Account options
Stocks & Shares ISA
Make your savings work harder & invest money with our flexible Stocks & Shares ISA. Invest up to £20,000 this tax year to shelter your investment returns from income and capital gains tax.
Why it could be right for you
Benefits of a Stocks & Shares ISA
Generous annual allowance
You can put £20,000 in an ISA in the current tax year as a lump sum or regular payments.
Tax-efficient
You won’t pay capital gains tax on any profits you make on your investments. There’s also no tax on dividends from shares or the income earned on bonds.
Access your money any time
With a flexible investment ISA, you can add and withdraw your money through the year, providing you don’t go over your annual allowance.
Make your savings work harder
With savings rates so low you could see your money eroded by inflation. A Stocks & Shares ISA will give your money the chance to grow faster than inflation.
Stocks & Shares ISA is ideal for
Flexible cash withdrawals
You can access your money whenever you like. With our flexible ISA, you can withdraw money and replace it back again within the same tax year, without affecting your tax-free allowance.
Transferring your ISAs
Manage your ISA in one place. We make it easy for you to transfer or consolidate your existing ISAs into a Stocks & Shares ISA.
Investing in your future
If you’ve got financial goals that are some way off, like retirement or children’s education, investing for the long-term gives your money the chance to work harder and get better returns.
What is a Stocks & Shares ISA?
A Stocks & Shares ISA (Individual Savings Account) is a tax-efficient investment account you can use to hold your money and invest on the markets. Many people opt for an investment ISA to enjoy an income through the possible returns, which would be tax-free up to £20,000 per year.
Popular alternative to the Cash ISA
A Stocks & Shares ISA is a great way to shelter your returns from tax while enjoying the freedom to invest in markets and industries you care about. Investment ISAs also offer the possibility of a higher return than the interest you’d get from a Cash ISA. On the Direct Investment Service, you can choose to invest in:
- Shares
- Funds
- Investment trusts
- Corporate and government bonds
How would you like to manage your investments?
We have a wide range of investment services, offering you the flexibility to be as involved as much or as little as your like.
Direct Investment Service
I would like to manage my own investments
Invest in your future using our first-class investment platform and app. Securely manage your portfolio online, with no minimum investment level.
- You will have access to our platform and dealers to make your investment decisions.
- You can construct your investment portfolio from a wide range of investments, from stocks & shares, funds, ETFs and more.
- Our low platform fee is a maximum 0.35%, with savings available through our loyalty programme.
- No minimum investment.
Find out more
1 of 3
Bespoke Investment Service
I would like a professional to manage my investments for me
Entrust a dedicated expert to make investment decisions on your behalf.
- You’ll have direct contact with your investment manager, speaking directly to the person responsible for your portfolio.
- We’ll construct a portfolio based on your personal circumstances, investment objectives and risk appetite.
- We can accommodate your investment preferences, such as responsible and ESG investing; also allowing you to hold your cherished holdings.
- Minimum investment £200,000.
Find out more
2 of 3
Foundation Portfolio Service
I would like an expertly managed portfolio, in a cost-effective way
Straightforward way to access our investment expertise. We'll help you invest in one of our funds to suit your needs.
- Access our advice desk whenever you want to contact us by phone or email (please note that our advice is restricted).
- A range of five actively managed funds, and we’ll guide you to the one that most closely matches your investment objectives and risk appetite.
- Annual review to ensure we’re managing your money in the most suitable investment strategy.
- Minimum investment - £20,000.
Find out more
3 of 3
Latest Insights
Read our latest commentary, in-depth guidance and stories to stay informed on key financial matters. Sign up to receive regular email updates with our latest insights.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ISA allowance?
The allowance for the current tax year is £20,000.
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 our Direct Investment Service
- 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?
Yes. 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 both the cash and the 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 Bed & ISA?
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 amount charged by the market maker by the “spread” between the sale and repurchase price. 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, though you must only have one provider of each for contributions in a particular tax year ending on the 5th April. That means your annual tax-free allowance of £20,000 can be divided in any proportion you like between the two.
Request a call back
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 (Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Other account options
Choose from the range of accounts available via the Direct Investment Service, our online DIY investing platform you can use to build your investments. We can help you make the most of your tax allowances and ensure your money is available when you need it.
Account options
Junior Stocks & Shares ISA
Give your children a financial head start with our JISA. Shelter up to £9,000 per tax year.
Account options
Self-Invested Personal Pension
Create more opportunities for your retirement by saving more within a SIPP. Pay in up to £60,000 per tax year and get tax relief.
Account options
Investment Account
Start investing today with a wide range of funds and shares or transfer and consolidate any existing holdings.
Charles Stanley is not a tax adviser. Information contained within this page is based on our understanding of current HMRC legislation. Tax reliefs and allowances are those currently applying and the levels and bases of taxation can change. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each person or entity and may be subject to change in the future. If you are in any doubt, you should seek professional tax advice.