Choosing an investment platform in the UK
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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.
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.
Common 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.