You can transfer your Stocks and Shares ISA between providers without losing your tax-free status or using any of your annual allowance. Always use the formal transfer process through your new provider. Never withdraw the money yourself and redeposit it, as this counts as a new contribution. Transfers typically take two to four weeks for cash transfers and up to six weeks for in-specie (investment) transfers. Since 2025/26, partial transfers are also allowed.
(Source: MoneyHelper ISA guidance, updated 2025.)
How Does a Stocks and Shares ISA Transfer Work?
With over 700 billion pounds held in Stocks and Shares ISAs across the UK (Source: HMRC ISA statistics, 2024/25), transferring between providers is one of the most common investor activities. An ISA transfer moves your investments from one provider to another while keeping their tax-free ISA status. The key rule is that you must initiate the transfer through your new provider, not your old one. Your new provider handles the paperwork and contacts your old provider to arrange the move.
Transfers do not count towards your annual ISA allowance. You can transfer 100,000 pounds and still have your full 20,000 pound allowance for new contributions.
(Source: HMRC ISA transfer rules, 2025/26.)
What Types of ISA Transfer Are Available?
| Transfer Type | How It Works | Timeline | Best For |
| Cash transfer | Old provider sells investments, sends cash to new provider | 2 to 4 weeks | Simplicity, switching fund range entirely |
| In-specie transfer | Investments moved as they are without selling | 4 to 6 weeks | Keeping existing investments, avoiding selling |
| Partial transfer | Move part of your ISA, keep the rest | 2 to 6 weeks | Splitting between providers, testing a new platform |
Cash Transfer
Your old provider sells all your investments, converts them to cash, and sends the money to your new provider. You then choose new investments on the new platform. Cash transfers typically complete within 15 to 20 working days according to most providers. The advantage is simplicity. The disadvantage is that you are out of the market during the transfer period, which means you could miss gains (or avoid losses).
In-Specie Transfer
Your investments are moved without being sold. This only works if your new provider offers the same investments (for example, the same ETFs or funds). In-specie transfers can take 30 working days or longer. The advantage is you stay invested throughout. The disadvantage is it takes longer and not all investments may be transferable.
Note: fractional shares cannot typically be transferred in-specie. They will be sold and the cash transferred.
Partial Transfer
Since the 2025/26 tax year, you can transfer part of your ISA to a new provider while keeping the rest with your existing provider. This was previously restricted for current-year contributions.
How Do You Transfer a Stocks and Shares ISA Step by Step?
Step 1: Choose your new provider. Platform fees range from 0% (Trading 212, InvestEngine) to 0.45% (Hargreaves Lansdown), so comparing costs could save you hundreds of pounds per year. Compare fees, investment range and account features. See our best trading platforms and best Stocks and Shares ISAs.
Step 2: Open an account with the new provider (if you do not already have one).
Step 3: Request the transfer through your new provider's website or app. You will need your old provider's name and account details.
Step 4: Your new provider contacts your old provider and arranges the transfer. You do not need to do anything with your old provider.
Step 5: Wait for the transfer to complete (two to six weeks depending on type). You will receive confirmation from both providers.
Step 6: Once the transfer is complete, choose your investments on the new platform (for cash transfers) or check your holdings have arrived correctly (for in-specie transfers).
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Transferring an ISA?
Never withdraw and redeposit: If you withdraw money from your ISA and put it into a new ISA, this counts as a new contribution and uses your 20,000 pounds annual allowance. For example, withdrawing 15,000 pounds and redepositing would consume 15,000 pounds of your 20,000 pound allowance for the year. Always use the formal transfer process.
Check exit fees: Some providers charge exit or transfer fees. Check before initiating a transfer.
Watch for flexible ISA rules: If your current ISA is flexible and you have withdrawn and replaced money, transferring could complicate things. Check with both providers.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer an ISA in 2026?
Most providers do not charge to receive an ISA transfer. However, some old providers may charge exit fees. Here are common costs to watch for:
| Provider | Transfer Out Fee |
| Trading 212 | Free |
| InvestEngine | Free |
| Freetrade | Free |
| Vanguard | Free |
| AJ Bell | Free (may charge for share certificate transfers) |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | Free |
| Interactive Investor | Free |
| Nutmeg | Free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does transferring an ISA affect my allowance?
No. Transfers do not count towards your annual ISA allowance. You keep your full 20,000 pounds for new contributions.
Can I transfer a Cash ISA to a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Yes. You can transfer between different ISA types. The money keeps its tax-free status.
How long does an ISA transfer take?
Cash transfers typically take two to four weeks. In-specie transfers can take four to six weeks. Some complex transfers may take longer.
Can I transfer part of my ISA?
Yes, since the 2025/26 tax year. Partial transfers are now allowed for both current-year and previous-year contributions.
What happens to my investments during a cash transfer?
They are sold by your old provider. You are out of the market until the cash arrives and you reinvest with your new provider. If markets move significantly during this period, it could affect your returns.
Related Reading
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