Can I transfer money between ISAs?
Answered 17 March 2026
Based on my thorough search of the available sources, I was unable to find detailed guidance specifically covering the rules for transferring money between ISAs (e.g., cash ISA to stocks and shares ISA, or between providers).
I could not find an authoritative source for ISA-to-ISA transfer rules in the available materials. The sources retrieved cover general ISA background, VAT treatment, void ISAs, and enforcement matters, but do not contain the specific rules governing transfers between ISAs.
What the sources do confirm about ISAs generally:
- ISAs are governed by the Individual Savings Accounts Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/1870), which set out the rules under which ISA managers operate and the limits on amounts that can be invested each tax year.
- There are currently two ISA components: cash or stocks and shares.
- The ISA Regulations are the primary source of rules for ISA managers and investors.
For a complete answer on ISA transfer rules, you should consult:
- SI 1998/1870 (The Individual Savings Account Regulations 1998), particularly the transfer provisions.
- HMRC's ISA Managers' Guidance published on GOV.UK, which contains detailed operational rules on transfers between ISA providers and between ISA types.
Citation sources
An ISA is a tax-free annual investment product and was launched on 6 April 1999 to replace the Personal Equity Plan and the Tax Exempt Special Savings Account (TESSA). When launched, it was made up of three ‘components’ - cash, insurance, or stocks and shares and could be a mix of these components. An ISA comprising of one component only was called a ‘mini’ ISA, whilst an ISA allowing for more than one component was referred to as a ‘maxi’ ISA. From 6 April 2005, the ISA structure was changed. T
The separate insurance Individual Savings Account (ISA) was abolished on 5 April 2005. Since 6 April 2005, provided certain conditions are met, life insurance policies can be held within the stocks and shares ISA, or, since 6 April 2017, within the Lifetime ISA. There is detailed information on ISAs in the ‘ISA managers’ guidance’ published on gov.uk. Insurers can find the guidance useful to check if a life insurance policy can be included in an investor’s ISA. The ISA Regulations themselves are
Probably the most common type of exemption from tax on interest is where the income arises in an individual investment plan. Chapter 3 of Part 6 of ITTOIA05 contains the powers for the Treasury to make regulations for exemptions for certain investments. Two sets of regulations have been made under ITTOIA. Personal Equity Plans (PEPs) (SI469/1989). Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) (SI1870/1998). Similar powers are provided by The Child Trust Fund Act 2004 under which the following regulations h