A Cash Lifetime ISA (LISA) was created for retirees or first time homebuyers who need savings to grow without the risk involved in stocks. Unlike a Stocks & Shares LISA, Cash LISA’s interest rate is fixed and capital is guaranteed, making it perfect for short term goals like purchasing a house within 3-5 years.
How Does a Cash Lifetime ISA Work?
Government Bonus: There is a maximum bonus of 1000 pounds a year if the individual saves 25% of it, so a maximum of 4000 pounds can be withdrawn every year.
Tax-Free Growth: Interest earned on the savings does not incur any tax payment.
Withdrawal Rules: No penalties for first-time home buyers under 60 years or for owning a house worth less than 450,000 pounds or after age 60. You may incur a fee of 25% penalties for other withdrawals.
Best Cash Lifetime ISA Providers (2025)
Like other standard Cash ISAs, Cash LISAs offer fixed interest rates and bonuses for their services. Some Stocks and Shares LISAs also offer interest on cash balances that are not invested. Below are the top-paying options available.
| Provider | Rate (AER) | Minimum Deposit | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneybox | 4.70% (var) | £1 | ✅ 1% bonus for 12 months ✅ FSCS protected ✅ Accepts transfers |
| Tembo | 4.60% (var) | £1 | ✅ FSCS protected ✅ Accepts transfers |
| AJ Bell Dodl | 4.58% (uninvested cash) | £100 | ⚠️ Stocks & Shares LISA ✅ 0.15% fee if investing (no fee on cash) |
| Paragon Bank | 3.51% (var) | £1 | ✅ FSCS protected ✅ Accepts transfers |
| Bath BS | 3.34% (var) | £1 | ❌ No transfers in |
Confirm all rates are correct as it is subject to change.
LISA Pros and Cons:
✅ Pros
- No risk of losing money (unlike Stocks and Shares LISAs).
- Sure returns (interest + 25% bonus).
- Quick availability if purchasing a house.
❌ Cons
- Lower returns compared to long-term investment.
- Cap on home price limit makes it hard to buy in expensive areas at £450k for a home.
- Penalty charges for earlier withdrawals.
Who Should Go for a Cash Lifetime ISA?
✔ First home buyers expecting doing this within a 1-5 year timeline.
✔ Taxpayers looking for secure, tax-free cash growth.
✔ Below 40 years old (LISA cannot be opened past 40 years of age).
Alternatives of Cash LISA
Stocks and Shares LISA: Suited for long-term retirement funds due to better prospects.
Help to Buy ISA: Closed to new applicants but still active for some.
No-penalty access savings: High-Interest Savings Accounts.
Summary for Cash LISA
A Cash Lifetime ISA is a sensible and secure choice for a first property purchase or retirement funding, assuming no early access is required. To take full advantage of your savings, make sure to compare rates at Moneybox, Skipton, and Newcastle BS.
- Ensure you are under the age of 40 at the time of registration.
- Seek to hit the £4k per year mark to acquire the full £1k bonus.
- Do not make withdrawals apart from the scenarios of home buying or retirement.
