Best Investment Platforms: How To Choose The Right Account For You

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This Is Money has published a guide comparing UK DIY investment platforms, including fees, account types and investment choices. Its source material says several providers changed pricing in 2026, but the right option depends on an investor’s needs; fees and features should be checked directly before opening an account.

This Is Money has published a guide comparing UK investment platforms and explaining how investors can weigh account fees, dealing charges, investment choice and customer support. The comparison covers options including stocks and shares Isas, Sipps and general investment accounts, and the source says several providers changed their fees earlier in 2026.

The guide lists providers including AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor, Trading 212, InvestEngine and Vanguard, with fees and features drawn from information published by the platforms. It says all platforms featured must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Its table includes account charges, fund dealing, share and ETF dealing, regular investing and dividend reinvestment, where information is provided.

The listed charging models differ. The table describes Trading 212 and InvestEngine as having no platform fee, while InvestEngine offers ETFs only, according to the source. Interactive Investor charges monthly plan fees, shown as £5.99 for its Core plan for accounts under £100,000 and £14.99 for Plus above that level. Hargreaves Lansdown’s listed account charge is 0.35%, capped at £150 a year for shares, trusts and ETFs in an Isa, Sipp or general investment account. Fees and terms can vary by account and transaction.

This Is Money recommends considering what you plan to invest in, what you are willing to pay and how much support you need. It names Trading 212 for low-cost investing in shares, ETFs and investment trusts; Interactive Investor for flat-fee investing and customer service; Prosper for zero-fee investing in a limited range of funds; and InvestEngine for ETF investing. These are the publication’s selections, not a guarantee that a platform suits every investor.

Fees Must Match Your Investing Habits

Platform charges can affect returns over time, but a headline fee alone does not show what an investor will pay. Percentage-based charges, fixed monthly fees and dealing costs work differently depending on account size, how often a person trades and what they hold. A flat fee may compare favourably for some larger accounts, while a percentage charge may cost less for a smaller balance; the result depends on the provider’s full pricing and the investor’s activity.

Features also matter. A low-cost app may have a narrower range of research or customer support than a more established provider, according to the guide. Investors choosing between platforms need to consider whether they want to select investments themselves, use ready-made portfolios, or access particular funds, shares or ETFs. Account availability and service levels can be as relevant as the advertised price.

The choice can also affect the account wrapper. UK investors may use a stocks and shares Isa or a Sipp for tax-efficient investing, or a general investment account outside those wrappers. Availability differs between platforms, so investors should check that the account they need is offered and understand its conditions before transferring or investing.

A Changing UK Platform Market

The source describes the spread of online DIY investing as making market access easier and less expensive than traditional routes involving stockbrokers, advisers or fund managers. Platforms and apps now offer access to investments such as shares, funds, investment trusts, ETFs and bonds, though each provider’s selection varies.

This Is Money says Freetrade, IG, Interactive Investor and Hargreaves Lansdown changed their fees earlier in 2026, ahead of a government push to encourage more people to invest. The article characterises increased competition as potentially beneficial for costs, but that is an assessment rather than a confirmed outcome for every customer. Its table is labelled as based on provider-published information in October 2026, so charges should be checked against current provider terms.

The publication also discloses that some links in the guide are affiliate links and that it may earn a commission if readers open accounts through them. It says its specialist journalists independently select featured products and that affiliate arrangements do not affect editorial independence. That disclosure is relevant when readers assess the guide’s recommendations alongside its fee comparisons.

““The cheapest investment platform won’t always be the best one for you.””

— This Is Money

Provider Fees Need Direct Checking

The source gives a snapshot of published charges, but the table does not establish what every investor would pay in practice. Total costs can depend on account type, balance, trading frequency and investments held, and some platforms have separate charges or paid plans. The source itself notes, for example, that IG lists a foreign-exchange fee and an annual Sipp administration fee.

The material does not provide a complete assessment of each platform’s investment performance, customer service outcomes or suitability for individual circumstances. It also does not give enough detail to verify how every fee change affects existing customers. Investors should confirm current prices and terms with providers before making decisions. The article’s featured-platform recommendations are editorial selections and should not be read as personalised financial advice.

Check Terms Before Opening Accounts

The practical next step for readers is to identify the account wrapper and investments they want, then compare the platform’s current charges for those specific choices. They can check whether the provider offers the relevant Isa, Sipp or general investment account, whether the required funds or securities are available, and how regular contributions or dividend reinvestment are priced.

Because the guide reports fee changes during 2026, provider pricing pages and account documents are the reference point for current terms. Readers considering a transfer should also check the provider’s transfer process and any applicable charges. The source does not report a future platform announcement or regulatory deadline; further developments would depend on providers changing prices or services.

Key Questions

What should I compare when choosing an investment platform?

Compare account charges, dealing fees, available investments, account types and customer support. The right balance depends on how much you invest, how often you trade and whether you want to choose investments yourself.

Which platforms does the guide describe as having no platform fee?

The source’s table lists Trading 212 and InvestEngine as having no platform fee, and also lists Freetrade and Prosper as free under the stated terms. Their available investments and other conditions differ, so check the current provider information.

Can I use an investment platform for an Isa or Sipp?

Many UK platforms offer a stocks and shares Isa and a Sipp, according to the guide, but availability varies. The source notes that some providers do not offer every account type, so confirm before opening an account.

Are the guide’s recommended platforms right for everyone?

No. The recommendations are This Is Money’s editorial selections for particular features, such as low-cost share dealing or ETF investing. The guide says platform choice depends on an investor’s costs, preferred investments and support needs.

Source: rss