Explore Cash ISAs, Stocks & Shares ISAs, Junior ISAs, and Lifetime ISAs — with live rates and our free calculator, all in one place.

Written by
Jonny Pease

Reviewed by
Jan Watermann
Updated · 2026/27 tax year
Answer 6 quick questions to find a good place to start
Answer a few short questions and Penny will point you towards the ISA type worth exploring — no jargon, no pressure.
For guidance only — not financial advice. Always read the full terms before applying.
ISA Types
Each ISA type is designed for a different goal. Here's what you need to know about each one.
Live Rates
Updated from our live feed. Rates shown are AER.
Finding the best UK rates...
Finding the best UK rates...
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At a Glance
Cash ISA | Stocks & Shares ISA | Lifetime ISA (LISA) | Junior ISA (JISA) | Innovative Finance ISA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | |||||
| Best for | Safe, tax-free cash savings | Long-term growth, investing | First home or retirement — open age 18–39, contribute to 50, access from 60 | Saving for a child | Experienced P2P investors only |
| 2026/27 allowance | £20,000 | £20,000 | £4,000(within overall limit) | £9,000(separate limit) | £20,000 |
| Age restrictions? | 18+ | 18+ | 18–39 to open | Under 18 only | 18+ |
| Risk & Protection | |||||
| Capital at risk? | — | Yes | —(Cash LISA) | —(Cash JISA) | Yessignificant risk |
| FSCS protected? | Yes(up to £120k) | Yesup to £85,000 (firm failure only — investment losses not covered) | Yes(Cash LISA) | Yes(Cash JISA) | — |
| Access & Bonuses | |||||
| Access restricted? | Depends on type | Generally flexible | Yespenalties apply | Until child turns 18 | Depends on loans |
| Government bonus? | — | — | Yes25% bonus | — | — |
| Watch-outs | |||||
| Key watch-out | Rates can change on variable accounts | You could get back less than invested | Withdrawal penalty outside of qualifying uses — product being replaced by a First-Time Buyer ISA in April 2028 | Cannot access before age 18 | Not for most savers — complex and unprotected |
ISA Guides
Short, factual clips on every ISA topic — no jargon.
ISA Calculator
Illustrative only — based on compound interest at a fixed rate.
Common Questions
DepositScout is a comparison service, not a bank or financial adviser. Everything on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute personal financial advice.
Cash ISAs are savings accounts — your capital is not at risk and interest is protected up to the FSCS deposit limit per eligible person per authorised firm. Stocks and Shares ISAs involve investment — capital is at risk and you may get back less than you put in. The FSCS does not protect against investment losses.
ISA rules and allowances are set by the UK government and may change. Always check the latest rules before opening an account.
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