Income ISAs

Income ISAs

Compare ISA Investments

Income ISA

What is an income ISA?

An income ISA is a way of using your ISA allowance that aims to provide you with a regular tax-efficient income payment on your investment or savings. Income may be paid on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis, so you can choose an option to suit your savings goals.

Your ISA allowance for 2024/25 is £20,000 per person. You are permitted to invest all or part of this amount in an investment ISA, or part of this amount in a cash ISA and the remainder in stocks and shares.

What types of income ISA are available?

A wide range of income ISAs are available. You can select income funds covering all major geographical regions of the world, income funds with different investment risk profiles and growth objectives, including income equity funds, bond funds, property funds, specialist funds, and cash funds. Income ISAs offer you the flexibility to make the most of your ISA allowance in a way that suits you.

You can choose from income funds that invest in equities or funds that invest in corporate bonds. If you’re looking to earn an income from your investment then there is a wide range of income fund ISAs that can help you to reach your investment goals.

Another option for those who are seeking income is a structured deposit plan. These are plans with a defined term, typically 3 to 6 years, which offer a rate of return that’s defined at the outset. The plans are usually linked to stock market performance.

A income ISA might suit you if:

  • You want to use your ISA allowance to maximise your potential for income from your investments, especially at this time of low interest rates. The money you invest in an income ISA can offer the potential for tangible tax savings.
  • You want to hold shares and increase your ISA amount over the long term – capital gains are 100% tax-free when held in an ISA.
  • You’re looking to invest for the medium to long term – investment-based ISA accounts generally perform better over time than cash-based accounts.
  • You’re saving with your retirement in mind. Many people use their yearly ISA allowance to invest in income-yielding plans – the result of which can generate a tax-free income during retirement. In fact, recent data shows that savers are now putting more money into ISAs than into pension schemes.
  • You want to combine a straightforward, tax-free cash savings account with the benefit of regular income payments.

An income ISA might not suit you if:

  • You’re only saving for a short-term goal. Because the income on your ISA pays out at regular intervals – for example, once a year – you may miss out on the benefits of this if you withdraw earlier. If you do decide to use an income ISA for a short-term savings goal, make sure you choose one that pays out income at more frequent intervals, such as once every quarter.
  • Your first priority is to establish an emergency fund that you can easily access if something unexpected occurs. In this case, an instant access cash ISA might be more suited to your requirements.
Tax FREE Investing Using An ISA
Plan Name

Mariana FTSE 100 Defensive Income Kick Out Plan

Potential Income
Up to 6.1%
per year
Term
Up to 6 years
ISA Option

More info

Important Information: Structured investment plans are not capital protected and are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for default alone. There is a risk of losing some or all of your initial investment due to the performance of the underlying investment. There is also a risk that the company backing the plan known as the Counterparty may be unable to repay your initial investment and any returns stated.

Plan Name

Walker Crips UK Fixed Income  Plan

Annual Income
5.5%
fixed income per year
Term
5 years
ISA Option

More info

Important Information: Structured investment plans are not capital protected and are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for default alone. There is a risk of losing some or all of your initial investment due to the performance of the underlying investment. There is also a risk that the company backing the plan known as the Counterparty may be unable to repay your initial investment and any returns stated.

Plan Name

Arcus 6Y UK Monthly Fixed Income Plan

Annual Income
5.4%
fixed income per year
Term
6 years
ISA Option

More info

Important Information: Structured investment plans are not capital protected and are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for default alone. There is a risk of losing some or all of your initial investment due to the performance of the underlying investment. There is also a risk that the company backing the plan known as the Counterparty may be unable to repay your initial investment and any returns stated.

