Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Investing for tax-free returns while helping low-income families in the UK
Ruby Layram
22nd Sep 2025
When you think of investing, you probably picture stock markets, property portfolios, or maybe even the latest crypto trend. But there’s another way to put your money to work. One that not only aims to give you an attractive return but also makes a real difference to families who need it most.
The Fair for You bond offer.
This isn’t your standard investment. It’s a chance to help Fair for You support thousands of low income households access fair and affordable credit for essential items like cookers, washing machines, and fridges, while still earning interest on the money that you invest.
For socially conscious investors looking for something meaningful (and willing to take on a bit of risk), this bond might just tick all the boxes.
Also read: 5 Best Sustainable Investment Platforms in the UK
What Is Fair for You?
Fair for You is a not-for-profit, award-winning community interest company. Its mission is simple: to give low-income families an alternative to high-cost credit when purchasing essential household items.
In today’s unstable financial climate, many families are locked out of mainstream credit (including Buy Now Pay Later and retailers’ in-store credit options) because of income or credit scores. This means, when they’re turned down for loans from banks ot high street lenders, they have a stark choice: go without or turn to predatory high-interest (or ‘payday’) lenders. Instead of falling into a spiral of debt, these families can use Fair for You to spread the cost of essential household items, like cookers, washing machines or beds, with fair, affordable loans.
Since launching in 2015, Fair for You has:
- Supported 100,000 UK households to move away from high-cost credit; avoid the hardship of going without essential items; get back in control of their finances and stay on top of other bills; and reduce stress and anxiety around their finances
- Partnered with well-known retailers to supply essential goods.
- Proven that ethical lending can be sustainable.
By investing in their bond offer, you’re providing the up front capital that allows Fair for You to expand and keep lending and, in turn, helping more families escape cycles of poverty.
How the Fair for You Bond Works
The Fair for You bond allows investors to put their money behind a socially-responsible project that helps thousands of families every single year.
Here’s the simple overview of how it works:
- You invest: You can invest from as little as £50 in the Fair for You bond on the impact investing platform, Ethex
- Your money goes to work: The money will enable them to launch their expansion plan to reach 50,000 more families, unlock £17million in lending, and create £272 million in social impact over 3 years.
- You target an 8 return: In exchange for taking on the risk, you’ll get an 8% return on your investment at the end of the 5-Year term
Think of it as putting your money into a pot that makes life-changing credit available to more people, while also paying you back after 5 years.
The Fair for You bond currently offers an 8% return and can be purchased through the Ethex platform. The minimum investment is £50 and you’ve got until 12 December 2025 until it closes.
The Tax Perk: Use an Innovative Finance ISA
One of the most attractive aspects for investors is the option to hold your bond inside an Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA).
Why does this matter? Because with an IFISA:
- Any interest you earn is completely tax-free.
- It sits alongside your Cash ISAs and Stocks & Shares ISAs, using the same £20,000 annual allowance.
- You’re effectively supercharging your returns by cutting out the taxman.
For investors who want to make use of their £20,000 tax-free allowance, this is a great way to make it matter!
Is It a Good Option For You?
Let’s be clear: this is not a low-risk investment. Your capital is at risk, and returns are not guaranteed. This is not like sticking money into a savings account where you are guaranteed a modest return, with these bonds, he risks are higher, but so are the potential returns.
But if you’re:
- Comfortable taking higher risk,
- Looking to diversify outside traditional markets, and
- Motivated by the idea of “doing good” with your money…
…then the Fair for You Bond could be a great fit. It’s impact investing with a tangible, UK-based outcome you can be proud of.
How to Invest in the Fair for You Bond
- Check out the offer: Visit the Ethex website for the latest details and information about the investment opportunity, or the Fair for You website to find out more about them.
- Choose your wrapper: Decide whether to invest directly or via an Innovative Finance ISA for maximum tax efficiency.
- Decide your investment amount: Make sure it’s a sum you’re comfortable locking away. And remember, capital is at risk.
- Sit back and watch your money do good: You’ll not only earn a potential return but also know your investment is helping families put food on the table, clothes in the washing machine, and kids in warm beds.
Final Thoughts
The Fair for You bond is a way to contribute towards a fairer financial landscape in the UK, where too often, low income families are the ones paying the higest interest. It says you believe finance should be fair, that families deserve access to essentials without crippling debt, and that your money can target a decent return while supporting lasting positive change.
For investors who are socially conscious, this bond offers a chance to diversify your impact investment portfolio to create tangible impact that aligns with your principles.
Visit the Ethex website today to sign up and get started.
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Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here, including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies, are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
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