How do I add funds?

  • Updated

How do I add funds?

Adding cash to your InvestEngine account is easy, whether you want to invest right away or later. You can fund any type of portfolio – ISA, Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), General Investment Account (GIA), or Business, with either an instant payment via Open Banking, manual transfer or direct debit.

Here’s how it works, and what to expect depending on the portfolio you’re funding.

Step-by-step: Adding cash

  1. Log into your InvestEngine account
  2. Go to the portfolio you want to add money to
  3. Click ‘Add Cash’
  4. Choose your preferred payment method:
    • Instant Transfer (Open Banking)
    • Manual Bank Transfer
    • Direct debit
       

Payment options explained

Instant transfer (Open Banking)

  • Fast, secure, and typically completed within minutes
  • You’ll be redirected to your banking app to authorise the payment
  • Only available for UK banks that support Open Banking

You'll still need to use your registered bank account in your name, but this method removes the need to manually type in payment details.

Manual bank transfer

  • You create the transfer directly from your bank or online banking app
  • The portfolio-specific account details (sort code, account number, and reference) will be shown in the app
  • It’s important to:
    • Send funds from your linked bank account
    • Use the correct payment reference shown on screen.  If you need to double-check the reference later, you can always find it by going to your portfolio and clicking ‘Options’,
  • Funds usually arrive the same business day
     

Portfolio Type Considerations

How your cash is handled depends on the type of portfolio you're funding:

Cash Portfolio

  • The money is added to your cash balance but remains uninvested (and earns no interest)
  • You can transfer it into a DIY, LifePlans or Managed portfolio whenever you’re ready to invest

DIY Portfolio

  • Cash is added to your portfolio
  • You must place an investment order manually – unless AutoInvest is switched on
  • If AutoInvest is enabled:
    • Cash added before 12 noon will be invested the same day
    • Cash added after 12 noon will be invested on the next business day

Managed and LifePlans Portfolio

  • If the cash is added before 2 pm, it will be invested the same day
  • After 2 pm, it will be invested the next business day
  • No further action needed on your part

ISA Contributions

If you’re adding money to an ISA, we’ll show your remaining ISA allowance for the current tax year. You’ll be warned if your payment might exceed the annual limit.

Not sure how much you can invest? See Is there a minimum or maximum I can invest?

Want to Invest Regularly?

You can set up a Savings Plan (via Direct Debit or Variable Recurring Payment) for any portfolio:

  • Funds are collected automatically from your linked bank account
  • The first payment takes 5–7 business days to set up for Direct Debit
  • You can edit, pause or cancel your plan at any time

Read more about setting up a Savings Plan here

Key Reminders

  • You must fund your account from a linked UK current account registered in your name
  • Credit cards, third-party accounts, and top ups from Cash ISAs are not accepted (you can read more about transferring a Cash ISA here)
  • For first-time payments, bank verification may be required read more about this here

Related articles