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Starting out, the platform matters less than the habit — but the wrong one adds costs you won't notice for years. The three things that actually bite a beginner are a percentage platform fee on a small pot, a currency conversion charge if you buy American shares, and a tax wrapper you can't open because the app doesn't offer it.
Everything below offers a Stocks & Shares ISA and FSCS protection. They differ on what they charge to hold your money, what they charge to convert it, and how much of the decision-making they take off your hands.
A free ISA and SIPP in one simple app. The default pick if you're mostly buying UK shares.
Platform fee Free · UK dealing Free · FX 0.99%
The same free ISA with materially cheaper currency conversion — the better pick if you'll buy US shares.
Platform fee Free · UK dealing Free · FX 0.15%
Worth the ongoing charge if you want a LISA and a pension sitting alongside the ISA in one app.
Platform fee £1/mo + 0.45% · UK dealing — · FX 0.45%
Pick if you'd rather not choose investments at all — the portfolio is built and run for you.
Platform fee 0.75% · UK dealing Free · FX —
Pick if automated saving matters to you as much as investing does.
Platform fee 0.45% · UK dealing — · FX 0.45%
Commission-free global shares and fractional investing in a social app. No SIPP.
Platform fee — · UK dealing Free · FX 0.75%
Only worth it if Vanguard's own index funds are all you ever want to hold.
Platform fee £4/mo + 0.15% · UK dealing Free · FX —
Managed portfolios like Nutmeg's, at a lower ongoing charge, with a SIPP available.
Platform fee 0.6% · UK dealing — · FX —