Both are FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected. The real difference is fees, account types and how each platform feels to use. Verified against each provider’s published charges.
Fees verified July 2026. Capital at risk. Information, not financial advice.
Fund investors who value guidance, tools and phone support.
Active investors who want professional tools alongside long-term holdings.
Tick what you need. No account, no email. The answer is on this page.
Tick what you need above and we'll tell you which of the two covers it.
Account availability verified July 2026. Capital at risk. Information, not financial advice.
Reviewers highlight helpful phone support and a straightforward transfer process.
The £7.50 share dealing charge and dated parts of the website draw criticism.
Read Fidelity reviews on TrustpilotExperienced traders rate the platform quality, charting and market access.
Lower scores than rivals, with complaints about account queries and the complexity of the product range.
Read IG reviews on Trustpilot| Fee | Fidelity | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Platform fee | 0.35% up to £250k (0.20% above); £90/year flat if under £25k without a regular savings plan | £0 (custody fee removed January 2026) |
| Share dealing | £7.50 per online trade | £0 commission with instant currency conversion |
| Fund dealing | Free | Not available (shares and ETFs only) |
| FX fee | 0.75% tiered | 0.7% |
| Stocks & Shares ISA | Platform fee applies | Free |
| SIPP | Platform fee applies | Available, third-party administration fees apply |
| Withdrawals | Free | Free |
| Minimum to start | £25/month or £1,000 lump sum | No minimum |
Fidelity is a solid full-service choice for fund investors. Fund dealing is free, the ETF and share service fee is capped at £90 a year, and the guidance content is some of the best of the big platforms.
Costs are less friendly if you trade shares often or hold a small account without a regular savings plan. Compare it against AJ Bell if you want similar breadth with lower dealing charges.
IG is best known for trading, but its share dealing account and ISA became far more competitive in 2026 when it removed custody fees and commissions. You get institutional-quality tools with no platform charge.
The 0.7% currency conversion fee is the main cost to watch on US shares, and there are no traditional funds. It suits confident investors; beginners will find simpler homes elsewhere.
It depends on what you hold and how often you trade. Fidelity's platform fee is 0.35% up to £250k (0.20% above); £90/year flat if under £25k without a regular savings plan, against £0 (custody fee removed January 2026) at IG. On dealing, Fidelity charges £7.50 per online trade for shares and free for funds, while IG charges £0 commission with instant currency conversion for shares and not available (shares and ETFs only) for funds. Fees verified July 2026.
Fidelity is best for fund investors who value guidance, tools and phone support. IG is best for active investors who want professional tools alongside long-term holdings. Both are FCA regulated and covered by the FSCS.
On Fidelity's ISA: Platform fee applies. On IG's ISA: Free. IG offers a flexible ISA and Fidelity does not. Minimums are £25/month or £1,000 lump sum at Fidelity and No minimum at IG.
Fidelity offers a SIPP (platform fee applies). IG offers a SIPP (available, third-party administration fees apply).
Fidelity scores 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot (Excellent) from over 6,500 reviews. IG scores 3.8 out of 5 (Great) from around 8,500 reviews. The £7.50 share dealing charge and dated parts of the website draw criticism. Lower scores than rivals, with complaints about account queries and the complexity of the product range.
Yes. UK platforms accept ISA and SIPP transfers in, and you start the transfer with the receiving provider rather than the one you are leaving. Fidelity charges free on withdrawals and IG charges free. Transfer as cash and you are out of the market while it settles; transfer in specie and you keep your holdings but it takes longer.
Fidelity or IG, the account is the easy part. What decides when you can retire is how much goes in and for how long. Delphina works that out from what you already hold and what you pay in each month.
Free to check. No card required. Takes about two minutes.