Cheap Share Dealing

Looking for affordable ways to invest in shares?

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just embarking on your investment journey, low-cost share dealing services can equip you with the necessary tools and resources to grow your wealth.

Interactive Investor »	More than 40,000 UK & international investment options Invest from £1 Flat fee plan starts from £4.99 pm Get £100 worth of free trades when you open an ii trading account. Terms & fees apply. New customers only. Ends 31 January	Go to website »
Trusted by over 430,000 people. FSCS protected. Capital at risk.
AJ Bell »	Buy shares from over 24 international markets Trade from £5 £3.50 Frequent shares dealing Shares account charge 0.25% (max £3.50 pm)	Go to website »
Trusted by over 1.5 million people. FSCS protected. Capital at risk.
InvestEngine »	Choice of 760 low cost ETF Funds ETF investing from £1 Commission free DIY or managed portfolio options	Go to website »
Build your own low cost portfolio using ETF managers such as Vanguard & JP Morgan. FSCS protected. Capital at risk.
IG »	13,000+ shares & ETFs to trade 0% commission on US stocks Open free account Speak to other traders Award winning trading app	Go to website »
313,000+ clients worldwide. FCA Regulated. Capital at risk. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
XTB »	Invest in real stocks with 0% commission*. Over 6900 instruments Features: XTB is one of the largest stock exchange-listed FX brokers in the world with 1 million+ customers and over 20 years of activity in the financial markets. Capital at Risk Earn interest rate on uninvested funds	Go to website »
World class trading platform: Easy to use, fully customisable, superior execution speeds, performance statistics. Applying for an account is quick and easy with a secure online form, and you could be trading within minutes. Wide range of instruments -forex, indices, commodities, shares and ETF’s. Multilingual customer support team is ready to help you – 24h hours a day from Monday to Friday. *For monthly turnover up to 100,000 EUR (then comm. 0.2%, min. 10 EUR). Capital at risk
Freetrade »	Invest in over 6,100+ US, UK & EU stocks & ETFs commission-free Features: Start with £2 investment. Superb app design and transparent account charges. Great for beginners and experienced investors alike	Go to website »
Mobile app – manage your portfolio on the move. FSCS protected. Capital at risk.
HL »	Access over 3,000 funds. UK & Overseas shares. Invest from £100 or £25 pm Features: Live share prices. Award winning services.	Go to website »
Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK’s No 1 platform for private investors trusted by over 1.6 million customers. Capital at risk.
Saxo »	Access to 70,000+ instruments, smart trading tools & market insights Investment platform for different needs and experience levels	Go to website »
Saxo serve clients in 170 countries, hold 70+ bn GBP in assets under management & process 1m transactions daily. FCA regulated. Capital at risk.
Lightyear »	Buy & trade over 3500+ UK, EU and US stocks with low 0.35% currency conversion. Features: Say goodbye to high minimums and barriers to entry. Introducing the high interest vaults offer: – Interest rate: 5.21% APY on GBP, 3.83% APY on EUR, 5.39% APY on USD – Pricing: 0.25% total fees for all deposit sizes – Minimum amount: £1, €1, $1 – Maximum amount: No limit Capital at Risk	Go to website »
Multi-currency investing, your money goes even further without the constant foreign exchange fees. Deposit, hold and invest in international stock markets in EUR, GBP and USD — all under one roof. Shares have a low, transparent execution cost. Investing in your local ETFs is completely free of Lightyear fee (other fees may apply). Earn interest on uninvested cash. Access live news feeds about the stocks you own, as well as professional analyst ratings & price targets. Lightyear is now live on web and has launched earnings calls audios. Capital at Risk. We, Fair Investment Company, will be paid a referral fee if you open an account and deposit funds through some of the links on this page. This includes financial promotion.

Are you seeking the best cheap share dealing platform deal in the UK?

Look no further! Our comprehensive guide explores the top platforms available, offering cost-effective share dealing solutions for investors, from beginners to experienced traders.

We compare fees, investing options, user experience, and more to help you make the right choice for your situation.

What is the cheapest way to invest in shares?

