interactive investor vs Vanguard UK: which is better in 2026?
Point-by-point comparison
| Category | interactive investor | Vanguard UK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | ISA / SIPP tax wrapper | Draw |
| Fees | £3.99/trade + monthly fee | 0.15% (capped £375/yr) | Vanguard UK |
| Regular investing | Free on eligible funds/ETFs | Free (no dealing fees) | Draw |
| Platform | 8/10 | 6/10 | interactive investor |
| Market coverage | 8/10 | 3/10 | interactive investor |
| Customer support | 8/10 | 6/10 | interactive investor |
The verdict
interactive investor has a clear edge on market coverage, while Vanguard UK is stronger on fees. If market coverage matters most to you, interactive investor is probably the right choice; if you prioritise fees instead, Vanguard UK 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 Vanguard UK
- One of the lowest percentage platform fees in the UK, at 0.15% capped at £375/year
- No dealing fees at all on Vanguard funds or ETFs, no transfer or exit fees
- LifeStrategy and Target Retirement funds are exclusive to Vanguard, genuinely "set and forget"
- One combined account fee across ISA, SIPP and other Vanguard accounts
Frequently asked questions
interactive investor or Vanguard UK: which is cheaper?
Vanguard UK is generally cheaper: 0.15% (capped £375/yr), versus £3.99/trade + monthly fee for interactive investor.
interactive investor or Vanguard UK: which has the simpler tax treatment?
Tax treatment is comparable between the two: interactive investor — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper; Vanguard UK — ISA / SIPP tax wrapper.
interactive investor or Vanguard UK: which is better for beginners?
interactive investor tends to be more beginner-friendly, thanks to a stronger platform and customer support. Vanguard UK remains a solid choice if you're already familiar with the markets.
Can I set up regular investing on interactive investor and Vanguard UK?
On interactive investor: Free on eligible funds/ETFs. On Vanguard UK: Free (no dealing fees).
interactive investor or Vanguard UK: 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. Vanguard UK: Vanguard Investor is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Eligible money and investments held with Vanguard UK are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 if the firm were to fail — the standard level of protection for any FCA-regulated UK investment platform.
Read the full interactive investor review →
Read the full Vanguard UK 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.