Hargreaves Lansdown vs Fidelity International: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Hargreaves Lansdown | Fidelity International | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) | £7.50/trade (shares) | Fidelity International |
| Regular investing | Free via direct debit | £1.50/trade, funds free | Fidelity International |
| Platform | 8/10 | 8/10 | Draw |
| Market coverage | 9/10 | 8/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
| Customer support | 9/10 | 8/10 | Hargreaves Lansdown |
The verdict
Hargreaves Lansdown has a clear edge on market coverage, while Fidelity International is stronger on fees. If market coverage matters most to you, Hargreaves Lansdown is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, Fidelity International is the better fit.
Why choose Hargreaves Lansdown
- Widest range of account types among major UK platforms, including Junior SIPP and Lifetime ISA
- Share/ETF platform fee capped at £150/year (SIPP) or £45/year (ISA), competitive for larger portfolios
- Free regular investing via direct debit
- Access to personal financial advice and an FX service
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
Hargreaves Lansdown or Fidelity International: which is cheaper?
Fidelity International is generally cheaper: £7.50/trade (shares), versus £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) for Hargreaves Lansdown.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Fidelity International: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Hargreaves Lansdown — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Fidelity International — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Fidelity International: which is better for beginners?
Hargreaves Lansdown 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 Hargreaves Lansdown and Fidelity International?
On Hargreaves Lansdown: Free via direct debit. On Fidelity International: £1.50/trade, funds free.
Hargreaves Lansdown or Fidelity International: which is safer?
Hargreaves Lansdown: Hargreaves Lansdown 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 HL's own assets, meaning they remain yours even if the firm were to fail. 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 Hargreaves Lansdown 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.