Interactive Investor Review 2025
Adam Woodhead
Co-Founder
Adam is a passionate investor who created The Investors Centre (TIC) to combine his professional skills with his love for investment. His goal is to offer a platform filled with valuable resources, practical advice, and effective strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the investment world.
“Investment is about more than just numbers; it’s about strategy, research, and the willingness to adapt. At TIC, we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed on your investment journey.”
Dom Farnell
Co-Founder
Dom is an experienced retail investor, learning his craft in what he likes to call the “hard way”. Through many of these lesson’s he has crafted himself a sound investment strategy that has enabled him to make investing into a business not just a hobby. He wanted to create The Investors Centre to be able to use these lessons and help other people establish them selves in the world of investing.
“Financial clarity and integrity are the cornerstones of everything we do. We’re here to ensure that your investment journey is built on a solid financial understanding and a sound strategic foundation.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
Interactive Investor (often just called “II”) is one of the UK’s largest investment services. It launched back in the mid-90s, but what really boosted its credibility in recent years was its acquisition by abrdn — a major asset manager with deep roots in the financial world.
Unlike most UK platforms that charge based on a percentage of your portfolio, II takes a different approach: a flat monthly fee. That’s a game changer if you’re investing seriously in ISAs or SIPPs and want predictable costs.
Quick Answer:
Interactive Investor is a reliable, FCA-regulated UK investment platform ideal for long-term investors. Its flat-fee pricing, strong ISA and SIPP support, and wide asset access make it great for building wealth. Best suited for portfolios over £20k looking for predictable, tax-efficient growth.
Featured Platform – Interactive Investor
Interactive Investor is a UK-based investment platform offering real crypto trading alongside traditional assets like shares, funds, and ETFs. Users can buy, sell, and hold major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana—without relying on CFDs. Its simple interface, strong regulatory standing, and transparent fee structure make it a reliable option for beginners and casual investors entering the crypto space.
- Flat-fee pricing model with no percentage-based trading fees
- Buy and hold real cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum
- FCA regulated and fully aligned with UK crypto marketing rules
- Integrated platform for managing both crypto and traditional investments
- Trusted by long-term investors seeking a balanced portfolio approach
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.
How Easy Is Interactive Investor to Use Day-to-Day?
When I first signed up with Interactive Investor, their onboarding process was refreshingly straightforward. Setting up my ISA and linking a bank account took less than 20 minutes, and there were no confusing hoops to jump through.
Once inside, the dashboard felt professional and well-structured. Everything — from portfolio performance to news and trade activity — is laid out clearly. It’s not flashy, but it’s stable and gets the job done.
Is ii Better for Beginners or Experienced Investors?
Interactive Investor really shines for experienced investors or anyone with a medium-to-large portfolio. If you’ve got over £20,000 in your ISA or are actively building a pension through a SIPP, the flat-fee model can save you a fair bit over time. That said, beginners might find the interface a bit overwhelming at first, and the monthly fee could be hard to justify for smaller pots. But once you get comfortable, it’s a powerful platform to grow with.
What’s It Like Using the App vs the Web Platform?
I tend to use the desktop site when I’m doing proper portfolio maintenance, but I’ve also used the app while on the move. The app works fine for checking balances and placing simple trades, but it lacks a modern and intuitive interface. The desktop version is definitely more robust — better charts, easier navigation, and more control when managing multiple accounts.
Any Annoyances or Learning Curves?
Yes, a few. For instance, searching for specific ETFs or investment trusts can feel clunky. There’s no real-time pricing on everything, and placing limit orders isn’t as seamless as it could be. It’s a platform built more for utility than finesse, and that shows.
How Safe and Regulated Is Interactive Investor?
One of the first things I check before committing serious money to any platform is how well it’s regulated, and Interactive Investor passes that test with flying colours. It’s fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) here in the UK, so it has to adhere to precise standards for client protection, transparency, and operational integrity.
On top of that, your money is protected under the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme) — up to £85,000 per person. That gives me peace of mind fo when I’m holding long-term assets in a SIPP or ISA.
Interactive Investor also benefits from the financial strength of its parent company, abrdn. That backing gives the platform a level of institutional support you just don’t get with some newer, app-only brokers.
Can You Trust ii With a Long-Term Portfolio?
In my view, yes — absolutely. I’ve had funds with Interactive Investors for years, and I’ve never once had an issue with fund security, delayed withdrawals, or data breaches. If you’re building wealth over the long term, especially inside tax wrappers, you want a broker that won’t cut corners on security. Interactive Investor ticks that box confidently.