This will depend on your requirements! Finding the most cost-effective way to invest in shares will depend on your investment goals, the amount you are investing & the level of service you require. Fees charged by share dealing platforms & apps are typically lower than traditional offline brokers.

Finding the cheapest share dealing platform will depend on trading fees, account management fees, & other associated charges e.g. Foreign exchange fees if you are buying shares abroad.  Like-for-like comparison is not straightforward as different share dealing platforms have different charging structures in place.

Still, our comparison table above provides a high-level guide of what you can expect to pay for each provider. Provider cost structures are changing on a regular basis to remain competitive so this is a dynamic area which is worth reviewing at least annually.

Interactive Investor – Review

Account Types
Interactive Investor offers a comprehensive range of account options for UK investors:

• General Investment Account (GIA): A taxable account for trading shares, ETFs, funds, and bonds.
• Stocks and Shares ISA: Tax-efficient investing with no capital gains or income tax on investments.
• SIPP: A self-invested personal pension for retirement savings.
• Junior ISA and SIPP: Accounts designed for children’s savings.
• Trading Accounts: Tailored options for frequent traders or investors.

Fees

• Subscription Plans:
  • Investor Plan: £4.99/month with one free trade per month.
  • Super Investor Plan: £12.99/month with two free trades per month.
• Trading Costs:
  • Shares, ETFs, and funds: £5.99 per trade.
• Account Fees:
  • ISA: Included in subscription
  • SIPP: £10/month in addition to the subscription fee

• Other Costs: No custody fees, and dividend reinvestment costs £0.99 per transaction.

Features

• Flat-Fee Structure: Subscription-based pricing makes costs predictable, especially for larger portfolios.
• Investment Choice: Access to a wide range of investments, including UK and international shares, funds, ETFs, and bonds.
• Ready-Made Portfolios: Model portfolios for passive investors.
• Research and Insights: Comprehensive tools and data, including stock analysis and investment ideas.
• Regular Investing: Automate monthly investments for as little as £25.
• Mobile App: Manage your investments on the go with a user-friendly app.

Kick-start 2025 with £100 of free trades

ii will cover the first £100 of your trading fees when you open an ii Trading Account.

Offer ends 31st January 2025. New customers only. T&Cs apply.

Open a Trading Account »

Pros

• FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected for UK users.
• Predictable, flat-fee pricing model, ideal for large portfolios.
• Wide selection of investments and account types.
• Regular investing options and dividend reinvestment.
• Strong research tools and customer support.

Cons

• Higher fees for small portfolios compared to percentage-based providers.
• Monthly subscription may not suit infrequent traders or passive investors.
• SIPP fees add to overall costs.
• Mixed customer reviews (rated 4.3/5 on Trustpilot as of January 2025).

Best For
Experienced investors with larger portfolios who value a predictable, flat-fee pricing structure and access to a broad range of investments. Less suitable for beginners or those with smaller portfolios looking for low-cost options.

Go to the ii website »

Editor

XTB – Review

Account Types
XTB offers a streamlined selection of account options tailored for traders and investors across various asset classes:

• Standard Account: A versatile account suitable for trading CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
• Islamic Account: A swap-free account option compliant with Sharia law, available upon request.
• Demo Account: A free practice account providing access to real-time market conditions for up to 30 days.

Fees

• Trading Costs:
  • CFDs on forex, indices, and commodities: Tight spreads, starting as low as 0.1 pips.
  • Stock and ETF CFDs: Commission starting at 0.08% per trade.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Competitive spreads with no hidden charges.
• Overnight Financing: Applicable for leveraged positions held overnight.
• Deposit and Withdrawal Fees: Generally free, though specific payment methods may incur charges.
• Inactivity Fee: €10/month after 12 months of no trading activity.

Features

• xStation Platform: An award-winning trading platform known for its intuitive interface, fast execution, and robust features like one-click trading, technical analysis tools, and a customizable dashboard.
• Education Hub: Comprehensive learning materials, including webinars, video tutorials, and in-depth articles, perfect for traders of all experience levels.
• Wide Asset Range: Access to thousands of markets, including shares, ETFs, forex, and commodities.
• Mobile App: Fully functional mobile trading with xStation’s sleek app.
• Regulation and Security: Regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and CySEC, ensuring funds are held securely.

