What are the best alternatives to Fidelity in the UK?
We explore the best UK alternatives to Fidelity that are suitable for a variety of investment styles and goals.
Fidelity is one of the UK's most popular investment providers, known for its wide range of investment products, user-friendly platform, and reputation for reliability.
But Fidelity isn’t your only option, several alternative platforms may offer better features, lower costs, or specialised services tailored to your unique investment goals.
- Fidelity International is a global investment company established in 1969
- Despite its popularity, some investors seek alternatives to diversify risk, reduce costs, or align with different investment philosophies
- Trusted alternatives to Fidelity include: Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, Interactive Investor, Vanguard and Nutmeg
Who is Fidelity?
Established in 1969 as the international arm of Fidelity Investments, Fidelity International is a global investment company with a strong presence in the UK.
With £687 billion of assets under management globally, they provide individuals with access to a broad range of investment options, including ISAs, pensions, general investment accounts, and managed portfolios.
Fidelity is renowned for its reliable technology, extensive research, and commitment to excellent customer service, making it a favourite among both beginners and seasoned investors.
Despite Fidelity's strengths, there could also be reasons to consider alternatives, such as lower fees, different investment options, or a more specialised focus.
What are the best alternatives to Fidelity?
When searching for alternatives to Fidelity, UK investors will find a selection of platforms that cater to different needs.
To identify the best options, we’ve considered factors like fee structure, investment selection, account types, user experience, and additional features.
Below are five excellent alternatives to Fidelity, each offering distinctive strengths and unique selling points for UK investors:
| Company | Founded | Headquarters (UK) | Assets under management (global) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity International | 1969 | London | £687 billion |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | 1981 | Bristol | £155.3 billion |
| AJ Bell | 1995 | Manchester | £6.8 billion |
| Interactive Investor | 1995 | Manchester | £77 billion |
| Vanguard | 1975 | London | £8 trillion |
| Nutmeg | 2012 | London | £4.5 billion |
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Hargreaves Lansdown is one of the UK's largest and most established investment platforms, known for its exceptional research resources, extensive range of investment choices, and high-quality customer service.
Global assets under management
- £155.3 billion
Fees
- Platform fee: 0.45% (reduces with higher balances)
- Dealing fees: £11.95 per trade (reduces with higher frequency)
Key features
- Comprehensive investment research tools
- Extensive range of funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs
- Highly-rated mobile and web platform
Pros
- Excellent customer support
- Easy-to-navigate platform suitable for all levels
- Rich educational resources
Cons
- Fees higher than some competitors, particularly for frequent traders
- Limited fee discounts for larger portfolios
Best for
- Investors looking for robust research, educational resources, and comprehensive customer support.
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AJ Bell is a popular, cost-effective platform aimed at both novice and experienced investors, renowned for its straightforward pricing and user-friendly interface.
Global assets under management
Fees
- Typically around 0.20% per annum, depending on account type and investment size
- Buying or selling funds typically costs £1.50 per transaction
- Charges may apply when transferring your investments away from AJ Bell, typically ranging between £25 and £75 per investment.
Key features
- Clear, competitive pricing
- Wide investment choice, including shares, ETFs, funds
- User-friendly website and mobile app
Pros
- User-friendly platform suitable for beginners and experienced investors alike.
- A wide range of investment options including UK and international shares, ETFs, and funds.
- Transparent fee structure, clearly outlined and competitive for most investors.
Cons
- Research tools less extensive compared to competitors
- No advisory services offered
- Additional fees can add up, particularly for smaller portfolios or frequent trading activities.
Best for
- Cost-conscious investors seeking straightforward pricing without sacrificing service quality.
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"If you’re considering investing, it pays dividends to seek guidance from a qualified financial adviser.
They can help build an investment portfolio that aligns with your risk appetite and long-term goals, as well as review it regularly so you can boost your chances of generating the returns you want."
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Interactive Investor (ii) is the UK's second-largest investment platform known for its flat-fee structure, ideal for regular or high-value investors.
Global assets under management
- £77 billion
Fees
- Flat fee from £4.99 to £21.99 per month depending on plan. £3.99 to £9.99 per trade
Key feature
- Stocks and shares ISA, self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), ETFs, investment trusts, extensive research resources
Pros
- Flat-fee structure benefits large portfolios, broad investment choices, strong educational resources
Cons
- Not ideal for infrequent or very small investors, fewer trading tools for day traders
Best for
- Regular, long-term investors or those with larger portfolios seeking a transparent, flat-fee structure
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Vanguard is known for pioneering low-cost investing, offering competitively priced index funds and ETFs.
It operates as a mutual structure, meaning it’s owned by its fund investors, aligning company incentives closely with investor interests.
Global assets under management
- £8 trillion
Fees
- 0.15% annually (capped at £375 per year on portfolios above £32,000), with a £4 monthly account fee on portfolios under £32,000.
Key features
- Extensive range of low-cost ETFs and index funds
- Mutual ownership structure
- Strong focus on passive investment strategies
Pros
- Lower fees than most competitors
- Transparent fee structure
- Ideal for long-term investors
Cons
- Limited actively managed fund offerings
- Customer support is generally online-focused
Best for
- Investors prioritising cost-efficiency and simplicity.
Nutmeg is a leading digital wealth manager offering managed portfolios tailored to your goals and risk appetite, ideal for those who prefer a hands-off investing experience.
Global assets under management
Fees
- Fixed allocation portfolios: Fees typically start at 0.45% annually.
- Fully managed portfolios: Usually range between 0.75% and 1.00%, depending on the investment amount.
Key features
- Fully managed, socially responsible, and fixed allocation portfolios
- Simple and intuitive digital interface
- Ideal for investors seeking automated investment management
Pros
- Completely hands-off investing experience
- Accessible for beginners with minimal effort required
- Clear communication and transparent pricing
Cons
- Fees higher compared to DIY investing platforms
- Limited control over individual investments
Best for
- Investors looking for professionally managed portfolios with minimal effort required on their part
All AUM totals have been converted from USD to GBP for the purpose of this article.
Get expert financial advice
Choosing the right investment platform is crucial, but it’s equally important to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial objectives.
While platforms like Fidelity and its alternatives offer various tools and resources, consulting a qualified financial adviser can offer invaluable guidance.
Professional financial advice can help tailor your investments to your personal circumstances, maximise tax efficiencies, and provide ongoing support to keep you on track to achieve your financial goals.
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