £1
- Each member with a mortgage or savings balance of £100 is entitled to vote at our Annual General Meeting each year
- A decent library of downloadable support guides
- A clear, easy to understand website
- FSCS protected
Website: Stafford Railway Building Society
Read the full Stafford Railway Building Society review
120. Standard Life
- A well-known, trusted brand for the past 200 years
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- Leading fund managers can negotiate better deals on investments
- Fast easy online setup
- Access to a Personal Portfolio
- Choose to manage investments yourself or else have Standard Life’s experts do it
- Free to transfer in other ISAs
- Online mobile-optimised dashboard
- Handy online pension calculator and support tools
- Award-winning products and services
Website: Standard Life
Read the full Standard Life review
121. Swansea Building Society
- Founded in 1923, Swansea Building Society is an independent mutual building society
- Cash ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- Minimum investment is £1 for Cash ISAs
- Withdraw money from your Cash ISA account at any time without notice or penalty
- Transfers in and out allowed
- A range of useful forms and downloadable content
- FSCS protected
Website: Swansea Building Society
Read the full Swansea Building Society review
122. TAM Asset Management
- Based in London, TAM Asset Management is an award-winning discretionary investment manager founded in 2000
- It manages assets for private clients, insurance companies, pension schemes, trust companies and charities
- A large range of ISA accounts to choose from
- Specialist Sharia-compliant, or ethical accounts available
- Free Junior ISA with every adult ISA opened
- Fast easy online setup
- A useful range of online webinars, videos and insights to support and facilitate decision making
Website: TAM
Read the full TAM review
123. Teachers Building Society
- Founded 1966, reputable and well-established
- A range of Cash ISAs to pick from
- Bespoke ISAs available for teachers and the education community
- Transfers in from other providers accepted
- Recommend-a-Friend for a £100 gift card
- £250 quarterly members’ prize draw
- Clear, easy to understand information on website
- Excellent customer feedback
Website: Teachers Building Society
Read the full Teachers Building Society review
124. Tesco Bank
- Formed in 1997 as part of a 50:50 joint venture between The Royal Bank of Scotland and Tesco
- A choice of fixed rate or variable interest rate ISAs
- Junior versions of the Cash ISA also available
- A large range of personal banking and insurance products
- Clear, easy to understand information on website
- A selection of helpful online tools, guides and calculators
- Protected by the FSCS
Website: Tesco Bank
Read the full Tesco Bank review
125. Tifosy
- Founded in 2013, Tifosy is a sports investment company
- It uses its proprietary global investment platform to support the development of sports clubs and associations
- Innovative Finance ISAs available only
- Specialist investment opportunities in the global sports sector
- Fast easy online setup
- 24/7 access to your IFISA account
- Free transfer-in from other ISAs
Website: Tifosy
Read the full Tifosy review
126. Triodos Bank
- An ethical approach: the company only lends to organisations making a positive impact socially, culturally or environmentally
- Cash ISAs, Junior ISAs and Stocks & Shares ISAs available
- Transparent charging structure
- Clear, easy to understand information on website
- Excellent customer service reviews
- Fast easy online setup
- Protected by the FSCS
Website: Triodos Bank
Read the full Triodos Bank review
127. True Potential
- Stocks & Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- No initial charge or annual charges for the tax wrapper
- No dealing charges
- No penalties for withdrawals
- Fast easy online setup
- Award-winning Wealth Platform technology
- Excellent customer reviews – a modern, dynamic, professional company
- Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Website: True Potential
Read the full True Potential review
128. TSB
- A large, well-known brand
- Partnered with Legal & General to provide protection products
- Various fixed interest rate and various interest rate ISAs available
- Junior versions of the product also available
- Open up a variable interest account from as little as £1
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
Website: TSB
Read the full TSB review
129. UBL UK
- UBL UK was formed in 2001 from the merger of the UK branches of two Pakistani banks, United Bank Limited and National Bank of Pakistan
- Operating in the UK since the mid-1960’s
- Fixed Rate Cash ISA products available
- Fast easy online setup
- Transfers-in accepted
- A clear, straightforward website with a useful online FAQs section
- FSCS protected
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
Website: UBL
Read the full UBL review
130. Ulster Bank
- Ulster Bank is a large retail bank; one of the traditional Big Four Irish clearing banks
- It offers an extensive range of personal banking products including bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, loans and more
- Cash ISA products available only
- No minimum deposit
- Fast easy online setup
- Free transfers-in from other ISAs
- Variable interest rate offered at tiered levels
- Unlimited withdrawals without fees or penalties
- Protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Website: Ulster Bank
Read the full Ulster Bank review
131. Vanguard
- 40 years experience with 30 million investors worldwide
- Many positive customer reviews, excellent customer service
- Commitment to keeping costs low
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- Over 75 funds to invest in, including ETFs, active funds and index funds
- Choose a ready-made portfolio or build your own
- Transfer-in existing ISAs
- Low account fee, only 0.15% per year
- No charge to switch holdings, deal, make payments or exit
- Helpful website with useful downloadable content and clear information
- Manage your account from any device, 24/7
Website: Vanguard
Read the full Vanguard review
132. Virgin Money
- A popular and credible brand
- A large range of fixed and variable rate Cash ISAs
- Open and manage your account online 24/7
- Clear, easy-to-understand product information
- Transfers-in allowed
- Award-winning: Moneyfacts 2020
- Covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Website: Virgin Money
Read the full Virgin Money review
133. Vitality
- A popular, family brand
- Excellent reviews and great customer feedback
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- Plan includes the Healthy Fee Saver, giving you healthy living discounts as well as automatic access to the Vitality Programme at no extra cost
- A helpful, informative website
- Fast easy online setup
- Useful online resources, ISA calculators and supporting documents
- 5 Star Defaqto Rating
Website: Vitality
Read the full Vitality review
134. Walker Crips
- Self-Select Investment ISAs available
- A Junior version of the ISA is also offered
- A wide range of investment options
- Fast easy online setup
- Independent investment management
Website: Walker Crips
Read the full Walker Crips review
135. Wealthify
- Backed by Aviva, one of the largest and most recognised financial services brands
- Stocks and Shares ISAs and Junior ISAs available
- Ethical investment opportunities
- Access your account 24/7
- Low fees and no hidden costs
- Transfers-in accepted
- Fast easy online setup
- A promise of simple, no complicated jargon
- 5 Star Defaqto Rating
- Award-winning: British Bank Awards / Investor Choice Awards 2020
- Excellent customer reviews
Website: Wealthify
Read the full Wealthify review
136. Wesleyan
- Specialist service for GPs, hospital doctors, dentists, teachers and lawyers
- Share in Wesleyan’s profits through the With Profits ISA Fund
- Stocks and Shares ISAs available only
- Manage your account online
- Fast easy online setup
- A mutual company with no shareholders to pay
- Tailored financial advice
- Excellent customer feedback
- Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority
- Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority
Website: Wesleyan
Read the full Wesleyan review
137. Yorkshire Building Society
- The Yorkshire Building Society is the third largest building society in the UK, with its headquarters in Bradford, West Yorkshire
- A large range of fixed and variable rate Cash ISAs
- Detailed product information available on website
- A clear, easy to understand, easy to navigate website
- Fast easy online setup
- A member of the Building Societies Association
Website: Yorkshire Building Society
Read the full Yorkshire Building Society review
138. Zopa
- The world’s first peer-to-peer platform
- Innovative Finance ISAs – choose your level of risk appetite with either ISA Core and ISA Plus
- Easy transfer in from existing ISAs
- Fast simple online setup
- Generate returns projected between 2.0% – 5.3%
- Withdraw your funds at any time
- A clear, easy to understand website and responsive app
- Excellent customer reviews
- Fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Award-winning: Moneyfacts Personal Loan Provider of the Year
Website: Zopa
Read the full Zopa review
What is an ISA?
ISA stands for Individual Savings Account. It is a tax-free savings account, which means that every tax year in the UK you can save or invest money up to a certain amount without paying income tax or capital gains on your returns. For the 2023/24 tax year the maximum allocation for an ISA account is £20,000.
If you choose not to use all of your ISA allowance before the end of the tax year then you will lose it – you cannot carry forward any unused ISA allowance from one year and into the next. In the UK the tax year runs from the 6th April to the 5th April the following year.
To open an ISA you must be a UK resident aged 16 years or older (18 for some) and with a national insurance number.
The two main types of ISA are Cash ISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs, although there are also some specialist ISAs as well, such as the Lifetime ISA, Innovative Finance ISA and Junior ISA.
Setting up an ISA is very straightforward. You can do so in a branch, online, by post or over the phone, depending on the ISA you choose. You will be given a passbook, certificate or an online statement to view after you open your ISA.
How much can you put in an ISA?
The total amount you can save into an ISA in the current tax year is £20,000. This is known as your ISA allowance. You can only put money into one ISA in each tax year, and if you don’t use your annual ISA allowance before the end of each tax year, you will lose it.
You may only pay into one cash ISA, one Stocks and Shares ISA and one Innovative Finance ISA in each tax year.
