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Best ISA Providers in the UK: Top Cash & Stocks and Shares ISAs Compared

  • Writer: Alex Mason - Investing & Financial Growth Writer
    Alex Mason - Investing & Financial Growth Writer
  • Apr 14
  • 5 min read

Whether you're looking to grow your savings tax-free or invest for the long term, choosing the right ISA provider can make a significant difference to your returns. With dozens of banks, building societies, and platforms offering ISAs, the choice can be overwhelming.


This guide compares the best ISA providers in the UK for both Cash ISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs, helping you understand fees, interest rates, account features, and which type of ISA might best suit your goals.


UK consumer comparing ISA providers on laptop with notes and calculator

What Makes a Good ISA Provider?


A quality ISA provider offers more than just competitive interest or returns. The best providers typically offer:


  • Strong interest rates or investment performance

  • Low or transparent fees

  • Easy account access and mobile apps

  • Transfer flexibility

  • Good customer service

  • FSCS protection (up to £85,000 per person per institution)


Depending on your savings needs, one provider may outperform another — especially if you plan to transfer old ISAs, maximise your £20,000 annual allowance, or combine Cash and Stocks and Shares ISAs under one roof.



Best Cash ISA Providers (for Easy Access & Fixed Rates)


1. Chase Bank (by JP Morgan)


  • Competitive interest on their flexible Easy Access Cash ISA

  • App-based banking with instant access to funds

  • Backed by FSCS protection

  • No withdrawal restrictions or penalties


Best for: People who want flexibility, instant access, and a trusted UK-regulated provider with a strong mobile app.


2. Yorkshire Building Society


  • Offers one of the highest fixed Cash ISA rates

  • Terms from 1 to 3 years available

  • Option to open online or in-branch

  • Penalty for early withdrawal on fixed terms


Best for: Savers who can lock away money and want to guarantee a rate for a set period.


3. Nationwide Building Society


  • Offers regular Cash ISAs and loyalty ISAs for existing customers

  • Strong UK branch presence for offline access

  • Trusted name in savings


Best for: Existing customers looking for a loyalty boost or those who prefer managing money in-branch.


4. Virgin Money


  • Flexible Cash ISA options with decent rates

  • Free to transfer in old ISAs

  • Online or mobile app access

  • Option to split ISA into multiple pots (e.g. easy access + fixed)


Best for: Those who want a hybrid approach between access and rate.


Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers (for Investing)


1. Vanguard


  • Ultra-low fees: just 0.15% platform fee

  • Access to a range of Vanguard’s own index funds and ETFs

  • Easy-to-use interface ideal for beginners

  • Minimum investment from £500 lump sum or £100/month


Best for: New or long-term investors looking for low-cost passive investing with strong global diversification.


2. AJ Bell Youinvest


  • Large fund and share selection

  • Competitive fees: 0.25% platform fee (capped for large accounts)

  • User-friendly platform with strong research tools

  • Excellent for both beginners and experienced investors


Best for: Investors who want fund choice and flexibility.


3. Hargreaves Lansdown


  • The UK’s most well-known investment platform

  • Wide range of shares, funds, and ETFs

  • Excellent customer service and educational tools

  • Fees: 0.45% platform charge, with discounts for larger pots


Best for: Those who value premium service and tools, despite higher fees.


4. Fidelity Personal Investing


  • Global fund range with well-rated managed options

  • 0.35% platform fee

  • Mobile-friendly platform

  • Offers fund bundles and thematic investing


Best for: Investors who want professional fund management without choosing individual shares.



Can You Transfer an ISA to a Better Provider?


Yes — and you should if your current ISA is underperforming.


  • Always use the official transfer process

  • Transferring does not impact your ISA allowance

  • You can move Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, or both

  • Transfers from previous years can be partial or full

  • Transfers of current-year contributions must be full transfers



Which Type of ISA Should You Choose?


Cash ISAs are better for:


  • Emergency savings or short-term goals

  • Those who want zero investment risk

  • Higher earners who’ve maxed out their Personal Savings Allowance (PSA)



Stocks and Shares ISAs are better for:


  • Long-term savers (5+ years)

  • Those comfortable with investment risk

  • People aiming to beat inflation over time


Tip: You don’t have to choose just one. Many people split their £20,000 allowance across both types to suit their goals and risk tolerance.


Unique Tip: Look for ISA Portability and Consolidation Features


Some of the best providers now allow you to split your ISA into sub-accounts or consolidate all your previous ISAs into one dashboard.


This can help you:


  • Track performance more easily

  • Avoid forgotten or low-interest accounts

  • Transfer funds between pots (e.g. from Cash to Stocks and Shares) over time


Check whether the provider supports this before opening an account.



How to Choose the Best ISA Provider for You


When comparing providers, ask yourself:


  • Do I want access or growth?

  • Am I comfortable with investment risk, or do I want capital protection?

  • Will I need to withdraw money, or can I lock it away?

  • How important is mobile access or customer service?

  • Am I planning to transfer old ISAs?


Then match your answers to:


  • Cash ISA providers if you want security and easy access

  • Stocks and Shares ISA providers if you want to invest and grow wealth over time


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Can I have both a Cash ISA and a Stocks and Shares ISA?


Yes — you can contribute to both in the same tax year, as long as your total contributions don’t exceed the £20,000 ISA allowance.


Are ISAs really tax-free?


Yes. Interest, dividends, and capital gains earned within any type of ISA are free from tax — no need to report them on your tax return.


Can I switch ISA providers during the year?


Yes, using the official ISA transfer process. This ensures you don’t lose your tax benefits or breach contribution rules.


What happens if I open multiple ISAs?


You can hold multiple ISAs, but you can only contribute to one of each type per tax year. Breaching this rule may result in penalties or loss of tax-free status.


Do ISA providers charge fees?


  • Cash ISAs: Usually fee-free

  • Stocks and Shares ISAs: Typically charge platform and fund fees (percentage-based or fixed)


Final Thoughts


Choosing the best ISA provider depends on your financial goals, savings timeframe, and appetite for risk. Whether you're looking for secure savings with a Cash ISA or long-term growth with a Stocks and Shares ISA, make sure you shop around, compare fees and rates, and consider your broader financial plan.


Always use the official transfer process when switching providers, and review your ISA setup each year to ensure it’s still delivering value.





Disclaimer:  Smart With Money may receive compensation through affiliate links, sponsored content, or advertising featured on this site. This does not influence our editorial standards. All reviews and recommendations are based on independent research, and we aim to provide accurate, objective information to help you make informed financial decisions.


Please note:  All content on SmartWithMoney.co.uk is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified financial adviser before making any financial decisions.

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