GIA (General Investment Account)
What is a GIA?
A GIA (General Investment Account) is an investment account. You can buy funds, shares, and bonds through it. Unlike an ISA, there’s no tax protection. But there’s also no limit on how much you can put in.
Do you pay tax on a GIA?
You may owe tax on profits when you sell. This is called Capital Gains Tax. You may also owe tax on dividends (payments companies make to shareholders). This is called Dividend Tax.
Both have annual allowances before you pay anything. You can make £3,000 in gains and receive £500 in dividends each year tax-free.
Why use a GIA?
Most people use a GIA after they’ve filled their ISA allowance. If you’ve already put £20,000 into ISAs this tax year and want to invest more, a GIA is your only option.
Some people also use a GIA for flexibility. There are no withdrawal restrictions like with a Lifetime ISA or SIPP.
Scrimpr’s GIA comparison covers more platforms than any other UK guide.
Compare GIA Platforms →Key points about GIAs
- No contribution limit. Invest as much as you want
- No tax protection. Profits and dividends may be taxed
- Use after ISA. Fill your ISA allowance first
More information
Scrimpr links to official sources so you can verify what you’ve learned.