Best Junior ISAs for 2026

Written by Elizabeth Anderson
Lead Writer for the UK

Edited by Hannah Smith
Staff Editor

Fact-checked by Joey Shadeck
Research Analyst

February 25, 2026

Fact Checked

Elizabeth Anderson
Lead Writer for the UK

Elizabeth Anderson is the lead writer and researcher for U.K. content on StockBrokers.com. She has been a financial journalist for more than a decade and has written for major publications including BBC, The Times, and Bloomberg.

See full bio

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Led by Elizabeth Anderson, Lead Writer and Researcher, the StockBrokers.com research team for the U.K. collects data and tests products on an ongoing basis. We review the tools and features most important to U.K. investors – including beginners, casual investors, passive investors, and active traders.

We collect and track data on trading charges, fees, and interest rates to make it easier to understand the cost of investing in the U.K. We analyze a wide range of savings and investment offerings, like ISAs, SIPPs, investment portfolios, pensions, and active trading accounts. We hand-collect and audit data across more than 50 variables in our coverage of the best U.K. investment platforms.

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A Junior ISA is a tax-efficient way to invest for your child’s future. You open the account in their name, and any growth is free from U.K. income tax and capital gains tax. Your child takes control of the account at age 18 and can either withdraw the money or keep it invested.

There are two types of Junior ISA: cash and stocks and shares. Cash Junior ISAs offer security and fixed interest, while stocks and shares Junior ISAs invest in the market and aim for higher long-term growth. Investing carries risk, but over longer periods, such as 10 years or more, it has historically offered stronger potential to outpace inflation.

Most Junior ISAs are offered by online investment platforms and specialist providers rather than traditional high street savings accounts. In this guide, I’ve selected the best Junior ISA providers based on costs, ease of use, and the range of investments available.

Best Junior ISAs

The providers below offer different approaches to Junior ISAs, from simple ready-made portfolios to fully flexible investment options. Some are designed for hands-off investing, while others give you more control over what you invest in. Here’s an overview of the best Junior ISA platforms available in the U.K.

Overall Score

4.5/5

Best Junior ISA

Minimum Deposit: £100
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £11.95
ISA: Yes
SIPP: Yes

Why we like it

Review

Hargreaves Lansdown is a leading U.K. investment platform best known for its extensive range of investments, wide selection of account types, and strong support for long-term investors. Read full review

Pros

Offers a wide range of accounts.
Lifetime ISAs, Junior ISAs, and Junior SIPPs are available.
Low or no annual service fee if you hold shares or ETFs.

Cons

Stock trading fees are high at £11.95 per trade.
The mobile app is basic.
Service fees are expensive if you hold a high amount in funds.

Overall Score

4.0/5

Best for beginners

Minimum Deposit: £500
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: N/A
ISA: Yes
SIPP: Yes

Why we like it

Review

Vanguard U.K. Investor is a long-term investing platform best known for its low-cost index funds and ETFs, simple account structure, and focus on passive investing. Read full review

Pros

Excellent value for portfolios above £32,000.
Great for low-cost, diversified investing.
Ideal for beginners seeking simple, long-term options.

Cons

Limited to Vanguard funds and ETFs only.
Website experience could be improved.
£4 monthly fee is steep for small portfolios.
Other platforms may be cheaper for larger portfolios.

Overall Score

4.5/5

Best for ready-made portfolios

Minimum Deposit: £250
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £5
ISA: Yes
SIPP: Yes

Why we like it

Review

You can invest in an extensive range of investments through AJ Bell. Charges are on the high side for those with large portfolios in mutual funds and those looking to execute one-off share deals; but the Dodl app offers much lower fees and also offers a more slim-lined and user-friendly service. Educational and research materials are strong, too. Read full review

Pros

Great range of accounts and investment choices.
Great customer service - easy to contact on the phone.
Dodl app offers a simpler account and fee structure.

Cons

On the more expensive side if you have larger fund portfolios.
Chart tools are basic for more sophisticated traders.
No fractional share dealing.

Overall Score

4.5/5

Best for flat-fee family investing

Minimum Deposit: £1
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £3.99
ISA: Yes
SIPP: Yes

Why we like it

Review

Interactive Investor is a great platform for any investor, offering a wide range of investments for cheap prices on the whole. Read full review

Pros

Flat-fee pricing is cost-effective for larger portfolios.
Low fees for ISAs, SIPPs, and general accounts.
New managed ISA offers ready-made, diversified portfolios.
Research and education materials are excellent.

