In 2016, the UK government changed ISA rules to allow savings providers to offer more flexibility to savers.
This change was optional, so not all ISAs are flexble.
So, what does having a flexible ISA actually mean for you?
ISA flexibility gives you the freedom to withdraw savings and then pay that money back in without it counting towards your annual allowance. You can withdraw and replace money as many times as you like as long as you don't go over the limit, which for the 2026/2027 tax year is £20,000.
Here's an example:
- On 10 April 2026 you pay £10,000 into your ISA
- On 10 May 2026 you withdraw £5,000
If your ISA is flexible, you can pay £15,000 into your ISA any time before 5 April 2026. If you ISA is not flexible, you could only pay £10,000 (the remaining portion of your original allowance) back in.
You have to pay any replacement savings into your ISA before the close of business on 5 April (the end of the tax year) or it will count towards the next year's annual allowance.
You can learn more about flexible ISAs and how they work on the gov.uk website.
Explore our ISA range
You can explore our ISAs here. If you'd like to discuss what sort of account could be right for you, why not book a savings appointment or pop into your local branch?
*Information reviewed and updated August 2026.