Freetrade vs Fidelity International: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Freetrade | Fidelity International | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £0 commission | £7.50/trade (shares) | Freetrade |
| Regular investing | Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026) | £1.50/trade, funds free | Draw |
| Platform | 7/10 | 8/10 | Fidelity International |
| Market coverage | 7/10 | 8/10 | Fidelity International |
| Customer support | 6/10 | 8/10 | Fidelity International |
The verdict
Freetrade has a clear edge on fees, while Fidelity International is stronger on customer support. If fees matters most to you, Freetrade is probably the right choice; if you prioritise customer support instead, Fidelity International is the better fit.
Why choose Freetrade
- ISA and SIPP both genuinely free on the Basic plan since January 2026
- Unlimited commission-free trades, no per-trade dealing charge
- Flexible ISA — withdraw and replace funds without losing your annual allowance
- Now part of IG Group, adding institutional backing since April 2025
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
Freetrade or Fidelity International: which is cheaper?
Freetrade is generally cheaper: £0 commission, versus £7.50/trade (shares) for Fidelity International.
Freetrade or Fidelity International: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Freetrade — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Fidelity International — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Freetrade or Fidelity International: which is better for beginners?
Fidelity International tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. Freetrade remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on Freetrade and Fidelity International?
On Freetrade: Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026). On Fidelity International: £1.50/trade, funds free.
Freetrade or Fidelity International: which is safer?
Freetrade: Freetrade is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and became part of IG Group — a much larger, established UK financial services group — in April 2025. Investments are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000, while eligible cash deposits may be protected up to £120,000 through Freetrade's banking partner arrangements. 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.
Read the full Freetrade review →
Read the full Fidelity International review →
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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.