Hargreaves Lansdown vs interactive investor: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | Hargreaves Lansdown | interactive investor | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) | £3.99/trade + monthly fee | interactive investor |
| Regular investing | Free via direct debit | Free on eligible funds/ETFs | Draw |
| 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 interactive investor is stronger on fees. If market coverage matters most to you, Hargreaves Lansdown is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, interactive investor 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 interactive investor
- Flat monthly fee, ideal for medium-to-large portfolios where percentage fees would cost more
- £3.99 dealing fee, lower than Hargreaves Lansdown's £6.95
- ISA, SIPP and Trading Account can sit under one subscription
- Family plans allow multiple accounts under a single fee
Frequently asked questions
Hargreaves Lansdown or interactive investor: which is cheaper?
interactive investor is generally cheaper: £3.99/trade + monthly fee, versus £6.95/trade (£3.95 frequent) for Hargreaves Lansdown.
Hargreaves Lansdown or interactive investor: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: Hargreaves Lansdown — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; interactive investor — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
Hargreaves Lansdown or interactive investor: which is better for beginners?
Hargreaves Lansdown tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. interactive investor remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on Hargreaves Lansdown and interactive investor?
On Hargreaves Lansdown: Free via direct debit. On interactive investor: Free on eligible funds/ETFs.
Hargreaves Lansdown or interactive investor: 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. interactive investor: interactive investor is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Client cash is protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm, and investments are ring-fenced separately from the company's own assets.
Read the full Hargreaves Lansdown 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.