What happens to a Junior ISA at 18?

When a child turns age 18, we’ll convert their Junior ISA to a Stocks and shares ISA in their own name. As the account holder, they’ll then be responsible for managing the ISA, including how and when to withdraw cash if they want to.

If you’re the registered contact of a Junior ISA, we’ll contact you at the start of the process and set out what’s required.

What happens when a Junior ISA matures?

Here's how the transfer of control – from you to them – happens.

  • Around a month before the child turns 18, we’ll write to you to confirm that the Junior ISA will soon mature. We’ll also give you information you’ll both need to help you prepare.
  • Just before the child turns 18, we’ll send them a letter and a form to register the ISA in their own name.
  • They’ll then need to complete and return the ISA form to us on or after their 18th birthday, along with two forms of identification.
  • Once the process is complete, we'll send them instruction to access the ISA and useful information to help them manage it.

As someone who's just turned 18, the new ISA account holder will be very new to investing. To help them on their way, we'll give them links to our helpful online resources. Plus they’ll have the option to access their new ISA and help them manage it.

Can parents withdraw money from a Junior ISA?

No, it’s not usually possible for anyone to withdraw money from a Junior ISA. The only exceptions are if the child becomes terminally ill, or passes away before age 18.

Once a Junior ISA has converted to a Stocks and shares ISA, the child who’s turned 18 can withdraw money from their ISA under normal ISA rules.

Important information: ISA rules apply. Remember that the value of investments can change, and you could lose money as well as make it. We don't offer advice, so it's important you understand the risks. If you're not sure, please speak to a financial adviser. These articles are for information purposes only and are not a personal recommendation or advice.

A guide to investing for children

You can give your child a head start in life with a Junior ISA or SIPP.

Open a Junior ISA

Give your little one a big boost with our Junior individual savings account.


Related content

Investing in the FTSE 100
- Fri, 23/02/2024 - 17:03

Additional permitted subscription (APS)
- Fri, 23/02/2024 - 15:28

What happens to my ISA when I die?
- Fri, 23/02/2024 - 11:59

Bed and ISA
- Mon, 05/02/2024 - 14:54

Contributing to your pension
- Fri, 26/01/2024 - 16:36