Pros

• Commission-free trading on many instruments.
• User-friendly xStation platform with advanced tools.
• Strong emphasis on education and market analysis.
• Broad market access with tight spreads.

Cons

• Inactivity fee after 12 months of non-trading.
• Limited account types compared to some competitors.

Best For
XTB is ideal for active traders seeking a robust trading platform, competitive fees, and access to a wide range of markets. While beginners will appreciate the educational tools, infrequent traders may find the inactivity fees less appealing.

Go to the XTB website »

Editor

IG – Review

Account Types
IG offers a variety of account options for UK users, including:

• Spread Betting Account: Tax-free trading on forex, indices, commodities, and more.
• CFD Trading Account: Access to a wide range of assets, including shares, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
• Share Dealing Account: Invest directly in shares and ETFs with no leverage.
• ISA Account: Tax-efficient investing in shares and ETFs.
• SIPP Account: Long-term retirement investing with a self-invested personal pension.

Fees

• Share Dealing: £3 per trade if you trade three or more times in the previous month, otherwise £8 per trade.
• CFD and Spread Betting: Competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips for forex.
• Account Fees: £24 per quarter for the Share Dealing Account, waived if you trade three times per quarter or hold £15,000+ in assets.
• Other Costs: No custody fees for ISA or SIPP accounts. Inactivity fees of £12 per month apply for CFD and Spread Betting Accounts after two years of inactivity.

Features

• Wide Range of Markets: Access to over 17,000 markets, including forex, shares, ETFs, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
• IG Trading Platform: User-friendly platform with advanced charting, risk management tools, and direct market access for professional traders.
• Educational Resources: Extensive library of trading guides, webinars, and market analysis.
• Mobile App: Fully functional trading app for iOS and Android devices.
• Innovative Tools: Includes ProRealTime charting, algorithmic trading support, and smart order routing.

Pros

• FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected for UK users.
• Tax-efficient accounts available (ISA and SIPP).
• Competitive spreads and low fees for active traders.
• Extensive range of markets and assets.
• Comprehensive educational materials and market insights.

Cons

• High fees for infrequent traders.
• Inactivity fees for CFD and Spread Betting Accounts.
• Platform complexity may be overwhelming for beginners.
• Mixed customer reviews (rated 3.9/5 on Trustpilot as of January 2025).

Best For
Experienced traders and investors who want access to a broad range of markets, tax-efficient accounts, and advanced trading tools. Less suitable for complete beginners or those seeking minimal fees for low-frequency trading.

Barclays Smart Investor Review

• Account Types – Barclays offer general investment accounts (GIA), Stocks & Shares ISAs, and SIPPs.

• Fees – £6 per trade for shares and ETFs, 0.2% annual account fee (min £4/month, max £125). Regular investing and dividend reinvestment are free.

• Features:
  • Ready-made funds for passive investors with ongoing charges of 0.45%.
  • Access to 10 international exchanges for share dealing.
  • Price Improver tool to optimize transaction prices.

• Pros – FCA-regulated, FSCS-protected, interest paid on uninvested cash (up to 1.65% AER for ISA/SIPP), educational resources, and multi-platform accessibility.

• Cons – High costs for active traders, clunky platform, and mixed customer reviews (1.4/5 on Trustpilot).

• Best For – Long-term, passive investors seeking a trusted brand with strong regulatory credentials but can tolerate higher cost.

AJ Bell Review

• Account Types – AJ Bell offer a General Investment Account (GIA), ISA, Lifetime ISA, Junior ISA, SIPP, & Junior SIPP.

• Fees – Custody charge of 0.25% (capped at £3.50/month for shares). Share Dealing fees are £9.95 per deal, dropping to £4.95 for frequent traders (10+ trades/month). Fund trading costs £1.50 per deal.

• Investment Options – Offer access to 19,000+ investments, including shares, funds, ETFs, and investment trusts.

