In today’s digital age, investment apps have revolutionized the way individuals approach wealth-building. Gone are the days when you needed large sums of money or expensive brokers to get started with investing. Now, with just a smartphone, anyone can start investing in stocks, bonds, ETFs, and more, all while enjoying low fees and easy-to-use platforms. For those in the UK, the range of investment apps is expanding rapidly, offering unique features to cater to both beginners and seasoned investors alike. If you’re looking to grow your money in the UK, here’s a rundown of the Best Investment Apps UK that can help you make informed decisions and diversify your portfolio.
1. Freetrade: Best for Beginners
Freetrade is one of the most popular investment apps in the UK, especially among those just starting their investment journey. This app offers commission-free trading, which is a huge attraction for many investors. Whether you’re buying or selling shares, Freetrade charges no fees, making it an affordable choice for beginners who want to dip their toes into investing without the risk of hefty commissions eating into their profits.
In addition to its ease of use and straightforward interface, Freetrade offers access to a wide range of UK and US stocks, ETFs, and investment trusts. This allows users to create a diversified portfolio even if they are just starting with small investments. The app also supports fractional shares, meaning you can invest with as little as £1, allowing for greater flexibility and diversification even with a modest amount of capital. As a result, Freetrade is a standout choice for anyone who is new to investing and wants a simple, cost-effective solution.
2. Trading 212: Best for Commission-Free Trading
Another strong contender in the UK investment app space is Trading 212. With a focus on commission-free trading, it has attracted many investors who want to avoid the usual high fees associated with traditional brokerage platforms. Trading 212 allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, and CFDs without incurring commission charges, making it an excellent choice for frequent traders.
Trading 212 offers a unique feature called the “Invest” account, which is a standard brokerage account that lets you invest in real shares and ETFs. The “ISA” account is a tax-efficient option, while the “CFD” account enables more advanced traders to speculate on the rise and fall of stock prices. With an intuitive interface and various investment options, Trading 212 is ideal for both beginners and more experienced investors. Additionally, the app offers tools for analyzing markets and monitoring trends, making it easier for users to make informed investment decisions.
3. Nutmeg: Best for Robo-Advisory Services
For those who prefer a more hands-off approach to investing, Nutmeg is the go-to choice. Nutmeg is one of the UK’s leading robo-advisors, offering automated portfolio management services. This makes it perfect for individuals who may not have the time or expertise to manage their own investments but still want to benefit from the stock market.
Nutmeg provides a personalized investment portfolio based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Once you answer a few simple questions about your objectives and preferences, Nutmeg will suggest a mix of low-cost ETFs to build your portfolio. The app offers a range of portfolios, from cautious to adventurous, catering to different investor types. Moreover, Nutmeg is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing peace of mind to users. Nutmeg’s fees are competitive, and it’s an excellent option for those who want a professional touch to their investment strategy without high management fees.
4. Revolut: Best for Global Diversification
Revolut is often thought of as just a digital banking app, but it also offers a comprehensive investment platform. Revolut’s investment app allows users to invest in stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and even metals like gold and silver. One of the standout features of Revolut is its ability to offer global diversification, allowing you to invest in US, European, and even emerging market stocks.
Revolut offers fractional shares, which means you don’t need to purchase a whole share to begin investing in high-value companies. Furthermore, Revolut provides access to commission-free trades, making it an affordable option for smaller investors. For those who are particularly interested in cryptocurrency, Revolut stands out by offering a user-friendly platform to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and several other digital currencies. It also includes budgeting tools and foreign exchange services, making Revolut a versatile app for managing both your finances and investments.
5. eToro: Best for Social Investing
eToro is an app that sets itself apart with its unique social investing features. It allows users to follow and copy the trades of successful investors, making it an excellent platform for beginners who want to learn from experienced traders. This social aspect adds a community-driven element to investing, which can be particularly helpful for those who want to take a more hands-on approach without the risk of making costly mistakes.
The eToro platform allows users to invest in stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and even forex. It’s known for its low fees and commission-free trading on many assets. One of the best features of eToro is its “CopyTrader” tool, which lets you copy the trades of top investors automatically. This allows you to benefit from the strategies of those who have a track record of success. eToro also offers an extensive education center, providing tutorials, webinars, and market analyses to help users improve their investing knowledge.
6. Moneybox: Best for Micro-Investing
Moneybox is perfect for those who want to start investing but don’t have large amounts of capital to commit. This app allows you to round up your spare change from everyday purchases and invest it into a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds. For example, if you spend £2.50 on a coffee, Moneybox can round up the purchase to £3 and invest the extra 50p. Over time, these small contributions can add up, making it a great option for beginner investors.
Moneybox offers a range of portfolios based on your risk tolerance, and the app makes it easy to manage and track your investments. It also supports tax-efficient ISAs and pensions, giving you flexibility in terms of your investment strategy. While Moneybox’s fees may be slightly higher compared to some other micro-investing platforms, its simplicity and convenience make it a popular choice for people who want to start investing with minimal effort.
Conclusion
The UK is home to a wealth of investment apps, offering a range of tools and features that cater to different investor needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple platform like Freetrade or Trading 212, or someone who prefers the automated guidance of a robo-advisor like Nutmeg, there’s an app for everyone. For those looking for global diversification, Revolut is a great choice, while eToro offers the added benefit of social investing. If you prefer micro-investing, Moneybox could be the perfect fit for your needs. With so many options available, finding the best investment app for your financial goals has never been easier.