The website is big, bold and professional
But carries a large amount of industry-speak, leaving something that is visually quite appealing
What we say
Holly's View
Holly has accounts with all the providers on our website and independently reviews all of them.
Easy to use and engaging information. Bestinvest has spent time and effort on their fund research pages and the revised journey enables improved comparison as well as helpful, well-signposted investment details and information. The service is steadily improving. 0.4% a year for ISA charges is at the high end and relatively expensive without any clear differentiation or obvious reason as to why this is worth it.
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Overall Summary
Ease of use
Bestinvest is fairly straightforward to use although some aspects of the site feel a bit dated.
It’s always hard to get going because they have 2 very different entry points for advised and non-advised clients which always trips us up.
However once in, a lot of work has been done on the display of research and information and this is one of the most helpful sites around for those who want a few tips and pointers on which funds or investments to choose.
Mobile & Apps
No mobile app exists. When not logged in, pages are mobile optimised. However we are yet to find a single page once logged in that's mobile optimised. There's a lot to be done here to improve the mobile usability.
Behind the scenes
The site has been upgraded over 2018 and it is now much easier to navigate around, managing a portfolio but also reading up on the markets and getting tips and ideas on what funds to pick. This service will suit the all-round investor - the purist share trader wont like it and the novice will feel a bit at sea. But for those who want to do a bit of reading, and manage their own portfolio, without needing to be an expert, it's a good option.
There are lots of useful calculators available and the fund research is good.
Investment Choice
Products
Stocks and Shares ISA
Junior ISA
Investment Account
Pension
Investments available
Own brand funds
Funds from other groups
Stocks and shares
Investment help
Robo advice / ready-made portfolios
Includes a shortlist of investments
Pick your own funds
Pick your own shares
The 'Geeky' Details
Provider details
Bestinvest is a decent online investment platform which offers OK ISA and pension options. The website has plenty of guides and investment research available once you're in. It also has a range of ready-made portfolios and pre-packaged investment choices, as well as funds from loads of groups and individual company shares. There’s a fair bit of technical information and fund research, so it’s more likely to suit those that are more experienced. The platform has several own-brand multi-asset funds available in both passive and active options.
Confusingly called the IFSL Tilney range. The charges for these active options are broadly in line with (equally pricey) comparable industry alternatives and range from 1.47% to 1.54%. It is hard to think why an investor choosing a passive multi-asset option, with the platform fee on top, would be well advised to pick this route to market. With a fee of 0.4% for ISAs, it’s slightly pricey for smaller portfolios. However, there are no fund dealing charges, so for investors putting small amounts into a few different funds on a monthly basis it is pretty low cost.
Important Facts & Figures
Provider Size:
Mid-sized investment platform administering around £3b. Owned by Tilney Group who are established in the investment management industry.
Minimum amounts:
£50 for most funds
Bestinvest