The Top 5 Best Investment Platforms for Beginners in the UK (2025)
Choosing the right investment platform is essential for beginners in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a user-friendly app, ISA access, or low fees, this guide ranks the top 5 platforms in 2025. Learn what makes each one beginner-friendly and how to get started today.
eToro
Beginner Score: 4.8/5
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider.
Interactive Investor
Beginner Score: 4.7/5
Trading and investing involve risk. Capital at Risk
Quick Answer – What's the Best Investment Platform for Beginners in the UK?
eToro is the top UK platform for beginners in 2025 thanks to its intuitive interface, 0% stock commission, and social trading features. Interactive Investor and IG offer more advanced tools with ISA support, while HL and IBKR cater to committed, long-term beginners.
Platform Comparison at a Glance
Top 5 Beginner Investment Platforms Compared and Ranked
| Rank | Platform | Best For | ISA/SIPP | UK Regulation | Trustpilot (Aug 2025) | Mobile App | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | eToro | Beginners & Social Trading | No | FCA | 4.2 / 5 | Yes | £50 |
| #2 | Interactive Investor | Long-Term ISA Investors | Yes | FCA | 4.0 / 5 | Yes | £100 |
| #3 | IG | Market Access & Tools | Yes | FCA | 3.9 / 5 | Yes | £0 (ISA) / £300 (CFD) |
| #4 | Hargreaves Lansdown | Traditional Support | Yes | FCA | 4.4 / 5 | Yes | £100 |
| #5 | Interactive Brokers | Global Investing | Yes | FCA | 3.7 / 5 | Yes | £0 |
What Features Matter Most for UK Beginners?
Beginners should prioritise platforms with clear pricing, easy account setup, fractional shares, ISA support, and educational tools. A user-friendly mobile app and FCA regulation are non-negotiable. Access to UK-listed and global investments also improves long-term growth potential for first-time investors.
What Makes These Platforms Best for Beginners?
These five platforms offer a mix of low costs, helpful support, and beginner-friendly tools. eToro’s copy trading stands out for new users. II and HL excel in ISA support. IG offers strong education, while IBKR is ideal for globally minded beginners seeking low fees.
Platform Deep Dives – Our Top 5 Beginner Picks Ranked
eToro – Best Overall for Beginners
Pros & Cons
0% commission stocks
Copy trading with social features
Beginner-friendly layout
Limited UK-listed shares
USD-based account incurs FX fees
- Wider spreads than some competitors
-
eToro Overview
-
How Beginner Friendly is eToro?
-
Is eToro Safe and FCA-Regulated?
eToro is the #1 platform for UK beginners in 2025 due to its 0% commission stock investing, intuitive mobile app, and unique CopyTrader feature. It now has ISA support for managed and DIY and shines in user experience, crypto access, and educational tools built into the platform.
Beginners love eToro for its clean design, fast sign-up, and ability to copy top investors. No complex charts are required, and it’s easy to start with £50. The mobile app mirrors the web version, making portfolio tracking and trading seamless.
Yes, eToro is FCA-regulated in the UK, holds client funds in segregated accounts, and offers two-factor authentication. It’s also licensed in Europe, Australia, and the US, giving it a strong compliance framework trusted by millions of investors worldwide.
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 Investor – Best for Long-Term ISA Investors
Pros & Cons
Flat monthly fee suits long-term investors
Wide ISA and SIPP support
Access to UK shares, funds, and trusts
Monthly fees not ideal for small balances
Interface less modern than newer apps
£100+ starting deposit recommended
-
ii Overview
-
What Makes II Good for Serious Beginners?
-
What Are the Costs?
-
How Easy Is It to Use?
Interactive Investor is ideal for UK beginners planning to invest regularly using an ISA. Its flat-fee pricing is great for those with larger portfolios. It provides access to a wide range of UK and global shares, funds, ETFs, and investment trusts.
II stands out by offering flat monthly pricing, which benefits long-term investors over time. Beginners can open a Stocks and Shares ISA or Junior ISA, access curated fund selections, and get educational content via the platform’s “Super 60” fund list.
Interactive Investor charges £4.99/month for its basic plan (Investor Essentials) and offers one free trade per month. Additional trades cost £5.99. It’s cost-effective for users with portfolios above £20,000 who want regular access to UK shares and funds.
