HL Helpdesk tips: how to get the most out of your ISA and pension tax allowances
Our Helpdesk share their top tips for maximising your ISA and pension allowances.
Last Updated: 11 July 2025
Alexander Dualibi-Wilson, Helpdesk Account Manager
Maximising your ISA and pension contributions isn’t just something to think about at the end of the tax year. In fact, the earlier you start investing, the more time you give your money to grow.
In this article we’ll answer some of the most common questions our award-winning Helpdesk teams get asked when it comes to topping up ISAs and pensions.
Please note this isn’t personal advice. While our agents can answer your questions about investments, savings, ISAs, and pensions, they cannot offer personal financial advice. If you're not sure what's right for you, ask them about financial advice.
Investing over a period of 5+ years increases your chances of positive returns compared to cash savings. But, unlike the security offered by cash, investments rise and fall in value, so you could get back less than you put in. You can usually access money in a pension aged 55 (57 from 2028). Tax rules can change, and any benefits depend on your circumstances.
Adding money to your account
Our clients’ most common query is about adding money to accounts, as they look to make use of their ISA and pension allowances. The quickest and most efficient way to top up is online with a debit card, or via a bank transfer. Once logged in, simply click the ‘Top up’ button and follow the steps.
Setting up a regular Direct Debit means you can automatically top up your account each month. Start from as little as £25 a month with no dealing charges when you invest.
Learn more about investing by Direct Debit
Author’s tip: It’s worth letting your bank know before attempting any large payments, as some will require large payments to be approved. Check the money in your bank is available, as well as your remaining contribution allowance for the current tax year.
Can I top up my account?
Having problems logging into your account?
If you need help accessing your account, logging in, or changing your security details, visit our Help pages.
Transferring an account to HL
When you transfer an ISA or pension, it doesn’t usually affect your allowances for that tax year. And it means you can see all your savings and investments in one place.
However, there are some instances where a transfer will count towards your allowance, for example if you transfer a Stocks and Shares ISA or Cash ISA to a Lifetime ISA. Our Helpdesk can explain what’s involved, but it’s worth checking with your current provider that you won’t lose any guarantees or benefits, or be charged expensive exit fees before transferring.
You can instruct the transfer of an account from another provider online, via post, or by telephone.
Our Helpdesk can explain what’s involved, but it's worth checking with your current provider that you won't lose any guarantees or benefits, or be charged expensive exit fees before transferring.
Author’s tip: Online is the fastest way to transfer, but not all providers can complete transfers electronically. If your provider can’t transfer electronically, you can download a copy of the relevant transfer form on our website, or you can request for our Helpdesk to send one to you.
Can I transfer my account to you and how do I do this?
HL Stocks and Shares ISA
Invest free from UK tax with our most popular account.
- Invest free from UK income and capital gains tax
- Choose your own investments from thousands of options, or leave it to the experts with a Ready-Made Investment
- Get the latest insights from our team of analysts so you can invest with confidence
HL SIPP
Join the UK’s largest direct SIPP provider.
- Trusted with £48.9bn of pensions
- Multi-award-winning SIPP
- Get 20-48% tax relief on contributions
Opening new accounts
One way to maximise your ISA allowance is to split it across several accounts.
This year’s £20,000 allowance can be split any way you like across Stocks and Shares ISAs, Cash ISAs, and a Lifetime ISA (maximum of £4,000), so long as you stay within the overall limit.
The right account, or mix of accounts, will depend on your personal circumstances and financial goals. For example, you could mix and match a Cash ISA and Stocks and Shares ISA to get the best of both saving and investing.
Opening a new account with us online takes minutes, you’ll just need your National Insurance number and debit card to hand.
Author’s tip: You’ll be asked to read a Key Features document when you open an account with us. This document contains lots of information that will help you decide whether this is the right account for you, so take your time considering it. You can call our Helpdesk with any questions you might have, and there’s always the option to set up a call with a financial adviser, if you’re not sure what’s right for you.
What is the ISA allowance?
Moving cash or investments from a Fund and Share Account into an ISA or SIPP
Settled cash can be moved online by clicking on your Fund and Share Account and selecting the ‘Cash’ tab. In the ‘Manage cash on your account’ box, there’s an option to ‘Transfer money’.
HMRC rules mean you can’t directly move shares into an ISA or SIPP. But our Share Exchange service lets you sell the shares, move the cash to your ISA or SIPP, and then buy the same shares back again instantly – all with one instruction.
Investments moved to an ISA or SIPP will then be free from UK income and capital gains tax. Plus, you can get 20-48% tax relief on any money moved to a SIPP.
3 top tips from our Helpdesk:
- Have your details to hand – When calling us, be prepared with your security details and any other required information, such as card details. This helps us resolve your queries efficiently.
- Acting online – you can quickly do most things online once logged in to your account. Our Help pages provide step-by-step guides on managing your account.
- The sooner the better – Invest any money you know you don’t need access to in the next five years as soon as you can, so you aren’t tempted to spend it. It gives the money in your ISA or pension more time to grow.
We’re here to support you, so if you’d prefer to speak with someone over the phone, our highly-skilled Helpdesk will be happy to help.
