How Many Junior ISAs Can a Child Have?

Junior Individual Savings Accounts (JISAs) are a UK-specific savings and investment vehicle for children. They offer a tax-efficient way to save, allowing contributions to grow free from UK income tax and capital gains tax.

The Core Rule for Junior ISAs

A child can hold two distinct types of Junior ISAs: one Cash Junior ISA and one Stocks & Shares Junior ISA. A child cannot possess multiple Cash JISAs or multiple Stocks & Shares JISAs simultaneously, regardless of the financial institution.

While the account is established in the child’s name, it is managed by a registered contact, typically a parent or legal guardian, until the child turns 16. The funds within a JISA legally belong to the child, but they remain inaccessible until the child reaches their 18th birthday. This restriction ensures the savings are preserved for the child’s long-term benefit, with exceptions only for terminal illness or death.

Types of Junior ISAs and Annual Contribution Limits

Junior ISAs come in two primary forms, each serving a different savings objective. A Cash Junior ISA functions much like a standard savings account, where money held earns interest, and this interest is entirely free from UK income tax. Conversely, a Stocks & Shares Junior ISA allows for investments in a range of assets, such as funds, equities, and bonds, with any capital gains or dividends earned being exempt from UK tax.

Contributions can be made to either or both JISA types within a single tax year, subject to an overall annual limit. For the 2025 to 2026 tax year, the maximum combined contribution across a child’s Cash and Stocks & Shares JISA is £9,000. Anyone, including grandparents or friends, can contribute, provided the total stays within this threshold. Excess funds are typically held in a separate trust account for the child and cannot be returned to the donor.

Managing and Transferring Junior ISAs

Once established, contributions can be made through various methods, such as lump sum payments or regular standing orders. The registered contact oversees these contributions and manages the account until the child reaches 16. When the child turns 18, their Junior ISA automatically converts into an adult ISA, providing continued tax benefits.

The process of transferring a Junior ISA is straightforward. You can transfer a JISA of the same type from one provider to another, or move funds between the two JISA types for the same child. Transfers involving current year subscriptions or movements between the same type of JISA must be for the full amount. Initiating a transfer typically involves contacting the new provider, who will manage the process to ensure the tax-efficient status of the funds is maintained.