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Home ‣ Guides ‣ 4 Best Junior SIPPs for 2026

Best Junior SIPPs for 2026

Elizabeth Anderson

Written by Elizabeth Anderson
Fact-checked by Joey Shadeck, Steven Hatzakis
Edited by Jeff Anberg

February 23, 2026
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Elizabeth Anderson Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth Anderson is the lead writer and researcher for UK.StockBrokers.com. She has been a financial journalist for more than a decade and has written for major publications including BBC, The Times, and Bloomberg.

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Led by Elizabeth Anderson, Lead Writer and Researcher, the UK.StockBrokers.com research team collects data and tests products on an ongoing basis. We review the tools and features most important to U.K. investors – including beginners, casual investors, passive investors, and active traders.

We collect and track data on trading charges, fees, and interest rates to make it easier to understand the cost of investing in the U.K. We analyze a wide range of savings and investment offerings, like ISAs, SIPPs, investment portfolios, pensions, and active trading accounts. We hand-collect and audit data across more than 50 variables in our coverage of the best U.K. investment platforms.

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A Junior SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) is a long-term retirement account you can open for your child. While they won’t be able to access the money until later in life, starting early gives investments decades to grow, potentially turning small, regular contributions into a meaningful pension pot over time.

Junior SIPPs also benefit from government tax relief on contributions, which can boost the total amount invested each year. Because the money is locked away until adulthood, this type of account is best suited to families who want to focus specifically on long-term retirement planning rather than shorter-term goals.

Only a small number of U.K. providers offer Junior SIPPs. In this guide, I’ve compared the available options looking at costs, investment choice, and ease of use to help you decide whether a Junior SIPP fits your child’s long-term financial plan.

Best Junior SIPP Providers in the UK

The providers below each take a slightly different approach to Junior SIPPs. Some focus on low-cost, straightforward investing, while others offer a wider range of funds and shares for more hands-on management. Here’s an overview of the best Junior SIPP providers in the U.K.

Broker
Rating
"Best for"
Bullet Points
Overall Score
4.5/5
Best Junior SIPP
  • Minimum Deposit: £100
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £11.95
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Why we like it
Review

Hargreaves Lansdown is a leading U.K. investment platform best known for its extensive range of investments, wide selection of account types, and strong support for long-term investors. Read full review

Pros
  • Offers a wide range of accounts.
  • Lifetime ISAs, Junior ISAs, and Junior SIPPs are available.
  • Low or no annual service fee if you hold shares or ETFs.
Cons
  • Stock trading fees are high at £11.95 per trade.
  • The mobile app is basic.
  • Service fees are expensive if you hold a high amount in funds.
Overall Score
4.0/5
Flexible junior pensions
  • Minimum Deposit: £50
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £0 - £4.95
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Why we like it
Review

Bestinvest is a very good broker that should appeal to a wide range of investors. Fees are competitive, particularly if you invest in funds or US shares, and the investment options are extensive. The Bestinvest platform is relatively easy to use and the offer of a free 45 minute session with a financial coach can be a useful starting point for newer investors. Bestinvest is also a great option for a Junior SIPP, as it is one of very few UK brokers offering children’s pensions and with a low entry point. Read full review

Pros
  • Low minimum investment for junior SIPP (junior pension).
  • Free to buy and sell US shares.
  • Pays interest of 4.4% on cash held in any account.
Cons
  • 0.2% or 0.4% service charges to hold shares up to £250,000.
  • Investment options not as extensive as other platforms.
  • Some ready-made ‘expert’ fund fees are high at up to 1.5%.
Overall Score
4.0/5
Best for large investments
  • Minimum Deposit: £1000 info
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £1.50 or £7.50
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Why we like it
Review

Fidelity offers thousands of investments to choose from and also offers financial advice for those wanting more direction. It's best suited to traditional investors who hold a range of accounts through the platform, enjoy the great research material available and who may also use Fidelity for financial advice. The platform can be expensive for those with portfolios of less than £20,000 and those with portfolios above £40,000. Read full review

