Transfer CTF to Junior ISA: What UK parents need to know

If you’ve still got a Child Trust Fund (CTF) quietly tucked away for your child, you’re not alone, but you may be missing out. Introduced in 2005, CTFs were a great starting point for long-term savings. 

But since the scheme ended, they’ve slowly been overtaken by better options. When comparing child trust fund vs Junior ISA, one of the most popular moves UK parents are making now is to transfer CTF to JISA — and it’s not hard to see why.

Whether you’re looking for higher returns, easier access, or just a better understanding of where your child’s money is going, transferring CTF to Junior ISA could be one of the smartest financial decisions you make for their future.

Why Junior ISAs have become the new standard

CTFs were launched by the government to give every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 a financial head start. The scheme ended over a decade ago, and most CTFs have been left to gather dust with outdated investment choices, minimal customer service, and uninspiring interest rates.

Junior ISAs (JISAs), on the other hand, have taken the baton and sprinted ahead. Offering some of the best Junior ISA accounts available, they provide better flexibility, modern management tools, and competitive returns — all wrapped in the same tax-free wrapper. That’s why so many families are now choosing to transfer their Child Trust Funds to Junior ISA accounts instead.

It’s not just about ditching the old. It’s about upgrading to something far more efficient and future-proof.

How to transfer CTF to Junior ISA

You don’t need to be a finance whizz to make the switch. In fact, one of the best things about the process is how straightforward it is. Here’s how to transfer CTF to Junior ISA without stress:

1. Choose a Junior ISA provider

Start by picking a provider that supports CTF transfers. Not all do, so check their website or contact their support team. Decide whether you want a cash JISA (safer, guaranteed interest) or a stocks & shares JISA (potential for higher growth over time, but with risk).

2. Apply and complete the transfer form

When opening the new Junior ISA, you’ll be asked if you’re transferring a CTF. Tick the box, fill in the short form with the CTF provider’s details, and you’re done. The new provider will contact your existing one and handle the rest.

3. Wait for the transfer to complete

Most transfers take between two and four weeks. By law, you must transfer the full CTF balance, partial transfers aren’t allowed. Once the process is complete, your CTF will be closed, and the Junior ISA becomes the new account for your child’s savings.

It really is that easy and most providers keep you updated along the way.

Pros of switching

So, what’s in it for you or, rather, your child?

When you transfer CTF to JISA, you’re unlocking a whole new set of options that simply didn’t exist with most old CTF accounts. But this isn’t just a list of upgrades, it’s a shift toward smarter and more future-ready savings.

• Better interest rates
  Many cash JISAs offer higher interest than dormant CTFs, especially those held with legacy providers.
• Lower fees
  Stocks & shares JISAs, particularly through modern platforms, often charge lower fees than CTFs which can make a big difference over 10+ years.
• Greater investment flexibility
  With a JISA, you can choose from index funds, ETFs, sustainable portfolios, and more, far beyond what most CTFs ever offered.
• Easier access and control
  Many JISA providers offer slick apps or dashboards so you can track progress, adjust investments, and contribute regularly without a single phone call.

And unlike CTFs, which are now unsupported by the government, JISAs continue to evolve with the times. Transferring is like swapping your old flip phone for a smartphone, same function, and wildly better performance.

Timing matters

Every month your child’s money stays parked in an underperforming CTF is a missed opportunity. With compound growth, even small differences in returns can stack up over time, and the earlier you make the switch, the bigger the potential impact.

There’s no fee to transfer. No downside if you’re moving to a better-managed account. The process is free and fully regulated. So, if you're still sitting on the fence, remember: doing nothing could be costing your child money every single year.

Making the move now puts you one step ahead and gives their savings a fresh start under your watchful eye.

Final thoughts

Transferring a CTF might not seem like a high-stakes financial move, but it could be one of the smartest long-term decisions you make for your child. It’s simple, cost-free, and can unlock better performance, easier access, and far more investment potential.

Whether you’re drawn to a stocks & shares option or prefer a cash-based approach, one thing is clear: it’s time to bring your child’s savings into the modern world.

If you’ve been wondering whether to transfer child trust fund to Junior ISA, now you have the answer and the steps to get it done.

FAQs

Can I transfer a CTF into any Junior ISA?

Not all providers accept CTF transfers. Make sure your chosen JISA provider allows it, as many do, but it's best to confirm before applying.

What happens to the CTF once it’s transferred?

Once the full balance is moved into the Junior ISA, the CTF account is automatically closed. You can no longer pay into it, and all future contributions go to the JISA.

Can I choose between cash and stocks & shares when transferring?

Yes. You can transfer your CTF into either a cash JISA or a stocks & shares JISA, depending on your risk preference and the provider you choose.