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GiltEdgeUK Personal Finance

UK Investment Platforms

AI-researched reviews of the UK's biggest investment platforms. Fees, features, and honest verdicts.

What does an ETF-only ISA cost?

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.

Illustrative annual cost, same holdings and one-year horizon; no trades requiring FX
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.

eToro

FSCS

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

Platform feeNo platform fee, no custody fee, no mana…
Dealing fee$1–$2 per stock trade; zero commission o…
General Investment Account (GIA)Stocks & Shares ISA (DIY, via Moneyfarm partnership)Managed ISA (via Moneyfarm partnership)Cash ISA (via Moneyfarm partnership)+1
Updated 6 September 2026

In-Depth Platform Reviews

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.

Platform questions

Which platform costs less for an ETF-only ISA?

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.

Does FSCS cover investment losses?

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.

Can I transfer an ISA without using this year’s allowance?

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.