How to open a Junior ISA: A complete guide

Opening a Junior ISA is straightforward, and you can apply online in just a few minutes. However, there are eligibility rules and account details you might want to check first. In this guide, learn who can open a Junior ISA, what information you need, and how to open a JISA in just a few minutes.

You can also find out more in Freetrade’s full guide to Junior ISAs. 

Who can open a Junior ISA?

A Junior ISA can only be opened for a child by their parent or legal guardian. Whoever opens the account will be its ‘registered contact’.

Grandparents, relatives, and friends who want to make a contribution to a child’s future can ask parents to open a Freetrade Junior ISA for the child. They can then contribute to the Junior ISA through the registered contact. 

Remember: The Junior ISA allowance of £9,000 applies per child, not per contributor.

Junior ISA age limits and eligibility

While parents or guardians need to be the ones to open an account, they also need to ensure the child is eligible. To qualify, an individual must typically be under the age of 18 and either a UK resident OR a dependent of a Crown servant living abroad.

For a Freetrade Junior ISA, the child must also be under the age of 16.

However, there is no lower age limit, so a Junior ISA can be opened for a child from birth.

In addition, a child cannot have a Child Trust Fund and a Junior ISA, or hold two cash Junior ISAs or stocks and shares Junior ISAs at once. This can impact opening a new Junior ISA account.

For example, for a Freetrade stocks and shares Junior ISA, any existing Child Trust Fund or stocks and shares Junior ISA in the child’s name would need to be fully transferred into the new Junior ISA.

What do you need to open a Junior ISA?

The details and paperwork you may need to open a Junior ISA include: 

• Your own identity documents (passport or driving licence) and proof of address.
• The child's personal details, such as their full name, date of birth, and address.
• If they have one, the child's National Insurance number.
• Proof that you are the child’s parent or legal guardian.
• Details of any accounts you wish to transfer into the Junior ISA.

If you are applying for a Freetrade Junior ISA and you are already a Freetrade customer, you will not need to provide identity documents or proof of address. 

Remember: A child cannot have a Child Trust Fund and a Junior ISA, or two stocks and shares Junior ISAs. If your child has one of these accounts, you will need to have the details of these accounts ready when opening a Freetrade stocks and shares Junior ISA. 

A child can have both a cash Junior ISA and a stocks and shares Junior ISA at the same time.

How to open a Junior ISA online with Freetrade

If you already have a Freetrade account

1. Log into your Freetrade account on the app or web platform.
2. Select ‘open a JISA’ in the Profile menu, or the top toolbar on the web platform.
3. Enter the child’s details, such as their legal name, date of birth, and address.
4. Confirm your status as their parent or legal guardian. 
5. The child’s new Junior ISA is open and ready to use.

If you are new to Freetrade

1. Download the Freetrade app and create your account.
2. Open a General Investment Account.
3. Click ‘open a JISA’ in the Profile menu, or via the top toolbar if using the web platform.
4. Fill in the child’s details, including their legal name, date of birth, and address.
5. Finish the declaration, confirming you are the child’s parent or legal guardian.
6. The child’s new Junior ISA is open and ready to use.