11th September 2023

Junior ISAs Vs. Lifetime ISAs – what’s the difference?

Starting to save for a young child can feel like a minefield. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of financial products for little ones. How do you pick the right one? In this article, we’ll break down two popular ISAs: the Lifetime ISA for young adults and the Junior Investment ISA, often known as a stocks and shares ISA, designed specifically for children under the age of 18.

The Children’s ISA offers a range of Junior Investment ISAs, perfect for setting aside money for your child’s future. It’s tax-free up to the annual limit, so your savings grow without UK Income Tax or Capital Gains implications. By choosing the Children’s ISA, you can choose both your investment profile as well as the type of funds you wish to invest in (Shariah or ethical, for instance). Any UK tax-resident parent or guardian can open one and will be in charge of the fund until the child turns 18. It’s a simple way to plan ahead for their financial future.

A Junior Investment ISA, from the Children’s ISA, historically has yielded around 5% per annum. This return often surpasses many savings accounts or Cash ISAs, positioning a Junior Investment ISA as a compelling option. However, it’s crucial to understand that past performance doesn’t predict future results, and the value of a Junior ISA, like any investment, can fluctuate. 

A Lifetime ISA is a UK savings scheme designed to support two key life events: purchasing a first home and saving for retirement. Lifetime ISAs are a relatively recent innovation, launched in 2017 (as opposed to 2011 for the Junior ISA). Those between the ages of 18 and 40 are eligible to open one. Annually, one can contribute up to £4,000, with the flexibility to do so until the age of 50. Notably, the government enhances your contributions with a 25% bonus, up to a maximum of £1,000 each year. To take advantage of this scheme, it’s essential to ensure that the account is opened before the age of 40. 

A Junior ISA will enable you to invest and save up to a maximum of £9,000 each year. Whereas with a Lifetime ISA, you’re restricted to £4,000. Like a Junior ISA, a Lifetime ISA comes in two forms – investment or cash. 

Junior ISAs and Lifetime ISAs serve distinct purposes, tailored to different age groups. A Junior ISA is specifically designed for children, providing a platform to save and invest on their behalf. The magic of compounding interest means even modest contributions can grow substantially over the years. On the other hand, Lifetime ISAs are aimed at adults between 18 and 40. They offer a unique savings avenue, ideal for major life events like purchasing a first home or building a retirement nest egg. But, by the age of 18, a Junior ISA could have built up a substantial pot, especially if regular amounts of cash have been invested since birth. To see how much could be achieved with regular contributions, check out our calculator here

Regardless of the ISA type, starting early, like with any investment always maximises potential growth, regardless of your life stage. If you would like more information on our Junior Investment ISAs, please get in touch.

© The Children’s ISA Ltd 2025. All rights reserved.

The website and the information contained therein should not be regarded as an offer or solicitation to conduct investment business in any jurisdiction other than the UK. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance and the value of your investment may fall as well as rise, and any income received in the form of dividends may fluctuate. You may not get back the full amount when the account is closed. If paying regular monthly contributions please bear in mind that if contributions are not maintained you will be less likely to achieve the investment amount that was originally projected.

The information on this website is not advice, it is provided solely to enable you to make your own investment decisions. The investments and /or investment services referred to may not be suitable for all investors.

The Children’s ISA Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. (FCA No: 563043)
The Children’s ISA Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered Company Number: 07486015

Registered Office: Unit 2, Digital Park, Pacific Way, Salford Quays, M50 1DR