Best Stocks and Shares ISA UK 2026
A Stocks and Shares ISA lets you invest up to £20,000 per year with zero tax on gains, dividends, or interest. Over a lifetime of investing, the tax saving can be worth tens of thousands of pounds.
Platform Fees Compared
| Platform | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vanguard | 0.15% (capped £375) | Under £250,000 portfolio |
| InvestEngine | 0% | Any size, ETF focus |
| Freetrade Plus | £4.99/month | Stocks and ETFs |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | 0.45% (capped) | Widest fund range |
| AJ Bell | 0.25% (capped) | Medium to large portfolios |
| Nutmeg | 0.25–0.75% | Hands-off investors |
Best for Beginners: Vanguard Investor
Clean interface, limited but excellent fund range, and the 0.15% platform fee is among the lowest available. For passive index fund investors, Vanguard is the gold standard.
Best Free Platform: InvestEngine
Zero platform fees for a DIY ISA. Build a portfolio of ETFs at no cost beyond underlying fund charges. Great for cost-conscious investors.
Best for Active Investors: Freetrade
Thousands of UK and US stocks plus ETFs. The Plus plan at £4.99 per month gives ISA access. Good if you want to invest in individual companies alongside funds.
What to Look For Beyond Fees
- FSCS protection up to £85,000 per provider
- Fund range and whether it includes the funds you want
- App quality and customer service
Platform fees are correct as of April 2026 and subject to change.