Top UK Investment Platforms for Beginners (2025 Guide) – Looking to start investing in the UK but unsure which platform to choose? Whether you’re new to investing or just want a low-fee option, we’ve compared the top UK investment platforms for beginners: eToro, Trading 212, Freetrade, Vanguard UK, and Hargreaves Lansdown.

Quick Comparison Table

Platform Minimum Deposit Fees (Trading/Platform) Best For
eToro £40 (approx. $50) 0% commission on stocks, FX fees Social trading, copy trading
Trading 212 £1 0% commission, FX fees apply Fractional shares, low-cost ETFs
Freetrade £0 Free plan: £0; Plus: £11.99/mo Simplicity, ISA investing
Vanguard UK £100 or £25/mo 0.15% account fee, low fund fees Long-term index fund investing
Hargreaves Lansdown £1 0.45% platform fee, trading fees Wide range of investments, tools

1. eToro – Best for Social and Copy Trading

Minimum Deposit: Approx. £40 ($50)
Fees:

  • 0% commission on stocks

  • 1% crypto fee

  • Currency conversion fee (0.5%)

  • No ISA/SIPP

Overview:
eToro is ideal for beginners who want to learn by watching others. With its CopyTrader™ feature, you can mimic the portfolios of successful investors.

Pros:

  • Great for beginners and social trading

  • User-friendly mobile app

  • Fractional shares

Cons:

  • Not FCA-regulated for stock trading (as of 2025, check current status)

  • Fees on FX conversions

2. Trading 212 – Best for Commission-Free Investing

Minimum Deposit: £1
Fees:

  • 0% commission on UK/US stocks & ETFs

  • FX conversion fee: 0.15%

  • No ISA fee

Overview:
Trading 212 is one of the most beginner-friendly UK investment apps, offering a wide choice of fractional shares and automated investing via Pies.

Pros:

  • £1 to start investing

  • Offers both a General and a Stocks & Shares ISA

  • Easy-to-use app

Cons:

  • Customer service can be slow

  • Limited research tools compared to HL

3. Freetrade – Simple, Mobile-First Investing

Minimum Deposit: £0
Fees:

  • Free account: £0

  • Plus account: £11.99/month

  • ISA: £5.99/month

  • FX fee: 0.45%

Overview:
Freetrade is a sleek, mobile-first platform built for beginners who want a simple investing experience with access to UK and US stocks and ETFs.

Pros:

  • No minimum to start

  • Free trading on standard account

  • Intuitive design

Cons:

  • Monthly fee for ISA/Plus

  • Limited advanced features

4. Vanguard UK – Best for Long-Term, Low-Cost Investing

Minimum Deposit: £100 lump sum or £25/month
Fees:

  • 0.15% annual account fee (capped at £375)

  • Average fund cost: 0.06%–0.25%

  • No trading fees

Overview:
Vanguard is perfect for buy-and-hold investors looking for index funds and ETFs. It’s one of the cheapest ways to invest long-term in the UK.

Pros:

  • Low-cost index fund investing

  • Reliable and trusted provider

  • Great for retirement planning

Cons:

  • Limited to Vanguard funds only

  • No individual stocks

5. Hargreaves Lansdown – Best for Research and Customer Support

Minimum Deposit: £1
Fees:

  • 0.45% annual platform fee (tiered)

  • £11.95 per share trade (discounts apply with frequent trading)

  • Free fund dealing

Overview:
Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK’s largest investment platform. It offers extensive research tools, ISAs, pensions, and a wide range of funds and stocks.

Pros:

  • Exceptional customer service

  • Excellent research tools and guidance

  • Full range of investment products

Cons:

  • Higher fees than others

  • Not ideal for small portfolios

Final Thoughts: Which Investment Platform Should You Choose?

  • Best Overall for Beginners: Trading 212 – low fees, easy to start with £1

  • Best for Long-Term Investors: Vanguard UK – low fees and simple fund portfolios

  • Best for Social Traders: eToro – copy successful investors’ strategies

  • Best for Simple, ISA-Based Investing: Freetrade

  • Best for Full-Service Investing & Research: Hargreaves Lansdown

Key Takeaways

  • Start with a platform that matches your goals and budget.

  • Look for low fees, especially if you’re starting with a small amount.

  • Consider ISAs for tax-free investing.

  • Check minimum deposit requirements before signing up.

Also:

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