Investment FAQs

How much can I pay into an Alliance Trust Investment Dealing account?

We have a minimum investment of £50.

Who can open an Alliance Trust Savings Investment Dealing Account?

Anyone aged 18 or over can open an account for themselves or someone else. You can also open a First Steps Account for a child (providing you’re over 18).

Charities, clubs and Companies can also open an account.

Accounts can also be opened in joint names.

How do I set up an Investment Dealing Account or ISA with Alliance Trust Savings?

The quickest and easiest way is to set them up online using our i.nvest secure services.

You can also apply by post, using an application form from our online literature centre.

How do I put money into my Investment Dealing Account or ISA?

Once you open an IDA or ISA with us, we’ll send you a PIN and Personal ID to use on our i.nvest services, where you can manage your account and make online payments. You can make payments using a debit card or via direct debit. If you prefer, you may also make payments by cheque.

How often will I get valuations and statements?

We issue valuation statements for all our accounts twice a year. The statement will usually be posted to you, unless you opt to access it via our i.nvest secure service, in which case we’ll email you to let you know it’s ready to view.

You can log into your account at any time to receive a valuation, which can be printed off for your files.

Who can set up an ISA?

In order to set up an ISA you must:

Be setting up the ISA for yourself – ISAs can only be set up by you, for you
Be 16 or over to set up a Cash ISA, or over 18 to set up a Stocks and Shares ISA
Be resident and ordinarily a UK resident, or be performing duties as a Crown servant overseas (e.g. serving in the armed forces or a diplomat) or married to / in a civil partnership with such a person
Not have contributed to another ISA of the same type within the current tax year
Not have exceeded the overall annual limit.

How much can I pay into my ISA?

For the 2011/12 tax year, you can contribute up to £10,680 in total to ISAs. The full amount can be invested into a Stocks and Shares ISA or up to £5,340 can be invested into a Cash ISA.

Can I open a Cash ISA and a Stocks and Shares ISA in the same tax year?

Yes. You can have both a Stocks and Shares ISA and a Cash ISA in the same tax year, providing that you remain within the investment limits. You cannot, however, open two Cash ISAs or two Stocks and Shares ISAs in the same tax year.

Do I need to open a new ISA every year?

No. If you’ve made investments in the previous tax year, there’s no need to open a new ISA to invest in the new tax year.

Are there restrictions on what investments I can hold in my ISA?

Yes, there are various restrictions on this, notably:

No AIM shares

No gilts and corporate bonds with less than five years to run to maturity.

Can I transfer an ISA from another provider to Alliance Trust Savings?

Yes, you can transfer either type of ISA to us, however, you will need to check that your existing supplier allows such transfers and that the investments are allowed by us.

If I transfer my ISA will it count towards my ISA allowance?

No, these types of transfers won’t affect your annual allowances.

What happens to my ISA if I move outside the UK?

You can keep your ISA open, but you won’t be able to invest any more money to it until you’re resident in the UK again.

Can I set up an ISA for a friend or relative?

No, you can only set up an ISA for yourself.

Risk warning

Please remember the value of your investments and any income from them can go down as well as up and you may get back less than the amount you originally invested. Tax rules may change in the future and taxation will depend on your personal circumstances. All investments carry an element of risk, which may differ significantly. If you are unsure as to the suitability of any particular investments, you should seek professional financial advice.