What Accounts and Investments Can You Access?
One of the reasons I initially chose Interactive Investor was because it allowed me to manage multiple account types under one roof — and that’s a big plus when you’re planning for different financial goals.
Interactive Investor gives you access to all the key account types most UK investors need. I use both a Stocks & Shares ISA and a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) through the platform. The ISA is perfect for tax-efficient growth, while the SIPP helps me stay on track with long-term retirement planning.
You can also open a General Investment Account (GIA) if you’ve maxed out your ISA allowance or want to keep things flexible. Plus ii offer a Junior ISA option, which many users find is a great way to kickstart investing for the next generation.
What I like is that all these accounts can be managed side by side, with a single login and unified dashboard.
What Assets Can You Trade or Hold?
There’s plenty of choice here. I’ve held everything from UK and US stocks, to ETFs, unit trusts, bonds, and investment trusts. The platform also supports global equities, so if you’re looking to diversify internationally, you’ll have the tools to do it.
Can You Use Ready-Made Portfolios?
Yes — and I’ve actually tried them. II offers QuickStart Funds and Model Portfolios, which are ideal if you want a hands-off approach. These are curated by investment experts and aligned with different risk levels. They’re especially handy for investors who don’t have time to pick individual assets but still want exposure to the markets.
What Does It Cost to Use Interactive Investor?
One of the biggest differences between Interactive Investor and most other UK platforms is how they charge you. While other platforms use a percentage-based fee model, II goes with a flat monthly subscription. That really appealed to me once my investments began to grow. With a percentage model, the more you invest, the more you pay. With Interactive Investor, your fee stays fixed.
At first, I was sceptical about paying a monthly fee. Still, over time, I have found it to be much more predictable, especially as I consolidated more of my ISA and SIPP accounts onto the platform. The flat-fee model actually becomes more cost-effective as your portfolio grows, particularly once you’re past the £30,000 mark.
Is the Monthly Fee Worth It?
In my case, yes — it’s been worth every penny. I ran the numbers against a few other platforms, and the breakeven point is surprisingly low. If you’re investing more than £20,000–£30,000, you’ll likely save money with II’s flat fees, especially if you make a few trades a month. For smaller portfolios, though, other commission-free platforms might be more appealing.
Here’s how the fee structure looks as of this year:
| Plan Name | Monthly Fee | UK Share Dealing | Fund Trading | FX Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Plan | £4.99 | £5.99 | £3.99 | 1.5% |
| Super Investor | £9.99 | £3.99 | £3.99 | 1.0% |
| Pension Builder (SIPP) | £12.99 | £3.99 | £3.99 | 1.0% |
You can switch plans as your needs change, depending on how active you plan to be in the markets.
How Does Interactive Investor Compare to Other UK Platforms?
Over the years, I’ve learned is that there’s no one-size-fits-all option. The right choice really depends on your portfolio size, how often you trade, and what kind of investor you are.
Flat-Fee vs Commission-Free: Which Model Wins?
For me, the flat-fee model that Interactive Investor offers becomes a real winner once your portfolio grows past a certain threshold, typically around £25,000 to £30,000. That’s when you start to see savings over platforms that charge percentage-based fees. If you’re just starting out with a few hundred or a couple thousand pounds, then commission-free brokers might seem more appealing.
However, once I started making regular contributions and my ISA grew, the flat fee became increasingly sensible. It’s predictable, and I’m not penalised for growing my portfolio.
My Take on the Competition
Interactive Investor clearly wins on value for serious investors, especially those who want to make full use of an ISA or SIPP. That said, its mobile app still lags behind. Although the platform is reliable and secure, it doesn’t have the most engaging user interface. FX fees are also a sticking point if you invest internationally, something which has caught me off guard more than once.
Comparison with Hargreaves Lansdown, Trading 212, and eToro
Here’s a quick snapshot of how Interactive Investor compares to some of the UK’s biggest players in 2025:
| Platform | Pricing Model | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Investor | Flat monthly fee | ISA/SIPP investors | Predictable long-term costs |
| Trading 212 | Commission-free | Beginners | Zero dealing fees |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | % + trading fees | Hands-off investors | Research & customer service |
| eToro | Spread-based | Social traders | Copy trading features |
Still, for long-term investors who value cost predictability and account flexibility, II punches above its weight.
What’s the Customer Support Experience Like?
Customer service isn’t something I need to use every day, but when I do, I want it to work. With Interactive Investor, I’ve had a few reasons to reach out over the years, mainly to clarify dividend payments or transfer timelines. The good news? Their phone and secure messaging support has always been responsive and professional.