Invest From
£25 per month or £100 single
Fund
High Income
Income Yield
4.55%*
Income Paid Monthly
ISA, SIPP & Direct Investment

More info

Why we like it: If you are looking for a high income yield and prepared to accept higher volatility then this fund may fit the bill. With a focus on high yield bonds and shares, the fund manager is an experienced bond investor who has a flexible approach to seeking out the best income opportunities. This fund is available via the Hargreaves Lansdown investment platform. Capital at risk. *Distribution yield correct as at 28/2/2021
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invested. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to an authorised financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future.
Invest From
£25 per month or £100 single
Fund
Multi Manager High Income
Income Yield
3.37%*
Income Paid Monthly
ISA, SIPP & Direct Investment

More info

Why we like it: In a world of ultra low interest rates the Hargreaves Multi Manager High Income fund aims to deliver a high monthly income to clients by blending different types of funds and moving between different areas of the market when more attractive opportunities emerge. HL also aim to grow this income payment over time and therefore may invest in higher risk smaller companies they believe offer great potential for long term capital growth. Capital at risk. *Historic yield correct as at March 31st 2021. Variable & not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invested. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to an authorised financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future.
Invest From
£25 per month or £100 single
Fund
Asian Income
Income Yield
2.90%*
Income Paid Quarterly
ISA, SIPP & Direct Investment Options

More info

Why we like it: If you are looking to access Asia’s exciting growth potential along with a regular income this fund may be for you. Focuses on larger, dividend-paying companies in developed Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. Invests in a small number of companies so each can contribute a lot to performance, which can increase risk. The fund aims to pay an attractive income and grow your investment. A focus on companies that tend to be more stable could help the fund fall to a lesser extent than some others when markets are weak. Jupiter has grown to be one of the UK’s most successful and respected investment management groups. Capital at risk. This fund is available via the Hargreaves Lansdown investment platform. *Historic yield correct as at 31/3/2021
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invested. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to an authorised financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future.
Invest From
£25 per month or £100 single
Fund
Money Builder
Income Yield
3.42%*
Income Paid Monthly
ISA, SIPP & Direct Investment

More info

Why we like it:  A fund with a conservative approach to bond investing. The focus is on quality companies that are in good financial health and generate enough cash to keep paying bondholders. Aims to provide a relatively steady income and a small amount of growth, without taking excessive risks. It could help diversify a portfolio focused on shares, or be used as a way to limit volatility during tougher times for stock and bond markets. Capital at risk. This fund is available via the Hargreaves Lansdown investment platform. *Distribution yield correct as at 21/4/2021
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invested. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to an authorised financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future.
Invest From
£25 per month or £100 single
Fund
Global Equity Income
Income Yield
1.93%*
Income Paid Quarterly
ISA, SIPP & Direct Investment Options

More info

Why we like it: JP Morgan Asset management is one of the worlds largest and best known brands in investment management. The aim of this fund is to achieve high and rising income by investing globally primarily in equities in any economic sector whilst participating in long term capital growth. Capital at risk. This fund is available via the Hargreaves Lansdown investment platform. *Historic yield correct as at 31/3/2021
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invested. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to an authorised financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future.
Invest From
£25 per month or £100 single
Fund
Ethical Equity
Income Yield
1.39%*
Income Paid Annually
ISA, SIPP & Direct Investment Options

More info

Why we like it: Investing ethically often involves avoiding certain companies or sectors. These constraints mean striking a balance between investing ethically and delivering strong performance is no easy task. The Aegon team look at the effects a company’s activities can have on the environment and society and use a strict screening process to find suitable companies. Audrey Ryan then selects the ones with the best long-term prospects, taking into account her views on the UK economy. The fund manager Audrey Ryan is one of few fund managers who have handled the constraints of an ethical fund well over the long run. capital at risk. The fund is available through the Hargreaves Lansdown Platform. *Historic yield correct as at 30/11/2020
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invested. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to an authorised financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future.
An investment ISA is simply where you use your annual ISA allowance (currently £20,000 in 2024/25) to invest in non cash assets such as shares, investment trusts, open-ended investment companies (OEICs), life insurance policies, corporate bonds, and gilts.

An investment ISA, as with all investments, involves an element of risk, so it’s important that you are comfortable with this and you are in a sufficiently stable financial position. If you are unsure you should seek independent financial advice.

Before you open an investment ISA, make sure that:

  • Your debts are under control – you’ve either paid them off or have affordable arrangements in place to do so.
  • You have emergency savings that you can access easily if something unexpected occurs – if your car breaks down or you’re made redundant, you’ll need savings that you can use straight away.