II’s interface is clean and intuitive, with guided navigation for setting up an account or placing trades. Beginners will appreciate the ISA-focused dashboard and support content, though the design is less modern than eToro or Trading 212.
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.
IG - Best for Education and Platform Tools
Pros & Cons
Strong education via IG Academy
ISA support and free demo account
Advanced tools for growing investors
£300 CFD minimum deposit
Trading tools may overwhelm some new users
-
IG Overview
-
Why Is IG Good for First-Time Traders?
-
Can Beginners Use the Demo Account?
-
Does IG Offer ISAs?
IG is a strong choice for beginners who want to grow into more active trading. It supports ISAs, offers a free demo account, and includes top-tier charting tools. Beginners also benefit from in-depth educational resources via IG Academy.
IG caters to beginners who want structured learning. Its IG Academy offers video tutorials and courses. The platform lets you start with a free demo account before moving to live investing, which builds confidence in new users.
Yes. IG’s demo account gives users £10,000 in virtual funds to practise trading. It mirrors the real market, allowing beginners to learn how to buy and sell assets without risk before committing real capital.
Yes. IG offers Stocks and Shares ISAs, with access to thousands of UK and global shares, ETFs, and funds. ISA accounts have no annual platform fee but require a minimum investment of £0 to open.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown – Best for Traditional Support
Pros & Cons
£300 CFD minimum deposit
Trading tools may overwhelm new users
No commission-free UK shares
Higher platform and dealing fees
Better suited to hands-off investors
-
HL Overview
-
Is HL Beginner-Friendly?
-
What Products Can You Access?
-
What Are the Main Drawbacks?
HL appeals to new investors who want strong customer service, human guidance, and a long-established name. The platform offers full ISA and SIPP support, a broad range of funds, and excellent research tools to help guide decision-making.
Yes. HL is ideal for cautious beginners who prefer traditional platforms. It offers webinars, market updates, and phone support. The platform’s interface is slightly dated but easy to navigate and backed by a highly rated customer service team.
Users can invest in Stocks and Shares ISAs, SIPPs, funds, investment trusts, ETFs, and more. HL’s platform provides curated fund lists and thematic portfolios, which help new investors build diversified holdings without deep research.
The primary downside is cost. HL charges a 0.45% annual platform fee, which can add up on larger portfolios. Stock trading is £11.95 per deal unless you trade frequently. Still, the service quality often justifies the premium for new users.
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 Brokers – Best for Global, Low-Cost Investing
Pros & Cons
Very low global trading fees
Access to fractional shares
No inactivity or platform fee
Interface not ideal for complete beginners
Limited UK-focused guidance
Learning curve can be steep initially
-
Interactive Brokers Overview
-
Is IBKR Too Advanced for Beginners?
-
Is Interactive Brokers Safe and Regulated?
-
What Are the Main Costs?
IBKR appeals to tech-savvy UK beginners who want access to global markets at ultra-low costs. While the interface is more advanced, IBKR offers strong educational content, £0 minimum deposits, and excellent tools once you learn the basics.
The main IBKR platform is complex, but the simplified “IBKR GlobalTrader” mobile app makes it more accessible. Beginners can also practise with a demo account and use educational resources like Traders’ Academy to ease into global investing.
IBKR offers ultra-low FX rates, access to thousands of global equities, and fractional shares. You can start with as little as £1, and the platform offers real-time data, custom watchlists, and financial news tools at no extra cost.
IBKR charges no commission on US shares and very low FX conversion fees (~0.03%). UK share trades cost around £3. Platform use is free, and there’s no inactivity fee. These pricing benefits appeal to long-term, cost-conscious beginners.
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.
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.
Choosing the Right Platform for You
What Account Types Should Beginners Use?
Beginners should start with a Stocks and Shares ISA to grow their money tax-free. Other good options include General Investment Accounts (GIAs) or SIPPs for retirement. Choose based on your goals, time horizon, and whether you want access to individual shares or funds.
What’s the Easiest Way to Get Started?
Start by choosing a beginner-friendly broker like eToro or II. Register online, complete ID checks, and fund your account. Use demo tools or educational content to learn. Begin with small investments into ETFs or managed portfolios to limit risk and build confidence.
How Much Money Do You Need to Start?
