๐Ÿ”„ Transfer Guide ยท Updated March 2026

How to Transfer an ISA in the UK (Without Losing Your Tax Benefits)

You can transfer an ISA from one provider to another without losing its tax-free status โ€” but only if you use the formal ISA transfer process. If you withdraw the money yourself and re-deposit it elsewhere, that usually counts as a new subscription and can use up part of your annual ISA allowance. This guide shows you how to transfer safely, when it makes sense, and which platforms are worth considering.

ISA transfer rules and provider policies can change. Always verify the current process directly with your new provider before initiating a transfer.

On this page
Key facts When to transfer Best platforms for transfers Step-by-step Cash vs in-specie Timelines & fees Mistakes to avoid FAQs
โšก Key facts โ€” ISA transfers
  • Yes, you can transfer an ISA โ€” between providers and between ISA types, subject to provider support
  • Official ISA transfers do not count as new subscriptions โ€” so your money keeps its tax-free wrapper when moved correctly
  • Always use the new provider's transfer process โ€” never withdraw and re-deposit manually
  • Cash or in-specie โ€” you can transfer as cash (investments sold first) or in-specie (holdings moved directly), depending on provider support
  • Partial transfers may be possible โ€” including for current tax year subscriptions, but not all providers support them
โ›” Critical rule: never take the money out of your ISA yourself and then pay it into a new one. That usually breaks the transfer treatment and can turn the money into a fresh subscription against your current year's ISA allowance. Always use the receiving provider's official transfer process.

When Does an ISA Transfer Make Sense?

Transferring an ISA is not always worth the hassle, but it can be a smart move in the right situation.

  • Your current platform's fees are too high โ€” switching from a 0.35% platform to a lower-cost provider on a ยฃ50,000 ISA can save meaningful money every year
  • Your current platform no longer fits your portfolio โ€” you may have started with a simple platform but now want funds, investment trusts, bonds, or a SIPP alongside your ISA
  • You want to consolidate multiple ISAs โ€” bringing older ISAs together can make your portfolio easier to manage
  • Your portfolio has grown โ€” at higher balances, flat-fee platforms can become more competitive than percentage-fee providers
  • You want a better user experience โ€” if your platform is clunky or frustrating, you're less likely to stay on top of your investing
โš ๏ธ Check exit fees before transferring. Some platforms charge a fee per holding when transferring out. A portfolio with several positions can become expensive to move, so compare the one-off transfer cost against the annual fee saving.

Best Platforms for ISA Transfers

Not all providers support transfers in the same way. Some accept cash transfers only for certain accounts, while others also support in-specie transfers for eligible holdings.

PlatformAccepts transfers in?Cash / in-speciePlatform feeBest for
Trading 212YesCash and in-specie0%Low-cost stock and ETF transfers
InvestEngineYesCash and in-specie (supported holdings)0%ETF-focused transfers at low cost
Interactive InvestorYesCash and in-specieยฃ11.99/monthLarger portfolios, broad investment range
AJ BellYesCash and in-specie0.25%/yearFund and trust portfolios, broader choice
Hargreaves LansdownYesCash and in-specie0.35%/yearFull-service transfers and wider support

Transfer policies vary by account type and provider. Always check the receiving platform's current transfer support before applying.

Compare All ISA Platforms โ†’ See Cheapest ISA Platforms โ†’

How to Transfer an ISA โ€” Step by Step

The new provider handles the transfer. Your job is to choose the right platform, complete the form correctly, and avoid doing anything manually with the money.

1

Choose your new platform

Check the fee structure, whether it accepts transfers in, and whether it supports your current holdings if you want an in-specie transfer. See our ISA platform comparison.

2

Open your new ISA account

You need an active account with the receiving provider before the transfer can begin. If you have not opened it yet, use our step-by-step ISA opening guide.

3

Complete the transfer request with the new provider

Give your existing ISA provider details, account reference, and specify whether you want a cash or in-specie transfer if both are available.

4

The new provider contacts your old provider

The receiving platform manages the process directly. In most cases you should not need to close anything manually.

5

Wait for the transfer to complete

Cash transfers are usually faster than in-specie transfers. Timings vary by provider and the assets being moved.