Cons

Charges £3.99 for mutual fund trades.
Can be pricey for small portfolios under £15,000.

Overall Score

4.5/5

Best for global investment choice

Minimum Deposit: £0
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £3
ISA: Yes
SIPP: Yes

Why we like it

Review

Interactive Brokers is a sophisticated trading platform aimed at confident and institutional-grade investors. For newer investors, Interactive Brokers is more intimidating, though it's worth exploring the platform to see if you could save money or access more investments compared to other brokers. Read full review

Pros

Trade stocks with low commissions and no minimum deposit.
Offers shares, ETFs, funds, trusts, bonds, and 14,000 no-fee funds.
Fractional shares available; ideal for beginners.
Mobile app and tools suit active traders.

Cons

Complex platform may overwhelm new investors.
U.S.-focused education, less tailored for U.K. clients.
Platform charges and fees can be confusing.

Your capital is at risk.

1. Hargreaves Lansdown - Best Junior ISA

Company	Overall Rating	Minimum Deposit	Junior ISA	Junior SIPP
Hargreaves Lansdown		£100	Yes	Yes

Hargreaves Lansdown is my top pick for a Junior stocks and shares ISA. It combines low fees, a huge range of investment options, and a solid reputation for customer service.

No platform or dealing fees on Junior ISAs. One of its biggest advantages is cost. Hargreaves Lansdown doesn't charge platform fees or trading fees within its Junior ISA, whether you’re buying funds, shares, or ETFs. You’ll still pay standard costs like underlying fund charges, 0.5% stamp duty on U.K. shares, and FX fees on overseas investments, but there are no additional account-level charges, which is rare among major brokers.

Extensive investment choice and research. You can access thousands of funds, shares, ETFs, bonds, and ready-made portfolios. The Wealth Shortlist and in-house research help narrow down options, which is useful if you’re unsure where to begin. While the platform can initially feel information-heavy, it offers strong educational support and reliable customer service.

Hargreaves Lansdown mobile app investment discovery

The Hargreaves Lansdown mobile app is easy to use but not as extensive as other brokers such as IG, Trading 212, Saxo or IBKR.

Elizabeth's take:

"The combination of no platform charges, no dealing fees, and access to thousands of investments makes it one of the most cost-effective and flexible options available for families investing for the long term."

Elizabeth Anderson

Flexible contributions with long-term support. You can start from £25 per month or £100 as a lump sum, making it easy to build contributions gradually. Transfers from existing Junior ISAs or Child Trust Funds are supported. For parents who want flexibility, depth, and the backing of an established provider, Hargreaves Lansdown sets the benchmark.

2. Vanguard - Best for beginners

Company	Overall Rating	Minimum Deposit	Junior ISA	Junior SIPP
Vanguard UK Investor		£500	Yes	No

Vanguard’s Junior ISA is a good fit if you want to keep things straightforward and focus on building a diversified portfolio over time. Rather than offering thousands of investments, Vanguard sticks to its own range of index funds and ETFs, which can feel refreshing if you’re opening an account for the first time.

A deliberately narrower investment range. You’ll have access to roughly 80–90 Vanguard funds and ETFs, with options that cover global equities, bonds, and multi-asset “all-in-one” funds. This makes it easier to choose without getting lost in endless lists. Funds can be filtered by things like risk level and asset type, and the platform is geared toward steady, long-term investing rather than frequent buying and selling.

With Vanguard’s ISA you can view fees, compare fund performance at a glance, and see and manage your holdings.

Clear, low platform fees. Vanguard charges a 0.15% annual platform fee (capped at £375 per year), plus the ongoing cost of whichever fund you choose. For Junior ISAs, the £4 monthly minimum fee that applies to other Vanguard accounts doesn’t apply, which helps keep costs low for smaller balances. There are no fees to buy, sell, or switch Vanguard funds, though buying or selling ETFs in real time can involve a trading charge.

A clean setup. The Junior ISA sits within your main Vanguard login, so you can view and manage it alongside your own accounts on the website or app. The experience is functional rather than flashy, but it does the job well for hands-off investors. The main drawback is the entry point: contributions start at £500 as a lump sum or £100 per month, which may be higher than some families want to commit upfront.

3. AJ Bell - Best for ready-made portfolios

Company	Overall Rating	Minimum Deposit	Junior ISA	Junior SIPP
AJ Bell		£250	Yes	Yes

AJ Bell is a large DIY investing platform in the U.K., and its Junior ISA is a good fit if you want plenty of flexibility as your child’s pot grows. You can build a portfolio from scratch or keep things simple with AJ Bell’s own “favourite funds” list and ready-made options.

