Savings & Investments
ISAs & Cash Savings
Make the most of your annual ISA allowance with independent, whole-of-market advice. We help you choose the right type of ISA and provider to maximise your tax-free savings.
What Is an ISA?
An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a government-backed savings wrapper that allows you to save or invest up to £20,000 per tax year (2024/25) completely free from UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. Unlike a standard savings account, you never pay tax on the interest, dividends, or growth generated within an ISA — and you can keep the money in there indefinitely.
There are several types of ISA available, each suited to different goals and circumstances. As independent advisers, SBC Financial can assess your full financial picture and recommend the most appropriate ISA strategy — whether that's a simple Cash ISA for short-term savings, a Lifetime ISA to boost your first home deposit, or a Junior ISA to build a nest egg for your children.
We also help clients review existing ISA arrangements. If your current Cash ISA is earning a poor rate of interest, we can advise on transferring to a better-paying account without losing your tax-free status.
Upcoming Rule Change — April 2027
Cash ISA Limit Reducing for Under-65s
From 6 April 2027, the annual Cash ISA contribution limit will be reduced to £12,000 for savers under the age of 65. The overall ISA allowance remains at £20,000 per tax year, but any contributions above £12,000 must be directed into other types of ISA — such as a Stocks & Shares ISA, Innovative Finance ISA, or Lifetime ISA.
Savers aged 65 and over are not affected and can continue to contribute up to the full £20,000 into a Cash ISA.
This change is designed to encourage more long-term investment in the UK economy. If you currently maximise your Cash ISA allowance, now is a good time to review your savings strategy and consider how to make the most of the remaining £8,000 of ISA allowance through other wrappers.
Types of ISA We Advise On
Cash ISA
A straightforward savings account where interest is earned tax-free. Ideal for short-to-medium term goals or as an emergency fund. Available as easy-access, notice, or fixed-rate variants.
Best suited to: Cautious savers, emergency funds, short-term goals
Lifetime ISA (LISA)
Open to those aged 18–39, the LISA lets you save up to £4,000 per year and receive a 25% government bonus (up to £1,000/year). Can be used to buy a first home or accessed from age 60.
Best suited to: First-time buyers, long-term retirement saving
Help to Buy ISA
Now closed to new applicants, but existing holders can continue saving until November 2029. Offers a 25% government bonus on savings used towards a first home purchase.
Best suited to: Existing holders saving for a first home
Junior ISA (JISA)
A tax-efficient savings account for children under 18. Parents or guardians can contribute up to £9,000 per year (2024/25). The child can access the funds at age 18.
Best suited to: Parents saving for a child's future
Key Benefits of ISA Saving
Tax-Free Interest
All interest earned within an ISA wrapper is completely free from Income Tax — regardless of how much you earn.
FSCS Protection
Cash ISAs held with UK-authorised providers are protected up to £85,000 per person under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Annual Allowance
You can save up to £20,000 per tax year across all your ISAs. From April 2027, the Cash ISA limit for under-65s reduces to £12,000 — making it important to plan ahead.
Flexible Transfers
You can transfer existing ISA balances between providers without losing your tax-free status — we can help you find a better rate.
What We Consider When Advising You
Choosing the right ISA isn't just about finding the highest interest rate. Our advisers take a holistic view of your finances to ensure your ISA strategy fits your broader goals:
- Your current savings rate vs. the Personal Savings Allowance (£500–£1,000 tax-free interest outside an ISA)
- Whether you need easy access to your money or can lock funds away for a better rate
- Your age and eligibility for a Lifetime ISA or Junior ISA
- Whether a Stocks & Shares ISA might offer better long-term growth potential — particularly relevant from April 2027 when the Cash ISA limit for under-65s reduces to £12,000
- How the April 2027 Cash ISA rule change affects your current savings plan and whether you need to redirect contributions
- How your ISA fits alongside other savings and investment vehicles
Ready to Make the Most of Your ISA Allowance?
Speak to one of our independent advisers today. We'll review your current savings position and recommend the most suitable ISA strategy for your goals.
Get in TouchImportant: Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change. ISA and LISA rules are set by HMRC and may change in future. The value of investments can go down as well as up. FSCS protection applies to eligible deposits only — investment ISAs are not covered by FSCS in the same way as cash deposits.