Best Stocks and Shares ISAs 2025

Best ISA
Accounts 2025

Check out our list of Best Stocks and Shares ISAs and choose the perfect provider for you this tax year!

1. Learn more about ISAs

2. Choose the best Stocks and Shares ISA platform that suits your needs

3. Read the short YWM key points

4. Visit your chosen platform and open an account

*Check our article on the topic.

*You can have more than one ISA account, as long as you don’t exceed your £20,000 allowance in any given tax year.

From April 2024, you’ll be able to open multiple ISAs of the same type, however, the ISA allowance remains unchanged.

But first, what is a Stocks and Shares ISA?

A Stocks and Shares ISA, or Individual Savings Account, is a financial tool enabling you to invest in stocks and shares, offering autonomy in shaping your investment portfolio.

Unlike other ISAs with predetermined options, it empowers you to choose specific stocks and shares aligned with your risk tolerance and financial objectives. Managing your Stocks and Shares ISA yourself can be a cheaper alternative in addition to the tax advantages, which shield your potential gains from Capital Gains Tax, Income Tax, and Dividend Tax.

With a significant annual allowance of £20,000, you can diversify your investments each year across various ISA types.

E.g. you can have two stocks and shares ISA accounts with two different providers, so you can split your annual allowance between them.

Remember that while offering potential for higher returns, prudent diversification is crucial to managing inherent risks associated with stock price fluctuations.

For more useful information on investing, check out our 5-minute article on stock investing.

Are Stocks and Shares ISAs safe?

All Stocks and Shares ISAs are safe to save and invest in. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates and authorizes ISA providers to ensure your money is protected. If you’re ever unsure about an ISA provider’s credentials, check the FCA register for verification.

Your ISA money is also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which offers up to £85,000 of protection in case of the ISA provider’s insolvency. Additionally, your investments are held separately at major banks, held in your name, and can only be accessed by you.

It’s important to note that even though ISAs offer regulatory safety, potential losses cannot be eliminated.

However, a long-term investment strategy can help mitigate risks and maximize potential gains over time.

Best Stocks and Shares ISAs 2025

InvestEngine

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Tailored Investment Options

InvestEngine stands out by offering a unique choice between a self-managed investment portfolio (DIY) and a fully managed portfolio. This flexibility allows investors, especially those new to investing, to tailor their approach according to their comfort and understanding.

Affordable Investing

InvestEngine competes effectively in the online wealth management space by maintaining a notably cost-effective fee structure. This affordability ensures that investors, including beginners, can access professional portfolio management without high costs.

Beginner-Friendly Support

The positive review of InvestEngine reflects its commitment to assisting novice investors. The user-friendly app and supportive features make it a suitable choice for those just starting in the investment journey, providing a secure and user-friendly environment.

Interactive Brokers

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Expanding Customer Base and Adapting to Changing Landscape

Interactive Brokers is proactively seeking to expand its customer base, driven by the growing interest in personal finance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company aims to align itself with this evolving trend by making significant improvements to its web and mobile applications.

Enhancing User Experience and Addressing Beginner-Friendly Needs

Interactive Brokers recognizes that novice investors are a significant target audience. While the desktop trading platform retains its traditional design, the company is making substantial enhancements to its web and mobile apps to improve the user experience for all users. The introduction of IBKR GlobalTrader is a strategic move to attract and engage a broader audience, including beginners.

Commitment to Democratizing Investing and Catering to Diverse Needs

Interactive Brokers demonstrates a clear commitment to democratizing investing and catering to a wider range of investor profiles. While still not considered a fully beginner-friendly platform, the company's efforts to enhance the user experience and introduce features tailored for novice investors indicate a positive direction. This aligns with the company's aim to be part of the evolving landscape of personal finance and investment management.

Nutmeg

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Investment Options and Accessibility

Nutmeg offers a diverse range of investment accounts, including General Investment, Stocks & Shares ISA, Lifetime ISA, Pension, and Junior ISA. The platform is user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced investors. It provides a simple process for account creation and investment selection.

Investment Styles and Risk Management

Nutmeg provides four distinct investment styles, such as Fully Managed, Smart Alpha, Fixed Allocation, and Socially Responsible. Each style caters to different investor preferences and risk tolerances. The risk levels, ranging from 1 to 10, offer flexibility for users to align their investments with their comfort level and long-term financial goals.

Transparent Fees and Safety Measures

Nutmeg's fee structure is transparent, incorporating management fees, fund costs, and market spread. Although its fees are competitive, users should be aware that Nutmeg is relatively more expensive compared to some other digital investment providers. The platform is deemed safe, authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and offers protection through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), ensuring up to £85,000 in case of unforeseen circumstances.

AJ Bell

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Cost-Effective Platform

AJ Bell stands out for its competitive fee structure, offering a lower percentage-based platform fee compared to major providers. This makes it an attractive option for investors conscious of costs. However, it's important to note that higher share trading fees and charges for buying and selling funds may impact certain investment activities.

Diverse Investment Options

Investors benefit from a wide choice of over 19,000 investments, including shares, funds, ETFs, and investment trusts. AJ Bell also provides ready-made portfolios, catering to a variety of preferences and risk profiles. The platform's range of investment options adds flexibility for users with different investment goals.

Comprehensive Support and Education

AJ Bell distinguishes itself with a high level of customer support, offering phone support six days a week, live chat, and email assistance. The platform excels in research quality and scope, providing extensive educational tools, including live webinars. However, it currently lacks a community or social trading forum, which might be a consideration for investors valuing interactive features.

Trading 212

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Zero-Commission Platform

Trading 212 distinguishes itself as a zero-commission trading platform, offering commission-free trading on a range of investment products, including stocks and funds. This feature, coupled with fractional shares, makes it particularly appealing for beginners and investors with smaller portfolios.

Diverse Investment Options

The platform provides access to over 12,000 stocks and funds, along with unique features like "Pies" – a portfolio-building tool allowing users to invest in pre-defined strategies. Additionally, Trading 212 offers multi-currency accounts, enabling users to hold cash in different currencies without incurring FX fees.

Safety and Regulation

Trading 212 is considered safe, operating under the regulations of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. It's part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), providing coverage up to £85,000 in case of the platform going out of business. However, it's notable that Trading 212 lacks phone support, which may be a consideration for those who prefer direct communication.

Vanguard

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Fee-Free Fund Investing

Vanguard excels in providing low-cost funds with access to thousands of commission-free ETFs and no-transaction-fee mutual funds, making it an ideal choice for minimizing fees in long-term investing.

Passive and Long-Term Focus

Vanguard's platform is well-suited for passive investors and those with a long-term investment horizon, aligning with its emphasis on low-cost funds. The Portfolio Watch tool aids clients in optimizing diversification.

Robo-Advisor Support

Vanguard Digital Advisor, the platform's robo-advisor, offers portfolio-building assistance based on investor goals and risk tolerance, providing valuable support for those seeking guidance in constructing a diversified portfolio.

Closing thoughts on Stocks and Shares ISAs

Opting for a tax-efficient account is crucial for safeguarding your investment portfolio against capital gains or dividends tax. However, it’s vital to identify the most cost-effective stocks and shares ISA. Otherwise, the savings gained from tax benefits might be offset by platform fees.

Knowing your investor profile is key in selecting the most economical stocks and shares ISA to maximize your £20,000 annual allowance.

We trust this article has offered insights into the available options in the UK.

Be sure to check out the brokers we have reviewed for you to make the best decision for your investment style and strategy.