Wide Investment choice. AJ Bell gives you access to a huge range of investments, including thousands of funds, ETFs, investment trusts, and shares. That’s useful for parents who want to start with a simple global fund and later add extra diversification or income-focused holdings without switching platforms.

AJ Bell mobile app for discovering funds

One of AJ Bell’s main benefits is its range of investment choice, including 16,000 shares, 4,000 ETFs, and 4,000 mutual funds.

Reasonable fees. AJ Bell charges a 0.25% platform fee on funds, and if you buy or sell funds you’ll usually pay £1.50 per trade (AJ Bell’s own funds don’t have this dealing fee). If you’re buying shares or ETFs, one-off trades cost £5, but regular investing can reduce that to £1.50. For share/ETF holdings, the custody charge is capped at £3.50 per month.

Great support. The main AJ Bell app and website are straightforward for managing a Junior ISA, and its educational content is genuinely helpful. Customer service is also easy to reach by phone. If you want something more stripped-back for beginners, AJ Bell’s Dodl app is worth a look as it’s simpler and has a cleaner fee structure.

4. Interactive Investor - Best for flat-fee family investing

Company	Overall Rating	Minimum Deposit	Junior ISA	Junior SIPP
Interactive Investor		£1	Yes	No

Interactive Investor (ii) is a good pick if you like predictable costs, because you pay a monthly plan rather than a percentage fee. That structure tends to make more sense once a Junior ISA starts to build up, especially if you’re also managing your own ISA or SIPP under the same subscription.

Useful website. ii offers a wide range of funds, ETFs, investment trusts, shares, and bonds, and its web platform is where it shines. There’s lots of research, strong educational content, and curated lists like Super 60 that help narrow things down if you don’t want to start from scratch.

Worth it if you’ll actually use it. The main downside is that the subscription can feel expensive for small or rarely used accounts, and the mobile app is more “check-in and place a trade” than deep research. But for hands-on parents running multiple accounts, ii is a very solid long-term home.

5. Interactive Brokers - Best for global investment choice

Company	Overall Rating	Minimum Deposit	Junior ISA	Junior SIPP
Interactive Brokers UK		£0	Yes	No

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the most capable platforms around, with access to a huge range of markets and investment types. If you already know what you want to buy (or you enjoy researching), it can be a strong home for a Junior ISA, but it’s definitely more “serious toolkit” than “friendly starter app.”

Strong app options. You can invest in shares, ETFs, funds, bonds, and more across 90+ global exchanges, and there’s also fractional share dealing if you want to drip-feed smaller amounts. The main IBKR Mobile app is packed with data and order types, while the newer IBKR GlobalTrader app is a bit more streamlined for simpler trading.

Low fees. Trading costs can be very competitive, with FX at around 0.03%, but the Junior ISA has a £1 monthly minimum fee (and £3/month for an adult ISA) unless you generate enough commission. If you’re planning to set-and-forget with small balances, that minimum can be a downside, whereas for larger accounts or families already using IBKR, it can still work well.

Junior ISA rates comparison

Company	Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £0 - £250,000	Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month	ETFs - Fee	Minimum Deposit
Hargreaves Lansdown	Up to £1,125	£11.95	£11.95	£100
Vanguard UK Investor	£48 - £375	N/A	£0	£500
AJ Bell	£0 - £625	£5	£5	£250
Interactive Investor	£71.88 / £179.88	£3.99	£3.99	£1
Interactive Brokers UK	£0	£3	£3	£0

FAQs

What is a Junior ISA?

A Junior ISA is a tax-free savings or investment account for children under 18. Like adult ISAs, there are two types: a cash Junior ISA and a stocks and shares Junior ISA.

It’s a way for parents, grandparents, or other family members to build a financial cushion for a child’s future. All growth within the account is tax-free, and when the child turns 18, they can withdraw the money, also tax-free.

How do you open a Junior ISA?

To open a Junior ISA account, visit your chosen investment platform’s website and select the Junior ISA option. You’ll need to provide personal details for both yourself and the child, including their National Insurance number if they have one. From there, you’ll choose whether to set up regular monthly payments or make a one-off contribution.

Keep in mind that each child can only have one Junior stocks and shares ISA and one Junior cash ISA at a time. You can transfer from one provider to another, but you can’t hold multiple accounts of the same type.

Once the account is live, you can manage it online or via the platform’s app, and anyone can pay in as long as total contributions stay under the £9,000 annual limit.

