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Best Child Trust Fund (CTF) comparison – UK

A calm, family‑friendly guide to major UK CTF providers. One official link per provider, plus clear steps for access at 18, transfers and fees notes.

Everything you need to know about Child Trust Funds — without the jargon or overwhelm.

Whether you’re a parent, carer or young person, this guide is here to help you find, access and manage your Child Trust Fund. We know it can feel confusing, so we’ve made it simple and stress‑free.

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Major CTF providers and official links

Not sure who your provider is? Use the GOV.UK finder below. If you know your provider, click their link for the latest info on fees, withdrawals at 18 and online access. If you’ve moved home, update your details to avoid delays.

Family tip: Start any ID checks a few weeks before turning 18 — providers can get busy around birthdays.
Provider Teen access & ID Transfer to JISA/adult ISA Online account Fees / terms Official page
OneFamily Register from 16; ID at 18 to withdraw/transfer. Allowed; let the receiving provider handle it. Online account T&Cs OneFamily CTF
Foresters (Forester Life) Standard ID at 18 for maturity. Supported via receiving provider. MyPlans portal CTF terms (PDF) Foresters CTF
HSBC Clear maturity steps; ID + bank details. Transfer to HSBC ISA or another provider. Online + branch/phone Docs HSBC CTF
Nationwide Explains maturity routes and ID. Transfer or close — see provider guidance. Via provider CTF terms (PDF) Nationwide CTF
NatWest Existing customers page details process. Transfers supported via provider. Via provider See page NatWest CTF
Scottish Friendly No automatic lifestyling; standard ID at 18. Transfers supported; follow guidance. Online portal Docs Scottish Friendly CTF
Unity Mutual Standard ID and maturity steps. Transfers supported; check guidance. Via provider Docs Unity Mutual CTF
Leeds Building Society Explains maturity options and access. Transfer or close — see page. Via provider See page Leeds BS CTF
Shepherds Friendly Plan page outlines access steps. Transfer to JISA available. Online portal Docs Shepherds Friendly CTF

How to choose: differences, pros and cons

Family decision guide: choosing what to do depends on your needs. Use this checklist.

Family tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just start with the GOV.UK finder and take it one step at a time.
Cash CTF vs Stakeholder (equity) CTF
  • Cash CTF – lower risk; steady interest; values don’t swing with markets.
  • Stakeholder (equity) CTF – invested in shares; potential for higher long‑term growth; values can fall as well as rise.
  • Tip: If the money is needed soon (e.g., within a year), many families prefer lower‑risk options.
Keep your CTF vs transfer to a Junior ISA (JISA)
  • Keep – the simplest route; stay with your current CTF provider.
  • Transfer to JISA – often wider investment choice and sometimes lower fees; still tax‑efficient.
  • Watch‑out: ask the new provider to handle the transfer. Don’t withdraw first or you’ll lose the tax benefits.
At 18: withdraw, keep, or move to adult ISA?
  • Withdraw – access cash once ID checks complete.
  • Keep/invest – some providers offer options to remain invested (charges and risk apply).
  • Move to adult ISA – keeps money in a tax‑efficient account; check fees and transfer rules.
Simple decision checklist
  1. Find your CTF – use the official GOV.UK finder.
  2. Decide your goal – need cash soon vs happy to keep saving/investing.
  3. Compare fees and process – check one provider page and one JISA option.

Example: “Every family’s situation is unique. If you need the money soon, a cash CTF is usually the safest bet. If you’re happy to keep saving, a Junior ISA might offer lower fees and more investment options. Before you decide, check your provider’s site for the latest rules and compare with at least one Junior ISA provider. If you’re transferring, let the new provider handle the paperwork — don’t withdraw first or you’ll lose the tax benefits. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just start with the GOV.UK finder and take it one step at a time.”

FAQs, watch‑outs and basics for families

Quick answers for busy families.

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What is a Child Trust Fund (CTF)?

A long‑term, tax‑efficient account for children born 1 Sep 2002–2 Jan 2011. New CTFs are closed; you can transfer a CTF to a Junior ISA. See GOV.UK overview.

How do I find a lost CTF?

Use the official Find a Child Trust Fund tool. HMRC will send you your provider details by post.

Who owns the money at 18?

The young person becomes the legal owner at age 18. Providers will ask for ID and bank details to release funds or transfer.

Can I transfer a CTF to a Junior ISA (JISA)?

Yes. Many families transfer to reduce charges or widen investment choice. See GOV.UK managing the account and the HL transfer guide.

Any special rules for urgent access?

If the young person is terminally ill, contact HMRC — there are special processes to access funds earlier.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. It is not legal, financial or tax advice. For anything unusual or urgent, check with your provider or GOV.UK.

Privacy: We don’t store your data or personal details. Your privacy is always protected.