Best For Low-Cost ISA - Funds & Shares Award 2026 | Boring Money
Written by Boring Money
29 Jan, 2026
Who won the Best For Low-Cost ISA - Funds & Shares Award 2026?
The winners of are AJ Bell, Freetrade, Moneyfarm, and Scottish Widows. These providers were selected through pure cost analysis across different portfolio sizes, examining both platform fees and dealing charges for investors who want solid mutual fund ranges alongside direct share dealing, plus feedback from over 27,000 real customer reviews.
How are the Best For Low-Cost ISA - Funds & Shares winners chosen?
Winners are selected through focused cost analysis for investors wanting both funds and shares. The methodology examines costs across different portfolio sizes, analysing both platform fees and dealing charges.
To qualify, platforms must offer a solid range of mutual funds and direct share dealing capability, not just token offerings. Winners are identified through pure numbers analysis of fund and share dealing costs. This award focuses exclusively on costs for combined fund and share investing - for a comprehensive assessment including service quality and features, the overall Best Buy ISA Award provides the full picture.
Best For Low-Cost ISA - Funds & Shares Award 2026 Winners
Winners are listed in alphabetical order.
AJ Bell
Navigation is generally good - I could find what I needed easily. The guidance and FAQs are helpful. It's a solid, functional platform that gets the job done.
Freetrade
Modern design which I liked, but navigation could be smoother. Good for what it offers, though not enough depth in the investment tools.
Moneyfarm
The portfolio display is good - really clear and well-presented. Costs are transparent too. Navigation and tools could be stronger, but the core experience shows promise.
Scottish Widows Share Dealing
The documentation is genuinely excellent - well-organized and informative. Mobile experience is decent, too. Navigation and portfolio display need improvement.
FAQs about Stocks & Shares ISAs
What's the difference between funds and shares?
Funds (unit trusts, OEICs) pool money from many investors to buy a diversified basket of investments managed by professionals. They offer instant diversification and professional management but charge ongoing fees (typically 0.5-1.5% annually for actively managed funds). Shares (stocks) are direct ownership in individual companies - potentially higher returns but higher risk and requiring more research. Best Buy winners offer both, allowing you to combine professional fund management with direct share ownership.
Can I hold both funds and shares in the same ISA?
Yes, you can hold both funds and shares in a single Stocks & Shares ISA. This allows you to build a diversified portfolio combining professional fund management with direct share ownership, all within your £20,000 annual ISA allowance. Best Buy Award winners specialise in offering good ranges of both investment types with competitive combined costs.
Are fund and share ISAs more expensive than just investing in one?
Not necessarily - most platforms charge the same platform fee whether you hold funds, shares, or both. However, dealing charges differ: funds often have no transaction fees but higher ongoing charges (0.5-1.5% for actively managed funds), while shares have trading fees (£0-10 per trade) but no ongoing fund charges. Best Buy winners offer competitive structures for investors wanting both, rather than penalising mixed portfolios.
Should beginners invest in funds or shares?
Beginners typically start with funds for instant diversification and professional management, reducing risk compared to picking individual shares. Once you understand investing basics and have time to research companies, you can add individual shares. Best Buy Award winners like AJ Bell and Moneyfarm provide good educational content and ready-made fund options, making them suitable for beginners who want to develop into more active investors over time.
Which ISA is best for you?
Are you looking to open an ISA but not sure who to turn to? Check our ISA comparison table to see what's out there! Read our full reviews for information on fees and charges, investment range, real customer reviews and more.
