How to transfer an ISATransferring an ISA to a new provider is straightforward but must be done through the official transfer process — not by withdrawing your money and redepositing it elsewhere. If you withdraw and re-deposit, you lose the tax-free status on the withdrawn amount against your annual ISA allowance. The transfer process preserves your tax-free savings. Never withdraw money from an ISA to move it — always use your new provider's ISA transfer form or online transfer process to preserve your tax-free wrapper. Can you transfer an ISA to a different provider?Yes. You have a legal right to transfer your ISA to any provider that accepts ISA transfers. You can transfer a Cash ISA to another Cash ISA, a Cash ISA to a Stocks and Shares ISA, or vice versa. Transfers of current-year contributions must be transferred in full; previous years' contributions can be transferred in full or part. Step-by-step: how to transfer an ISA
How long does an ISA transfer take?
Can you transfer a current-year ISA?Yes, but current-year contributions must be transferred in full — you cannot split the current tax year's ISA between two providers. Previous years' ISA savings can be transferred in full or in part. Will an ISA transfer affect my annual allowance?No. An ISA transfer does not count towards your annual ISA allowance (£20,000 for 2025/26). Only new contributions count against your allowance. You can transfer existing ISA savings of any amount — even if it exceeds £20,000 — without it affecting your allowance. Is there a fee for transferring an ISA?Some providers, particularly Stocks and Shares ISA providers, charge exit fees when you transfer away. Common charges include a per-holding fee (e.g. £25 per fund) or a flat transfer-out fee. Check your current provider's terms before initiating a transfer. Your new provider may offer a transfer incentive or cashback to cover exit fees. Verdict Transfer, don't withdraw Always use the official ISA transfer process — never withdraw and redeposit. The process takes up to 15–30 working days and preserves all your tax-free savings, including amounts over the annual allowance. Frequently asked questionsCan I transfer a Lifetime ISA? Yes, but Lifetime ISAs can only be transferred to another Lifetime ISA provider. You cannot transfer a Lifetime ISA to a standard Cash ISA or Stocks and Shares ISA without triggering a 25% government withdrawal penalty on the full amount. Can I transfer an ISA while it's in a fixed-rate term? Usually not without penalty. Fixed-rate Cash ISAs typically prevent transfers until maturity unless you accept early closure charges (usually loss of some interest). Check your terms before requesting a transfer. What happens to my ISA if my provider goes bust? Cash ISA savings are protected up to £85,000 per institution under the FSCS. Stocks and Shares ISAs are also covered up to £85,000 by the FSCS. Your investments themselves are ring-fenced from the firm's assets, providing further protection. Can I transfer a Help to Buy ISA? Help to Buy ISAs closed to new applicants in 2019. Existing Help to Buy ISA holders can transfer to another Help to Buy ISA provider (if one will accept), or can close the account and re-open a Lifetime ISA — but any government bonus is not transferred and must be claimed separately. |
How to Transfer an ISA: Step-by-Step UK Guide 2026
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