• Platform Features – Research tools, ready-made portfolios, and access to Shares Magazine. AJ Bell’s “Dodl” app offers a simplified, low-cost investing option.

• Extras – Offers to cover exit fees for portfolio transfers and referral bonuses.

• Best For – Low-cost option for long-term investors or those making infrequent trades. Also ideal for beginners due to simplicity and affordable entry points​.

AJ Bell Review – Read more »

Saxo Markets – Review

Account Types
Saxo Markets provides a range of account options tailored to different trading and investment needs:

• Saxo Investor Account: Designed for long-term investors with access to shares, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds.
• Saxo Trader Account: Offers advanced trading tools for active traders.
• Saxo VIP and Platinum Accounts: Premium accounts with lower fees, priority customer service, and exclusive market insights.
• ISA Account: Tax-efficient investing for UK users.
• SIPP Account: Retirement investing with access to global markets.

Fees

• Trading Commissions:
  • Shares and ETFs: £5.99 per trade for UK shares (lower rates for Platinum and VIP accounts).
  • Forex: Spreads start at 0.4 pips.
  • CFDs: Competitive pricing with commissions starting at 0.05%.
• Account Fees:
  • Custody fee of 0.15% annually, capped at £150,000.
  • No fees for ISA and SIPP accounts, but trading costs apply.
• Other Costs: Inactivity fees of £25 per quarter if no trading activity occurs for six months.

Features

• Wide Market Access: Over 60,000 financial instruments, including shares, ETFs, forex, bonds, and mutual funds across global markets.
• Saxo Platforms:
  • SaxoInvestor: User-friendly interface tailored for investors.
  • SaxoTraderGO: A robust platform suitable for active traders.
  • SaxoTraderPRO: A professional-grade platform with advanced tools.
• Research and Insights: Comprehensive market analysis, news, and reports.
• Educational Resources: Free webinars, tutorials, and trading guides.
• Mobile App: Seamless trading and portfolio management on the go.

Pros

• FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected for UK users.
• Access to a vast range of global markets.
• Premium platforms with advanced tools for experienced traders.
• Tax-efficient ISA and SIPP accounts available.
• Extensive educational content for investors and traders.

Cons

• High costs for infrequent traders due to inactivity and custody fees.
• Complex fee structure may be confusing for beginners.
• Platform may feel overwhelming for novice users.
• Mixed customer reviews (rated 3.7/5 on Trustpilot as of January 2025).

Best For
Experienced investors and traders seeking access to a wide range of global markets, advanced trading platforms, and premium services. Less suitable for beginners or low-frequency traders due to higher fees.

Freetrade – Review

Account Types
Freetrade provides straightforward investment accounts for UK users, focusing on simplicity and affordability:

• General Investment Account (GIA): A standard taxable account for investing in shares, ETFs, and more.
• Stocks and Shares ISA: A tax-efficient account for individual investors (monthly fee of £4.99).
• SIPP: A self-invested personal pension for retirement savings (monthly fee of £9.99).
• Freetrade Plus: A premium account offering additional features like more investment options and priority customer support (£9.99/month).

Fees

• Trading Costs: Commission-free trading on shares and ETFs.
• Account Fees:
  • GIA: No account fees.
  • ISA: £4.99/month.
  • SIPP: £9.99/month.
• Currency Conversion Fee: 0.45% for non-GBP trades.
• Other Costs: Freetrade Plus subscribers get additional benefits like access to a broader range of investments and advanced order types.

Features

• Commission-Free Investing: Ideal for cost-conscious investors looking to avoid trading fees.
• Fractional Shares: Invest in portions of high-value stocks with as little as £1.
• User-Friendly App: Intuitive mobile platform designed for new investors.
• Educational Resources: Blog posts, guides, and market insights to help users make informed decisions.
• Broad Investment Options: Access to UK, US, and EU shares, ETFs, and more.
• Dividend Reinvestment: Automatically reinvest dividends for long-term growth.