Pros
  • Offers financial advice services
  • No service fees on Junior ISAs
  • Fees are mid-range
Cons
  • You must pay in at least £25 a month or £1,000 lump sum payment to open an account
  • Does not offer bonds
Overall Score
4.5/5
Extensive fund range
  • Minimum Deposit: £250
  • Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month: £5
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Why we like it
Review

You can invest in an extensive range of investments through AJ Bell. Charges are on the high side for those with large portfolios in mutual funds and those looking to execute one-off share deals; but the Dodl app offers much lower fees and also offers a more slim-lined and user-friendly service. Educational and research materials are strong, too. Read full review

Pros
  • Great range of accounts and investment choices.
  • Great customer service - easy to contact on the phone.
  • Dodl app offers a simpler account and fee structure.
Cons
  • On the more expensive side if you have larger fund portfolios.
  • Chart tools are basic for more sophisticated traders.
  • No fractional share dealing.

Your capital is at risk.

1. Hargreaves Lansdown - Best Junior SIPP

Company Overall Rating Minimum Deposit SIPP ISA Investment Choices
Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
4.5/5 Stars £100 Yes Yes 5/5 Stars

Hargreaves Lansdown is top pick for a Junior SIPP because it combines a trusted, large-scale platform with an excellent investing experience for families. It’s one of the few major U.K. providers that offers a Junior SIPP at all, and it backs that up with strong support, robust tools, and a large investment lineup.

Huge choice of investments, including ready-made options. Inside the Junior SIPP you can invest in thousands of funds, shares, and ETFs, with the option to use ready-made portfolios if you’d rather not build everything from scratch. For parents who want flexibility as their child’s pension grows over time, Hargreaves Lansdown gives you plenty of room to adjust strategy without needing to switch providers.

Clear fee structure with strong value for fund investors. Fees depend on what you hold: there’s a 0.45% annual service fee for funds, while shares and ETFs are capped at £200 per year. Fund trading is free, and share/ETF trading is discounted for Junior accounts at £5.95 per trade, which makes it more manageable for long-term contributions and occasional rebalancing.

Elizabeth's take:

"Hargreaves Lansdown offers one of the most complete Junior SIPP packages available. Fund trades are free, the investment range is extensive, and the ability to contribute from £25 a month makes it practical for long-term family planning."

Elizabeth Anderson

E%20Anderson%20headshot_170.jpg

Solid platform, education, and contribution flexibility. The website is packed with research, guides, and calculators, and the platform is straightforward to manage once your child’s account is up and running. You can contribute from £25 per month or £100 as a lump sum, with the flexibility to pause anytime, which is a practical setup for families investing steadily long term.

Hargreaves Lansdown mobile app investment discovery

The Hargreaves Lansdown mobile app is easy to use but not as extensive as other brokers such as IG, Trading 212, Saxo or IBKR.

2. Bestinvest - Flexible junior pensions

Company Overall Rating Minimum Deposit SIPP ISA Investment Choices
Bestinvest logoBestinvest
4/5 Stars £50 Yes Yes 4.5/5 Stars

Bestinvest offers a Junior SIPP with a low barrier to entry, making it accessible for families who want to start contributing smaller amounts. While there’s no formal minimum to open or transfer an account, the minimum transaction amount is £50. Contributions can be made by debit card, bank transfer, direct debit, or standing order, all managed online. Because of ID requirements, the account must be opened using an application form (either by post or electronically via DocuSign), rather than fully online. The ability to link multiple family accounts under one login can also make it easier to manage pensions for more than one child.

