Best Investment Platforms in the UK (2026) | Top Picks for Beginners & Pros
The gap between “professional” brokers and “beginner” apps is finally closing. In 2025, you no longer have to choose between a powerful platform and low fees—the best providers now offer both.
However, the “right” platform depends entirely on how you invest. A beginner with £500 needs a very different app than a retiree with a £200,000 SIPP. Below is our “Quick Answer” on the top performers this year.
IG
Investing Platform Score: 4.8/5
67% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
eToro
Investing Platform Score: 4.7/5
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Interactive Brokers
Investing Platform Score: 4.5/5
62.5% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Saxo
Investing Platform Score: 4.3/5
64% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Quick Answer: What is the Best Investment Platform in the UK Right Now?
For 2025, IG ranks top for advanced investors seeking wide market access and low-commission UK share dealing. eToro excels for beginners with social trading features. Interactive Brokers suits experienced traders needing global diversification and ultra-low costs.
How Do These Investing Platforms Compare & Rank?
| Rank | Platform | Best For | Investment Options | Fees | ISA | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IG | Advanced & All-Rounder | Stocks, CFDs, Options, Spread Betting | £3 - £8 | Yes | 4.8/5 |
| 2 | eToro | Beginners & Social | Stocks, Crypto, ETFs, CFDs | 0% Comm | Yes* | 4.7/5 |
| 3 | Interactive Brokers | Global Pros | Global Stocks, Options, Futures | Low | Partner | 4.5/5 |
| 4 | Saxo | Premium Features | Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Options | Tiered | Yes | 4.3/5 |
| 5 | Trading 212 | Low Costs | Stocks, ETFs, CFDs | 0% | Yes | 4.2/5 |
| 6 | Interactive Investor | Large Portfolios | Stocks, Funds, Inv. Trusts | Flat Fee | Yes | 4/5 |
| 7 | Hargreaves Lansdown | Customer Service | Stocks, Funds, Bonds, Gilts | £11.95 | Yes | 4/5 |
*Note on eToro: Cash ISA is direct; Stocks & Shares ISA is a managed portfolio powered by Moneyfarm.
What are the Best Investment Platforms in the UK?
Which Platform is best for high net worth investors?
Once your portfolio grows beyond £50,000 or £100,000, your priorities shift. You likely care less about a slick mobile app and more about security, service, and flat fees.
For pure value, Interactive Investor is the logical choice. Because they charge a flat monthly fee rather than a percentage of your wealth, they are significantly cheaper than Hargreaves Lansdown for large portfolios. For example, a £500,000 portfolio could cost you £2,250/year in platform fees at Hargreaves Lansdown, but just ~£144/year at Interactive Investor.
However, if you are an active trader requiring liquidity and direct market access, IG and Saxo (VIP tier) offer the professional-grade execution and dedicated account managers that high-net-worth individuals typically demand.
Which investment platform is best for beginners?
If you are just starting out, you need a platform that simplifies the stock market without overwhelming you with jargon. The two most critical features for beginners are a Demo Account (to practice with virtual money) and a clear, intuitive Mobile App.
For pure simplicity, eToro is our top recommendation. Its visual interface is as easy to use as social media, and the “CopyTrader” feature allows you to see exactly what successful investors are buying and selling, essentially letting you learn by watching.
If you specifically want a Stocks & Shares ISA where you pick your own stocks, Trading 212 is a functional low-cost option. Alternatively, if you want more guidance and customer support (“hand-holding”), Hargreaves Lansdown is the safest starting point, albeit more expensive.
Which platform has the lowest fees?
Fees eat into your returns, so keeping them low is vital. There are two main types of “cheap” platforms:
Commission-Free (0%): Platforms like Trading 212 and eToro charge £0 when you buy or sell shares. They make their money through currency conversion fees (FX fees) or optional CFD trading. These are best for frequent traders or smaller pots.
Flat-Fee: Platforms like Interactive Investor charge a fixed monthly subscription (e.g., £4.99). While this looks expensive for small accounts, it is actually the cheapest option for large portfolios (over £50,000) because you don’t pay a percentage fee on your wealth.
