

The wrong UK platform on a £100k pot quietly burns £400 a year. Over 30 years that's a new car you never bought. The right one is rarely the brand you've heard of.
Best UK investment platform by portfolio size
| Portfolio | Best pick | Cost model | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under £20k | Trading 212 | Free | No fees on ISA, SIPP, GIA |
| ETF only, any size | InvestEngine | Free DIY | 0% platform, ETF OCF only |
| £20k - £100k mixed | AJ Bell | 0.25% capped | Funds plus shares range |
| £100k+ | interactive investor | Flat fee | Beats percentage on size |
Cost model matched to portfolio size matters far more than brand or app polish.
Key takeaways
The best UK investment platform depends on your portfolio size and what you want to hold, not on brand reputation.
Under £20k: Trading 212 or InvestEngine win on cost and simplicity.
Mid-sized portfolios (£20k-£100k) with mixed funds and shares: AJ Bell hits the sweet spot.
Larger portfolios (£100k+): interactive investor flat fees beat percentage charges by hundreds of pounds a year.