Freetrade vs InvestEngine: Which Is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Freetrade and InvestEngine? Here is the short answer, then the full breakdown on fees, features, and who each one is best for.
Reviewed by Yaniv Barshaf · Fees verified June 2026 · Our methodology
Disclosure: FeesWizard may earn a commission if you open an account through links on this page. This never affects our fee data or rankings — how we make money.
Best overall: InvestEngine
Both are UK platforms with free ISAs and zero commission, but they serve different investors. Freetrade gives you individual stocks (UK and US) plus ETFs, with a 0.99% FX fee on the free plan for non-GBP trades. InvestEngine is ETF-only — no single stocks — but genuinely fee-free: no platform fee, no dealing charge, and no FX fee because every ETF is GBP-denominated. For passive index investing at the lowest possible cost, InvestEngine; if you want to pick individual shares, Freetrade.
- Best for beginners: Freetrade
- Best for low fees: Freetrade
- Best for advanced: InvestEngine
Capital at risk. This is not financial advice. Investing involves risk of loss.
Freetrade vs InvestEngine at a glance
| Feature | Freetrade | InvestEngine |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Stock commission | £0 commission on all UK & US stocks, ETFs and investment trusts (all plans) | £0 dealing commission on all ETFs (DIY portfolios); no platform fee |
| Withdrawal fee | Free standard withdrawals; £5 for same-day withdrawal | Free — no withdrawal fee |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Fractional shares | Yes | Yes |
| Demo account | No | No |
| Regulators | FCA | FCA |
Pros and cons
Freetrade
Pros
- +Zero-commission trading on all stocks, ETFs and investment trusts
- +Free Basic plan includes a Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP with no monthly fee
- +No inactivity fee and no minimum deposit
- +US fractional shares available on every plan
Cons
- −0.99% FX fee on the free plan makes frequent US trading relatively costly
- −Lower FX rates and better cash interest are locked behind paid subscriptions
- −£5 charge for same-day withdrawals
InvestEngine
Pros
- +Zero platform fee and zero dealing commission on DIY portfolios
- +No FX fee — all ETFs are priced in GBP
- +Free ISA and free SIPP, plus fractional ETF investing and AutoInvest
- +No withdrawal or inactivity fees
Cons
- −ETFs only — no individual stocks
- −£100 minimum to open a portfolio
- −Managed Portfolios (0.25%/yr) are currently closed to new clients
InvestEngine
Best for zero-fee DIY ETF investing with a free ISA and SIPP
Capital at risk. This is not financial advice. Investing involves risk of loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freetrade or InvestEngine cheaper?
Freetrade charges Free standard withdrawals; £5 for same-day withdrawal for withdrawals, while InvestEngine charges Free — no withdrawal fee. Stock commission is £0 commission on all UK & US stocks, ETFs and investment trusts (all plans) on Freetrade and £0 dealing commission on all ETFs (DIY portfolios); no platform fee on InvestEngine. Your real cost depends on how often you trade and withdraw.
Is Freetrade safe?
Freetrade is regulated by FCA. Regulation does not remove investment risk, but it means client funds are subject to oversight in those jurisdictions.
Which is better for beginners, Freetrade or InvestEngine?
Freetrade is generally the more beginner-friendly option thanks to a simpler interface and lower barriers to entry.
InvestEngine
Best for zero-fee DIY ETF investing with a free ISA and SIPP
Capital at risk. This is not financial advice. Investing involves risk of loss.