Reference · Legal limits
UK ISA savings limits for adults and children in 2026/27
The 2026/27 adult ISA allowance is GBP 20,000. The GBP 4,000 Lifetime ISA limit uses part of that allowance. A child’s separate Junior ISA limit is GBP 9,000.
Sources checked
The adult total and its Lifetime ISA sub-limit overlap. A child’s Junior ISA limit is separate.
The adult allowance covers all four types
The adult ISA allowance is GBP 20,000 across cash, stocks and shares, innovative finance and Lifetime ISAs for the 2026/27 tax year. The year runs from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027. GOV.UK says a saver can split the annual allowance across ISA accounts, within the limits for each type. Source 1 Source 2
The Lifetime ISA uses part of that allowance
The GBP 4,000 Lifetime ISA cap fits inside the adult total. For example, paying GBP 4,000 into a Lifetime ISA leaves GBP 16,000 of the GBP 20,000 allowance available for other adult ISA subscriptions in that year. GOV.UK says a first Lifetime ISA payment must be made before age 40 and contributions can continue until age 50. Source 3 Source 2
A Junior ISA has a separate allowance for the child
GOV.UK puts the 2026/27 Junior ISA limit at GBP 9,000. A child can have a cash Junior ISA and a stocks and shares Junior ISA. The annual limit is for the child, including subscriptions across both accounts if they have both types. Source 4
HMRC revised the cash ISA announcement for 2027
HMRC’s October 2026 newsletter says the GBP 20,000 cash ISA limit will be retained from 6 April 2027. It says the previously announced GBP 12,000 cash ISA limit and related rules will not take effect. The newsletter says the regulations that introduced the lower limit will be revoked. Source 5