Getting started with investing doesn't need a four or five-figure lump sum. UK investment platforms with low minimum deposits now let you invest with just £1, and you don't need to be an expert to open an account.
We compared eight of these platforms, split into two tiers: five accept an opening deposit of £1, like Trading 212, Monzo and Moneybox, while three, such as Scottish Widows, ask for £50. We've independently analysed each provider, so you can find the one that's best for you - whether you're a well-established investor or just starting out.
Does investing little and often actually add up?
Many providers accept monthly top-ups from as little as £10, which is exactly the point: investing little and often, rather than waiting until you've saved a bigger lump sum, is one of the simplest ways to start building wealth without trying to time the market.
Regular contributions smooth out price swings over time - you buy more shares when prices dip and fewer when they rise. This is a strategy known as pound-cost averaging. A low minimum deposit doesn't mean every platform suits every investor, though: some are built for hands-off beginners, others assume you're happy picking your own shares, and a couple carry higher charges once you look past the headline £1 or £50 entry point.
By investing little and often, you're setting yourself up for potential long-term success without feeling the pinch in your day-to-day life.
Join Boring Money for free to unlock the full article, including tips on how to get started and:
- The full £1-vs-£50 platform breakdown, side by side
- Which platforms suit first-time investors - and which assume you already know what you're doing
- The fees and FX charges to check before you sign up, beyond the headline minimum deposit
- Where each platform falls short, so the gaps don't catch you out later
- Our ratings for all eight platforms, out of 10
- How to put "little and often" investing into practice from as little as £10 a month
