Value For Money Award 2025

Who is AJ Bell good for?

One of the best options in the UK, this service is suited for people with a little experience, providing lots of supporting information and guidance to support learning and increasingly confident decision-making. Costs are very reasonable and the support for beginners with ambitions to learn makes it a good option for aspiring investors. Not for those who prefer to take a back seat and do the bare minimum though. In terms of charges, AJ Bell is cheap for large portfolios, with no platform fees above £500k, and relatively cheap for smaller portfolios. Plus there’s a wide range of investments to choose from.

Who is Barclays good for?

Barclays Smart Investor is ideal for existing Barclays bank customers who want to manage their investments alongside their current accounts in one place. It's good for investors looking to build a portfolio of funds and shares, with access to over 8,000 investment options - the largest range from any UK high street bank. While it has good educational content, it's not the most beginner-friendly platform, and it's not the best choice for pension investors due to additional SIPP fees.

Who is eToro good for?

eToro is best suited for active traders and investment enthusiasts who want to engage in copy trading and access a wide range of assets including stocks, crypto, and CFDs all in one place. While it offers learning tools for beginners, it's not ideal for those seeking traditional tax-wrapped accounts or conservative investment options.

Who is HSBC good for?

HSBC is best suited for existing HSBC bank customers who prefer simplicity and want the security of a major bank. It's particularly good for less confident investors who want limited, straightforward investment choices (only 5 ready-made portfolios) and don't mind having access to only HSBC products. The platform is ideal for those who want to manage all their banking and investments in one place with a single login, though they'll need to have an HSBC current account to access these services.

Who is IG good for?

IG is best suited for frequent and confident share traders, particularly those interested in sophisticated trading methods like spread betting. It's a good fit for investors who want access to a broad range of international shares and are comfortable with complex trading platforms. The platform also works for those interested in ready-made investments through their Smart Portfolio service. However, it's not ideal for beginners as the site can be overwhelming, and it's more tailored to spread-betting than traditional fund investing. It's also worth noting that while they offer educational resources, the platform is generally better suited to experienced investors who are comfortable with higher-risk trading.

Who is IWeb good for?

IWeb is a good service for investors who are looking for an exceptionally low-cost option – even if that comes with a less flashy website and no mobile app. Setting up an ISA account is free, so this makes IWeb among the cheapest investment providers on the market right now. It’s geared slightly to more experienced investors who know what they’re doing but is not for those who like a good digital experience.

Who is Moneybox good for?

Moneybox is ideal for beginners and people who want a simple, straightforward approach to investing through a user-friendly app. It's particularly good for those who prefer managing investments on their phone and like features like round-ups to help with saving. While it works well for smaller portfolios and those starting from just £1, it's not the best choice for those who want detailed investment control or have larger portfolios (over £20,000) due to its relatively high fees. It's also not suitable for investors who want to deeply understand their investments or desire a wide range of investment choices.

Who is Monzo good for?

So now you know more about Monzo, is it the right home for your money? We think it's a decent option if you're a beginner investor, someone who doesn't have a lot of time on their hands, or appreciates a little ESG consideration in their investments. But if you're more experienced and want a wider investment range or looking for the cheapest option, Monzo probably isn't best option for you.

Who is Nutmeg good for?

Nutmeg is a decent option for less confident investors or those who find investing a bit baffling and could do with a helping hand. There’s a wide range of different investment approaches and a lot of portfolios on offer compared to its competitors. Chase banking customers will also like the integration. Plus, it’s backed by investment banking giants JP Morgan.

Who is PensionBee good for?

PensionBee is a good choice for people who’ve moved jobs a lot and are looking for a handy service to consolidate their various pots. It’s particularly good for less confident investors who value simple language and a straightforward, digital approach.

Who is Trading 212 good for?

Trading 212 is a good choice for people who want low fees and keen investors who take a real interest in it, thanks to the broad range of investments to choose from and the handy ‘pies’ which enable you to fully customise your portfolio. However, there could be more support for beginner investors and the lack of pension means it’s not suited to those looking to open a SIPP for their retirement savings. It may also not suit those who prefer investing via computers, as although desktop functionality exists, Trading 212 is very much a mobile-first provider.

Who is Vanguard good for?

Vanguard is a comforting, giant brand generally held in high regard. It’s low-cost with a platform charge of just 0.15% and has a suite of industry-respected ready-made options for beginners – the famed LifeStrategy range. However, it does have its flaws; Vanguard is a closed platform, meaning you can only use it to buy Vanguard’s own funds, so there’s limited choice. It’s also not so good for active traders.

Who is Wealthify good for?

Wealthify is a respectable option for less confident investors or those who need a helping (digital) hand – it's super easy to use and you can get started with just £1. It’s also relatively cheap for smaller portfolios of less than £50,000. However, for larger portfolios of £50k+ it starts to get expensive.