What Is a Child Trust Fund?


A Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a tax-free savings account set up by the UK government to help children start adult life with some financial support.

You may have one if:

  • You were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011

  • Your parent or guardian received Child Benefit on your behalf

  • Or, you were in care and looked after by your local authority

Most accounts were started with at least £250 — and depending on how it was invested, it could now be worth a lot more.

📌 Child Trust Funds are no longer available to open. They were replaced by Junior ISAs, but if you already have a CTF, it still exists — and it’s yours to access at 18.

What Can You Do With a Child Trust Fund?


It depends on your age:

🔹 Under 16:

Your parent or guardian manages the account. They can:

  • Pay in up to £9,000 per year

  • Switch the account to another provider

  • Transfer the account to a Junior ISA

🔹 Age 16:

  • You can start managing the account yourself, but you can’t access the money yet

🔹 Age 18:

  • You can now access the money and decide what to do with it:

    • Leave it where it is (it becomes an adult ISA)

    • Move it to another savings account

    • Spend it

    • Invest it

How to Find a Lost Child Trust Fund


Not sure if you have one? Don’t worry — it’s easy (and free) to check:

✅ Free Tools to Help You Find It:

You’ll need:

  • Your date of birth

  • Your National Insurance number

⚠️ Don’t pay anyone to find your CTF — these official tools are free!

Types of Child Trust Funds


When the scheme started, parents were sent vouchers to open one of the following:

  • 💰 Cash CTF – earned tax-free interest

  • 📈 Shares-based CTF – money invested in the stock market, either:

    • In funds chosen by parents

    • In ready-made portfolios

If the voucher wasn’t used, HMRC automatically opened a Stakeholder CTF:

  • Broad mix of investments

  • Capped annual fee of 1.5%

Managing or Transferring a Child Trust Fund


Until you’re 16, the account is managed by your parent, guardian, or the Share Foundation (if you’re in care). After that, you can take control.

🔄 You can:

  • Keep the account with your current provider

  • Transfer to another Child Trust Fund provider

  • Switch to a Junior ISA (often with better rates and lower fees)

📌 If you switch to a Junior ISA, you can’t go back to a CTF.

Turning 18: What Happens Next?


When you turn 18, it’s decision time! Your provider will usually contact you to ask what you want to do with your money.

Your options:

  • 💷 Move the money to a new savings account

  • 📊 Invest it for the future

  • 🛍️ Spend it

  • ✅ Do a mix of all three

If you do nothing, your money stays safe in a protected account until you get in touch with your provider.