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:
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0% commission on stocks
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1% crypto fee
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Currency conversion fee (0.5%)
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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:
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Great for beginners and social trading
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User-friendly mobile app
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Fractional shares
Cons:
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Not FCA-regulated for stock trading (as of 2025, check current status)
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Fees on FX conversions
2. Trading 212 – Best for Commission-Free Investing
Minimum Deposit: £1
Fees:
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0% commission on UK/US stocks & ETFs
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FX conversion fee: 0.15%
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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:
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£1 to start investing
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Offers both a General and a Stocks & Shares ISA
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Easy-to-use app
Cons:
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Customer service can be slow
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Limited research tools compared to HL
3. Freetrade – Simple, Mobile-First Investing
Minimum Deposit: £0
Fees:
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Free account: £0
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Plus account: £11.99/month
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ISA: £5.99/month
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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:
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No minimum to start
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Free trading on standard account
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Intuitive design
Cons:
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Monthly fee for ISA/Plus
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Limited advanced features
4. Vanguard UK – Best for Long-Term, Low-Cost Investing
Minimum Deposit: £100 lump sum or £25/month
Fees:
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0.15% annual account fee (capped at £375)
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Average fund cost: 0.06%–0.25%
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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:
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Low-cost index fund investing
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Reliable and trusted provider
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Great for retirement planning
Cons:
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Limited to Vanguard funds only
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No individual stocks
5. Hargreaves Lansdown – Best for Research and Customer Support
Minimum Deposit: £1
Fees:
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0.45% annual platform fee (tiered)
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£11.95 per share trade (discounts apply with frequent trading)
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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:
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Exceptional customer service
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Excellent research tools and guidance
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Full range of investment products
Cons:
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Higher fees than others
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Not ideal for small portfolios
Final Thoughts: Which Investment Platform Should You Choose?
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Best Overall for Beginners: Trading 212 – low fees, easy to start with £1
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Best for Long-Term Investors: Vanguard UK – low fees and simple fund portfolios
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Best for Social Traders: eToro – copy successful investors’ strategies
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Best for Simple, ISA-Based Investing: Freetrade
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Best for Full-Service Investing & Research: Hargreaves Lansdown
Key Takeaways
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Start with a platform that matches your goals and budget.
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Look for low fees, especially if you’re starting with a small amount.
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Consider ISAs for tax-free investing.
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Check minimum deposit requirements before signing up.
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