AJ Bell
FSCSBest all-round platform for shares-heavy UK investors who want low capped fees, broad investment choice and free regular investing
AI-researched reviews of the UK's biggest investment platforms. Fees, features, and honest verdicts.
For a GBP-traded ETF held for a full year, both providers below charge £0 for the ISA platform and £0 for dealing. With the same 0.20% ETF ongoing charge (the published TER of the iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF), neither wins on these costs alone. This is an illustration, not a promise that this ETF is available at both providers; check the exact share class, dealing currency and current charge before investing.
| DIY stocks & shares ISA | £10,000 | £50,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Trading 212 review | £20 / year | £100 / year |
| InvestEngine DIY review | £20 / year | £100 / year |
Calculation: balance × (0% platform + 0.20% ETF ongoing charge) + £0 dealing. The ETF charge is reflected in the fund value, not billed separately. £50,000 assumes an existing ISA balance or transfers, not a single year's new subscription. No returns, spread, funding charges or FX trades assumed. Trading 212 quotes 0.15% FX when currency conversion is needed; InvestEngine's DIY ETF costs still apply and its managed service is excluded. Fees and availability can change.
Provider tariffs and iShares fund TER checked 7 October 2026: Trading 212 official charges; InvestEngine DIY official charges. Read the Trading 212 vs InvestEngine comparison for the product-choice trade-off.
Best all-round platform for shares-heavy UK investors who want low capped fees, broad investment choice and free regular investing
Best for medium-to-large investors wanting professionally managed portfolios at a low cost, with free coaching as a genuine bonus
Best for £50,000–£200,000 buy-and-hold portfolios that value a flexible ISA, UK support, and the £100 annual trading credit — avoid below £20,000 or for high-frequency or US-equity-focused trading.
Best for beginners and hands-off investors who want a cheap, simple entry point backed by a major UK platform
Best for fund investors, pension savers and parents — a strong all-rounder that's cheaper than HL with nearly as much choice
Best for cost-conscious UK investors who want a free ISA, SIPP, and JISA for index funds, ETFs, and UK stocks — unbeatable on price for small to medium portfolios
Best for investors who want a premium all-in-one experience with top-tier research and service — but too expensive for simple index fund portfolios
The cheapest mainstream ETF platform in the UK — best for passive, long-term investors who want ISA or SIPP investing with zero platform fees, now with a managed option at 0.25%
Best for hands-off investors who want a comprehensive, managed portfolio service and don't mind paying a premium for convenience and the J.P. Morgan brand
Best for first-time investors, first-time buyers using a Lifetime ISA, and anyone wanting savings and investing in one simple app — but not the cheapest for larger portfolios
3.8/5
4 out of 5 — excellent for pension consolidation and simplicity, but the fee premium over DIY SIPPs means it's not the cheapest option for hands-on investors
The cheapest UK platform for a Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP holding shares and ETFs — 0.15% FX is the only fee, but the CFD business model and personal-contributions-only SIPP are worth understanding
Best for hands-off investors who want cheap index funds in an ISA or pension and don't need individual shares or third-party funds
4.0/5 — Excellent for hands-off investors; too expensive and restrictive for DIY enthusiasts
Best for social/copy trading, commission-free ETFs, and AI-curious investors; the ISA remains Moneyfarm-powered, so traditional platforms still suit those wanting a full in-house wrapper or a SIPP
Best for cost-conscious buy-and-hold investors who want a zero-fee ISA and don't need hand-holding or fancy research tools
Best for self-directed investors with portfolios above £30,000 who want broad investment choice, bundled accounts, and a fee structure that rewards growing wealth
Our detailed reviews go beyond the headline fees — we analyse who each platform actually suits, what the real costs are at different portfolio sizes, and which hidden charges catch investors out.
There is no universal cheapest platform. In the matched GBP-traded ETF example above, Trading 212 and InvestEngine DIY have the same illustrated annual cost at both balances. Check the ETF range, funding method and any FX conversion before choosing.
No. FSCS does not cover falls in the value of investments. If an eligible investment firm fails and cannot return money or assets it owes you, investment compensation may be available up to £85,000 per eligible person, per firm. The outcome depends on the claim; assets are normally held separately, but a shortfall is possible.
Yes, use the new provider’s formal ISA transfer process rather than withdrawing the money yourself. Check which holdings can transfer in specie, whether either provider charges for a transfer and how long it will take.
Check a firm on the FCA Firm Checker and read the FSCS investment protection rules before investing.
Platform data is AI-researched from official sources and may not reflect the very latest changes. Always verify fees on the platform's website before investing. Investments can fall in value. This is information, not financial advice; seek independent financial advice before making investment decisions. GiltEdge is not regulated by the FCA.