Best junior ISAs

A Junior ISA (Individual Savings Account) is a tax-efficient way to save for your child's future. There are two main types of Junior ISA, or JISA. A Cash JISA is similar to a standard savings account, providing competitive interest rates, while a Stocks and Shares JISA invests contributions in a range of assets to try and maximise potential returns.

Like a regular children's savings account, money can be added to a Junior ISA, up to a maximum of £9,000 each year. Funds can't be accessed until the child turns 18, at which point, the account will mature into a standard ISA.

Only a parent or guardian can open a Junior ISA on behalf of children under 16, but once it's open, anyone can contribute. Children aged 16-17 can open their own ISA but can't access it until they turn 18.

Your child can have two Junior ISAs registered in their name: one Stocks and Shares Junior ISA and one Cash Junior ISA.

A Junior ISA is a good way to save for your child's future. As they can't access the money until they turn 18, except in special circumstances, there's no temptation to withdraw money early. The money in an ISA legally belongs to your child, providing a financial boost for their transition into adulthood, whether they want to continue their education, travel abroad or keep growing their savings.

The best junior stocks and shares ISA is one with low fees, a good range of investment options and a platform that’s easy to use for parents managing the account. For long-term savings, which is what a Junior ISA is designed for, investment costs compound significantly over time, so keeping platform and fund fees low matters more than with shorter-term savings. Our rankings above show which providers our customers rate most highly.

Yes, you can transfer a Junior ISA to a new provider without it counting against the annual £9,000 JISA allowance. You can transfer a cash JISA to another cash JISA, a stocks and shares JISA to another stocks and shares JISA, or switch between types. The transfer is initiated through the new provider and typically takes a few weeks. Always check for exit fees with your existing provider first.

When a child turns 18, the Junior ISA automatically matures into a standard adult ISA in their name. From that point, they have full control over the account and can withdraw the money, keep it invested, or transfer it to a different ISA provider. They can also start contributing up to the adult annual ISA allowance (£20,000 in 2025/26).