Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account or sign up through links on this page. This does not cost you extra. Our rankings are based on our published methodology, not on commission amount.
Freetrade Review
A UK investing app offering commission-free stocks and ETFs, ISAs and SIPPs, with a clean, beginner-friendly design.
Best for
- UK beginners
- ISA/SIPP investing
- Long-term buy-and-hold
Not best for
- You're an active day trader
- You're outside the UK
- You need advanced tools
Our verdict & scoring
Freetrade is a UK-focused investing app popular for commission-free stock and ETF investing wrapped in tax-efficient accounts (ISA, SIPP). It's designed for straightforward long-term investing rather than active trading, with a simple interface and transparent plan tiers. Since April 2025 it has been owned by IG Group (acquired for £160m) but continues to operate as a standalone brand.
Scores are based on our review methodology. Affiliate relationships do not buy higher ratings.
Who should actually use Freetrade
Freetrade is a clean way for UK beginners to start long-term investing: commission-free stocks, ETFs and investment trusts inside tax-efficient ISA and SIPP wrappers, with transparent plan tiers. It's deliberately built for buy-and-hold rather than active trading. It's UK-only — not for US or EU residents — and traders wanting advanced tools will outgrow it quickly.
What we'd change
The free tier is genuinely free, but the useful wrappers (ISA/SIPP) sit behind paid plans, so 'commission-free' isn't the whole cost picture — add the FX fee on non-GBP trades and interest retained on cash. There's no paper trading, and the advanced-tooling ceiling is low by design.
How it compares to Fidelity
They serve different countries — Fidelity is US-only, Freetrade UK-only — so the comparison is about what each does for its home market. Both offer commission-free investing for beginners; Fidelity layers on deep research, education and zero-expense-ratio index funds, while Freetrade keeps things intentionally simple with ISA/SIPP tax wrappers as the main draw. Each is a sensible default for a first-time investor in its own region.
Pros
- Simple, beginner-friendly app
- ISA/SIPP wrappers
- Commission-free investing
Cons
- Limited advanced tools
- UK-only
- Some features behind paid plans
Fees & hidden costs explained
Commission-free stock/ETF trades; FX fee on non-GBP trades; paid plans for ISA/SIPP and extra features.
Safety, regulation & availability
UK: Freetrade Limited is FCA-authorised (FRN 783189); owned by IG Group since April 2025 and run as a standalone brand. Aimed at UK residents; not available to US retail.
Account protection: UK: FSCS protection up to £85,000.
Available to retail traders in:
Verify this platform yourself:
Frequently asked questions
Is Freetrade safe?
Freetrade Limited is FCA-authorised (FRN 783189) with FSCS protection up to £85,000. It has been owned by IG Group since April 2025 and runs as a standalone brand.
Is Freetrade really free?
Stock and ETF trades carry no commission on the basic plan. Costs come in via FX fees on non-GBP trades, paid plan tiers for ISA/SIPP and extra features, and interest retained on cash.
Does Freetrade offer an ISA or SIPP?
Yes — ISA and SIPP wrappers are available on its paid plan tiers, which is the main reason many UK investors choose it.
Who owns Freetrade?
IG Group, which acquired Freetrade for £160m in April 2025. It continues to operate as a standalone brand.
Can I use Freetrade outside the UK?
No — Freetrade is aimed at UK residents.
Official sources
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.