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FTSE 100 6,216.00 +0.07%
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VEDANTA 2,532.00 +4.50%

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Child Trust Fund account

Give your child a financial headstart to their adult life

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Once added to the account, the money belongs to the chid but can only be withdrawn at age 18.

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 investments.

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. Automatically invests any account balance of £100 or more each month.

Growth in the value of your child's investment is free of capital gains tax and there's no further liability to income tax on any income your investments provide.

Of course, investing introduces a higher degree of risk than just putting cash into a savings account. 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • No fee for dividend collection
    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.

Credit a CTF account here >

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.

Find out more >

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.

Find out more >

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.

View full risk warning >

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.

Find out more >

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.
  • No inactivity fees
    Trade as little or as often as you want.

Find out more >

Other account options

  • Dealing Account
  • Shares ISA
  • Investment club
  • Joint dealing account
  • Child SIPP dealing
  • Company dealing
  • CFDs and Spread Betting

Find out more >

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.