interactive investor vs Freetrade: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | interactive investor | Freetrade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £3.99/trade + monthly fee | £0 commission | Freetrade |
| Regular investing | Free on eligible funds/ETFs | Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026) | Freetrade |
| Platform | 8/10 | 7/10 | interactive investor |
| Market coverage | 8/10 | 7/10 | interactive investor |
| Customer support | 8/10 | 6/10 | interactive investor |
The verdict
interactive investor has a clear edge on customer support, while Freetrade is stronger on fees. If customer support matters most to you, interactive investor is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, Freetrade is the better fit.
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
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
Frequently asked questions
interactive investor or Freetrade: which is cheaper?
Freetrade is generally cheaper: £0 commission, versus £3.99/trade + monthly fee for interactive investor.
interactive investor or Freetrade: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: interactive investor — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Freetrade — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
interactive investor or Freetrade: which is better for beginners?
interactive investor 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 interactive investor and Freetrade?
On interactive investor: Free on eligible funds/ETFs. On Freetrade: Free (ISA & SIPP since Jan 2026).
interactive investor or Freetrade: which is safer?
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. 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.
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.