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How do ISA transfer and switches work?

You can move ISAs to different providers without losing your tax-free benefits. But what are the rules for transferring different types of ISAs?

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use the official ISA transfer process to keep your tax-free benefits. So you can understand how long a transfer takes, ISA transfer rules and mistakes to avoid, to help you move your money easily.

Last updated: 7/10/2026

Reasons why you might do an ISA transfer

Most people don’t tend to stay with the same ISA provider, especially if they opened the account years ago. For one thing, older ISAs may not offer the best interest rate in the current market.

It’s very common for people to change their provider every so often. Here are some of the reasons you might want to move yours.

  • Interest rates: Chasing better interest rates for your cash ISA can help your savings grow faster. The interest rates can vary between different providers so shopping around will make your savings work harder. Don’t leave your ISA account sitting on a poor rate
  • Cutting fees: Stocks and shares ISAs can have platform fees. Finding a cheaper provider may save you more money than you think over time
  • Consolidating accounts: If you’ve opened ISAs in different tax years, it can be easier to manage and track them by bringing them together in the same place with one provider
  • Changing ISA type: Perhaps your saving priorities have changed, so you need to find an ISA that aligns with your new goals. You might want to move from a cash ISA to a stocks and shares ISA for long-term growth, or vice versa for security
  • Access to features: Some providers offer flexible ISAs where you can withdraw cash when you need, have easier apps to use, or wider investment choices to get the best out of your money

In this guide

What is an ISA transfer?

An ISA transfer is the decision to move your savings or investment from your current ISA account into a new ISA account. This can be done between different types of ISA accounts or moving money between the same type of ISA but by doing it with a new provider. 

It’s also worth noting that doing ISA transfers doesn’t count towards your annual ISA allowance of £20,000.

The government has announced planned ISA changes from April 2027, including a lower cash ISA allowance for most savers. It’s also proposed new limits on moving money from other types of ISA into cash ISAs. The changes still need to be put in place and may change, so check GOV.UK before making any decisions.

How the ISA transfer process works?

Transferring your existing ISA from the current tax year to a new provider can be a simple process, but it’s important you follow ISA transfer rules to protect your tax benefits. All banks and providers will have different rules, depending on what type of ISA you want to transfer. So, remember to get the information you need so you can follow the new provider's transfer system to avoid any tax complications.

Here’s what you should do when transferring an existing ISA.

  • Compare ISA deals to find the best options for your current needs
  • Check if any charges might apply for the transfer
  • Choose your new provider and type of ISA you want to switch
  • Contact the new provider you’re transferring to and request an ISA transfer form to fill out to move your account
  • Wait for the transfer to move over, times vary for different types of ISAs
  • Check the transfer is complete by confirming the right balance and make sure any interest or dividends has been transferred correctly up until the transfer date

It's very important you don’t move the funds yourself when you’re doing the transfer between your ISAs. Your new ISA provider will move the money over for you to protect your tax-free benefits.

Read more: How many ISAs can I have?

How long does an ISA transfer take?

The time of an ISA transfer will vary depending on the account type.

  • Cash ISAs: Transferring one cash ISA to another cash ISA can typically take up to 15 working days
  • Other types of ISAs: You should allow up to 30 working days for transferring between cash ISAs and stocks and shares or other ISAs 

If your transfer takes longer, you should contact your new provider for an update. If you’re unhappy with their response, raise a complaint. If you’re struggling to get it resolved, the next step is to contact the free Financial Ombudsman Service to escalate the matter.

