UK Investment Platform Comparison 2026

A factual overview of major UK investment platforms by type — ISA and general investing, pensions and SIPPs, and crypto. Based on publicly available information. Not a recommendation.

ClarityISA may earn a referral fee if you open an account via links on this page. Platform information is based on publicly available data as of 2026 and may change. This is not a recommendation — always check current terms directly with each provider and consider your own circumstances or consult a regulated financial adviser before opening any account.

Stocks & Shares ISA and general investing

Platforms where UK investors can open a Stocks & Shares ISA, General Investment Account (GIA), or both. Platform fees and fund ranges vary significantly.

Hargreaves Lansdown
ISA · GIA · SIPP
  • One of the UK's largest investment platforms
  • Wide fund, share and ETF range
  • Higher fees than some competitors at larger portfolio sizes
From 0.45%/year (tiered, capped on shares)
Visit website →
AJ Bell
ISA · GIA · SIPP
  • Low-cost platform aimed at DIY investors
  • Shares and ETFs capped at £3.50/month
  • Good fund range with competitive fees
From 0.25%/year (tiered)
Visit website →
Vanguard UK
ISA · GIA · SIPP
  • Known for low-cost index funds and ETFs
  • Only Vanguard funds available on the platform
  • Simple, low-cost structure
0.15%/year (capped at £375/year)
Visit website →
Freetrade
ISA · GIA
  • Commission-free share and ETF trading
  • Flat monthly fee for ISA access
  • App-first, designed for newer investors
£0 GIA / £5.99/month for ISA
Visit website →
InvestEngine
ISA · GIA
  • ETF-only platform
  • No platform fee on DIY portfolios
  • Managed portfolios available at 0.25%/year
0% for DIY ETF portfolios
Visit website →
Trading 212
ISA · GIA
  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and fractional shares
  • No platform fee
  • App-first, accessible for beginners
  • Earn interest on uninvested cash
0% platform fee
Visit website →
eToro
ISA · GIA · Crypto
  • Commission-free stocks and ETFs
  • Also offers crypto trading
  • Social trading features — see what others are investing
  • FCA regulated for securities
0% commission on stocks (FX/withdrawal fees apply)
Visit website →

Pensions and SIPPs

Platforms where UK investors can open or consolidate a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). Tax relief on contributions depends on your tax band — use our SIPP calculator for illustrative figures.

Hargreaves Lansdown SIPP
SIPP
  • One of the UK's most popular SIPP providers
  • Wide investment range — funds, shares, ETFs
  • Higher fees at larger pension pot sizes
From 0.45%/year (capped at £200/year on shares)
Visit website →
AJ Bell SIPP
SIPP
  • Competitive fees for larger pension pots
  • Good range of funds and ETFs
  • Online and app access
From 0.25%/year
Visit website →
PensionBee
SIPP · Consolidation
  • Designed to consolidate multiple old pensions
  • Simple app-based management
  • Limited investment choice vs full SIPPs
0.25%–0.95%/year depending on plan
Visit website →
Moneybox
SIPP · Lifetime ISA
  • App-first pension and LISA provider
  • Good for beginners and younger investors
  • Also offers Lifetime ISA (LISA) with 25% government bonus
0.45%/year platform fee
Visit website →

Crypto and multi-asset platforms

Platforms where UK investors can access cryptocurrency alongside or separate from traditional investments.

⚠️ Important: Crypto assets are not regulated by the FCA and your capital is at risk. Unlike cash or investments in regulated products, crypto assets are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The platforms listed below are included for informational purposes only — this is not a recommendation to invest in crypto assets.
Coinbase
Crypto
  • One of the largest crypto exchanges globally
  • FCA registered in the UK
  • Wide range of cryptocurrencies available
  • Beginner-friendly interface
Variable — spread and trading fees apply
Visit website →
Revolut
Stocks · Crypto · Currency
  • Multi-asset app — stocks, crypto, currency exchange
  • Commission-free stock trading (limits on free plan)
  • Crypto available alongside everyday banking
  • FCA regulated for e-money; crypto via separate entity
Free plan available; paid plans from £3.99/month
Visit website →
Kraken
Crypto
  • Established crypto exchange with wide coin range
  • FCA registered in the UK
  • More advanced features than some beginner platforms
  • Available via app and web
Variable — maker/taker fees from 0.16%
Visit website →

This page contains factual, publicly available information about UK investment platforms as of 2026. Fee structures are simplified and may not reflect all charges. Always check current terms directly with each provider. ClarityISA is not a regulated financial adviser. This is educational information only — always consider your personal circumstances or consult a qualified financial adviser before opening any investment account. ClarityISA may earn a referral fee if you open an account via links on this page.