Scroll down for more information on your CTF.

It is now possible to transfer your CTF when it matures to a TFS ISA.

If you are not sure where your CTF is held, you can find your provider by contacting HMRC using this link.

What is the TFS CTF?

It is a Stakeholder Child Trust Fund – a tax-free unit-linked savings account for children.

How is my money invested?

Your money is invested mainly in stocks and shares, aiming to achieve medium to long term growth.

Whilst it is considered that this helps even out fluctuations in the stock market over the long term, it comes with a degree of risk, as the value of stocks and shares can go down as well as up.

In other words, your fund could benefit from potential stock market growth, and could be negatively affected from potential stock market losses.

How can payments be made into my fund?

Your family and friends can contribute up to £9,000 in to your CTF in the current tax year. Subscriptions can be one-off or monthly and the minimum payment for either is £10.

If you wish for a Direct Debit to be set up, please contact us at info@tfs.uk.com and we will guide you through the simple process.

Can these payments be changed?

Yes, if there is a regular payment already set up, it can be increased, decreased or cancelled at any time.

How is my CTF value calculated?

The value of your CTF is the total number of units held by you multiplied by the unit price applicable on the date of calculation.

In other words, the return is based on the price of the units when they are cashed in on your 18^th birthday.

Can my CTF be transferred from another provider to a TFS ISA?

Yes, it is possible to transfer your CTF when it matures to a TFS ISA. There would be no charge by TFS for this service, but please do check with your current CTF provider, in case they have any charges.

If you are interested in transferring your CTF when it matures into a TFS ISA please email us at info@tfs.uk.com to request a Personal Information Form. Once you have sent it to us, we will contact you nearer the time of your CTF maturity.

How do I know what my fund is worth?

We send out statements to your Registered Contact on your 5^th, 10^th and 15^th birthdays. You can find out your fund’s current value by emailing us at info@tfs.uk.com.

What happens when I turn 18?

On your 18^th birthday your CTF will ‘mature’. This means that the money in your CTF account will be made available to you tax-free.

You can then decide what you wish to do with the money in your fund. Here are your options:

1. To re-invest all of your matured Child Trust Fund in a Transport Friendly Society (TFS) Individual Savings Account (ISA);
2. To re-invest the maturity amount with another provider;
3. To have the maturity amount paid into your bank account; or
4. To have part of the maturity amount paid into your bank account and to re-invest the balance of the maturity amount in a TFS ISA.

We will get in touch with your parent/guardian 3 months prior to your 18^th birthday to obtain your up to date details. Then 1 month before your 18^th birthday we will contact you to let you know your options again.

For additional information regarding your TFS CTF please access the documents below:

CTF Key Information Document

CTF Terms & Conditions

CTF Lifestyling Information

To update your Registered Contact details please complete and return the form below.

Registered Contact Form

Being a mutual organisation means that we are owned by our members and do not have any shareholders to pay dividends to. This allows us to put our members at the heart of everything we do.

As of 2022 TFS looks after around 45,000 CTF accounts and has nearly £23 million funds under management. Apart from that, we are also looking after over 21,000 members and total assets worth over £73 million.

TFS started back in 1885 and has been providing peace of mind to its members ever since, introducing new plans over the years and aiming to respond to its members’ changing needs.

Registered Contact – The person responsible for managing your child trust fund account until you turn 18 and gain access to the money, or until you can take control of it at the age of 16.

Child Trust Fund (CTF) – Tax-free long-term savings plan for children, set up by the Government. Also referred to as ‘fund’ and ‘account’.

Stocks & Shares ISA – Money is invested in different companies. It is considered a long-term investment option, as it helps even out fluctuations in the stock market. However, it comes with a degree of risk, as the value of stocks and shares can go down as well as up.

Provider – This is the organisation that holds and manages your CTF. It was either selected by your parents/guardian or allocated by the Government if your parents did not open an account. Your CTF can be transferred from one provider to another by contacting your current provider.

Contributions/Subscriptions – Payments made into your account by family or friends. These can be one-off or regular payments up to £9,000 per year (maximum set by Government for the current tax year).

Units – It is called a unit-linked fund when people’s money is pooled together and invested in a variety of stocks and shares. Each investor holds a number of units equivalent to the money they have invested.

Your account value depends on the number of units held and the price of those units.

We calculate the unit prices at least weekly.

CTF Value – The fund’s current worth (based on the number and price of units, as detailed above).

Maturity – When you (the accountholder) reach the age of 18, the account comes to an end (matures). This is when the money is made available to you or you can reinvest it.

Last Updated: March 2023