Account options
Open a Stocks & Shares ISA online today
Invest up to £20,000 tax-free each year in a flexible ISA and take control of your financial future in minutes.
Why choose a Charles Stanley Direct ISA?
Invest up to £20,000 tax-free each year
A Stocks & Shares ISA is one of the most tax-efficient ways to grow your wealth. You can contribute up to £20,000 per tax year, with all growth and income free from UK tax, helping you maximise your ISA investment.
Open online in minutes and start your ISA journey today
Easy transfers, plus up to £1,500 bonus for our online service
Invest up to £20,000 tax-free each year
Flexible access lets you add or withdraw anytime
Invest online in over 12,500 shares and funds
Professionally managed options from Charles Stanley
Trusted UK provider with award-winning expertise
Low cost fees
Transfer an ISA
Transfer your ISA easily and earn a £1,500 bonus
Already have a Cash or Stocks & Shares ISA elsewhere?
Quick and simple process
Already have a Stocks & Shares ISA or Cash ISA for savings elsewhere? Transfer your account to Charles Stanley Direct, our online investing service, quickly and simply, and enjoy a potential £1,500 transfer bonus. Our dedicated team manages the process for you, making it straightforward and stress-free.
Alternative to a Cash ISA
Why Choose a Stocks & Shares ISA Over Cash?
Finding whats right for you
A Stocks & Shares ISA could give you the potential for higher returns than Cash ISAs while keeping all your gains tax-free.
Before you start you can speak to our Financial Coaching team who can help you gain insights and understanding of your financial situation so you can move forwards with confidence.
Book your free 15-minute session
Get a better understanding of your current situation and the options available to you, take advantage of a free consultation with a financial expert.
0207 739 8200
Frequently asked questions
What are the Charles Stanley Direct platform fees?
Whether you choose to invest in UK and international shares or in funds, we aim to provide value for money. Our competitive annual platform charge of 0.3% is capped across all your accounts at £600 a year, so you can run any size and combination of ISA, SIPP and Investment Account for just £50 a month – including some share and fund trades – potentially saving you money. Please note minimum charges also apply, full details here.
What is the ISA allowance?
The allowance for the current tax year is £20,000.
What is an ETF?
An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of collective investment which pools money from different investors to invest in certain assets like shares or bonds. They are listed on the stock market and can be traded in ‘real time’ during market hours.
How do I open an ISA account?
First you need to choose your service level, deciding how much involvement you would like in you investment choices.
- Would you like to manage your own investments? Get started today with Charles Stanley Direct
- Would you like an investment professional to provide you advice or manage your investments on your behalf? Request a call back to discuss what you are looking for, so we can find the most suitable service for you.
How do I transfer my existing ISA?
Once you have set up your ISA account, choosing the service most suitable for you, you can complete the transfer forms and we will contact your existing ISA provider to arrange a transfer of your assets.
Please note, the transfer turnaround time will depend upon the assets held with your existing provider. Once the cash and any investments have been received we will notify you.
Can I withdraw money from my ISA?
We offer flexible ISAs, so you can replace any cash withdrawals during the same tax year without counting towards your annual ISA allowance.
What is a Bed & ISA?
A Bed & ISA is a way to transfer shares held outside of an ISA into your ISA as a subscription. The shares are simultaneously sold from your Investment Account and repurchased in your ISA account through the same market maker to protect you against any price movements and to control the “spread” between the sale and repurchase prices. On the settlement date, we will record the sale proceeds as your subscription to your ISA. Furthermore, because Bed & ISA includes a sale, you might also need to pay capital gains tax.
Can I have a Cash ISA and a Stocks & Shares ISA?
Yes, you can have both a Cash ISA and a Stocks & Shares ISA. Your annual tax-free allowance of £20,000 can be divided in any proportion you like between the two for the 2026/27 tax year.