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.

Junior ISA opening FAQs

Can I apply for a Junior ISA online?

Yes, and you can apply for a Junior ISA online with Freetrade. 

At what age can you open a Junior ISA?

Junior ISAs can be opened for all children under the age of 18. You can open Freetrade’s Junior ISA for a child under the age of 16.

Who can open a Junior ISA in the UK?

The parent or legal guardian of a child can open a Junior ISA on their behalf. The child must be living in the UK, or a dependent of a Crown servant living abroad.

Can grandparents open a Junior ISA?

No, a Junior ISA must be opened for a child by their parent or legal guardian.

Can I open a Junior ISA for my niece or nephew?

Not unless you are their legal guardian, as Junior ISAs can only be opened for a child by their parent or legal guardian.

Can both parents open a Junior ISA?

Either parent can open a Junior ISA for their child. However, a child can only have a maximum of two Junior ISAs: one cash Junior ISA, and one stocks and shares Junior ISA.

What documents do I need to open a Junior ISA?

You may need documents and details such as proof of identity (passport or driving licence), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), child’s National Insurance number (if they have one).

If you already have a Freetrade account, you do not need to supply your proof of identity or proof of address when applying for a Freetrade Junior ISA.

How long does it take to open a Junior ISA?

It takes just a few minutes to fill in an application for a new stocks and shares Junior ISA from Freetrade.