A good all-rounder for people
Who want a choice of funds/shares/ISAs and pensions. User experience and trading got better over the last year.
What we say
Holly's View
Holly has accounts with all the providers on our website and independently reviews all of them.
This business is growing fast and is a fundamentally safe bet for many investors who want a fair price and decent service. The secure site has been gradually improving over the last 12 months as has the app, which is easy to navigate. The supporting research and market information is strong. Sometimes the website lets me down when I'm trying to do things - move money or transfer accounts. But these occasional glitches can be overlooked - in general it's a good solution and deserves its success.
Customer review
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Overall Summary
Best Buy 2021
Best Buy for ISA
Best Buy for Pension
Best Buy for Beginner ISA and Beginner Pension
Best Buy for Sustainable ISA and Best Buy for Sustainable Pension
Best But for Low-cost ISA and Low-cost Pension
Ease of use
It’s a traditional site and relatively easy to navigate, although the lack of signposting isn’t helpful for newbies. There is plenty of information available with consumer-friendly language and research, but it could be more visually appealing. Tools, like the slider that compares product costs, are useful in visualising platform fees. Behind the scenes trading is simple and it’s clear to navigate around
Mobile & Apps
AJ Bell’s mobile app is available on both Android and iOS devices. Through the app users can sign up, research, and purchase investments, as well as just simply add money to your account. On iOS devices the app can be linked to the control center and there’s the option of two-factor authentication if security is your thing. Overall the app is very clean and easy to use despite looking rather boring!
Behind the scenes
The secure site has been much improved. It’s clear to navigate around and it’s one of the easiest platforms for trading. Post trade things are played back simply which might seem obvious but many others could learn a lesson from this!
Investment Choice
Products
Stocks and Shares ISA
Junior ISA
Lifetime ISA
Shares
Pension
Investments available
Own brand funds
Funds from other groups
Stocks and shares
Investment help
Robo advice / ready-made portfolios
Help building a portfolio
Includes a shortlist of investments
Pick your own funds
Pick your own shares
The 'Geeky' Details
Provider details
AJ Bell Youinvest is a low-cost option for people who are comfortable with investing. There are loads of investment options – including individual shares and funds. It does also have a range of low-cost all-in-one passive funds for those who want someone else to do the heavy lifting. Charges start off at 0.25% for the platform, excluding any fund charges. This tiers down for large portfolios and there’s a cap on shares.
This tends to make them pretty cheap, whether you have a small or large portfolio containing shares or funds. There are fund and share dealing charges, £1.50 and £9.95 respectively, so there are cheaper options available for those that regularly invest small amounts into multiple funds.
Important Facts & Figures
Provider Size:
Large firm which is listed on the LSE and FTSE 250. Manages over £12b on behalf of investors and financial advisers.
Minimum amounts:
£25 minimum monthly amount
£500 minimum initial amount for third party funds. £1 minimum investment into AJ Bell passive funds.
AJ Bell Youinvest