In my experience, replies via secure message usually come within 24 hours, and when I’ve called, I’ve rarely been left on hold for long. I’ll be honest — it’s not “instant live chat” like some app-first brokers offer, but it’s more personal and generally more helpful.
What Are Other Users Saying?
Looking around online, Trustpilot, Reddit etc, the general sentiment seems to match mine. Many users praise Interactive Investor for being a stable and trustworthy platform, particularly for long-term investing. People appreciate the ability to manage ISAs, SIPPs, and GIAs all in one place with no hidden charges.
That said, there are a few recurring complaints. The most common issues are related to FX fees, the outdated mobile app, and some bugs with the user interface. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting if you expect a polished, app-like experience.
Overall, I’ve found their support reliable when I’ve needed it, and that gives me confidence in staying with them for the long haul.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flat-fee pricing model saves money once your portfolio grows beyond £25,000–£30,000 | Monthly fees can be off-putting for beginners or casual investors with smaller pots |
| Excellent ISA and SIPP support, ideal for long-term, tax-efficient investing | High FX conversion fees (1.0%–1.5%) can eat into returns on US and global shares |
| Well-regulated by the FCA, with FSCS protection up to £85,000 | No fractional shares, which may limit diversification for smaller investors |
| Backed by abrdn, a major financial institution, adds stability and confidence | Outdated mobile app design compared to modern app-first brokers |
| Offers ready-made portfolios (QuickStart & Model Portfolios) for passive investors | No instant live chat, and response times via secure message can take up to 24 hours |
| Wide range of tradable assets, including global stocks, funds, ETFs, and investment trusts | Research tools and performance charts are fairly basic compared to top-tier platforms |
Is Interactive Investor Right for You?
If you’re a long-term UK investor or someone focused on maximising tax efficiency through ISAs and SIPPs, Interactive Investor is hard to beat. I’ve found it particularly useful for building a diversified portfolio over time without worrying about rising fees as my investments grow.
It’s also a great fit for passive fund holders who want to set up direct debits into funds or ETFs each month and not think too much about it. The flat-fee model means you won’t be penalised for doing the right thing and growing your wealth.
That said, it’s less ideal for casual investors, those with small portfolios under £10,000, or anyone making very frequent trades — in those cases, a commission-free broker might be a better starting point.
Personally, once my ISA hit the £25,000 mark, I ran the numbers and found I was better off with II than with a percentage-based broker. If you’re investing £20,000 or more into a Stocks & Shares ISA or pension, that monthly flat fee pays off and fast.
Final Verdict
After years of using Interactive Investor, I can honestly say it’s a solid, dependable choice for serious, long-term investors. At TIC, we gave it a 4.4/ 5 stars. II is not trying to be the flashiest platform, and it won’t win any awards for app design, but it does the important things well: safe custody of your investments, low, predictable fees, and strong tax-wrapper support.
If you’re just dabbling or need advanced charting tools and ultra-fast execution, other platforms might serve you better. But if you want a place to build wealth steadily and securely, especially inside an ISA or SIPP, this platform really shines.
Trade Smarter, not Harder
- Flat-Fee Structure
- Investor Essentials Hub
- All-in-One Investment Account
Trading and investing involve risk. Capital at Risk
FAQs
Is Interactive Investor good for beginners?
Interactive Investor is okay for those new to investing, but it is particularly effective for individuals who plan to invest regularly and grow their portfolio. The flat-fee model may not be cost-effective for small balances or infrequent trading.
Does Interactive Investor charge a monthly fee?
Yes, Interactive Investor charges a flat monthly payment starting at £4.99.
Can I open both an ISA and a SIPP with Interactive Investor?
Absolutely. I use both through II, and it’s one of the few platforms that lets you manage your Stocks & Shares ISA, SIPP, and General Investment Account from a single dashboard.
Does Interactive Investor support fractional shares?
No, Interactive Investor does not currently offer fractional shares. You’ll need to buy whole shares, which may be a limitation if you’re investing with smaller amounts.
Is Interactive Investor covered by the FSCS?
Yes, it is. Funds held with II are protected up to £85,000 under the FSCS
References
- Interactive Investor – Our Charges
- Interactive Investor – ISA Charges
- Trustpilot – Interactive Investor Reviews
- Smart Money People – Interactive Investor Reviews
- Interactive Investor Super 60 – Performance Review Q1 2025
- Interactive Investor ACE 40 – Performance Review Q1 2025