Here are the Top 7 Best Investing Platforms in the UK, Ranked
- IG – Best for Advanced Investors & Market Access
- eToro – Best for Beginners & Social Trading
- IBKR – Best for Global, Low-Cost Investing
- Saxo – Best for Experienced & High-Net-Worth Investors
- Trading 212 – Best for Commission-Free Investing
- Interactive Investor – Best Flat-Fee ISA Platform
- Hargreaves Lansdown – Best for Customer Service
IG – Best for Advanced Investors & Market Access
| Best For | Fees | ISA / SIPP? | Public Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced & All-Rounder | £3 - £8 per trade | Yes / Yes | 4.0/5 (Trustpilot) | 4.8/5 |
Pros & Cons
Massive range of over 17,000 markets
Excellent mobile app and web platform
Fast execution and reliable uptime
- ISA Account
- £24 quarterly custody fee (waived with 3+ trades)
- £40 fee for phone trades
- Platform complexity may overwhelm newcomers
- 0.7% FX conversion fee
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The IG Verdict
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What are IG’s fees and charges?
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What can you invest in?
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Is IG safe and reliable?
IG remains our #1 pick. It successfully bridges the gap between a high-end trading station and a long-term investment account. While it isn’t the cheapest for small trades, its reliability, massive market range (17,000+ assets), and execution speed make it the gold standard for serious UK investors.
IG rewards activity. If you trade 3+ times a month, your share dealing fee drops from £8 to just £3. However, for inactive “buy-and-hold” investors with small accounts, be aware of the custody fee (£24/quarter), which kicks in if you trade infrequently and hold minimal assets. For larger portfolios, this fee is easily waived.
This is IG’s ace card. You get access to over 17,000 markets. Unlike many “app-only” brokers, IG gives you direct access to US options, IPOs, and smaller UK listed companies (AIM). If you want to trade it, IG almost certainly has it.
IG is a FTSE 250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange with a 45-year track record. In an industry full of startups, this financial stability is a massive “sleep well at night” factor. Your funds are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
eToro – Best for Beginners & Social Trading
| Best For | Fees | ISA / SIPP? | Public Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginners & Social | 0% Commission | Yes (Managed) / No | 4.2/5 (Trustpilot) | 4.7/5 |
Pros & Cons
- Zero commission on stocks and ETFs
- CopyTrader mirrors successful investors automatically
- FCA regulated with FSCS protection
- Up to 4.3% interest on uninvested USD
- 30+ million users globally
- Intuitive mobile app
- $5 flat withdrawal fee
- 0.5% currency conversion on GBP deposits
- $10 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months
- 1% crypto fee on entry and exit
- Wider spreads than specialist brokers
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What can you trade and invest in with eToro?
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What are eToro’s fees and spreads?
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Is eToro regulated and how secure is it?
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How beginner-friendly is the eToro platform and app?
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Who is eToro best for — traders, investors, or copy-traders?
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How does eToro compare to IG and Trading 212?
eToro offers stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies (70+ coins), commodities, indices, and forex across global markets. CopyTrader automatically replicates top trader portfolios. Smart Portfolios provide ready-made thematic investments. Fractional shares start from £40. Over 3,000 stocks span UK, US, European, and Asian exchanges.
eToro charges zero commission on real stocks and ETFs (unleveraged). Cryptocurrency trades cost 1% entry and 1% exit (2% total). Forex spreads start at 1.0 pips for EUR/USD. Withdrawals cost $5 flat fee. GBP to USD conversion carries 0.5% markup. Inactivity after 12 months triggers $10 monthly charge.
Yes. eToro UK is FCA authorised (FRN 583263) with FSCS protection up to £85,000. Additional regulation includes CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia). Client funds are segregated. Two-factor authentication and encryption secure accounts. Negative balance protection applies for retail traders. Over 30 million users demonstrate operational scale.
eToro’s interface ranks among the easiest for first-time investors. The social feed layout reduces intimidation. CopyTrader simplifies decisions through portfolio replication. Demo accounts with virtual funds allow risk-free practice. The mobile app (4.6 stars Apple, 4.2 Google Play) provides full functionality. Educational content includes tutorials and market analysis.
eToro suits beginners valuing simplicity and community over technical depth. CopyTrader helps new investors learn by observation while building portfolios. Users exploring crypto alongside stocks benefit from unified account access. Those prioritising ISA tax efficiency or advanced charting should consider alternatives. eToro’s 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating reflects strong beginner satisfaction.
eToro focuses on social features versus IG’s professional tools or Trading 212’s simplicity. CopyTrader capability is unique among competitors. eToro offers stronger crypto selection (70+ coins vs IG’s 35+) but lacks ISA support that IG and Trading 212 provide. Its 30 million users dwarf Trading 212’s 14 million and IG’s 820,000.
CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Interactive Brokers – Best for Global, Low-Cost Investing
Pros & Cons
- Ultra-low commissions (£3 UK stocks)
- Access to 150+ markets globally
- 19,000+ no-fee mutual funds
- No inactivity fees
- FCA and SEC regulated
- Interest on cash over £8,000
- £3 monthly ISA fee (waived if spending £3+ on trades)
- Steep learning curve
- No card deposits for UK users
- Slow customer service
- SIPP requires third-party administrator (£205 annual fee)
- Confusing fee structure
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What assets can you invest in through Interactive Brokers?
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What are Interactive Brokers’ trading and custody fees?
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Is Interactive Brokers safe and how is it regulated in the UK?
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How complex is Interactive Brokers to use day-to-day?
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Who is Interactive Brokers best for — professionals or retail investors?
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How does Interactive Brokers compare to Saxo and IG?
Interactive Brokers provides access to stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, bonds, mutual funds, and cryptocurrency across 150+ global markets. Over 19,000 mutual funds carry zero transaction fees. Fractional shares allow investing from £1. Bond desk offers 1 million+ fixed-income instruments. Crypto trading costs 0.12-0.18%.
UK stock trades cost £3 per order (up to £6,000 value), then 0.05% above. US stocks cost $0.005 per share (minimum $1). ISA accounts carry £3 monthly fee waived when spending £3+ on commissions. First monthly withdrawal is free; additional withdrawals cost £7. No inactivity fees apply.
Yes. Interactive Brokers UK operates under FCA regulation with segregated Tier 1 bank accounts. FSCS protection covers up to £85,000. Additional Lloyd’s insurance protects higher balances. The NASDAQ-listed parent holds $14+ billion equity capital. Operating since 1978, IBKR serves 2.56 million accounts globally with two-factor authentication.
Interactive Brokers offers three platform tiers. IBKR GlobalTrader app provides simplified mobile access. Client Portal offers moderate web functionality. Trader Workstation (TWS) delivers institutional tools but requires significant learning. Account opening takes longer than competitors, often requiring several days for verification and approval completion.
Interactive Brokers suits experienced traders, financial professionals, and globally diversified investors valuing precision and low costs. High-volume traders benefit from industry-leading margin rates. International investors requiring multi-currency accounts find IBKR unmatched. It less suits beginners needing simplicity or casual investors making infrequent trades.
Interactive Brokers surpasses Saxo and IG in global reach (150 markets vs Saxo’s 60) and cost efficiency. IBKR’s £3 UK stock fee undercuts IG’s custody fees for inactive traders. Saxo offers smoother interface but higher thresholds. IBKR’s 3.7/5 Trustpilot rating trails IG’s 3.9/5, reflecting complexity complaints.
62.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Saxo - Best for Experienced & High-Net-Worth Investors
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Wide global investment options across 60+ exchanges
- FCA regulated with FSCS protection
- Professional-grade tools and research
- Tiered pricing benefits larger traders
- SaxoTraderGO and SaxoInvestor platforms
- ISA support available
- Platform complexity suits advanced users
- Inactivity fees apply after six months
- Higher costs for small portfolios
- Minimum investment expectations
- Steeper learning curve than competitors
- Less suitable for casual investors
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What can you invest in on Saxo?
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What are Saxo’s trading costs and account fees?
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Is Saxo safe and FCA-regulated in the UK?
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How easy is SaxoTraderGO or SaxoInvestor to use?
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Who is Saxo best for — active traders or long-term investors?
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How does Saxo compare to Interactive Brokers and IG?
Saxo provides access to global shares, ETFs, bonds, forex, and futures across 60+ exchanges worldwide. The platform offers institutional-grade execution and coverage extending to European, Asian, and American markets. Professional tools support portfolio construction with direct market access and advanced order types for experienced investors.
Saxo’s pricing model uses tiered commissions rewarding higher balances and activity. Stock trades start competitively with FX and CFD spreads remaining tight. Inactivity and custody fees may apply for dormant accounts. The transparent structure suits investors trading regularly or holding meaningful portfolios rather than occasional traders.
