Answers · UK 2025/26
Can two people share an ISA?
No — an ISA can only be held in one person's name. Married couples or civil partners each have their own £20,000 annual ISA allowance, giving a combined £40,000 per year between them.
Full answer
ISAs are individual accounts by definition — the "I" stands for Individual. You cannot open a joint ISA, and a spouse or partner cannot contribute to your ISA or be named as a co-holder. **What couples can do:** - Each partner uses their own **£20,000 annual allowance** — £40,000 total per couple per year. - Allocate different ISA types strategically: e.g. one partner holds a Stocks & Shares ISA for long-term growth, the other a Cash ISA for emergency savings. - The higher earner can gift money to the lower earner for them to invest in their own ISA — there is no gift tax between spouses/civil partners (though CGT on the gifted asset may apply if non-cash). **Inherited ISA Allowance (APS):** When a spouse or civil partner dies, the surviving partner receives an **Additional Permitted Subscription (APS)** equal to the value of the deceased's ISA. This allows them to maintain the tax-free status of the inherited savings — even if it takes them above their own £20,000 annual limit. **Junior ISA (JISA) for children:** Children under 18 have a separate **£9,000/year** JISA allowance. Parents and guardians can open a JISA on the child's behalf; contributions can be made by anyone (grandparents, relatives). The child cannot access the money until age 18. **Lifetime ISA (LISA):** A LISA is individual and restricted to those aged 18–39 at opening. Each partner can hold their own LISA, and both can use the 25% government bonus separately toward a first home purchase.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.