United Kingdom Junior ISA 2026-27
A Junior ISA is a tax-free savings account for children under 18. The annual subscription limit is £9,000 for the 2026-27 tax year, and the account converts to an adult ISA when the child turns 18.
- Annual subscription limit
- £9,000 for the 2026-27 tax year.
- Account holder
- Under 18 and living in the UK.
- Account types
- Cash Junior ISA and stocks and shares Junior ISA; a child can hold one of each.
- Account maturity
- Converts to an adult ISA when the child turns 18.
The annual subscription limit
GOV.UK states that the Junior ISA savings limit is £9,000 for the 2026-27 tax year. GOV.UK, Junior ISAs (opens in a new tab).
Who can open an account
GOV.UK states that a child must be under 18 and living in the UK to get a Junior ISA. A child living outside the UK can qualify only if a parent is a Crown servant and the child depends on them for care. A Junior ISA cannot be held at the same time as a Child Trust Fund. GOV.UK, Junior ISAs (opens in a new tab).
A parent or guardian with parental responsibility can open and manage the account, but the money belongs to the child. GOV.UK, Junior ISAs (opens in a new tab).
Account types and maturity
There are two types of Junior ISA: a cash Junior ISA where interest is not taxed, and a stocks and shares Junior ISA where capital growth and dividends are not taxed. A child can hold one of each type at the same time. GOV.UK, Junior ISAs (opens in a new tab).
The child can take control of the account at 16 but cannot withdraw the money until they turn 18. GOV.UK, Junior ISAs (opens in a new tab).
A Junior ISA automatically turns into an adult ISA when the child turns 18. GOV.UK, Junior ISAs: manage an account (opens in a new tab).
Scope
This is general information adapted from government material under the Open Government Licence v3.0, without endorsement or a recommendation. It does not assess individual entitlement or liability. No matching calculator or worked example is available here.