How much can you put in an ISA? Your ISA allowance explained

For the 2026/27 tax year, the ISA allowance is £20,000. You can use some or all of it across eligible ISA types. Any unused allowance is lost after 5 April 2027.

If you already have a cash ISA, check how much of your allowance you have used. Also check whether the account still fits your savings plan. You do not have to use the full amount.

What is the ISA allowance for 2026/27?

The ISA allowance for 2026/27 is £20,000. This is the most you can pay into adult ISAs between 6 April 2026 and 5 April 2027.

Interest earned in an ISA is usually free from UK income tax, as long as you follow ISA rules.

The £20,000 limit applies to new payments in each tax year. It is not a cap on the total value you can hold in ISAs over time.

When is the ISA deadline?

The deadline for the 2026/27 tax year is 5 April 2027. Any unused allowance is lost when the tax year ends. A new allowance starts on 6 April.

Checking before the deadline helps you review account terms, ISA transfer rules and funding deadlines from providers.

Do I need to use my full ISA allowance?

No. The ISA allowance is a limit, not a target. Save only what fits your budget and leaves enough cash for bills or emergencies.

Access matters too. An easy access account could suit money you may need soon. A fixed-term account may suit money you can leave untouched for the full term.

Can I pay into more than one cash ISA?

Yes.

You can pay into multiple cash ISAs in the same tax year. Just stay within the total limit and follow each provider's rules.

This can help if you want one account for easy access and another for fixed savings.

Check each product's terms, withdrawal rules and funding deadlines before you pay in.

What happens if I already have money in an ISA?

Money from earlier tax years can usually stay in the ISA wrapper.

If you want to move your current ISA savings, use the official ISA transfer process. Do not withdraw the money and pay it back in yourself.

If you do that, you could lose tax-free status or use part of this year's allowance by mistake.

cash ISA changes 2027: what is the cash ISA limit?

From 6 April 2027, the government plans to cut the annual cash ISA limit to £12,000 for people under 65. Those aged 65 or over are due to keep a £20,000 cash ISA limit. The overall ISA limit is expected to stay at £20,000.

The cash ISA limit 2027 is still being discussed, so check the latest GOV.UK guidance before you act. Draft rules published in July 2026 also suggest limits on moving money from non-cash ISAs to cash ISAs for people under 65.

A simple ISA check-up

Before you pay in more, ask yourself:

• How much of this year's allowance have I used?
• Will I need this cash soon?
• What rate am I getting, and can it change?
• Are there withdrawal limits, fixed terms or minimum deposits?
• Should I keep some money outside the ISA for daily spending or emergencies?

The aim is not just to use the allowance. It is to keep your savings in the right place for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

How much can I pay into an ISA in 2026/27?

The adult ISA allowance is £20,000 for 2026/27. You can use it across eligible ISA types, subject to each product's rules.

When does my ISA allowance reset?

The ISA tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April. Your annual allowance resets on 6 April, and you cannot carry over unused allowance from the previous year.

Can I have more than one cash ISA?

Yes.

You can use multiple cash ISAs in one tax year if you stay within the yearly limit and your providers allow it.

Will my existing cash ISA lose its tax-free status in April 2027?

The planned 2027 change is about how much new money can be paid in each year. Existing eligible ISA savings can stay in the ISA wrapper. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance as the new rules get closer.

Next steps

if you're reviewing how you use your ISA allowance, these Kent Reliance pages may help you explore your options:

View cash ISAs

Explore Easy Access cash ISAs

View current interest rates

Compare all savings accounts

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