Which broker should I choose UK?
You have decided to start investing. You have an ISA allowance. Now comes the question that stops people cold: which platform actually?
First: an honest framing
This is not every broker in the UK. There are dozens. This is a summary of the ones most people ask about, and how to evaluate any of them.
The right broker depends entirely on your situation. Before comparing fees or features, ask yourself one question: what wrappers do you actually need?
If you do not know the difference between an ISA and a SIPP, or whether you need a JISA for your children, that is where to start. The cheapest broker is irrelevant if it does not offer what you need.
The 4 questions to ask any broker
Does it offer the wrappers you need?
ISA, SIPP, JISA, JSIPP, Flexible ISA. Know what you need before you compare. An ISA is for flexible investing. A SIPP is for retirement. A JISA or JSIPP is for your children.
What are the total fees?
Platform fee plus trading fee plus any exit fee. A 0.45% platform fee sounds small but is £450 per year on a £100,000 pension pot. On the same pot, AJ Bell charges £250. Vanguard charges £375 flat. Do the maths for your pot size.
Does it support company contributions?
If your employer matches pension contributions, you need a SIPP provider they support. Fidelity, Hargreaves Lansdown, and AJ Bell support salary exchange. Freetrade, Trading 212, and Vanguard do not.
Does it offer the funds you want?
Some platforms only offer their own funds or a limited list. If you want to invest in specific index funds, ETFs, or individual shares, check the platform supports what you want before signing up.
UK broker comparison
| Provider | ISA | Flex ISA | SIPP | JISA | JSIPP | Annual fee | Trade fee | Exit fee | Company contribs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freetrade | £0 | FX fees | £0 | ||||||
| Trading 212 | Coming soon | £0 | FX fees | £0 | |||||
| Fidelity | 0.35% | £7.50 | £0 | ||||||
| Interactive Investor | £180 | £5.99 | £0 | ||||||
| Hargreaves Lansdown | 0.45% | £12 | £0 | ||||||
| Vanguard | £375 | £7.50 | £0 | ||||||
| AJ Bell | 0.25% | £1.50 | £0 |
Source: Provider websites, May 2026. Always verify current fees directly with the provider before signing up.
Some links above are referral links, which means we may receive a benefit if you sign up. This does not affect our editorial independence - we only recommend what we believe is genuinely useful.
Other brokers to consider
This guide does not cover every option. Depending on your needs, these may also be worth considering:
- Prosper - UK investment platform offering various investment options.
- Wealthify - Managed portfolios from 0.6%. Simple onboarding with set-and-forget investing.
- Scottish Widows Share Dealing - Low-cost platform owned by Lloyds. Good for straightforward investing.
The right choice depends on your specific situation. If you are unsure what you need, Delphina can help you understand which wrappers make sense for your goals.
Can you switch brokers?
Yes. You can transfer your ISA, SIPP, or JISA from one provider to another. The transfer usually takes 2-4 weeks and your investments move across without triggering any capital gains tax.
Some brokers offer cashback or switching bonuses, particularly around the end of the tax year (April). If you are thinking of moving a large pot, these incentives can be worth hundreds of pounds. Check what is on offer before committing.
The right time to switch is when the costs of staying outweigh the hassle of moving, or when your needs have changed and another provider better suits what you want to invest in.
Before you pick a broker
Do you actually know what wrappers you need? Most people do not. Delphina connects your accounts and tells you honestly where you stand and what to do next.