# Choosing an investment platform in the UK

> Investing & ISAs · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## Quick answer

Pick a UK investment platform by comparing annual fees, trading costs, fund range, ISA or SIPP wrappers, and whether you want ready-made portfolios or DIY fund picking. FSCS protects cash held on platform up to £85,000 — shares you own remain yours if the platform fails.

An investment platform is the shopfront for buying funds, shares and bonds. Fees compound over decades, so platform choice matters as much as fund choice for long-term investors.

## Key facts

- Platform fee: often 0.15%–0.45% per year on invested assets plus fund ongoing charges
- Trading fee: zero on many funds; £0–£12 per share trade on others
- FSCS covers platform cash balances to £85,000 — not market losses on shares
- Robo-advisers charge more for managed portfolios; DIY platforms suit confident fund pickers

## Fees that matter

Add platform fee + fund OCF (ongoing charge figure) + any trading commissions. A 0.25% platform fee on £50,000 costs £125 a year before fund charges.

Frequent traders should prioritise low share-dealing costs; buy-and-hold investors should prioritise low annual platform percentage.

## Wrappers and products

Stocks & Shares ISA: tax-free growth; use your £20,000 annual allowance. SIPP: pension tax relief on contributions; access from minimum pension age.

Junior ISA and Lifetime ISA availability varies. Check whether the platform offers both funds and individual shares if you want both.

## DIY vs ready-made

DIY: you pick funds or ETFs — lowest cost if you rebalance once or twice a year. Ready-made portfolios: platform or robo-adviser selects risk level — higher fee but less decision fatigue.

Our index funds vs active funds guide and pound-cost averaging explainer help once you have chosen a platform.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is my money safe if the platform fails?

Cash is FSCS-protected to £85,000. Shares and funds are held in nominee accounts — you still own them and they can be transferred to another platform.

### Can I transfer an ISA between platforms?

Yes — in-specie transfer moves holdings without selling. Allow four to eight weeks and check exit fees.

### Do I need advice to open a platform?

No for DIY platforms. If you want a personal recommendation on what to buy, you need FCA-regulated financial advice.

## Primary source

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/savings/investing

## Related

- [How to choose an investment platform](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-do-i-choose-an-investment-platform/)
- [Stocks & Shares ISA basics](https://moneyguide.org.uk/investing/stocks-and-shares-isa-basics/)
- [Index funds vs active funds](https://moneyguide.org.uk/investing/index-funds-vs-active-funds/)
- [What is a robo-adviser?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-robo-adviser-uk/)

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