Yes. Saxo operates under FCA oversight with segregated client funds and FSCS protection up to £85,000. Active since the 1990s, Saxo maintains strong reputation for security, reliability, and compliance across multiple European jurisdictions. Two-factor authentication and encryption protect accounts while regulatory oversight ensures operational standards.
SaxoTraderGO offers rich functionality and real-time data for advanced users while SaxoInvestor simplifies investing for retail clients. The layout is configurable with solid desktop and mobile performance. Depth may overwhelm beginners but serious investors appreciate analytics and portfolio management tools designed for sophisticated strategies.
Saxo caters best to experienced traders and affluent investors who value premium execution, global reach, and research. Its depth may overwhelm beginners, but serious investors appreciate its analytics and portfolio management tools.
Saxo rivals Interactive Brokers in sophistication but with a smoother interface. It’s more premium than IG, with slightly higher entry thresholds. Professionals may prefer IBKR’s reach, while Saxo wins on usability and European asset access.
62.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Trading 212 – Best for Commission-Free Investing
Pros & Cons
- Zero commission and no platform fees*
- FCA regulated with FSCS protection
- Easy to use, fast account setup
- Offers fractional shares for low entry
- FX fees on foreign trades
- Limited advanced research tools
- Some assets only via CFDs
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What can you invest in on Trading 212?
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What are Trading 212’s fees and FX charges?
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Is Trading 212 regulated and how are funds protected?
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How intuitive is the Trading 212 app for beginners?
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Who is Trading 212 best for — casual investors or active traders?
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How does Trading 212 compare to eToro and IG?
Trading 212 enables commission-free investing in UK and global shares, ETFs, and fractional stocks. Users can also access CFD trading for leveraged exposure. ISA accounts and auto-invest “pies” make it appealing for passive and goal-based investors.
Stock and ETF investing is commission-free, with only a modest FX conversion fee on foreign trades. CFD traders face spreads and overnight costs. There are no inactivity or withdrawal fees, making it cost-effective for casual investors.
Trading 212 UK Ltd is authorised by the FCA, with client assets safeguarded in segregated accounts and protected by FSCS coverage. Its transparency and public updates help maintain confidence, especially among first-time retail investors.
Its app ranks among the most beginner-friendly in the UK. The interface is clean, fast, and visual, ideal for those learning how markets work. Educational tools and practice accounts make onboarding smooth for complete newcomers.
Saxo caters to experienced traders and affluent investors valuing premium execution, global reach, and research depth. Its analytical tools support active trading strategies. The platform suits professionals and high-net-worth individuals comfortable with complexity. Beginners seeking simplicity should consider IG’s Invest app or eToro’s intuitive interface instead.
Trading 212 offers lower costs and cleaner usability than eToro or IG but lacks social and research depth. It’s ideal for straightforward investing, while IG and eToro cater better to experienced or community-driven users.
*Other fees may apply. See terms and fees.
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
Interactive Investor – Best Flat-Fee ISA Platform
Pros & Cons
- Flat monthly fees suit large portfolios
- FCA regulated with FSCS safety net
- Wide choice of ISAs, SIPPs, and funds
- Straightforward platform for long-term investing
- Less competitive for very small accounts
- No social or copy trading features
- Fewer flashy app tools than newer brokers
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What investments are available on Interactive Investor?
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What are Interactive Investor’s account and trading fees?
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Is Interactive Investor FCA-regulated and secure?
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How easy is Interactive Investor to use online or via the app?
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Who is Interactive Investor best suited for?
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How does Interactive Investor compare to IG and Hargreaves Lansdown?
Interactive Investor provides access to UK and global shares, ETFs, funds, investment trusts, and bonds. It’s one of the few platforms offering full ISA, SIPP, and Junior ISA accounts under one regulated, subscription-based structure.
ii uses a flat monthly subscription rather than percentage-based fees, appealing to larger portfolios. Stock trades incur modest commissions, while regular investing is free. For frequent traders or long-term investors, this model can be cost-efficient over time.
Yes — Interactive Investor is authorised by the FCA and part of the abrdn group. Client money is fully segregated and covered by FSCS protection. Its longevity and scale add weight to its safety credentials.