It’s important to note that only a parent or legal guardian with parental responsibility can open a Junior ISA for a child under 16. Once it’s set up, anyone, including grandparents, family friends, or other relatives, can contribute to the account. Children aged 16 or 17 can open their own Junior ISA if they choose.

What is the 2026 allowance for Junior ISAs?

The 2026 allowance for Junior ISAs is £9,000 per child. This means you can pay up to £9,000 into a child's ISA across the 2026/27 tax year.

You can pay into both a cash and investment Junior ISA, but the £9,000 allowance is spread across both, not per account. A child can only have one cash Junior ISA and one investment Junior ISA.

Any unused allowance cannot be carried across to the next tax year.

Can grandparents open a Junior ISA?

No, a grandparent cannot open a Junior ISA. One can only be opened by a parent. However, once the account is up and running, a grandparent can pay in money directly.

Should I open a trust fund or a JISA?

You can no longer open a Child Trust Fund. Child Trust Funds were the precursor to Junior ISAs. They were replaced by children's ISAs in 2011. However, children may still have a trust fund if their parents had one opened before 2011.

If you have a Child Trust Fund, it’s worth transferring it to a Junior ISA as the fees are likely to be lower and there will be more investment choices.

What is the best Junior Stocks and Shares ISA?

Hargreaves Lansdown has the best Junior stocks and shares ISA, in my opinion. There are no fees to pay through the Hargreaves Lansdown platform, although you may pay a small fee to external fund managers depending on the fund you choose. You can choose from a wide range of investments. The app and website are easy to use and offer a good amount of guides to help you on your way.

Our testing

Why you should trust us

Elizabeth Anderson has been a financial journalist for more than a decade. She’s written for major national newspapers, contributed to corporate reports and research, and reviewed dozens of share dealing platforms, SIPP providers, ISAs, and brokerage firms. Elizabeth started her career at Bloomberg and has worked for the BBC, The Telegraph, The Times and the i newspaper. She is passionate about helping people understand finance and investing. A keen investor herself, Elizabeth invests through general dealing accounts, ISAs and several SIPPs.

Steven Hatzakis is a well-known finance writer with 25+ years of experience in the foreign exchange and financial markets. He is the Global Director of Online Broker Research for Reink Media Group, leading research efforts for ForexBrokers.com since 2016. He has served as a registered commodity futures representative for domestic and internationally-regulated brokerages. Steven holds a Series III license in the US as a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA).

All content on StockBrokers.com is handwritten by a writer, fact-checked by a member of our research team, and edited and published by an editor. Our ratings, rankings, and opinions are entirely our own, and the result of our extensive research and decades of collective experience covering the U.K. brokerage industry.

Ultimately, our rigorous data validation process yields an error rate of less than .1% each year, providing site visitors with quality data they can trust. Learn more about how we test.

How we tested

At StockBrokers.com, our online broker reviews are based on our collected quantitative data as well as the observations and qualified opinions of our expert researchers. Each year we publish tens of thousands of words of research and collect hundreds of data points while testing brokerage firms, share dealing platforms, SIPP providers, ISA providers, and other financial service providers relevant to U.K. investors.

Mobile testing is conducted on modern devices that run the most up-to-date operating systems available:

For Apple, we use MacBook Pro laptops running the latest version of and the iPhone 15 running the latest version of iOS.
For Android, we use the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra devices running Android OS 14.

All websites and web-based platforms are tested using the latest version of the Google Chrome browser.

Our researchers thoroughly test a wide range of key features, such as the availability and quality of trading platforms for web, desktop, and mobile, charting, real-time and streaming quotes, and educational resources – among other important variables. We also evaluate the overall design of the mobile experience, and look for a fluid user experience moving between mobile and desktop platforms.

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About the Editorial Team

Elizabeth Anderson, lead writer and researcher for the U.K. market, has been a financial journalist for more than a decade. In addition to her work with StockBrokers.com, she has written extensively for major publications including BBC, The Times, and Bloomberg. A keen investor herself, she is passionate about helping people understand finance and investing.

Hannah Smith is a Staff Editor at StockBrokers.com. With a background in SEO and years of experience in digital media, Hannah is focused on creating high-quality, data-driven content that helps investors make informed decisions. With a master's degree in English from North Carolina State University, she brings a strong foundation in writing, research, and editorial strategy to her work.

Joey Shadeck is the Content Strategist and Research Analyst for StockBrokers.com. He holds dual degrees in Finance and Marketing from Oakland University, and has been an active trader and investor for close to 10 years. An industry veteran, Joey obtains and verifies data, conducts research, and analyzes and validates our content.