Both are FCA regulated and FSCS protected. The real differences are fees, investment range and how each platform feels to use. Here is the honest comparison.
Fees verified July 2026. Capital at risk. Information, not financial advice.
Active investors who want professional tools alongside long-term holdings.
Investors who want the fullest service, research and support and will pay a premium for it.
| Fee | IG | Hargreaves Lansdown |
|---|---|---|
| Platform fee | £0 (custody fee removed January 2026) | 0.35% on funds up to £250k (tiered lower above); shares capped at £45/year in an ISA and £150/year in a SIPP |
| Share dealing | £0 commission with instant currency conversion | £6.95 per trade (cut from £11.95 in March 2026) |
| Fund dealing | Not available (shares and ETFs only) | £1.95 per trade (free via regular investing) |
| FX fee | 0.7% | 1% on the first £5k, tiered lower above |
| Stocks & Shares ISA | Free | Platform fee applies |
| SIPP | Available, third-party administration fees apply | Platform fee applies |
| Withdrawals | Free | Free |
| Minimum to start | No minimum | £25/month or £100 lump sum |
Experienced 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 TrustpilotService quality is the recurring theme: phone answered quickly, knowledgeable staff, smooth transfers.
Price. Even after the cuts, reviewers and commentators note cheaper alternatives for the same investments.
Read Hargreaves Lansdown reviews on TrustpilotIG 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK's largest DIY investment platform and leans into service: fast phone support, deep research and every account type you might need. The March 2026 fee cuts made it meaningfully cheaper, with fund fees down to 0.35% and share dealing at £6.95.
It is still rarely the cheapest option. You are paying for service and breadth, so the honest question is whether you will use them. If not, AJ Bell offers similar range for less.
A 0.2% fee difference is worth optimising. Knowing whether you are saving enough in the first place is worth far more. Delphina models your pensions, ISAs and investments and tells you where you actually stand.