Hargreaves Lansdown vs Interactive Investor: Which is better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of fees, accounts, investment range, and ratings. Updated March 2026.
Not financial advice. Capital at risk. Fees verified March 2026.
Quick verdict
- Hargreaves Lansdown wins on broader account choice (ISA, SIPP, LISA).
Platform overview
Hargreaves Lansdown
The UK's largest platform, with over 1.8 million clients. Higher fees offset by unmatched investment choice, research depth and phone support.
Interactive Investor
Flat monthly subscription instead of percentage fees. Increasingly good value as your portfolio grows, with a wide investment range and strong research.
Fees compared
| Fee type | Hargreaves Lansdown | Interactive Investor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual platform fee | 35%/yr (cap £150) | – |
| Share/ETF trading fee | £6.95/trade | £3.99/trade |
| FX fee | 0.99% | 0.75% |
| Exit fee | Free | Free |
| Interest on cash | 3.75% | 4.8% |
Accounts & investments
| Feature | Hargreaves Lansdown | Interactive Investor |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks & Shares ISA | ✓ | ✓ |
| SIPP (pension) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lifetime ISA (LISA) | ✓ | – |
| Junior ISA | ✓ | ✓ |
| General Investment Account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Individual shares | ✓ | ✓ |
| Managed portfolios | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fractional shares | ✓ | ✓ |
Ratings & support
| Metric | Hargreaves Lansdown | Interactive Investor |
|---|---|---|
| App Store rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ |
| FSCS protected | ✓ | ✓ |
| Minimum investment | £0 | £0 |
| Founded | 1981 | 1995 |
Common questions
Can I transfer my ISA from Hargreaves Lansdown to Interactive Investor?
Yes, ISA transfers are a legal right in the UK. You can initiate a transfer via your new provider without losing your ISA allowance or tax-free status. Check whether your current provider charges an exit fee first.
Which is better for a beginner?
Both platforms cater to varying experience levels. Look at each platform's app ratings and minimum investment requirements to find the closest match for your criteria.
Are both platforms safe and regulated?
Yes. Both Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor are FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected up to £85,000. Your investments are held in your name and kept separate from the company's own assets.
Can I hold a SIPP on both platforms?
Yes, both Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor offer a SIPP. Compare the platform fee above to see which is cheaper for your pension pot size.