Frequently asked questions
Here are the most common questions we’re asked about investing. If you’d like any further help, call us on 0800 046 8007.
Common questions about investing
It takes around 10 working days in most circumstances to sell your investment within an ISA or General Investment Account and transfer the money to your bank account. If you invest in a Personal Pension, you can only withdraw from 55 years old and different timescales apply.
That’s why we ask questions about your investment goal and risk preferences when you open an account with us. In general, the more risk you are willing to take, the better chances you have of getting higher returns from your investment. The reverse is also true, less risk usually means lower returns.
From the moment your money reaches us, you’ll be able to track your investment at any time online as well as through our tablet and mobile apps.
Common questions about our Fully-Managed Investment Portfolios
Our Portfolios are invested in thousands of holdings spread around the world in a mix of asset classes ranging from currencies to company shares.
We’ll ask you these questions as you go through our assessment process.
Common questions about transferring
Our Portfolios are invested in thousands of holdings spread around the world in a mix of asset classes ranging from currencies to company shares.
You can see the current split of each Portfolio in our comparison tool.
We’ll ask you these questions as you go through our Personal Pension, ISA or GIA transfer process.
For guidance on whether we can accept your account, read our pages about making an ISA transfer or Personal Pension transfer. Alternatively, call us on 0800 046 8007 to discuss your options over the phone.
Whilst we will assess the suitability of our discretionary management service, we don't assess the suitability of any transfers. You need to consider your own individual circumstances and objectives carefully and in some cases take regulated financial advice.
Common questions about Stocks & Shares ISAs
They’re available from banks, building societies, asset managers and investment providers.
With an ISA, you won’t pay any Income Tax on the interest your ISA generates or the increase in investment value. There are many different types of ISA available, including cash ISAs and stocks & shares ISAs.
For 2017/18, you can contribute a maximum of £20,000 during the tax year, which refreshes each year. This allowance can vary depending on the type of ISA.
Your £20,000 a year allowance can be split any way you like between a Stocks & Shares ISA and a Cash ISA.
If you request a withdrawal from True Potential Investor, it takes around 10 working days in most circumstances to sell your investment and transfer the money to your bank account.
Common questions about Personal Pensions
The money you invest can be used as an income when you retire.
When you pay into a pension, your contribution is boosted by tax-relief. For a Basic Rate tax payer, this is an additional 20%, Higher Rate tax payers get 40% relief and Additional Rate taxpayers 45%. Basic tax relief is claimed on your behalf, but the Higher and Additional Rates must be claimed on an annual tax return.
Please contact us if you'd like more information.
In fact, with auto enrolment many people now have more than one pension. If you’d prefer to have your retirement savings in one place, you may be able to consolidate your pensions by transferring them into one account. For more information about pension transfers , visit our transfer to us page.
You will typically be able to access 25% of the value of your pension pot tax free. The rest is subject to income tax rules at the time of withdrawal.
Common questions about General Investment Accounts
You pay Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax on the growth in your investment account, based on your personal circumstances.
It can be a good option if you’ve already used up your annual ISA allowance and don’t want to tie up your money until 55 with a Personal Pension.
By comparison, the most you can add to your ISAs this tax year is £20,000.
By comparison, you can only pay into one Cash ISA and one Stocks & Shares ISA this tax year.
If you request a withdrawal from True Potential Investor, it takes around 10 working days in most circumstances to sell your investment and transfer the money to your bank account.
