Investment Platform
What is an investment platform?
An investment platform is where you hold your investments. It gives you an account (like an ISA or GIA), lets you buy and sell funds and shares, and keeps everything in one place.
What are some examples of investment platforms?
Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor, AJ Bell, Vanguard Investor, Fidelity Personal Investing, and Trading 212 are all investment platforms.
How does an investment platform make money?
By charging a platform fee. Some charge a percentage of your portfolio. Some charge a flat monthly fee. Some charge trading fees when you buy or sell.
Is an investment platform the same as a fund provider?
No. The platform holds your investments. The fund provider runs the funds you buy. You pay fees to both.
Some companies do both. Vanguard is a fund provider but also runs its own platform (Vanguard Investor). You can also buy Vanguard funds through other platforms.
Scrimpr’s ISA comparison covers more platforms than any other UK guide.
Compare ISA Platforms →Key points about investment platforms
- Holds your investments. ISA, GIA, SIPP
- Lets you buy and sell. Funds, shares, bonds
- Charges platform fees, separate from fund fees