Best investing apps UK 2026: fees compared for beginners
UK investing apps and platforms compared on fees for a stocks and shares ISA: Trading 212, Freetrade, Vanguard, AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor, and how to pick one.
In this guideShowHide
I have used or tried most of these over the years. The right one depends less on features and more on how much you invest and what you buy, because fees are the one thing you control.
This is general information, not a personal recommendation. When you invest your capital is at risk and you may get back less than you put in.
Fees compared
Figures are for a stocks and shares ISA and were checked in November 2026. Platforms change their prices, so confirm on their own site before you open an account.
| Platform | Account fee | Buying UK shares and ETFs | Currency fee on US shares | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading 212 | None | No commission | 0.15% | Low-cost, hands-on beginners |
| Freetrade (Basic) | None (paid plans £4.99 to £11.99 a month add features) | No commission | 0.99% on Basic, lower on paid plans | UK shares and ETFs, simple app |
| Vanguard Investor | £4 a month under £32,000, then 0.15% a year, capped at £375 | Vanguard funds only | Not applicable | Hands-off investors in Vanguard funds |
| AJ Bell | 0.25% a year, capped at £42 for shares and ETFs | Dealing charge per trade | Applies | Wider choice, growing pots |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | 0.35% a year, capped at £150 for shares and ETFs | £6.95 per share trade | Applies | Research and service, larger pots |
| Interactive Investor | Flat monthly plans from £5.99 | Varies by plan | Applies | Larger pots, where a flat fee beats a percentage |
Sources: Freetrade pricing and CompoundWise platform comparison. Fund charges are paid on top of platform fees on every platform.
How to choose an investing app
- Work out your pot size. Percentage fees are cheap on small pots and expensive on large ones. Flat fees are the opposite.
- Decide what you will buy. A couple of global index funds or ETFs? A low-cost or fund-specific platform is enough. Individual US shares? Look closely at currency fees.
- Check the account types. Make sure it offers a stocks and shares ISA, and a SIPP or Lifetime ISA if you want them later.
- Look at transfer and exit costs. Most platforms now let you leave for free, but check.
- Check regulation. UK platforms must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Check the FCA register.
Is my money safe on an investing app?
Your investments are held separately from the platform's own money. If a regulated UK platform fails, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme can pay up to £85,000 per person, per firm if assets go missing. This does not protect you against your investments falling in value.
Cash held on a platform may be protected differently, so check where it is held.
Apps vs traditional platforms
- Apps like Trading 212 and Freetrade are built for phones, cheap and quick to set up. Research tools are basic.
- Traditional platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown and AJ Bell offer more funds, research and customer service, at a higher cost.
- Robo-advisers build and run a portfolio for you based on a short questionnaire. Easier, but you pay a management fee.
Mistakes beginners make
- Trading too often. Commission-free does not mean free. Currency fees, spreads and bad timing add up.
- Chasing hot shares. A simple global index fund beats most stock pickers over time.
- Investing money you need soon. Keep an emergency fund in cash first.
- Confusing investing with trading. Contracts for difference (CFDs) and leveraged products on some apps are high risk, and most retail accounts lose money on them.
New to all this? Start with my beginner's guide to investing, and use the ISA allowance checker to see what you have left this tax year.
Common questions
What is the cheapest investing app in the UK?
For a small pot of UK shares or ETFs, apps with no platform fee and no commission are cheapest. If you buy US shares, compare currency fees, which differ a lot between apps.
What is the best investing app for beginners?
One that is FCA regulated, has low fees for your pot size, offers a stocks and shares ISA and makes it easy to invest regularly in a diversified fund.
Can I have more than one stocks and shares ISA?
Yes. From April 2024 you can pay into more than one stocks and shares ISA in the same tax year, as long as your total across all ISAs stays within £20,000.
This is general information, not personal tax or financial advice. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, so check GOV.UK or speak to an accountant before acting.