How to transfer a stocks and shares Isa
Megan is a senior researcher and writer at Which?, with a background in data analysis and stats in the public and charity sectors.
Can I transfer a stocks and shares Isa?
It should be relatively easy and straightforward to transfer your stocks and shares Isa.
Unlike cash Isa transfers, stocks and shares Isa transfers aren't just about chasing a better return – your return depends on what's in your stocks and shares Isa.
You could, however, unlock lower charges, better customer service, or a wider range of investment choices.
You're not limited to transferring within the £20,000 annual Isa limit, so you can transfer as much as you'd like as well as making new contributions.
- Find out more: best stocks and shares Isas 2026
Do I need to sell my investments to transfer an Isa?
There are two ways you can transfer your stocks and shares Isa from one provider to another: an 'in specie' transfer or a cash transfer.
For an 'in specie' transfer, all the investments you hold in your stocks and shares Isa are transported to your new provider. You stay invested throughout the process.
If you're happy with your investments, this type of transfer makes sense, although it is likely to take longer, typically four to six weeks, and you might have to pay exit fees to your existing provider.
Alternatively, with a cash transfer, your investments are sold and the proceeds passed to your new provider.
The Isa status of your cash remains in place throughout the process, but your money will be out of the market, meaning that if the value of your investments go up, you could miss out on some of the gains.
Some providers don't allow in specie transfers, while some allow them in but not out. It's worth checking your new platform's policy.
Can I transfer part of an Isa?
If you would like to complete a partial transfer (selling some investments in order to transfer the proceeds to a cash Isa but leaving others invested), bear in mind that one or both of the providers involved in the transfer might not allow this.
In this case, you'll need to either include a covering letter stating your instructions with your transfer form or contact your stocks and shares Isa provider separately in order to make your intentions clear.
How do I transfer my Isa to another provider?
You can follow these steps to ensure your transfer goes through as quickly and efficiently as possible:
- Shop around for the best Isa for you
- Decide if you want to transfer your Isa as stock or cash
- Contact your new provider or visit its website and complete its transfer form. Most will offer the option to complete the form online, but if you prefer you can print off
- If your transfer is taking a long time to process, call your new provider and get them to chase it up
- Once your transfer is complete, check for missing payments
Watch out for exit fees
It's possible that your old provider will charge you exit fees, especially if you have opted to stay invested for your transfer.
While most providers won't charge you anything, we've found others charging exit fees ranging from £15 to £30 per holding.
Sometimes your new provider will agree to cover these charges for you, so try haggling if your old provider still wants you to pay up to leave. It's not uncommon for providers to cover hundreds of pounds' worth of exit fees as an incentive to use their service.
- Find out more: compare investment platform fees and charges
How long does it take to transfer a stocks and shares Isa?
According to government guidance, it shouldn't take more than 30 calendar days to move a stocks and shares Isa to another provider.
If you're not happy with the length of time taken to transfer your Isa, you can complain to your old provider, and then to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you're not happy with their response or haven't received one within around eight weeks.
Can I transfer between cash Isas and stocks and shares Isas?
You can transfer a cash Isa into a stocks and shares Isa but, from April 2027, you can't transfer a stocks and shares Isa into a cash Isa.
From then, if you want to move money from a stocks and shares Isa into a cash Isa, you'll have to withdraw it and lose its tax-free status before putting it into the cash Isa and using up some or all of your annual £12,000 allowance.
Many stocks and shares Isa providers allow investors to hold cash on a temporary basis within a stocks and shares Isa while they are out of the market, but interest rates will usually be negligible so be wary of using it in place of a cash Isa.
- Find out more: best cash Isas