Category
UK Investments Guides
Capital at risk. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a guide to future returns.
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Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.
Quick answer
Unlike cash savings, investing carries risk — the value of your portfolio can fall as well as rise, so you may get back less than you invest. This hub covers how platforms charge, how Stocks and Shares ISAs work and the catches to know first.
Capital is at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a guide to future results.
For most people the order is: emergency savings first, then an ISA or pension wrapper, then a platform whose fees suit your pot size. A full platform comparison is coming. For now, use the snapshot below and our fees guide to compare costs.
Key decision routes
Pick the question you’re trying to answer.
The catch
Low headline fees aren’t the whole cost. Check each of these before you choose a platform:
- Custody (platform) fee: a flat monthly fee weighs heavily on a small pot, while a percentage fee bites on a large one.
- FX fee: charged when you buy shares priced in another currency, such as US shares.
- Commission (dealing fee): charged each time you buy or sell, on some platforms.
- OCF (ongoing charges figure): the fund’s own yearly charge, paid on top of the platform fee.
- Exit or transfer fees: check these before you move to another platform.
FSCS investment protection covers a firm failing, not your investments falling in value. Capital is at risk.
Who it’s for — and who should avoid it
Who it’s for
- People with an emergency fund already in place
- Anyone investing for five years or more
- Savers comfortable seeing their balance rise and fall
- People who want to use an ISA or pension wrapper for tax efficiency
Who should avoid it
- Money you may need in the next few years
- Anyone without cash set aside for emergencies
- Anyone carrying expensive debt
- People who would panic-sell if values dropped — consider speaking to a regulated adviser first
FAQs
Is investing the same as saving?
No. Savings pay interest on cash; investments can rise or fall. See Savings for cash options.
Which investment platform should I use?
We don’t pick one for you. Compare total costs at your pot size and the account types you need — our fees guide models this. The AJ Bell link on this page is a referral link; the other platform links go to official homepages.
What is a Stocks and Shares ISA?
An ISA that holds investments. Gains and dividends inside it are tax-free, and payments count towards the £20,000 yearly allowance. See ISAs.
Can I lose money?
Yes. Capital is at risk, and nothing on this site guarantees returns.
Where should beginners start?
Start Here, then our ISA and fees guides. If you need personal advice, speak to a regulated financial adviser.
Investment platforms snapshot (27 September 2026)
Snapshot dated 27 September 2026. Platform fees change. Our Stocks and Shares ISA fees page has detailed fee scenarios (modelled 30 August 2026). Links go to official homepages, except AJ Bell, which is a referral link.
| Provider / product | Fees / offer | Key catch | Verdict | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading 212 | Often £0 platform fee on simple ETF/share scenarios | FX fee on non-sterling trades; check the current rate | Good for self-directed ETF and share investors who want to keep costs low | trading212.com |
| Freetrade | Basic tier can be low-cost for simple portfolios | Some features need a paid plan | Works for simple portfolios on the basic tier | freetrade.io |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | Full-service platform with research tools | Percentage fees can add up on large pots | Good for investors who value research tools and service | hl.co.uk |
| AJ Bell | Established platform; compare % and dealing fees | Percentage and dealing fees both apply | Worth a look if you compare percentage costs against your pot size | ajbell.co.uk |
| Interactive Investor | Flat-fee style plans — check current tariff | A flat fee weighs more on a small pot | Can work out cheaper on larger pots, where a flat fee spreads thinner | ii.co.uk |
Some links in this table are referral links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are based on our review methodology, not commission.
Check a platform’s current offer
AJ Bell
Established UK platform with ISAs, SIPPs and general accounts. Compare its percentage and dealing fees with your pot size. Capital at risk.
Check AJ Bell’s current offer →Some links in this table are referral links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are based on our review methodology, not commission.
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Investments can fall as well as rise — capital is at risk.
How we make money: some links on this page are referral links, and we may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Commission never affects which products we include or how we rate them. Read our full disclosure