6

Check everything has landed correctly

Confirm the cash balance or holdings match what you expected. If anything looks wrong, raise it with the new provider immediately.

Cash Transfer vs In-Specie Transfer

These are the two main ways an ISA can move between providers.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cash transfer

  • Your investments are sold at the current provider
  • Cash is moved to the new platform
  • You reinvest once the money arrives
  • Usually simpler and more widely supported
  • You may be out of the market during the transfer

๐Ÿ“ฆ In-specie transfer

  • Your investments move across without being sold
  • You stay invested during the transfer
  • Usually better for larger portfolios
  • Only works if the new platform supports the same holdings
  • Often takes longer than a cash transfer
๐Ÿ’ก For many simple ETF or stock portfolios, a cash transfer is the easier route. In-specie matters more when the portfolio is larger, you want to avoid being out of the market, or you hold assets you do not want to sell.

Transfer Timelines and Fees

Transfer typeTypical timelineMarket exposure gapNotes
Cash transferUsually around 2โ€“4 weeksYes โ€” while cash is in transitMost common and usually simplest
In-specie transferOften longer than cash transferNoDepends on the assets and both providers' systems
Cash ISA โ†’ Stocks & Shares ISAOften around 2โ€“4 weeksYes โ€” until you invest the cashAlways moves as cash by nature

Fees to check before you move

  • Transfer-out or exit fees โ€” some platforms charge per holding or per line of stock/fund
  • Any dealing charges on sale โ€” relevant if the current platform sells investments as part of a cash transfer
  • Ongoing platform fee savings โ€” compare the one-off cost to move against the annual saving you expect after switching

Common ISA Transfer Mistakes

  • Withdrawing and re-depositing manually โ€” this is the biggest mistake and can turn the money into a fresh ISA subscription
  • Ignoring exit fees โ€” a transfer is less attractive if the fee saving takes years to recover the one-off cost
  • Assuming every provider supports in-specie โ€” support varies by platform and by holding
  • Not checking whether the new platform offers your investments โ€” if it does not, you may be forced into a cash transfer
  • Assuming all partial transfers are allowed โ€” the rules are broader now, but providers may still impose their own limitations
  • Failing to follow up on delays โ€” if the transfer drags on well past the provider's stated timeline, chase it
Compare ISA Platforms โ†’ How to Open an ISA โ†’

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not when it is done through the formal ISA transfer process. The ISA wrapper is preserved when money or investments are moved correctly between providers. The problem only comes when you take the money out yourself and then try to pay it back into a new ISA.
Cash transfers often complete in around two to four weeks, while in-specie transfers can take longer. Exact timelines depend on both providers and the assets being moved.
Often yes, including for previous tax year money and in some cases current tax year subscriptions too. But provider support varies, so you need to check what the receiving platform will accept.
Yes. This is a common type of ISA transfer. The money keeps its tax-free wrapper when the transfer is handled properly through the new provider, but once it lands in a Stocks & Shares ISA it becomes subject to investment risk when you invest it.
Only if you are doing a cash transfer. With an in-specie transfer, eligible holdings move directly without being sold. Whether that is possible depends on both providers and the investments you hold.
That depends on your portfolio. For low-cost ETF or stock transfers, Trading 212 and InvestEngine are strong options. For broader portfolios and wider in-specie support, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell are often better fits. See our full ISA platform comparison.

๐Ÿ“š Related Guides & Comparisons

๐Ÿ“Š Best ISA Platforms UK ๐Ÿ’ฐ Cheapest ISA Platforms UK ๐Ÿš€ How to Open an ISA ๐Ÿ’ท Platform Fees Explained ๐Ÿ“‹ Trading 212 Review ๐Ÿ“‹ Interactive Investor Review ๐Ÿ“‹ AJ Bell Review ๐ŸŒฑ Best ISA for Beginners
Risk Warning & Disclaimer: ISA transfer rules and provider processes can change. Always verify the current process directly with your new provider before initiating a transfer. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investments can go up as well as down. InvestCompareUK may receive affiliate commission via links on this page. Always do your own research before switching providers.