Stocks & Shares ISAs are now live on the Emma app, giving you a simple way to invest and keep more of your returns tax‑free.

With a Stocks & Shares ISA, you can invest up to £20,000 per tax year, and any gains you make are free from UK capital gains tax and dividend tax. The current tax year runs until 5 April 2026.

Before we dive in, one important reminder: investing involves risk, and you could get back less than you invest.

What is a Stocks & Shares ISA?

A Stocks & Shares ISA is a tax‑efficient investment account that allows you to invest in assets like ETFs while protecting any returns from UK tax.

Each tax year, you can contribute up to £20,000. Once your money is inside the ISA, any growth or income you earn isn’t taxed.

This makes it one of the most popular ways to invest in the UK, especially for long-term goals.

Stocks & Shares ISA vs General Investment Account (GIA)

If you’re deciding how to invest, it helps to understand the difference between a Stocks & Shares ISA and a General Investment Account (GIA).

A GIA doesn’t have an annual deposit limit, but tax may apply when you make a profit. With an ISA, your gains are tax‑free — but you’re capped at £20,000 per tax year.

Here’s how they compare:

How to open a Stocks & Shares ISA on Emma

You can open a Stocks & Shares ISA in just a few minutes on the Emma app:

1. Go to Invest
2. Select Stocks & Shares ISA
3. Add up to £20,000 (before April 5) via bank transfer or from your Emma wallet

Once your ISA is open, you can explore a range of ETFs available in the app and choose where to invest.

Remember, investments can go up and down, and past performance doesn’t predict future returns.

Important information

This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consider seeking professional advice if you’re unsure. Your capital is at risk, and you may get back less than you invest.