Investment Platform Fee Comparison 2025/26
See what you're paying in platform fees based on your portfolio size — and how that compares across major UK providers. Illustrative figures only.
Your portfolio
Estimated annual fees
| Platform | Est. annual fee | Est. monthly fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hargreaves Lansdown Lowest estimated platform fee in this simplified comparison | £0 | £0.00 | Fund holdings charged at tiered %. ETF/share holdings capped at £45/year. |
| AJ Bell | £0 | £0.00 | Capped at £3.50/month for shares/ETFs. |
| Vanguard UK | £0 | £0.00 | Only Vanguard funds available. Simple, low-cost. |
| InvestEngine | £0 | £0.00 | DIY ETF portfolios have no platform fee. Managed portfolios charged at 0.25%/year. |
| Freetrade | £72 | £5.99 | Standard plan — £5.99/month (ISA). Flat fee — better value at higher portfolio sizes. |
| Interactive Investor | £144 | £11.99 | Investor plan — £11.99/month flat fee. Better value at higher portfolio sizes. |
- Fee structures are simplified for illustrative purposes and may not reflect all charges (dealing fees, fund charges, FX fees etc.)
- Always check the current fee schedule on each provider's website before making any decision.
- Platform fees are just one factor — consider fund range, usability, and your own circumstances.
- This tool does not account for trading frequency or fund-specific charges.
- Figures based on publicly available information as of 2025/26.
This is educational information only and not regulated financial advice. Fee calculations are illustrative and based on simplified published fee schedules. Always check current fees directly with each provider and consider your personal circumstances or consult a qualified financial adviser before choosing a platform.
ClarityISA may earn a referral fee if you open an account via these links. This is not a recommendation — always check a provider suits your circumstances or consult a regulated adviser before opening any account.
Platform fee FAQs
Why do platform fees matter?
Platform fees compound over time. A 0.45% annual fee on a £100,000 portfolio is £450/year — over 20 years that can mean tens of thousands in lost growth versus a lower-cost platform.
Are percentage fees or flat fees better?
Percentage fees tend to favour smaller portfolios. Flat-fee platforms like Interactive Investor often work out cheaper once your portfolio passes roughly £50,000–£75,000.
Do platform fees include fund fees?
No. Platform fees are charged by the broker for holding your account. Fund OCFs (ongoing charges) are charged separately by the fund manager and apply on any platform.