You can invest under 18. Here's how

Author

George Beecroft
August 08, 2025

👋 Hey guys - Noah here,

Did you know that in the UK, you can invest even if you’re under 18? Most people don’t realise this, but if you

The Secret Nobody Tells Under 18s

Everyone tells young people to "wait until they're older" to invest. Wait until you've got a proper job. Wait until you understand the markets better.

But this advice can do more harm than good!

Check out this maths that'll blow your mind:

  • If you start investing £20/month at 16: You'll have £380,000 by 65

  • But if you wait until 25 to start: You'll have only £180,000 by 65

That 9-year delay costs you £200,000.

And you only put in an extra £2,160. That’s crazy, right?

Yes, You Can Invest Under 18

"But Noah, I'm 16 and brokers won't let me open an account!"

That's where everyone gets it wrong. You absolutely can invest before 18, but there’s some rules you need to know.

Junior ISA (The Teen Investment Account)

  • Your parents/guardians open it for you

  • No age requirements (even babies can open an account!)

  • You can control it from age 16

  • Deposit up to £9,000/year to invest completely tax-free

  • The account automatically becomes yours when you turn 18

Junior SIPP (Your Future Millionaire Account)

  • This is a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) for kids

  • Government adds 25% to everything you put in

  • Put in £80, get £100 invested

  • Can't touch until 57, but compound interest will go mental!

How You Can Invest Today

If you're under 18:

  1. Show your parents this email

  2. Open a Junior ISA together (takes 15 minutes online)

  3. Start with literally £1 to test it

  4. Set up £10-25/month from birthday money, part-time job, whatever

Best Junior ISA providers:

  • Vanguard Junior ISA - Cheapest fees (0.15%)

  • Hargreaves Lansdown - Most options but pricier

  • Fidelity - Good middle ground

Here’s What Most Adults Won’t Tell You…

They're jealous of your age.

I'm 21 and would give anything to go back to 16 and start investing then. Every investment guru says the same thing.

You've got something money can't buy: TIME.

At 16, your money works for 49 years.

At 26, it only works for 39 years.

At 36, just 29 years.

Those years are incredibly valuable!

A Crazy Stat To Keep You Motivated

The average 16-year-old spends £38/month on subscriptions and gaming.

Imagine putting just HALF of that into investments instead.

By 65, that £19/month becomes £361,000.

All from cutting back on a few energy drinks and skins.

P.S. - Want to make sure you land a brilliant job to fund your investments? My Land Your First Job guide shows you exactly how to stand out and get hired in 2 weeks. It includes CV templates that actually work, interview prep sheets, and the exact emails I used to get responses.