Business · Markets · 1 hr ago
How to choose a UK investment platform
Online platforms have made it easier and often cheaper for people in the UK to invest for themselves.
The guide compares investment platforms and their costs for people choosing where to invest.
Most UK platforms offer a stocks and shares Isa, a self-invested personal pension, and a general investment account.
These accounts give access to options such as shares, funds, investment trusts, exchange-traded funds and bonds.
Fees and available investments vary between providers, so the right choice depends on what someone wants to invest in and how they plan to use the account.
Several providers changed their fees in 2026, as competition grew ahead of the Government’s push to encourage more Britons to invest.
The guide says competition could lower investors’ costs and its comparison table reflects the latest fees.
The guide says investors should choose a UK investment platform based on their investing needs and the types of assets they want to buy.
It says most UK platforms offer a stocks and shares Isa, a self-invested personal pension and a general investment account.
Platforms differ in charges and features, including account fees and dealing costs.
The guide says all platforms featured must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Several providers changed their fees earlier in 2026, and the guide says the latest charges are reflected in its table.
- Who
- UK investors choosing an investment platform.
- What
- This is Money compares platforms and explains how to choose one.
- When
- Published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- To help investors compare providers and choose a platform suited to their needs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Freetrade, IG, Interactive Investor and Hargreaves Lansdown changed their fees.
This is Money published its guide to choosing an investment platform.
- Publication date
- 13 October 2026
- Regulator
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Account types
- Stocks and shares Isa; self-invested personal pension (Sipp); general investment account
- Providers with fee changes
- Freetrade, IG, Interactive Investor and Hargreaves Lansdown
What people are saying
Gone are the days of buying investments through an expensive stockbroker, financial adviser or fund manager.
All platforms must be FCA regulated to feature here.
Sources
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