Clear fee structure with some ongoing charges. Bestinvest’s fees are competitive in some areas, particularly for funds and U.S. shares, which are free to trade (foreign exchange fees of 0.95% still apply). U.K. share and ETF trades cost £4.95 per deal. An annual service fee of 0.2% applies to ready-made portfolios and U.S. shares, and 0.4% applies to other investments. For example, a £1,000 Junior SIPP invested at 0.4% would incur £4 per year in service fees, plus any underlying fund charges. There is no minimum monthly service fee for Junior SIPPs.

Balanced investment choice and guidance. Investors can choose from a broad, though not market-leading, range of funds, shares, ETFs, and investment trusts. Bestinvest also offers 19 ready-made portfolios, with ongoing charges starting at 0.3% before platform fees. A notable feature is the free 45-minute coaching session with a qualified financial planner, which may help parents better understand long-term investing for children. More in-depth portfolio reviews are available for an additional fee.

Searching for investments on the Bestinvest web platform.

With Bestinvest’s online investment search function you can filter and compare funds, shares, and ETFs by criteria such as sector, performance, and charges.

Usability and educational support. The platform provides a clear portfolio overview, including performance figures and asset allocation charts. Fees are transparently displayed within the transaction area. While the mobile app is functional rather than advanced, it allows users to place trades and manage accounts. Bestinvest also stands out for its educational content, with detailed guides, webinars, and investment commentary designed to support both newer and more active investors.

3. Fidelity - Best for large investments

Company Overall Rating Minimum Deposit SIPP ISA Investment Choices
Fidelity International logoFidelity International
4/5 Stars £1000 info Yes Yes 4.5/5 Stars

Fidelity’s Junior SIPP can be cost-effective, particularly if you plan to invest mainly in funds. There are no service fees on Junior accounts, which helps reduce ongoing platform costs compared to providers that charge a percentage fee. Funds are free to buy and sell, although you will still pay the underlying fund’s own ongoing charges. Share and ETF trades cost £7.50 online, or £1.50 if you invest monthly through a regular savings plan. This means the account tends to suit longer-term investors rather than those making frequent one-off trades.

Higher minimum contributions. One of the main drawbacks is the entry requirement. Fidelity requires a minimum lump sum of £1,000 (or £800 once tax relief is applied) for Junior SIPP contributions. Alternatively, you can set up regular investments from £25 per month. This higher starting amount may be a barrier for families who want to begin with smaller contributions, especially when other platforms allow lower minimum payments.

Wide investment choice. Fidelity offers a broad range of investments, including thousands of funds, shares, ETFs and investment trusts. Tools such as the ‘Select 50’ list and sustainable investment filters can help narrow down options. For those seeking more support, financial advice is available for larger portfolios, although this comes with separate fees. Overall, the range is well suited to traditional, long-term investors.

Selecting BP as a share to purchase on the Fidelity UK mobile app.

Fidelity U.K. mobile app trade ticket with BP selected as the share to purchase illustrates how you can buy individual U.K. and international shares alongside thousands of funds, ETFs, and investment trusts available on the platform.

Solid platform with strong education. The Junior SIPP can be opened online and funded by debit card or bank transfer, and linked to an existing Fidelity account for easier oversight. The website provides detailed research, guides, webinars and educational material. While the mobile app is functional and includes charting tools, it is less focused on investment discovery, so it works best if you already know what you want to invest in.

4. AJ Bell - Extensive fund range

Company Overall Rating Minimum Deposit SIPP ISA Investment Choices
AJ Bell logoAJ Bell
4.5/5 Stars £250 Yes Yes 5/5 Stars

AJ Bell’s Junior SIPP has a 0.25% annual platform fee on funds, with share and ETF custody charges capped at £120 per year. This can work out slightly cheaper than some traditional rivals, particularly for larger portfolios. However, there is a £1.50 dealing fee for fund trades and £5 per trade for shares, ETFs, and investment trusts. These charges can add up if you’re investing small amounts or trading regularly.

Strong investment range and account flexibility. You can access a wide selection of shares, funds, ETFs, investment trusts, bonds, and gilts. The Junior SIPP can be linked to your own AJ Bell account, which makes oversight easier for families managing multiple investments. AJ Bell also offers ready-made funds for those who prefer a simpler approach.

