# How do I choose an investment platform?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-do-i-choose-an-investment-platform/
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## In short

Compare annual platform fees, fund range, ISA or SIPP availability, trading costs, and whether you want DIY fund picking or a ready-made portfolio. Total cost is platform fee plus fund charges — not just the headline platform percentage.

Buy-and-hold investors should minimise annual percentage fees. Active share traders should minimise dealing commissions.

Check FSCS protection on cash balances and whether you can hold both funds and individual shares. Transferring ISAs in-specie avoids triggering capital gains.

Read our choosing an investment platform guide, index funds vs active funds, and Stocks & Shares ISA basics.

## Related

- [Choosing an investment platform](https://moneyguide.org.uk/investing/choosing-an-investment-platform/)
- [What is a Stocks & Shares ISA?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-a-stocks-and-shares-isa/)
- [What is a robo-adviser?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-robo-adviser-uk/)

## Primary source

moneyhelper.org.uk/en/savings/investing

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.