What is a Cash ISA?
A Cash ISA works in much the same way as an ordinary savings account, except you do not pay tax on the interest you earn. This makes them an attractive option for anyone who normally pays tax on their savings.
There are two main types of Cash ISA: Variable and Fixed. Variable Cash ISAs pay variable rates of interest, which means that the interest you earn could go up or down. Variable Rate ISAs are flexible, which means that you can withdraw money from an ISA anytime and replace it later, without the replacement counting further towards your ISA allowance.
Fixed Rate ISAs, on the other hand, pay a fixed rate of interest for a set term, rather like a savings bond. However your money is locked away until maturity (when the fixed period comes to an end) and you cannot access it unless you are willing to pay a fee for early withdrawal. Fixed interest ISAs usually have better rates of interest than flexible ones for this reason.
What is a Lifetime ISA?
A Lifetime ISA, also known as a LISA, is a longer-term tax-free savings account that gives you a government bonus of 25% of the money you put in, up to a maximum of £1,000 a year. This bonus will be paid in monthly. So, for example, if you pay £1,000 into your Lifetime ISA, the Government will add an extra £250. This would leave you with £1,250 at the end of the tax year. As with other ISAs, you won’t pay tax on any interest, income or capital gains from cash or investments held within a Lifetime ISA, making it an attractive long term way of saving.
Lifetime ISAs were created to help people save for their first home or retirement. To open a Lifetime ISA you need to be aged between 18 and 40, and a UK resident or a Crown servant. You can continue paying into a Lifetime ISA until you are 50. The maximum you can put into a Lifetime ISA is £4,000 each tax year.
What is a Stocks and Shares ISA?
A Stocks and Shares ISA, also known as an Investment ISA, allows you to invest your money over a medium to long-term period of at least 5 years, with the possibility of higher returns than you would get with a Cash ISA, as long as you are happy to take some risks with your savings.
With this type of account you can either choose to invest in funds – buying units in ready-made baskets of investments, or else you can research and buy your own shares. This could include investing your money in individual shares, investment funds, investment trusts, government bonds, corporate bonds and more. Many companies offer hundreds of investment baskets and portfolios for you to choose from, each with different levels of risk and reward.
Your annual ISA allowance for Stocks and Shares is £20,000 each year. You don’t have to pay income tax or capital gains tax on money you earn from your investments made through the ISA, up to a certain limit. However with this type of ISA there are usually fees and charges to consider, which can include account or platform fees, fund management charges, buying and selling charges and transfer out fees.
What is an Innovative Finance ISA?
An Innovative Finance ISA, sometimes referred to as an IFISA, is an ISA that contains peer-to-peer loans instead of cash or stocks and shares. It matches investors, who are willing to lend, with borrowers, who could be individuals, businesses, or property developers.
With this type of ISA you are effectively cutting out the middle man by eliminating the use of a bank, because you will invest your money directly through an online portal instead, which is known as peer-to-peer lending. This tends to earn much higher rates of interest than a traditional savings account. However the risks are far greater too. Several trading platforms have collapsed in recent years, and unlike with Stocks and Shares ISAs, peer-to-peer platforms are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme should they collapse. Returns are not guaranteed, and you could wait several months before you get to withdraw your money.
IFISAs come in all shapes and sizes; lending money for individuals, small businesses, property developments, renewable energy projects; the list is endless. Some of these investments will be secure, some not. Some are also better known or come with better reputations, others not so much. Due to this risk it is wise to thoroughly research any investment opportunity before you decide to put any money in.
You may invest up to £20,000 into an Innovative Finance ISA each tax year.
What is Junior ISA?
A Junior ISA, or JISA, is a long-term tax-free savings account for children, set up by a parent or guardian. Only the child can access this pot of money, and only once they turn 18; no money can be withdrawn before this time except in very exceptional circumstances.
There are two types of Junior ISA: a Cash Junior ISA where you will not pay tax on interest on the cash you save, and a Stocks and Shares Junior ISA where your cash is invested and you will not pay tax on any capital growth or dividends you receive.
The maximum Junior ISA allowance, which you can pay into tax-free each year, is £9,000. You can add a new allowance to your Junior ISA every tax year until your child turns 18. When your child does turns 18, their account is automatically rolled over into an Adult ISA; at this point they can choose to take the money out and can spend it how they like should they prefer.
JISAs are a secure savings plan for children. Junior Cash ISAs are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person; Junior Stocks and Shares ISAs are protected up to £50,000 per person.
Any child up to the age of 18 living in the UK can have a Junior ISA.
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