AJ Bell vs Fidelity International: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | AJ Bell | Fidelity International | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £5.00/trade (shares) | £7.50/trade (shares) | AJ Bell |
| Regular investing | Free (since May 2026) | £1.50/trade, funds free | Draw |
| Platform | 9/10 | 8/10 | AJ Bell |
| Market coverage | 9/10 | 8/10 | AJ Bell |
| Customer support | 8/10 | 8/10 | Draw |
The verdict
Overall, AJ Bell comes out slightly ahead in this comparison, but the difference depends heavily on what you're looking for: check the table above to see which criterion matters most for you.
Why choose AJ Bell
- SIPP share cap of £120/year, among the cheapest full-service SIPPs for share/ETF investors
- Regular investing now completely free, removing the last major pricing gap
- Offers Lifetime ISA and Junior SIPP, account types many rivals lack
- Eight consecutive years of Which? Recommended Provider status
Why choose Fidelity International
- Free fund dealing — buy, sell and switch funds at zero cost
- £90/year cap on ETF and share fees in an ISA or SIPP, among the most competitive for growing ETF portfolios
- No service fee at all on Junior ISA, Junior SIPP, or GIA exchange-traded holdings
- SIPP named Which? Recommended Provider for six years running
Frequently asked questions
AJ Bell or Fidelity International: which is cheaper?
AJ Bell is generally cheaper: £5.00/trade (shares), versus £7.50/trade (shares) for Fidelity International.
AJ Bell or Fidelity International: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: AJ Bell — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Fidelity International — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
AJ Bell or Fidelity International: which is better for beginners?
AJ Bell tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. Fidelity International remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on AJ Bell and Fidelity International?
On AJ Bell: Free (since May 2026). On Fidelity International: £1.50/trade, funds free.
AJ Bell or Fidelity International: which is safer?
AJ Bell: AJ Bell is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Client cash is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm, and investments are held separately from AJ Bell's own assets. With a market capitalisation exceeding £1.5 billion and eight consecutive years of Which? Recommended status, AJ Bell is considered one of the more institutionally stable platforms in the UK market. Fidelity International: Fidelity International is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Client money and investments are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm. The SIPP has been named a Which? Recommended Provider for six consecutive years and includes pension drawdown with no additional charges beyond the standard service fee.
Information on fees and features is accurate at the time of publication but may change: always check current terms on the broker's official website before opening an account. This is not financial advice.