Freetrade review UK 2026: free ISA, SIPP and the fees to watch
An independent Freetrade review for UK investors: the free Basic plan, Standard and Plus prices, the free stocks and shares ISA and SIPP, FX fees, interest on cash, and how it compares with Trading 212.
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Freetrade was one of the first commission-free investing apps in the UK. It is now owned by IG Group, and since 2025 its stocks and shares ISA has been free on the Basic plan.
This is general information, not a personal recommendation. When you invest your capital is at risk.
Freetrade plans and fees
| Basic | Standard | Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | £59.88 a year | £119.88 a year |
| Stocks and shares ISA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FX fee on foreign shares | 0.39% to 0.99% | 0.59% | 0.39% |
| Interest on cash | 1% up to £1,000 | 2.5% up to £2,000 | 3.5% up to £3,000 |
Source: Financial Interest Freetrade review, February 2026. Prices and rates change, so check Freetrade's own site. Fund charges are paid on top.
What you can invest in
Over 6,500 UK and US shares, ETFs, mutual funds and gilts, with fractional shares. There are also ready-made portfolios built from Vanguard LifeStrategy funds.
Freetrade vs Trading 212
| Freetrade Basic | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|
| Account fee | £0 | £0 |
| FX fee | 0.39% to 0.99% | 0.15% |
| Free SIPP | Yes | Check with Trading 212 |
| Investments | 6,500+ | 13,000+ |
| CFDs in the app | No | Yes |
If you mostly buy UK shares and UK-listed ETFs, the FX fee rarely applies and the two are close. If you buy a lot of US shares directly, Trading 212 is cheaper. Read the Trading 212 review.
Is Freetrade safe?
Freetrade is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and investments are held separately from the company's own money. If a regulated firm fails and assets are missing, the FSCS can protect up to £85,000 of investments per person. It does not protect against investments falling in value.
Who Freetrade suits
- Good for: beginners who want a simple app, a free ISA or a free SIPP, and mostly buy UK shares and ETFs.
- Less good for: frequent buyers of US shares on the free plan, and anyone wanting the highest interest on uninvested cash.
Common questions
Is Freetrade's ISA free?
Yes. Since 2025 the stocks and shares ISA has been included on the free Basic plan.
Who owns Freetrade?
IG Group, a large UK-listed trading and investment company, bought Freetrade in 2025.
Freetrade or Trading 212?
Both are cheap. Trading 212 has lower FX fees and more investments. Freetrade has a free SIPP on its basic plan and a very simple app with no CFDs. Compare more options in best investing apps UK.
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.
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