The end of the tax year is approaching, and with it comes thoughts of what to do with your 2016/17 ISA allowance. The deadline to make the most of this year's £15,240 limit is looming, so don't miss out! If you've yet to invest, now's the time to do so – and if you've already got a cash ISA for the year, you may want to transfer it to get the best return possible.
Transferring your cash ISA to a better deal could be one of the best ways to boost your returns, particularly if you switch to one offering the best ISA rate. Remember that you're only allowed one active cash ISA each year, but that doesn't mean you can't decide to use a different one – as long as you make sure to follow the transfer rules, you can retain your tax-efficiency and keep your pot out of the taxman's reach.
Here's a quick overview on how to transfer your cash ISA. If you want extra detail, you can find out more here.
It's as simple as that! It's a quick and simple process that should be completed within 15 working days, and because you're transferring ISAs rather than adding to a new account, you needn't worry so much about the tax year deadline.
That's not to say you should wait too long, however. We're in the midst of ISA season (which typically takes place every March and April) which is supposedly when the best cash ISA deals are available, and happily, this year seems to be holding up well – average fixed ISA rates have been edging up recently, which means now could be a great time to take a look at the deals available. Remember that fixed rate ISAs provide guaranteed returns, too, so if you fix at a top rate, you won't lose that for the duration of your chosen term.
So don't delay! Compare cash ISAs using our Best Buy tables or whole of market savings search tool, and see if you can find a better home for your ISA savings.
Find out more by reading our ISA transfer guide
If you really want to get the best returns possible, it may be worth considering stocks & shares ISAs instead. These accounts vastly outperform cash but they come with their own set of risks, so should only be considered by investors comfortable with that (these accounts will have different ISA transfer rules, too; speak to your provider for details).
Information is correct as of the date of publication (shown at the top of this article). Any products featured may be withdrawn by their provider or changed at any time.
Leeds Building Society was commended for High Street Savings Provider of the Year at the Moneyfacts Consumer Awards 2021.
Leeds Building Society was commended for High Street Savings Provider of the Year at the Moneyfacts Consumer Awards 2021.
This week we reported that over half of savings are being held in easy access savings accounts, mainly due to savers wanting to easily access their funds due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic
This week we reported that over half of savings are being held in easy access savings accounts, mainly due to savers wanting to easily access their funds due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic
ISA season is only weeks away but savers hoping to start seeing rates increase will be disappointed with data released this week, which found that ISA rates remain at record lows
ISA season is only weeks away but savers hoping to start seeing rates increase will be disappointed with data released this week, which found that ISA rates remain at record lows
Leeds Building Society was commended for High Street Savings Provider of the Year at the Moneyfacts Consumer Awards 2021.
Leeds Building Society was commended for High Street Savings Provider of the Year at the Moneyfacts Consumer Awards 2021.
This week we reported that over half of savings are being held in easy access savings accounts, mainly due to savers wanting to easily access their funds due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic
This week we reported that over half of savings are being held in easy access savings accounts, mainly due to savers wanting to easily access their funds due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic
ISA season is only weeks away but savers hoping to start seeing rates increase will be disappointed with data released this week, which found that ISA rates remain at record lows
ISA season is only weeks away but savers hoping to start seeing rates increase will be disappointed with data released this week, which found that ISA rates remain at record lows
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