Minimum contributions and usability. The minimum lump sum contribution for a Junior SIPP is £500, while regular investments can start from £25 per month. The website offers detailed research and educational materials, and the mobile app is straightforward for managing investments on the go.

Junior SIPP rates comparison

Company Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £0 - £250,000 Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month ETFs - Fee Minimum Deposit
Hargreaves Lansdown logoHargreaves Lansdown
Up to £1,125 £11.95 £11.95 £100
AJ Bell logoAJ Bell
£0 - £625 £5 £5 £250
Bestinvest logoBestinvest
Up to £500 or £1,000 £0 - £4.95 £4.95 £50
Fidelity International logoFidelity International
£90 - £875 £1.50 or £7.50 £7.50 £1000 info

FAQs

Is a Junior SIPP actually worth it?

I have a Junior SIPP for each of my two children. Money is paid in around four times a year, mostly by their grandparents. There isn’t a huge amount in them currently but we think it’s a great way to get them ahead on their pension.

Starting a pension for your child can take the pressure off them into adulthood while they have other costs and financial goals to navigate. An initial payment of £800 shortly after birth (£1,000 after tax relief) would be worth almost £2,500 at age 18 if it grew by 5% a year. Contributions of £42 a month (£50 with tax relief) would be worth £17,551 after 18 years on returns of 5% a year.

When saving for your child, it’s more common to consider a Junior ISA or your own savings account before thinking about a pension for your child. But the benefit of a Junior SIPP is that money saved into the account gets a 20% boost thanks to tax relief. It can grow tax-free until the money is withdrawn. When withdrawn, the first 25% is tax-free, after which only income tax may apply.

escalator_warningInterested in learning more about ISAs?

Find out what ISAs are by reading my complete guide to ISAs in the UK. Learn how to open a stocks and shares ISA or figure out the best provider for you when ready to open an account.

Like with an adult pension, money can’t be withdrawn from a Junior SIPP until the child is in their mid-to-late 50s. A Junior SIPP is therefore designed for retirement and can’t be used for a child’s education or as a house deposit.

What is the youngest age to apply for a SIPP?

You can open a Junior SIPP shortly after your child has been born. There is no minimum age to open a Junior SIPP.

However, the account has to be opened by a parent or guardian. The child must be under the age of 18 and the account held in the child’s name, but the account is still managed by the parent or guardian.

Once the child turns 18, they get control over the account and how the money is invested. Like with a standard SIPP, they can’t withdraw money from the account until they reach the minimum age of 55 (rising to 57 in 2028) so it is certainly a long-term savings account.

Do Junior SIPPs get tax relief?

Yes, contributions into a Junior SIPP benefit from tax relief and this is one of the main advantages of a Junior SIPP. When you pay money into the SIPP, 20% tax relief applies. For example, if you pay in £100, a total of £125 goes into the account. Contributions are usually paid net of tax. So if you pay in £100, the Junior SIPP provider will then reclaim the 20% tax relief (£25) from HMRC and this will be paid into your account once received from HMRC, which can take a few weeks.

What is the difference between a SIPP and a Junior SIPP?

A SIPP is for U.K. adults aged 18 plus, while a Junior SIPP is for those under the age of 18. You can pay much more into an adult SIPP while benefiting from tax relief – up to £60,000 a year, compared with up to £3,600 a year for a Junior SIPP.

escalator_warningLooking for a SIPP for an adult?

If you'd like to find the best overall SIPP provider for an adult, check out my guide to the best SIPP providers in the UK. If you'd like to learn more about the nuts and bolts of SIPPs in general, visit my complete guide to SIPPs in the UK.

Can grandparents pay into a Junior SIPP?