Pros

• FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected for UK users.
• Commission-free trading helps reduce costs.
• Fractional shares allow beginners to invest in expensive stocks with small amounts.
• Simple, intuitive platform ideal for new investors.
• Tax-efficient ISA and SIPP options available.

Cons

• Limited advanced features for experienced traders.
• Smaller range of international markets compared to competitors.
• Monthly fees for ISA and SIPP accounts may deter low-balance investors.
• Mixed customer reviews (rated 4.1/5 on Trustpilot as of January 2025).

Best For
Beginner and cost-conscious investors seeking a simple, commission-free platform for shares and ETFs. Less suitable for advanced traders or those needing access to a wide range of global markets and advanced tools.

Hargreaves Lansdown Review

Account Types

Hargreaves Lansdown offers a wide range of accounts for UK investors, catering to both beginners and experienced individuals:

• General Investment Account (GIA): A flexible, taxable account for shares, funds, ETFs, and bonds.
• Stocks and Shares ISA: Tax-efficient investing for individuals, with no capital gains or income tax on investments.
• Lifetime ISA: A savings account with government bonuses for first-time homebuyers or retirement.
• SIPP: A self-invested personal pension for long-term retirement planning.
• Junior ISA and Junior SIPP: Accounts designed for saving for children’s futures.

Fees

• Account Fees:
  • 0.45% annual fee for funds (up to £250,000, with lower rates for higher balances).
  • No account fee for shares, ETFs, and bonds in the GIA or ISA.
• Trading Costs: £11.95 per trade for shares and ETFs, reducing to £5.95 with frequent trading.
• Other Costs: SIPP: No account setup fee; ongoing charges apply. Fund dealing is free, but ongoing fund charges may apply.

Features

• Extensive Investment Choices: Access to over 3,000 funds, UK and international shares, ETFs, investment trusts, and bonds.
• Award-Winning Platform: User-friendly website and mobile app for managing investments.
• Investment Research and Tools: Includes detailed fund data, stock analysis, and portfolio tracking tools.
• Ready-Made Portfolios: Pre-selected investment options for hands-off investors.
• Regular Savings Plans: Automatic monthly investments starting from £25.

Best For

Long-term investors seeking a reputable platform with diverse investment options and excellent research tools. Less suitable for active traders or those focused on minimizing costs for frequent trading.

Moneyfarm Review

Account Types

Moneyfarm specializes in managed portfolios for UK investors, offering the following accounts:

• Stocks and Shares ISA: Tax-efficient investment accounts tailored to individual goals.
• General Investment Account (GIA): Flexible investment accounts for those who have reached their ISA allowance.
• Pension (SIPP): A self-invested personal pension designed for long-term retirement savings.
• Junior ISA: A tax-efficient savings account for children.

Fees

• Management Fees:
  • 0.75% for investments up to £10,000
  • 0.60% for investments between £10,001 and £50,000
  • 0.40% for investments above £50,000

• Fund Fees: Average ongoing charges of 0.2%.
• No Trading Fees: All trading and rebalancing costs are included in the management fee.

Features

• Managed Portfolios: Professionally managed portfolios based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
• Diversified Investments: Portfolios include global ETFs and bonds for a balanced approach to risk and return.
• Goal-Based Investing: Tools to align your portfolio with long-term financial objectives.
• Personalized Advice: Access to investment consultants for tailored guidance.
• Digital Platform: User-friendly app and website for managing your portfolio and tracking performance.
• Socially Responsible Investing (SRI): Options for ethical investments focused on sustainability.

Pros

• FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected for UK users.
• Transparent fee structure with no hidden costs.
• Professionally managed portfolios ideal for hands-off investors.
• Goal-based investing tools and personalized advice.
• Socially responsible investment options available.

Cons

• Not suitable for active traders or DIY investors.
• Limited account types compared to competitors.
• High fees for smaller portfolios relative to passive platforms.
• Mixed customer reviews (rated 4.2/5 on Trustpilot as of January 2025).

Best For

Long-term, hands-off investors who want professionally managed portfolios and goal-based investment solutions. Less suitable for active traders or those seeking to build and manage their own portfolios.

Moneyfarm Review – Read more »