interactive investor vs Trading 212: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | interactive investor | Trading 212 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £3.99/trade + monthly fee | £0 commission | Trading 212 |
| Regular investing | Free on eligible funds/ETFs | Free (Pies/AutoInvest) | Trading 212 |
| Platform | 8/10 | 8/10 | Draw |
| 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 Trading 212 is stronger on fees. If customer support matters most to you, interactive investor is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, Trading 212 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 Trading 212
- Genuinely £0 commission and £0 platform fee across Invest, ISA and SIPP accounts
- One of the lowest FX fees of any UK broker at 0.15%
- Pies and AutoInvest for automated, weighted regular investing
- Fractional shares from £1
Frequently asked questions
interactive investor or Trading 212: which is cheaper?
Trading 212 is generally cheaper: £0 commission, versus £3.99/trade + monthly fee for interactive investor.
interactive investor or Trading 212: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: interactive investor — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Trading 212 — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
interactive investor or Trading 212: which is better for beginners?
interactive investor tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. Trading 212 remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on interactive investor and Trading 212?
On interactive investor: Free on eligible funds/ETFs. On Trading 212: Free (Pies/AutoInvest).
interactive investor or Trading 212: 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. Trading 212: Trading 212 UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eligible deposits are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm. Investments are ring-fenced in your name, held separately from the firm's own assets, so they remain yours if the firm fails, with FSCS cover of up to £85,000 for any shortfall. EU clients are served by the CySEC-regulated entity, with €20,000 ICF protection instead.
Read the full interactive investor review →
Read the full Trading 212 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.