Home Investing

UK Investing Guides & Platform Comparisons

Q: Should I use a Stocks and Shares ISA?

Yes, for most UK investors. A Stocks and Shares ISA shelters your gains from Capital Gains Tax and dividends from Dividend Tax. You can invest up to £20,000 per tax year. With the CGT allowance now just £3,000, using your ISA allowance is more important than ever.

Q: What's the difference between a GIA and an ISA?

A General Investment Account (GIA) has no contribution limits but gains are taxable. A Stocks and Shares ISA limits you to £20,000 per year but all gains and dividends are tax-free. Use your ISA allowance first, then a GIA for additional investing.

Q: Are my investments protected if a platform fails?

Yes, up to £85,000 per person through the FSCS if you use an FCA-regulated platform. Your investments are also held separately from the platform's own assets (segregated accounts), so they should be returned to you even if the broker becomes insolvent.

Q: Should I invest in individual stocks or funds?

For most beginners, low-cost index funds or ETFs are the better choice. They provide instant diversification and require less research. Individual stocks can offer higher returns but come with more risk and require more time to research and monitor.

Compare investment platforms, ISAs, and ETF brokers. FCA-regulated, tested with real money.

FCA Regulated Real Money Testing ISA & SIPP Guides

Choosing the right investment platform matters more than most people realise. Fee differences that seem small—0.5% here, £10 per trade there—compound over decades into tens of thousands of pounds. The platform you pick also determines which investments you can access, how easy it is to manage your portfolio, and whether you can hold tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs.

We test every platform ourselves with real money. Our process involves opening accounts, making deposits, executing trades, testing withdrawals, and contacting customer support. The result is recommendations based on first-hand experience—not spec sheets or marketing materials.

Below you'll find everything UK investors need: platform comparisons ranked by fees, features, and account types; ISA guides to help you invest tax-efficiently; ETF and index fund recommendations for building a diversified portfolio; and beginner resources to help you get started with confidence.

Important: Investing puts your capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change.

Last reviewed: February 2026

Investment Platform Comparisons

In-depth comparisons of FCA-regulated investment platforms, ranked by fees, features, and account types.

Best Investment Platforms UK Complete comparison of all major UK platforms. Best Investment Apps UK Top mobile apps for investing on the go. Best ETF Platforms UK Platforms with the best ETF selection and fees. Best Platforms for Beginners Simple platforms for first-time investors. Best for Interest on Cash Platforms paying the highest rates on uninvested cash.

ISAs & Tax-Efficient Investing

Make the most of your £20,000 annual ISA allowance with tax-free growth on gains and dividends.

Best Stocks and Shares ISAs Top ISA platforms for tax-free investing. Roth IRA UK Equivalents ISAs and SIPPs compared to US retirement accounts. Best Compound Interest Investments Maximise long-term growth with compounding.

How to Invest

Step-by-step guides for building your portfolio and investing in popular assets.

How to Invest in the S&P 500 Access the US market from the UK. How to Start Investing with £100 Begin building wealth with a small amount. How to Buy Nvidia Shares Invest in the AI chip giant from the UK. UK Equivalents of US Funds Find ISA-eligible alternatives to popular US funds.

Investing FAQs

What is the best investment platform in the UK?

It depends on your needs. IG is best for advanced investors wanting wide market access. eToro suits beginners with its simple interface and copy trading. Interactive Investor offers flat fees ideal for larger portfolios. Trading 212 provides commission-free investing for cost-conscious investors. See our full comparison.

Should I use a Stocks and Shares ISA?

Yes, for most UK investors. A Stocks and Shares ISA shelters your gains from Capital Gains Tax and dividends from Dividend Tax. You can invest up to £20,000 per tax year. With the CGT allowance now just £3,000, using your ISA allowance is more important than ever.

How much money do I need to start investing?

You can start with as little as £1 on platforms like Trading 212 or eToro. Many platforms offer fractional shares, so you don't need thousands to buy into companies like Amazon or Tesla. Starting small and investing regularly is more important than waiting until you have a large lump sum.

What's the difference between a GIA and an ISA?

A General Investment Account (GIA) has no contribution limits but gains are taxable. A Stocks and Shares ISA limits you to £20,000 per year but all gains and dividends are tax-free. Use your ISA allowance first, then a GIA for additional investing.

Are my investments protected if a platform fails?

Yes, up to £85,000 per person through the FSCS if you use an FCA-regulated platform. Your investments are also held separately from the platform's own assets (segregated accounts), so they should be returned to you even if the broker becomes insolvent.

Should I invest in individual stocks or funds?

For most beginners, low-cost index funds or ETFs are the better choice. They provide instant diversification and require less research. Individual stocks can offer higher returns but come with more risk and require more time to research and monitor.