Most platforms let you start with as little as £1. eToro requires £50, while others like II or HL suggest £100–£500 to fully benefit from fund access and account options. Always invest only what you can afford to lose, especially at the start.
What Beginner Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Avoid chasing trending stocks, investing without research, or over-trading. Start small, diversify with ETFs or funds, and stay patient. Check for platform fees, withdrawal limits, and whether you’re using an ISA to avoid future tax issues on profits.
How to Start Investing Step-by-step
Step 1: Opening Your Account
Visit the platform’s website or app, click “Create Account,” and enter your name, email, and phone number. Upload ID for KYC checks and set your risk profile. Most platforms approve UK residents within a few hours, allowing you to deposit funds and invest.
Step 2: Verifying Your Identity and Risk Profile
FCA-regulated platforms must confirm your identity using passport or driver’s licence and a utility bill or bank statement. You’ll also complete a short risk questionnaire. This ensures the platform complies with anti-money laundering laws and recommends suitable products.
Step 3: Funding and Placing Your First Trade
You can deposit via bank transfer, debit card, or e-wallets like PayPal (eToro only). Choose your investment — stocks, ETFs, or funds — and enter the amount. Platforms show order types (market, limit), and many offer “invest now” buttons for simplicity.
Step 4 Using Educational Tools to Learn As You Go
Top platforms like IG and HL offer built-in guides, video tutorials, and beginner blogs. eToro adds a social trading feed, while IBKR has Traders’ Academy. Use these free tools to improve your knowledge and confidence without paying for third-party courses.
How Are Beginner Investment Accounts Taxed?
Should You Use a Stocks & Shares ISA?
Yes. A Stocks and Shares ISA shields your investments from Capital Gains Tax and dividend tax. Most UK beginners should prioritise this account type if available, especially when using platforms like II, HL, or IG that fully support ISAs.
Do You Pay Tax on Profits or Dividends?
Outside an ISA, profits over £3,000 (Capital Gains) and dividend income above £500 are taxable in 2025. Basic rate taxpayers pay 8.75% on dividends and 10% on gains. Use HMRC tools or tax software to track thresholds and submit returns if required.
Are These Platforms HMRC-Compliant?
All FCA-regulated platforms like eToro, II, HL, IG, and IBKR are HMRC-compliant. They provide tax documents, downloadable CSVs, and portfolio summaries. Some platforms also integrate with tax software like Koinly or Moneyhub for easier reporting.
How Do You Pick the Right Platform for Your Risk Level and Goals?
First, decide how hands-on you want to be. If you prefer control, choose a DIY platform; if you want simplicity, consider robo or managed options. Also weigh fees against your investment size—flat fees favour larger pots, while percentage fees suit smaller balances.
Final Thoughts – Which Beginner Platform Should You Choose?
The best platform depends on your goals. eToro is great for learning and copying others, while II and HL offer ISA benefits and long-term plans. IG helps you learn and trade actively. Start small, stay consistent, and build up your confidence over time.
Top 5 Platforms
1
eToro
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider.
2
Interactive Investor
Trading and investing involve risk. Capital at Risk
3
IG
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
4
Hargreaves Lansdown
64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
5
Interactive Brokers
When investing, your capital is at risk
Still Not Sure Which Platform?
FAQs
Which Platform Has the Lowest Overall Fees?
Interactive Brokers generally offers the lowest trading costs, especially for frequent or global trades. For UK stocks and zero-commission investing, Trading 212 and eToro are very competitive. Always compare fees based on your trade size, frequency, and whether you need currency conversion.
What Platform Has the Best Customer Support?
Hargreaves Lansdown offers strong phone and email support backed by a UK-based service team. II and IG also provide solid customer service, while eToro’s live chat is improving. IBKR offers fast help but is more geared toward self-service users.
Can You Start Investing with £50 or Less?
Yes. eToro, Trading 212, and IBKR all support accounts with £50 or less. You can buy fractional shares, invest in ETFs, and test portfolios with small capital. II and HL have higher thresholds, typically £100+, and better suit long-term investing.
Is It Safe to Start Investing Online?
Yes, provided you use an FCA-regulated platform. Your funds are held in segregated accounts, and most offer two-factor authentication. Platforms like HL and IG are listed companies with decades of trust, while eToro and IBKR are globally regulated.
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
