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What is a Fund & Share Account?
A fund and share account is an investment account that allows you to buy, sell, and hold a wide range of investment options, including individual shares, funds, bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Unlike tax-efficient accounts like ISAs, fund and share accounts don’t have annual contribution limits or tax-free benefits, meaning any profits may be subject to tax depending on your circumstances.
These accounts are a flexible way to grow your wealth and are ideal for investors who want access to a diverse range of markets and products. Whether you’re an experienced trader or just starting, fund and share accounts provide the tools to manage and expand your portfolio.
Who Can Open a Fund & Share Account?
Anyone over the age of 18 can open a fund and share account, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. These accounts are particularly suited to:
- Experienced Investors: Ideal for those who want the freedom to invest in a diverse range of shares, funds, and other assets without the limits imposed by tax-efficient accounts like ISAs.
- Beginner Investors: A good starting point for those who are new to investing and want to explore different asset classes without needing a large initial investment.
- High Earners: Perfect for individuals who have maxed out their annual ISA allowance and want to continue building their investment portfolio.
- Long-Term Savers: Great for those with a long-term investment horizon looking to grow their wealth through compounding over time.
While anyone can open a fund and share account, it’s best for people who are comfortable with some level of risk and are looking for flexibility to invest as much as they want, whenever they want. Keep in mind that any profits or dividends earned may be subject to tax, depending on your personal tax allowance.
Key Areas to Consider
Selecting the right fund and share account is crucial to maximising your investment potential. Here are the key factors to consider:
Fees and Charges
- Look for platforms with competitive account fees, trading fees, and fund management charges. Even small differences in fees can impact your returns over time.
Investment Options
- Ensure the platform offers a wide variety of investment choices, including shares, funds, ETFs, and bonds, to suit your portfolio strategy.
Platform Usability
- A user-friendly interface, mobile app access, and robust research tools can make managing your investments more convenient and efficient.
Minimum Investment Requirements
- Check the minimum deposit or investment amount to ensure it aligns with your budget and investment goals.
Customer Support
- Reliable customer service and support are vital, especially for beginners or those investing significant sums.
What's The Best Fund & Share Account
The best fund and share account depends on your individual needs and investment goals. For beginners, platforms with low fees, educational tools, and a simple interface are ideal. Experienced investors might prioritise access to advanced tools, diverse markets, and a wide range of investment options.
Consider factors like fees, investment choices, platform usability, and customer support when choosing. No single account is perfect for everyone, so comparing options side by side can help you find the one that suits your needs. Always ensure the provider is well-regulated for peace of mind.
Hargreaves Lansdown
Hargreaves Lansdown is one of the UK’s leading investment platforms, offering a wide range of services for both new and experienced investors. Established in 1981, the company has built a strong reputation for its reliability, user-friendly platform, and extensive investment options. With over 1.7 million clients and £135 billion in assets under administration, Hargreaves Lansdown is a trusted choice for managing investments, pensions, and ISAs.
One of its flagship offerings is the Hargreaves Lansdown Fund and Share Account, a flexible investment account that allows users to invest in shares, funds, ETFs, bonds, and more. It’s designed for those who want to build a diverse portfolio without the tax-free benefits of ISAs.
Fees and Charges
Hargreaves Lansdown charges up to 0.45% annually for holding funds, with no annual fees for shares, ETFs, or bonds. Trading fees are £11.95 per trade for shares, reducing to £5.95 for frequent traders, and fund transactions are free. While slightly higher than some competitors, the fees reflect the platform's premium features.
Investment Options
With access to over 3,000 funds, UK and international shares, ETFs, bonds, and more, Hargreaves Lansdown provides one of the most extensive investment ranges in the UK, catering to both beginners and advanced investors.
Platform Usability
The platform is user-friendly, offering a clean interface and an advanced mobile app for easy portfolio management. Features include live prices, research tools, and investment insights.
Minimum Investment Requirements
Investors can start with as little as £100 for lump sums or £25 per month for regular investments, making it accessible to all budgets.
Customer Support
Hargreaves Lansdown provides award-winning UK-based customer service with extended phone support, live chat, and a robust online help centre.
Interactive Investor
Interactive Investor (ii) is a UK-based online investment platform established in 1995. As of 2022, it is the UK's largest flat-fee investment platform, managing over £59 billion in assets for more than 400,000 customers. In 2022, ii became a subsidiary of Abrdn, a UK-based investment company.
Interactive Investor offers a Fund and Share Account, providing access to a wide range of investment options, including shares, funds, ETFs, and bonds. This account is designed for investors seeking flexibility in building a diversified portfolio.
Fees and Charges
Interactive Investor uses a flat-fee structure, starting at £4.99 per month (Investor Essentials plan) and £11.99 for the standard plan. UK and US trades cost £3.99 per trade, making it cost-effective for larger portfolios.
Investment Options
Interactive Investor have one of the widest ranges of investments on the market, including shares, funds, ETFs, bonds, and trusts. This extensive range suits both beginners and experienced investors.
Platform Usability
The platform is user-friendly, offering an intuitive web interface, a mobile app, and research tools for efficient portfolio management.
Minimum Investment Requirements
No minimum investment is required, making it accessible to investors of all levels.
Customer Support
UK-based support is available via phone and email, though response times may vary depending on the channel.
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Last updated on 15 May 2025 Last updated on 15 May 2025