If you’re very new to saving and don’t yet have a basic emergency fund, you may find that a cash ISA is more suitable for you at this stage. Once you’ve built up some accessible savings in this way, you might then want to consider an investment ISA.

 

  • You should be prepared to invest for the medium to long term with a investment ISA – for example, for five years or more.
  • If you think you might require access to your cash in the next couple of years, a investment ISA may not be the right choice for you. Share prices can be volatile – and so if you were to withdraw your investment in the next twelve to eighteen months, you could end up with less money than you started with.
  • Different investment ISAs have different investment options. These range from as little as £10 per month (e.g. through a fund) to a specified minimum investment (e.g. £500).
  • Some ISA providers will give you online access to your account, allowing you to see the investment performance of your ISA and keep up to date with any charges incurred.
  • If your investment ISA isn’t performing as well as you’d like, you will usually be permitted to transfer it another provider. To do this, speak to your new ISA manager who will arrange the transfer, allowing you to avoid losing any tax benefits by withdrawing your cash.
  • You can transfer shares you get from an HMRC-approved SAYE (save as you earn) scheme run by your employer, or a share incentive plan, into a investment component of an ISA without incurring capital gains tax, up to your annual ISA allowance.
  • You will not be able to transfer any existing non-ISA shares, or shares you’ve inherited, into an investment ISA.
  • With an investment ISA, there is greater long-term growth potential than a cash ISA – however, bear in mind that the value of your investment can go down as well as up.
  • If you have an investment ISA from a previous tax year, you’re permitted to move this into a current investment ISA or split it between more than one investment ISA.
  • If you want to open a Junior ISA (JISA) for your child, you can also invest in investment on their behalf up to a maximum of £9,000.

 

A stocks and shares ISA acts as a tax-efficient ‘wrapper’ for your investments, allowing you invest up to a set amount per year (currently £20,000 for the 2024/25 tax year) while paying a reduced amount of tax on any investment income you make.

Your personal allowance for a stocks and shares ISA is £20,000 for the 2024/25 tax year. Investing this amount would use up your full ISA allowance, but if you prefer, you can divide your ISA allowance between a cash ISA and a stocks and shares ISA.

You could, for example, put some of your allowance in a cash ISA and the remaining balance can be invested in stocks and shares.

When considering a stocks and shares ISA, bear in mind that tax treatment may vary and is subject to change in the future.

You can switch your investments within the stocks and shares ISA, or transfer your ISA to another provider without it affecting your allowance for that tax year.

To transfer a stocks and shares ISA from one provider to another, speak to the new provider, who will arrange it on your behalf.

Different stocks and shares ISA providers offer different levels of risk, as well as varying potential returns. Some are focused on specific types of asset, while others are more varied.

If you want the opportunity to spread your investments around different areas – and thus avoid putting all your eggs in one basket – you could choose a stocks and shares ISA provider that specializes in diverse portfolio management.

One of the key advantages of a stocks and shares ISA is that it can offer the potential to deliver higher returns than a cash ISA, especially if you plan to hold it over the long term.

Holding a stocks and shares ISA for a longer period of time increases your chances of riding out fluctuations in the market.

If you’re looking to hold your investment for at least five years, and are happy to take on a level of risk, then a stocks and shares ISA might be a suitable choice for you.

However, stocks and shares ISAs don’t provide the same level of security as cash ISAs. If you’re saving for the short term, need easy access to your money, can’t afford to risk your capital, or are simply risk-averse, then a stocks and shares ISA probably won’t be suitable for you.

As with all financial decisions, it’s best to seek independent advice if you’re unsure.

If a stocks and shares ISA isn’t the right choice for you, we also provide access to a leading range of cash ISAs.

Offers
Important Risk Information: This website contains information only and does not constitute advice or a personal recommendation in any way whatsoever. The value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the full amount invested. The tax efficiency of ISAs is based on current tax law and there is no guarantee that tax rules will stay the same in the future. Different types of investment carry different levels of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Prior to making any decision to invest, you should ensure that you are familiar with the risks associated with a particular investment and should read the product literature. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of a particular investment, both in respect of its objectives and its risk profile, you should seek independent financial advice. * Details of how the Financial Services Compensation Scheme applies to investment firms can be found at fscs.org.uk.