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AJ Bell review: fees, ISA charges and whether it's right for you

Low-cost full-service platform with funds, shares and a strong SIPP

Best for: Investors who want funds and shares on one platform without paying Hargreaves Lansdown prices.

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The short version

AJ Bell sits in the sweet spot between cheap app-only brokers and expensive full-service platforms. You get funds, shares, ETFs, a well-regarded SIPP and a Lifetime ISA, with caps that keep costs sensible for share investors.

It suits people who want one account for everything, particularly ETF investors who benefit from the £3.50 monthly cap in an ISA. Fund-heavy portfolios above six figures should compare the 0.25% fee against a flat-fee platform like Interactive Investor.

Best for: Investors who want funds and shares on one platform without paying Hargreaves Lansdown prices.

AJ Bell fees

Platform fee0.25% on funds up to £250k (tiered lower above); shares capped at £3.50/month in an ISA and £10/month in a SIPP
Share dealing£5.00 per trade
Fund dealing£1.50 per trade
FX fee0.75% on the first £10k, tiered lower above
Stocks & Shares ISAPlatform fee applies, no separate ISA charge
SIPPPlatform fee applies, capped at £120/year for shares
WithdrawalsFree
Minimum to start£25/month or £500 lump sum
Industry benchmark: Typical UK broker platform fee 0.25%/yr, ISA total cost 0.45%/yr, FX 1.50%. AJ Bell's profile relative to that is shown above.
  • Regular investing is free from May 2026, having previously cost £1.50 per trade.
  • Fund platform fee drops to 0.10% between £250k and £500k and nothing above £500k.

Verified July 2026 against AJ Bell's published charges. Always check the provider's current schedule before opening an account.

Accounts available

General Investment AccountStocks & Shares ISALifetime ISAJunior ISASIPP

Your cash is protected by the FSCS up to £120,000. Your investments are ring-fenced in your name, held separately from the firm's own assets, so they remain yours if the firm fails, with FSCS cover of up to £85,000 for any shortfall. Authorised and regulated by the FCA.

What the reviews say

AJ Bell scores 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot (Excellent) from around 14,000 reviews.

Reviewers repeatedly mention that the platform is easy to use and communication is clear. AJ Bell has been Which? Recommended for eight years running.

Occasional gripes about transfer times and the dealing charge compared with app-only rivals.

Pros and cons

Where it wins

  • Whole-of-market fund and share choice, including LISA and Junior accounts
  • Share holding charges capped at £42/year in an ISA and £120/year in a SIPP
  • Free regular investing from May 2026
  • Consistently strong service ratings

Where it loses

  • £5 dealing charge on shares is dear next to zero-commission apps
  • Percentage fee on funds adds up on large fund portfolios
  • FX fee of 0.75% is mid-pack

AJ Bell: common questions

How much does AJ Bell charge in fees?

AJ Bell's platform fee is 0.25% on funds up to £250k (tiered lower above); shares capped at £3.50/month in an ISA and £10/month in a SIPP. Share dealing is £5.00 per trade and fund dealing is £1.50 per trade. Foreign exchange is charged at 0.75% on the first £10k, tiered lower above. Fees verified July 2026 against AJ Bell's published charges.

What is AJ Bell's dealing fee?

AJ Bell charges £5.00 per trade to buy or sell shares, ETFs and investment trusts. Fund dealing is £1.50 per trade. Regular investing is free from May 2026, having previously cost £1.50 per trade.

What does a AJ Bell Stocks and Shares ISA cost?

On AJ Bell's Stocks and Shares ISA: Platform fee applies, no separate ISA charge. The underlying platform fee is 0.25% on funds up to £250k (tiered lower above); shares capped at £3.50/month in an ISA and £10/month in a SIPP. You can start with £25/month or £500 lump sum. It is not a flexible ISA, so money you withdraw still counts against your annual allowance.

What are AJ Bell's SIPP charges?

AJ Bell offers a SIPP. On the SIPP: Platform fee applies, capped at £120/year for shares. Dealing inside the SIPP is charged at the same £5.00 per trade for shares and £1.50 per trade for funds. Withdrawals are free.

Is AJ Bell safe, and is my money protected?

Your cash is protected by the FSCS up to £120,000. Your investments are ring-fenced in your name, held separately from the firm's own assets, so they remain yours if the firm fails, with FSCS cover of up to £85,000 for any shortfall. Authorised and regulated by the FCA.

Is AJ Bell any good?

AJ Bell scores 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot (Excellent) from around 14,000 reviews. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the platform is easy to use and communication is clear. AJ Bell has been Which? Recommended for eight years running. Occasional gripes about transfer times and the dealing charge compared with app-only rivals. It suits investors who want funds and shares on one platform without paying Hargreaves Lansdown prices.

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