Completely free
Excellent service
Established company
Frequently asked questions about Junior ISAs
What is a Junior ISA (JISA)?
A Junior ISA (JISA) is a tax-free savings or investment account for under-18s, opened by a parent or guardian. Any growth, interest or A payment made by a company to its shareholders, typically representing a distribution of the company's profits. earned inside it are free from income and Capital Gains Tax. The money belongs to the child but can't usually be withdrawn until they turn 18.
How does a JISA work?
A parent or guardian opens the JISA and manages it on the child's behalf, choosing between a Cash JISA, a Stocks and Shares JISA, or one of each. Anyone, including grandparents and family friends, can contribute, up to a shared £9,000 annual allowance. The child can take over management at 16, but can't access the money until 18.
How much can I pay into a JISA?
You can pay up to £9,000 into a JISA in the 2026/27 tax year, across a Cash JISA and Stocks and Shares JISA combined. This allowance is separate from an adult's own £20,000 ISA allowance, resets each April, and can't be carried over if unused.
Who can open a JISA for a child?
Only a parent or legal guardian can open a Junior ISA, and only for a child under 18 who lives in the UK and doesn't already hold a Child Trust Fund. Once it's open, anyone can add money to it, making it a popular way for grandparents and relatives to contribute to a child's savings.
What happens when my child turns 18?
On their 18th birthday, the JISA automatically converts into an adult ISA, and your child gets full access to the money for the first time. They can withdraw it, keep it invested, or transfer it elsewhere, and it will count towards their own £20,000 adult ISA allowance going forward.
Can I have both a Cash JISA and a Stocks and Shares JISA?
Yes, a child can hold one Cash JISA and one Stocks and Shares JISA at the same time, split however you like. Cash JISAs suit shorter-term saving with no risk to the capital, while Stocks and Shares JISAs invest the money, which can grow more over the 18-year time horizon but may fall in value too.
How do I choose the best JISA provider?
The right JISA depends on how you want to invest and how much support you need. Compare account fees, investment choice and customer service. Boring Money's independent research rates providers using real customer reviews, including Vanguard (87% would recommend) and Hargreaves Lansdown (84% would recommend, 1,654 reviews).
COMPARE JUNIOR ISA PROVIDERS
Enter your email to see which Junior ISA provider suits your needs