The platform is reliable and straightforward, though more functional than flashy. The mobile app and desktop dashboard make it easy to track holdings and dividends. It prioritises stability and transparency over trading flair.
ii is ideal for serious UK investors with medium to large portfolios seeking predictable, flat pricing. It’s popular with ISA, SIPP, and trust investors who prefer self-directed control without complex tools.
Interactive Investor offers better value for larger portfolios than Hargreaves and simpler fees than IG. However, Hargreaves leads in research tools, while IG outperforms in market range. ii wins on pricing transparency and account flexibility.
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
XTB – Best for Competitive Spreads & Trading Tools
Pros & Cons
Tight spreads and low commission structure for active traders
Strong charting tools and technical analysis features
Regulated in the UK (FCA) with client fund protection
No ISA or SIPP support.
Learning curve for beginners
Some fees for inactivity or non-standard services
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What can you trade on XTB?
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What are XTB’s spreads, commissions, and overnight fees?
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Is XTB regulated and how safe is client money?
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How user-friendly is the xStation 5 platform and mobile app?
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Who is XTB best for — traders, investors, or both?
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How does XTB compare to eToro and IG?
XTB offers trading in forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and shares via CFDs. It also provides real stock and ETF investing with 0% commission up to monthly volume limits. The platform caters to both short-term traders and long-term portfolio builders.
XTB’s trading costs are built into tight spreads, with zero commissions for stock and ETF investing up to a capped limit. CFD traders face overnight financing charges and potential currency conversion fees. Pricing transparency remains a strong point versus competitors.
Yes — XTB is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the UK and several other European regulators. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, offering FSCS protection up to £85,000. Its 20-year track record supports credibility and trust.
xStation 5 is a standout — fast, visually clear, and packed with analysis tools. It balances professional charting with ease of use, appealing to both novice and experienced traders. The mobile app mirrors desktop functionality seamlessly for on-the-go control.
XTB fits active traders who value low costs, speed, and tight spreads, as well as investors looking for simple, commission-free stock access. It bridges both worlds effectively, though its primary edge lies in short-term CFD trading performance.
Compared with eToro and IG, XTB offers faster execution and a more professional interface but less social interaction. It’s cost-effective for frequent traders, while eToro suits beginners and IG offers deeper market variety. Ideal for those ready to trade independently.
70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Not Sure Which Platform to Choose?
Answer 5 quick questions and we’ll provide a personalised recommendation for the best options tailored to your specific needs and experience level.
How do I choose the right platform?
Before you sign up, ask yourself these three questions:
Do I need an ISA? If you are investing less than £20,000 this year, you should almost certainly use a Stocks & Shares ISA to protect your profits from Capital Gains Tax.
Do I want to trade or invest?
Investing is buying shares to hold for months or years.
Trading is buying and selling quickly to profit from price moves (often using CFDs). Platforms like IG and Saxo are excellent for both. Apps like Interactive Investor are strictly for long-term investing.
Is my money safe? Always check for FCA Regulation and FSCS Protection. This protects your deposits up to £85,000 if the broker goes bust. All 7 platforms listed in this guide meet this safety standard.
Investment Platform Fees Explained: What You'll Actually Pay
Platform fees directly impact your long-term returns. Commission-free platforms may charge through spreads, FX conversion (typically 0.15-0.7%), or account fees. Custody fees range from £0-£96 annually. ISA platforms charging 0.45% cost a £50,000 portfolio £30,000 less over 20 years versus zero-fee providers assuming 10% growth. Understanding fee structures prevents erosion of investment gains.
Platform Fees vs Trading Fees: What’s the Difference?
Platform fees (also called custody fees) are annual or quarterly charges for holding your account. IG charges £24 quarterly but waives this with three or more trades. Trading fees are per-transaction costs like IG’s £0 UK stock commission or Interactive Brokers’ £3 per trade. eToro charges neither but earns through spreads and FX conversion.
| Platform | Account Fee | Trading Fee | FX Fee | Withdrawal Fee | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | £24/quarter (waived with 3+ trades) | £0 | 0.7% | Free | £24/qtr after 2 years |
| eToro | £0 | $0 | 0.5% | $5 | $10/month after 12 months |
| Interactive Brokers | £3/month ISA (waived with £3+ trades) | £3 | ~0.002% | £7 (1st free/month) | None |
| Trading 212 | £0 | £0 | 0.15% | Free | None |
| Interactive Investor | £4.99-£11.99/month | £3.99 | Varies | Free | None |
| Saxo | Varies by tier | From £3 | Varies | Varies | After 6 months |
| XTB | £0 | £0 up to €100k/month | Varies | Free | Yes |
Long-term cost comparison of platform fees on £50,000 initial investment with 10% annual growth. Shows how IG’s waivable fee structure protects wealth versus percentage-based competitors.
