Compare Accounts
Every major UK tax-advantaged account in one place — allowances, rules, and who each one suits.
Which account is right for me?
Find your goal, get your answer.
If your goal is…
"I want to invest for the long term"
Use a
Stocks & Shares ISA
Tax-free growth, no lock-in, £20,000/year.
If your goal is…
"I'm saving for my first home"
Use a
Lifetime ISA (LISA)
25% government bonus on up to £4,000/year.
If your goal is…
"I'm self-employed and need a pension"
Use a
SIPP
Full tax relief at your marginal rate, wide investment choice.
If your goal is…
"My employer offers a pension"
Use a
Workplace Pension
Employer contributions are free money — always max the match first.
If your goal is…
"I want to invest for my child"
Use a
Junior ISA
£9,000/year, completely separate from your own ISA allowance.
If your goal is…
"I've used my ISA and want secure savings"
Use a
Premium Bonds
100% secure, tax-free prizes, instant access, up to £50,000.
Full comparison
| Account | Annual limit | Gov. incentive | Tax on growth | Tax on withdrawal | Who can use it | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
📈 S&S ISA | £20,000 Shared across all ISA types in the same tax year | None | None | None — withdraw anytime | UK residents aged 18+ | Full details → |
🏦 Cash ISA | £20,000 Shared across all ISA types in the same tax year | None | N/A (savings account) | None — withdraw anytime (subject to notice periods) | UK residents aged 18+ | Full details → |
🏠 LISA Bonus | £4,000 Counts towards your £20,000 ISA allowance | 25% government bonus (up to £1,000/year) | None | Tax-free for first home or retirement (age 60+). 25% penalty otherwise. | UK residents aged 18–39 to open; contribute until age 50 | Full details → |
👶 Junior ISA | £9,000 Separate from the adult £20,000 ISA allowance | None | None | Tax-free — accessible when the child turns 18 | UK resident children under 18 | Full details → |
🧾 SIPP Bonus | Up to 100% of earnings Annual allowance £60,000 (tapered for high earners) | Tax relief at your marginal rate (20%, 40%, or 45%) | None inside the wrapper | 25% tax-free lump sum; remainder taxed as income | UK residents under age 75 | Full details → |
🏢 Workplace Pension Bonus | Up to 100% of earnings Annual allowance £60,000 (shared with SIPP) | Tax relief at your marginal rate + employer contributions | None inside the wrapper | 25% tax-free lump sum; remainder taxed as income | Employed workers aged 22–66 earning above £10,000 (auto-enrolled) | Full details → |
🎲 Premium Bonds | £50,000 Maximum total holding per person | None | N/A — prize-based, not growth | None — withdraw anytime | UK residents of any age (under 16: parent or guardian holds) | Full details → |
S&S ISA
The workhorse of UK tax-free investing.
Annual limit
£20,000
Tax on growth
None
Full details →
Cash ISA
Earn interest on your savings without paying tax.
Annual limit
£20,000
Tax on growth
N/A (savings account)
Full details →
LISA
25% free money from the government — for your first home or retirement.
Annual limit
£4,000
Tax on growth
None
Full details →
Junior ISA
A tax-free head start for your child.
Annual limit
£9,000
Tax on growth
None
Full details →
SIPP
Invest for retirement with HMRC footing part of the bill.
Annual limit
Up to 100% of earnings
Tax on growth
None inside the wrapper
Full details →
Workplace Pension
Free money from your employer — don't leave it on the table.
Annual limit
Up to 100% of earnings
Tax on growth
None inside the wrapper
Full details →
Premium Bonds
Tax-free prizes instead of interest — from NS&I.
Annual limit
£50,000
Tax on growth
N/A — prize-based, not growth
Full details →
The ISA rule everyone forgets
The £20,000 annual ISA allowance is shared across all ISA types. You can split it however you like — for example £10,000 in a Stocks & Shares ISA and £4,000 in a LISA — but the total cannot exceed £20,000 in a single tax year. The LISA's £4,000 counts towards your £20,000. The Junior ISA's £9,000 does not — it's completely separate.