What is a JISA?
A Junior ISA, or JISA, is a tax-advantaged account for children. The money belongs to the child and is normally locked until age 18. The Junior ISA limit for the 2026/27 tax year is £9,000.
An ISA for children
A Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA) is a long-term, tax-advantaged account for an eligible child under 18.
There are two main types: a Cash Junior ISA and a Stocks & Shares Junior ISA.
Who owns the money?
A parent or guardian with parental responsibility can usually open and manage the account, but the money legally belongs to the child.
The child can take control of the account from age 16, but withdrawals are normally not available until age 18.
At 18, the Junior ISA becomes an adult ISA.
The annual limit
For the 2026/27 tax year, up to £9,000 can be subscribed to a child's Junior ISA accounts, subject to the rules.
Other people, such as grandparents, may also contribute, but all contributions count towards the same annual Junior ISA limit.
Cash or investments
A Cash JISA holds cash, while a Stocks & Shares JISA can hold eligible investments.
A Stocks & Shares JISA has investment risk: its value can rise or fall. The long time horizon can be relevant, but it does not remove that risk.
Junior ISA limits and eligibility rules can change, so current HMRC guidance should be checked.
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