Penalties and costs of not following ISA transfer process

If you don’t follow the rules around the ISA transfer process, you may have to pay some fees or charges. It differs for each type of ISA account

  • Cash ISA: Transferring your cash ISA to another provider is usually free, unless you have a fixed-term ISA which may charge a transfer penalty fee for an early exit
  • Stocks and shares ISA: Some stocks and shares ISA platforms apply transfer fees for each ISA fund your transfer. Remember to check your platform first for any possible fees. If charges do apply, you might be able to mitigate them by consolidating the number of investments funds you have ahead of the transfer process
  • Lifetime ISA: You can transfer to another Lifetime ISA without paying fees. But if you transfer to another ISA that isn’t a Lifetime ISA under the age of 60 years old, you’ll have to pay a tax charge of 25% on the amount transferred
  • Innovative finance ISA: You can transfer cash from an innovative finance ISA to another ISA, but you might be limited to how much of the other investments you will be allowed to transfer from it. Some providers may charge an exit fee, while your new provider may charge you nothing, so always research first
  • Junior ISA: The parent or legal guardian can transfer a Junior ISA into either a new cash ISA or stocks and shares ISA without a fee. But rules can vary by provider, so it’s best to check with your existing and new provider first

ISA transfer checklist

If you’re thinking about moving one of your ISA accounts to another provider, follow this checklist to make the transfer process easy and to avoid making mistakes

  • Decide on what ISA account type you want to move
  • Research any early exit fees, withdrawal penalties and rules around full and partial transfers
  • Contact your existing and new provider about your ISA transfer request
  • Never withdraw the funds yourself when doing the transfer
  • Decide on whether you want to transfer the full amount or a certain figure
  • Complete an ISA transfer form carefully so all required information is added
  • Track the timeline of your transfer: no more than 15 working days for cash ISAs and 30 calendar days for others
  • Check balances and statements after transfer completion

Key takeaways

  • Moving ISAs can help you find better interest rates, lower platform fees, make your ISAs easier to manage and help you work towards new financial goals
  • Making ISA transfers doesn’t affect your annual ISA allowance of £20,000. You can also transfer ISAs from previous years but always check with your existing and new provider for rules.
  • Transferring a cash ISA to another cash ISA can take up to 15 working days. All other types of ISA transfers can take up to 30 working days
  • Always check for penalties and rules when transferring ISAs to different ISA types and providers. Remember to never withdraw the money yourself when transferring. Contact your provider and fill out the relevant transfer form to keep your tax benefits

You can read more about moving ISAs on the GOV.UK site or visit Money Helper

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Common questions

  • Yes you can move ISAs at any time during the year. But fixed-term ISAs may charge penalty fees if you transfer earlier, so always best to check with your provider.

  • No transfers don’t affect your annual ISA allowance of £20,000. You can transfer ISA savings from previous tax years and it won’t count towards how much you can pay in this tax year.

    Keep in mind, the government has announced planned ISA changes from April 2027, including a lower cash ISA allowance for most savers. These may reduce the amount most savers can transfer into cash ISAs from other ISA types. These changes have yet to be put in place so may change. For details on these and other proposed changes check GOV.UK.

  • Yes partial transfers of both current and past years’ ISA contributions are allowed but always check if your new provider supports them along with their rules around ISA transfers. Some providers may only allow you to transfer all your funds in your current ISA to a new one.

  • Never close your current ISA account without contacting your current provider and transfer the money yourself to your new provider, as you will lose your tax-free benefits. It’s important to follow the new providers transfer system by filling out a transfer form along with their instructions.

  • Read more FAQs

  • Cash ISAs rarely charge for transfers, some fixed-term cash ISAs can charge a fee for leaving early. Some stocks and shares ISAs apply transfer fees. You can transfer a Lifetime ISA to another Lifetime ISA but if you transfer to another ISA that isn’t a Lifetime ISA under the age of 60 years old, you’ll have to pay a tax charge of 25% on the amount transferred.

  • It can take up to 15 working days when transferring a cash ISA to another cash ISA. For all other types of ISA transfers, it can take up to 30 working days.

  • If your transfer goes over the standard 15- or 30-day working window, contact your new provider for an update. If you’re not happy with this, raise a complaint. The next step is to escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service, a free service.

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