Percentage Fees vs Flat Fees: Which is Cheaper?
Flat fees suit large portfolios while percentage fees benefit smaller accounts. Interactive Investor’s £59.88 annual fee equals 0.6% on £10,000 but only 0.12% on £50,000. IG’s £96 annual custody fee (waived for active traders) costs 0.96% on £10,000 or 0.19% on £50,000. For portfolios over £25,000, IG’s waivable fee structure provides superior value especially for active investors.
What is a Stocks & Shares ISA — and Should You Use One?
What is a Stocks & Shares ISA?
A Stocks & Shares ISA is a tax-efficient investment account sheltering gains, dividends, and interest from UK income tax and capital gains tax. You can invest up to £20,000 per tax year (2025/26). Unlike Cash ISAs, your capital is at risk but historically stocks outperform cash over 5+ years. IG and Trading 212 offer ISAs; eToro and XTB currently don’t.
Should You Use an ISA or General Investment Account?
Use an ISA if you’re investing long-term and want tax-free growth on your £20,000 annual allowance. General investment accounts suit investors exceeding ISA limits or requiring features unavailable in ISAs. With capital gains tax allowance at just £3,000 annually, ISAs provide significant tax savings. IG’s ISA supports 17,000+ markets while eToro’s lack of ISA means paying tax on gains.
ISA Allowance and Tax Benefits Explained
The £20,000 ISA allowance (2025/26 tax year) resets each April 6th and doesn’t roll over. Unused allowance disappears forever. All gains, dividends, and interest within an ISA are tax-free regardless of amount. A £100,000 ISA portfolio generating £8,000 annual dividends saves £2,000 in tax (25% dividend tax for higher-rate taxpayers). IG’s ISA supports this growth tax-efficiently.
Which Platforms Offer the Best ISA Accounts?
IG provides the strongest ISA through 17,000+ market access, zero-commission trading, waivable custody fees, and 4% interest on uninvested cash. Trading 212 offers commission-free ISA but limits assets to 10,000 instruments. Interactive Brokers charges £3 monthly ISA fee versus IG’s quarterly fee waived for active traders. eToro lacks ISA support entirely, reducing tax efficiency significantly.
Final Thoughts: Which Investment Platform Should You Pick in 2025?
If you are an active trader, IG is the clear winner for its speed and market range. If you are a complete beginner, eToro offers the gentlest learning curve. And if you are building a retirement pot for the next 30 years, the safety and flat fees of Interactive Investor make it hard to beat.
*Other fees may apply. See terms and fees.
Top 5 Platforms
1
IG
67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
2
eToro
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider.
3
IBKR
62.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
4
Saxo
64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
5
Trading 212
When investing, your capital is at risk
FAQs
Can I lose money investing?
Yes. Unlike a savings account, the value of investments goes up and down. You may get back less than you put in. However, historically, the stock market has outperformed cash savings over the long term (5+ years).
Do I pay tax on my profits?
If you invest in a General Investment Account, you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax if your profits exceed the annual allowance. However, if you invest via a Stocks & Shares ISA, all your profits and dividends are 100% tax-free forever.
Which platform is best for buying UK shares?
IG ranks top with zero-commission trading on FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and smaller UK stocks. The £24 quarterly custody fee waives for active traders. IG provides superior research through Reuters integration and IG Academy education versus Trading 212’s limited tools despite also offering commission-free UK shares.
References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Financial Conduct Authority | FCA
- Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) – Financial Services Compensation Scheme | FSCS
- GOV.UK – Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
- IG – Fees and Charges
- eToro UK – Pricing and Fees
- Interactive Brokers – Commissions and Pricing
- Trading 212 – Help Centre: Fees & Charges
- Interactive Investor – Pricing Guide
- Trustpilot – Platform Reviews
Methodology & Sources
Data accuracy checked as of 2025. Trustpilot scores retrieved December 2025. Review Process: We open real money accounts with every broker we review. We test the deposit process, trade execution speed, and customer service response times before assigning a rating.
