Top Performing Stock and Shares Individual Savings Accounts
Investing in a Stocks and Shares Individual Savings Account (ISA) provides a tax-free avenue for returns on investments. If you're willing to take on a degree of risk, these accounts can offer better returns than traditional Cash ISAs.
A Stocks and Shares ISA acts as an investment account that enables the purchase and trading of shares, investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, and more, up to £20,000—the current allowance. The capital gains and income tax are waived on the earnings from investments held within the ISA.
While Stocks and Shares ISAs involve some risk due to the fluctuating performance of investments, they might deliver higher returns compared to Cash ISAs. Although the value can rise or fall, spreading your personal allowance among ISAs can allow for tailoring your investments to the level of risk you're comfortable with.
Typically, self-managed accounts are offered. These require research alongside investment for the best outcome. Below is a comparison of some popular ISA providers in the UK, as of May 2025:
Top Stocks and Shares ISA Providers
Trading 212 offers an app-based no-cost Stocks and Shares ISA, allowing purchases of UK, US, and European stocks and shares. However, it does not provide open-ended investment funds. Trading is commission-free on shares, investment trusts, and ETFs.
eToro provides a Stocks and Shares ISA with no account or dealing fees. Clients can invest in UK, US, and European stocks, among other countries, although there may be a small foreign exchange fee.
Interactive investor charges £4.99 per month for ISAs with under £50k, and £11.99 for ISAs with £50k or more saved.
Vanguard offers a self-managed ISA for £4 per month or 0.15% annually for managed ISAs. Vanguard will discuss your investment preferences if you choose the managed version. If you have over £32,000 invested, the fee for both versions is 0.15% annually, up to £375. The managed version also has a 0.20% annual fee. However, Vanguard's range of investments is limited to their own products.
AJBell charges a 0.25% annual fee for holding investments. There is also a £1.50 fee for fund dealing.
Charles Stanley offers over 12,500 stocks, shares, ETFs, and funds with a maximum fee of 0.30% per year and a £5 monthly platform fee. Although savings are available through their loyalty program, there is no minimum investment.
Hargreaves Lansdown is another well-known provider with a 0.45% annual charge for accounts with under £250,000. At present, Hargreaves Lansdown is offering 40% off the fee, but this discount ends at the end of the year.
While these providers offer various features, carefully research your options to find the best one that suits your investment style and preferences.
Financing your investments with a Stocks and Shares ISA can provide you with a financial avenue for purchasing shares, investment trusts, exchange-traded funds, and more, allowing for tax-free returns on earnings. Some ISA providers such as Trading 212, eToro, Interactive investor, Vanguard, AJBell, Charles Stanley, and Hargreaves Lansdown offer various features in their Stocks and Shares ISA services, each with its unique fees and investment options. It's essential to conduct thorough research to determine the best ISA provider that aligns with your investment style and preferences.
