Updated for 2025/26 tax year
Best ISAs in the UK — Compare Your Options
An ISA lets you save or invest up to £20,000 per year completely tax-free. No tax on interest, no tax on gains, no tax on dividends. Here is how to choose the right one for your situation.
Your ISA allowance for 2025/26: £20,000 total across all ISAs. Use it or lose it — the allowance resets every April.
Types of ISA
Cash ISA
Like a savings account but tax-free. Best for short-term savings or emergency funds. Current top rates are around 4-5% AER.
Best for: Money you need access to within 1-3 years
Stocks & Shares ISA
Invest in funds, shares, and bonds tax-free. Higher potential returns over the long term, but your capital is at risk.
Best for: Money you can leave invested for 5+ years
Lifetime ISA (LISA)
Save up to £4,000/year and the government adds 25% (up to £1,000 free per year). Must be used for your first home or retirement.
Best for: First-time buyers saving for a deposit
How to Choose
- Need the money within 1-3 years? Cash ISA. Guaranteed returns, no risk.
- Saving for a first home? Lifetime ISA. The 25% government bonus is unbeatable.
- Building long-term wealth? Stocks & Shares ISA. Historically returns 7-10% annually over long periods.
- Not sure? You can split your £20,000 allowance across multiple ISA types.
What to Look For in an ISA Provider
- Fees: Platform fees, fund fees, and trading fees all eat into returns. Look for providers charging under 0.5% total.
- Fund selection: A good global index fund is all most people need. Avoid overcomplicating it.
- Ease of use: A clean app with automatic investing features saves time and removes emotion from decisions.
- FCA regulated: Your provider must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and covered by FSCS protection (up to £85,000).
Popular ISA Providers
We are working on detailed provider comparisons. Check back soon.
Stocks & Shares ISA
Comparison coming soon
Cash ISA
Comparison coming soon
Lifetime ISA
Comparison coming soon
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one ISA?
Yes. Since 2024, you can pay into multiple ISAs of the same type in the same tax year, as long as your total stays within £20,000.
What happens to my ISA when the tax year changes?
Your existing ISA balance stays tax-free forever. Your allowance resets to £20,000 on 6 April each year.
Is my ISA protected if the provider goes bust?
If your provider is FCA regulated, your cash is protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS. Investments are also protected up to £85,000.
How much could you invest?
Calculate your take-home pay and see exactly how much you can put into an ISA each month.
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