Yes, grandparents can pay into a Junior SIPP. One option is to pay money to the child’s parent to pay into the account on your behalf. Alternatively, you can usually make a payment directly if you have the account details. Just be aware of the annual Junior SIPP contribution limits.

Note that anyone can pay into a Junior SIPP, you don’t have to be family. Friends, godparents, or anyone else who cares to can contribute.

How many Junior SIPPs can I have?

You can have multiple Junior SIPPs but there are only a few providers of Junior SIPPs in the UK so there isn’t a lot of choice. There also isn’t much benefit to opening multiple Junior SIPPs with different providers as they all offer similar investments.

If you are unhappy with your current Junior SIPP provider, you can transfer to a new one. Go to your new provider's website to start the transfer process by filling in an application form. The transfer process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

How much can I contribute to a Junior SIPP?

The amount you can pay into each Junior SIPP is £2,880 a year – which increases to £3,600 after 20% tax relief is applied. This works out to £240 a month if spread across a year.

​​

Our testing

Why you should trust us

Elizabeth Anderson has been a financial journalist for more than a decade. She’s written for major national newspapers, contributed to corporate reports and research, and reviewed dozens of share dealing platforms, SIPP providers, ISAs, and brokerage firms. Elizabeth started her career at Bloomberg and has worked for the BBC, The Telegraph, The Times and the i newspaper. She is passionate about helping people understand finance and investing. A keen investor herself, Elizabeth invests through general dealing accounts, ISAs and several SIPPs.

Steven Hatzakis is a well-known finance writer with 25+ years of experience in the foreign exchange and financial markets. He is the Global Director of Online Broker Research for Reink Media Group, leading research efforts for ForexBrokers.com since 2016. He has served as a registered commodity futures representative for domestic and internationally-regulated brokerages. Steven holds a Series III license in the US as a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA).

All content on UK.StockBrokers.com is handwritten by a writer, fact-checked by a member of our research team, and edited and published by an editor. Our ratings, rankings, and opinions are entirely our own, and the result of our extensive research and decades of collective experience covering the U.K. brokerage industry.

Ultimately, our rigorous data validation process yields an error rate of less than .1% each year, providing site visitors with quality data they can trust. Click here to learn more about how we test.

How we tested

At UK.StockBrokers.com, our online broker reviews are based on our collected quantitative data as well as the observations and qualified opinions of our expert researchers. Each year we publish tens of thousands of words of research and collect hundreds of data points while testing brokerage firms, share dealing platforms, SIPP providers, ISA providers, and other financial service providers relevant to U.K. investors.

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About the Editorial Team

Elizabeth Anderson

Elizabeth Anderson, lead writer and researcher, has been a financial journalist for more than a decade. In addition to her work with UK.StockBrokers.com, she has written extensively for major publications including BBC, The Times and Bloomberg. A keen investor herself, she is passionate about helping people understand finance and investing.

Joey Shadeck

Joey Shadeck is a Content Strategist and Research Analyst for UK.StockBrokers.com. He holds dual degrees in Finance and Marketing from Oakland University, and has been an active trader and investor for close to ten years. An industry veteran, Joey obtains and verifies data, conducts research, and analyzes and validates our content.

Steven Hatzakis

Steven Hatzakis is the Global Director of Online Broker Research for UK.StockBrokers.com and ForexBrokers.com. Steven previously served as an Editor for Finance Magnates, where he authored over 1,000 published articles about the online finance industry. Steven is an active fintech and crypto industry researcher and advises blockchain companies at the board level. Over the past 20 years, Steven has held numerous positions within the international forex markets, from writing to consulting to serving as a registered commodity futures representative.

Jeff Anberg

Jeff Anberg is a Senior Editor at UK.StockBrokers.com. Along with years of experience in media distribution at a global newsroom, Jeff has a versatile knowledge base encompassing the technology and financial markets. He is a long-time active investor and engages in research on emerging markets like cryptocurrency. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature with a minor in Philosophy from San Francisco State University.

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