Transferring ISAs

ISA investors may be interested to read the following guidance issued by HMRC regarding the transfer of ISAs from one provider to another.

What you can transfer

You can transfer a cash ISA to another cash ISA with a different provider. You can do the same with stocks and shares ISAs. You can also transfer a cash ISA to a stocks and shares ISA or vice versa.

If you want to transfer money you’ve invested in an ISA this current year, you must transfer all of it. For previous years, you can choose to transfer all or part of your savings.

Check with your provider for any restrictions they may have on transferring ISAs. They may also make you pay a charge.

How to transfer your ISA

To switch providers, contact the ISA provider you want to move to and fill out an ISA transfer form to move your account. If you withdraw the money without doing this, you won’t be able to reinvest that part of your allowance again.

Deadlines and complaints

ISA transfers should take no longer than:

• 15 working days for a cash ISA
• 30 working days for a stocks and shares ISA

If your transfer takes longer than this, contact your ISA provider. If you’re unhappy with the response, you can take the matter up with the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Financial Ombudsman Service
Telephone: 0845 080 1800
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm