How can I pay into my Tembo ISA?

There are two ways you can pay into your Tembo Cash ISA: Direct debits and one-off contributions. We've included more information about each payment method below.

There are three ways you can pay into your Tembo Cash ISA: Direct debits, one-off contributions and Gift Links. We've included more information about each payment method below.

🚨 Please note, you cannot pay into your Tembo Cash ISA or Tembo Lifetime ISA using a direct payment from your bank account. To pay into your Tembo ISA, you must link your bank account through the Tembo app, then select either ‘Add money’ to top up as a one-off contribution or set up a reoccurring direct debit.
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1. Direct debits

Setting up direct debits is a great way to grow your savings pot without having to remember to transfer money each month. You can set up a direct debit from as little as £25 (but you can choose to transfer more than this) and it will automatically recur each month.

Setting up direct debits is part of our onboarding flow, so you'll be invited to create a direct debit when you first sign up to Tembo. You’ll select a date and amount you want to be transferred into your account automatically each month.

You can amend the date or amount of your direct debit (or skip it) up to 3 working days before the payment date via the Tembo app. Your direct debit can be skipped for up to 3 months at a time, or even cancelled. Just make sure you do this before the 3 working day cut-off prior to each payment date.

🚨 Please note: It takes 1 working day after your direct debit is collected for the funds to land in your Lifetime ISA or Cash ISA. If you’re setting up a new direct debit, please allow up to 4 working days before your desired payment date for your new direct debit to be set up.

2. One-off contributions

This is the fastest & easiest way to add money, as top-ups only take 1-2 days to show in your account 🚀 You can top-up your account with as little as £10! Just tap the “Add money” button on the Tembo app’s home screen to get started.

3. Gift Links (Lifetime ISA only)

Gift Links is a secure payment method that allows your family and friends to contribute directly into your Lifetime ISA. Their gifts will be boosted by the 25% bonus, and they can contribute between £10 and whatever is left of your £4,000 annual Lifetime ISA allowance per tax year.
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Our Gift Link means the process is hassle-free and done via secure payment portal – they'll receive an instant email receipt, and you'll get a notification when their funds land in your account (this is usually same, or next working day).
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🚨 Please note, your Tembo savings accounts don't come with a typical account number and sort code, this is because Tembo is not a bank, we are a savings provider.

If you want to make a deposit into your Tembo account you must do so by linking your bank account through the Tembo app, instead of making a payment direct from your bank account.

If you're having trouble adding money to your Tembo account through the Tembo app, try sending a smaller amount initially. If this works, then try sending a larger amount. Usually banks will automatically decline large payments to new payees as they view this as 'unusual' behaviour. Sending smaller payments first can help get around this.