as of 10/08/2018 at 1:53 pm
This is an example of a service which has steadily improved whilst retaining its low pricing. The language and content has been made easier for a less confident investor although the initial landing page dashboard is fairly daunting. The service is good, choice is plentiful and the research is helpful. The relatively low price tag makes this a contender for many people who can see beyond complex dashboards and the more than occasional slip into jargon.
We score each provider on about 20 different criteria including cost, service, website, functionality, customer feedback and our experience of the service. All overseen by our PhD gonk!
Confident Investor
Low cost
Wide choice of investments
Good fund research
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Based on 55 reviews
Sponsored by
Charles Stanley Direct
Charles Stanley Direct offers a range of options for both ‘DIY’ investors and those wishing to be less ‘hands on’.
Confident investors can select from thousands of investment shares and funds. Our Foundation Fundlist of preferred investments can be helpful for those looking to generate ideas.
For those unsure and wanting to get started quickly our Foundation Portfolios offer low cost and convenient options to get going.
Investment newbies can consider a Charles Stanley managed investment, continually monitored by our experts, giving extra peace of mind.
Whichever option you decide you’ll be taking advantage of our exceptionally competitive charges, ability to manage and monitor investments online or through our app, and award winning, friendly customer service from our Edinburgh helpdesk.
Investment options are available in our ISA, Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) and Investment accounts. We also offer Junior ISAs for children.
Invest lump sums, monthly from £50, or transfer existing ISAs, pensions and other investments to see more of them in one place.
Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is one of the oldest firms on the London Stock Exchange with roots dating back to 1792. Today, it is one of the leading investment management companies in the UK.
Charles Stanley Direct combines the safety, security and heritage of Charles Stanley Group with the online tools, options and great value demanded by the modern online investor.
The price of shares and other investments, and the income derived from them, may fall as well as rise so you could get back less than you invest.
Stocks and Shares ISA
Junior ISA
Investment Account
Pension
Own brand funds
Funds from other groups
Stocks and shares
Robo advice / ready-made portfolios
Help building a portfolio
Includes a shortlist of investments
Pick your own funds
Pick your own shares
Charles Stanley Direct is a relatively cheap way to invest for those with less than £50,000 to invest, at 0.35% per year, plus any fund management costs. There are no fund dealing charges, so for investors putting small amounts into a few different funds on a monthly basis it is low cost. You can also buy company shares. There is also an annual £120 fee for a pension for investors holding less than £30,000 on the platform.
It will be a bit overwhelming for less confident investors who have a huge range of investments to navigate and not that much help with any filters. There is lots of choice and research available. The so-called Foundation Fund list shows their favourite funds which is useful. There is also a range of all-in-one funds – the Charles Stanley Multi Asset Funds – for those that want all the investment done for them.
Expect to pay about 1% all-in for an ‘active’ portfolio – this is good value. It’s worth considering for Junior ISAs too.
| Provider Size: | Mid-sized investment platform administering around £2bn |
| Minimum amounts: | £50 minimum monthly payment (£100 for pensions) £500 minimum initial investment into a fund |
| 12 month indicative performance: | Charles Stanley Direct's fund range has less than one year track record. |
