Shares ISA - the smart choice

Tax-efficient investing at your fingertips.

Individual Savings Accounts are meant to be just that, individual, so go for one that lets you have your ISA, your way. Not only does it mean you choose the individual investments you want, but it also means you can change your mind to reflect changing market conditions. And it's just as flexible when it comes to investing in funds.

Choose a Fund Manager's ISA and odds are you'll only have a choice of their own funds. If you then want to switch to other funds, it's often a case of having to switch your ISA too. And that can mean cost, inconvenience and time out of the market. But with Selftrade, picking funds is as easy as picking shares. There's over 40 top fund managers to choose from, more than 1,000 funds and many great savings to be had on their initial charges too. So make sure you are as selective in choosing your ISA provider as you are in picking the investments to go in it.

Selftrade Shares ISA... it's the ISAnswer.

Order an information pack >
Download an application form >

Please bear in mind that:
  • The value of investments can fall as well as rise and any income from them is not guaranteed. You should be prepared to lose your investment. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
  • The extent and value of any ISA tax advantages or benefits will vary according to the individual's circumstances. The levels and bases of taxation may also change.

Apply online >
Please ensure you read and understand the Investment Risk Warnings and other important information

At a glance

  • Award winning service - voted Best Self Select ISA provider by Shares magazine readers, 2006, 2007 and 2009. More awards >
  • Choose the investments you want to hold in this tax-efficient account from our wide range of eligible investments, including shares, Funds and ETFs
  • No Capital Gains Tax and no additional income tax to pay.
  • Everyone can invest up to £10,200 from 6 April 2010
  • One easy-to-use account covers all your separate tax years, giving you a complete picture.
  • Build your own Funds ISA - no dealing fee on purchases plus many Funds have specially negotiated initial charges and lower management fees to save you even more.
  • Deal as often or as little as you like - online or by telephone - for £12.50 per trade.
    Plus reduced rates for frequent traders once you've completed 100 trades in a quarter across all your accounts.
  • We take care of much of the paperwork, collect your dividends and even provide an end of tax year summary.
  • 'Nominee account' structure enables us to carry out your instructions with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency - whilst you remain the beneficial owner.
  • Available to eligible UK residents aged 18 and over.

ISA subscription limits 2010/11

Total subscription limit from 6 April 2010 £10,200
Cash ISA maximum £5,100
Stocks & Shares ISA maximum £10,200 LESS any amount subscribed to a Cash ISA in the current tax year

2011 onwards

In the Budget Statement, March 2010 it was advised that ISA subscription levels will be reviewed each year, in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI). This is a change that the industry-body, TISA, supported by brokers such as Selftrade, have been campaigning for over many years and we’re delighted to see this come to fruition. The first announcement will be made towards the end of 2010.

HMRC reports that "From 6 April 2011 and over the course of the next Parliament, the annual ISA limits will increase annually in line with RPI. The new annual limits will be rounded to the nearest multiple of £120 so that individuals who save monthly will be able to calculate their monthly savings more easily. The new limits will be calculated by reference to the RPI for the September before the start of the tax year, and HM Revenue & Customs will announce the new limits as soon as possible after the RPI figure is published, and at least four months in advance of the start of the new tax year in which they will apply."

Consultation is also to take place on allowing AIM and PLUS listed stocks to be included in an ISA.

We will update these details as further information becomes available.

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.
  • Separate Dealing account
    We'll automatically open a Dealing account for you, so you can invest in assets that would otherwise fall outside the scope of your ISA. And your Management Fee comes from your Dealing account so you can maximise the tax efficiency of your ISA.

Money management

  • Instant funding
    Use a VISA Delta or Switch/Maestro card. For other ways to credit your account see our FAQs.
  • 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.
  • Free income withdrawal
    You can withdraw income at any time and have the money paid straight to your UK bank account.

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 >

View the ISA podcast

Watch the Shares ISA Video

For a brief introduction to ISAs take a look at the ISA edition of StockTalk. Selftrade's Stephen Barber discussed ISAs with Tony Vine-Lott of TISA and gets the views of some ISA investors.

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.
  • Simple Management Fee
    An annual fee of £35 plus VAT covers all of your Selftrade accounts.

Find out more >

Got an account elsewhere?

Want the convenience and simplicity of having all your investments together? Transfer to us and we'll help with the costs. We'll pay up to £300 to cover the cost of moving your existing accounts to us.

Find out more >

Cash ISA rates too low?

Looking for the potential of better returns in these times of low cash-savings rates?

Under the ISA regulations, you can transfer money from any Cash ISA which you may hold elsewhere to your Selftrade Shares ISA. Of course, investing in shares brings a higher level of risk than cash since shares prices can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest. But it's your ISA, so you decide.

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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