Vanguard vs Fidelity: 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
Vanguard and Fidelity are closely matched. The best fit depends on your criteria. Use our quiz to filter all 25 platforms to your preferences.
Platform overview
Vanguard
The home of index investing, built around Vanguard's own low-cost funds. Suits passive investors who want simplicity and rock-bottom ongoing costs.
Fidelity
Global asset manager with a strong UK platform. A fee cap on larger portfolios and a vast fund range make it particularly well suited to long-term, fund-focused investors.
Fees compared
| Fee type | Vanguard | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Annual platform fee | 15%/yr (cap £375) | 35%/yr (cap £90) |
| Share/ETF trading fee | – | £7.5/trade |
| FX fee | Free | 0.75% |
| Exit fee | Free | Free |
| Interest on cash | – | 3.5% |
Accounts & investments
| Feature | Vanguard | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks & Shares ISA | ✓ | ✓ |
| SIPP (pension) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lifetime ISA (LISA) | – | – |
| Junior ISA | ✓ | ✓ |
| General Investment Account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Individual shares | – | ✓ |
| Managed portfolios | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fractional shares | – | – |
Ratings & support
| Metric | Vanguard | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| App Store rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.7 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ |
| FSCS protected | ✓ | ✓ |
| Minimum investment | £500 | £0 |
| Founded | 1975 | 1979 |
Common questions
Can I transfer my ISA from Vanguard to Fidelity?
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 Vanguard and Fidelity 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 Vanguard and Fidelity offer a SIPP. Compare the platform fee above to see which is cheaper for your pension pot size.