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Child Trust Fund account
Give your child a financial headstart to their adult life
Order an information pack >
Download an application form >
Apply online >
Please ensure you read and understand the Investment Risk Warnings and other important information
Eligible children receive a £250 voucher from the government to invest in a Child Trust Fund, and another contribution at age 7. It's all aimed at giving them a good financial start to their adult life. But the real power behind building up a useful sum for when your child turns 18 comes from adding to their Fund - either lump sums or on a regular basis.
You, your family and friends can all contribute to your child's account - up to a total of £1,200 a year (birthday to birthday) - it is a gift that really has the potential to grow as fast as they do!
Once added to the account, the money belongs to the child but can only be withdrawn at age 18.
Growth in the value of your child's investment is free of capital gains tax. Income Tax will, where applicable, have been deducted at source on dividends paid to you and cannot be reclaimed but there's no further liability to income tax on investment income. Any interest on a cash balance in your CTF account will be paid gross, without the deduction of income tax.
Of course, investing introduces a higher degree of risk than just putting cash into a savings account: investments aren't the right thing for everyone because when you invest you can lose money as well as gain. But by spreading your investments, and choosing only those that suit your aims and objectives, you can get that right balance between risk and return. Our free investment selection tools will help you make your choices. If you are in doubt about investing in any particular investment, or not sure which account is most appropriate for your child, we recommend you consult a financial adviser.
We've a choice of accounts to help you make the most of your child's Fund: each gives you a way to invest in the stock market for the potential growth that it offers.
Self-select Shares CTF
More suited to parents who want to actively manage their child's Fund, choosing when and where you invest from a wide range of qualifying investments. Money you pay in will remain in the account until you place your dealing instructions, either online or by phone.
Index-Tracking (Stakeholder) CTF
More suited to parents who plan to be less-active, preferring to take advantage of the long-term potential of the FTSE All-Share Index. Money paid into a Stakeholder CTF will be invested into the Legal & General UK Index Trust and, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, we'll automatically invest any cleared account balance of £100 or more.
At a glance
- Choose the Self-Select Shares account for active investment, or the Index Tracking Stakeholder account to follow the overall growth in the stock market as measured by the FTSE All-Share Index by investing in the Legal & General UK Index Trust.
- Contribute up to £1200 a year, plus the government payments. (If you pay in more than £1200 in any one year we'll hold it in a 'feeder' account, ready to invest in the next 'year'.)
- Online access enables you to show your child how their Fund is growing, helping them understand money and encouraging them to take an interest in their financial future.
- 'Nominee account' structure enables us to carry out your instructions with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency – whilst your child remains the beneficial owner.
Trading features
'Best execution' – as standard.
We'll contact up to 17 different 'marketmakers' in order to get you the best price available, aiming always to beat the bid and offer price quoted on the Stock Exchange's systems.
Limit and stop orders
For extra control over your dealing, place limit and stop orders on UK shares, valid for up to 90 days, at no extra charge. Plus we can advise you when your limits 'trigger' with an email or SMS alert.
Money management
In addition to your government vouchers, you, your friends and family can pay in to the child's CTF account in the following ways:
Self-select Shares CTF
- Use a VISA Delta or Switch/Maestro card to pay in and trade straightaway.
- Direct debit, cheque, standing order (See our Help section for more details.)
Index-Tracking (Stakeholder) CTF
- VISA Delta or Switch/Maestro card, direct debit, cheque, standing order. Subject to an individual credit minimum amount of £10.
We'll collect your dividends, credit them to your account and provide you with an annual summary. You'll also earn interest monthly on the cash balance in your account.
Invest in your own future too
Investing in your children's future is a worthwhile thing to do. But you need to look to your own future too!
Our SIPP Dealing account can help you to do just that.
Selftrade SIPP Dealing account >
Plus for shorter-term, but tax-efficient investing, check out our ISA service – use your annual £7,200 ISA allowance to good effect - no CGT liability and no additional income tax to pay on investment income.
Please remember: The value of investments may fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you originally invested. Limited liability instruments mean that you cannot lose more than you have invested. The risks associated with different instruments will vary: you should choose investments appropriate to your needs and consider your overall mix of different investment types.
Investment choices
- UK and international equities
- Gilts and corporate bonds
- Exchange traded funds (ETFs) and commodities (ETCs)
- Unit trusts and OEICs
Please note that not all investments are available in all account types.
Pricing
- £12.50 - our flat fee for online and phone trades
Applies across all of our different accounts. - No dealing fee on Fund purchases
Plus many Funds have specially negotiated initial charges and lower management fees to save you even more. - Management Fee
Self select CTF - flat fee of £35 plus VAT charged annually. Stakeholder CTF - 1.5% maximum annual charge which includes all L&G UK Index Trust charges. Our share is capped at £35 plus VAT.
Other account options
- Dealing Account
- Shares ISA
- Investment club
- Joint dealing account
- Child SIPP dealing
- Company dealing
- CFDs and Spread Betting
Investment Support
- Markets & news
For the latest economic, political and company news across the equity market. Plus, latest news and commentaries from the Funds market. - Research & Education
Investment selection tools for shares, funds, and covered warrants; comprehensive company factsheets; charts and watchlists. Plus guides and information to help enhance your investment skills; from an introduction to the stock market to investment strategies. - Customer only research
Free access to Analysts' Consensus view, Directors' Dealings plus technical analysis from Investors Intelligence.
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Selftrade is a trading name of Talos Securities Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA Register number 208271) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange and PLUS Markets plc.
Data Sources: AFX, Bondscape, Dow Jones, FIDES, FTSE, LSE, Morningstar (conditions apply)