Freetrade, founded in 2016, is an award-winning, self-directed investment platform designed to make investing simple and accessible for everyone. With commission-free trades, Fractional Shares, and a clean mobile-first interface, it has become a top choice for new and experienced investors alike.
This 2026 review explores whether Freetrade is right for you, covering its key features, pros, cons, fees, and safety to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and cons of the Freetrade broker
The pros and cons of the Freetrade broker are as follows.
| Pros of Freetrade review | Cons of Freetrade review |
|---|---|
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Broker summary
- Regulations: FCA
- Founded year: 2016
- Minimum deposit: £0
- Trading platforms: Mobile and web platforms
- Assets: UK Stocks, ETFs, REITs, UK Treasury bills, and more
- Account types: GIA, Stocks and Shares ISA, and SIPP
- Demo account: No
- Headquarters: London
- Customer support: Live chat, in-app chat, e-mail, and social channels
Freetrade broker review
Freetrade has grown rapidly in the UK investing space due to its simple design, transparent pricing, and wide access to over 6,500+ Stocks, ETFs, Investment trusts, and UK treasury bills. The platform focuses on making investing easy by offering a user-friendly mobile and web app, clear pricing plans, and flexible account types.
Freetrade also provides multiple customer support options, such as an in-app help hub, email assistance, and priority support for Plus customers. Whether you are starting with small fractional Shares or building a long-term portfolio, Freetrade offers a smooth, investor-focused experience backed by FCA regulation and FSCS protection.
Explore the 5 best online UK stock brokers with low fees
Freetrade regulations and security measures
Is Freetrade a scam? No, it is a trading name of Freetrade Limited, which is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange and is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
- Freetrade prioritizes your investment security. Your funds are held in segregated accounts under the FCA’s CASS rules, providing Freetrade protection against company insolvency.
- The Financial Services Compensation Scheme FSCS covers investments such as Stocks, Bonds, Investment trusts, and certain derivatives.
- If Freetrade goes bankrupt and can’t repay your money, FSCS covers up to £85,000 if Freetrade or its custodian fails not losses from market movements.
Is Freetrade available in the USA? No, Freetrade is not available for US residents due to strict US tax and regulatory requirements.
For complete peace of mind before choosing a platform, read our guide on how to verify a broker’s safety, covers all the essential checks you should know.
Key features of Freetrade 2026
The key features of Freetrade are as follows.
Freetrade account types
Freetrade reviews offer three account types. They are given as follows.
- General Investment Account (GIA)
- Stocks and Shares ISA account
- Self-Invested Personal Pension account (SIPP)
Each account type is accessible through its basic, standard, or plus plan. The table below shows exactly what each plan includes and the key features you get.
| Features/ Account types | Basic plan | Standard plan | Plus plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Free | £4.99 | £9.99 |
| Annual fee | N/A | £59.88 | £119.88 |
| Accounts include | General Investment Account (GIA), Stocks and Shares ISA | GIA, Stocks and Shares ISA | GIA, Stocks and Shares ISA, personal pension (SIPP) |
| FX fee (USD/EUR) | 0.99% | 0.59% | 0.39% |
| Global equities, ETFs, and Investment trusts | 6,500+ | 6,500+ | 6,500+ |
| US Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automated order types | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interest on uninvested cash | 1% on up to £1,000 | 3% on up to £2,000 | 5% on up to £3,000 |
| Customer service | Basic | Basic | Priority |
| Stock and ISA Shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app and web platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Stock Fundamentals | No | Yes | Yes |
| Benefits | Recurring orders, advanced order types, pre-market trading, and advanced Stock fundamentals | Same as basic account | Same as basic account + Free same-day withdrawals |
Each account type provides access to a range of investment products, including Stocks, ETFs, and US Fractional Shares. You can also choose to open a Stocks and Shares ISA or a Personal Pension within the standard or plus accounts.
Is Freetrade worth upgrading to Plus? Yes, it is worth it if you want more Stocks, lower FX fees, and extra features.
Freetrade trading platform
Freetrade broker is a comprehensive online broker offering a user-friendly platform for investors of all levels. Freetrade offers commission-free trading, making it accessible to a wider audience. The mobile app provides real-time alerts and a full investing ecosystem, making it a convenient choice for modern investors. It has the following features.
- User-friendly trading platform for beginners and experienced investors
- Real-time market data
- Extensive portfolio analytics
- Access to over 6,500+ UK and US Stocks
- Transparent Freetrade pricing
- Accessibility to a wider audience
- Mobile-first app with a range of financial instruments
Can I use Freetrade on a desktop? Yes, Freetrade can be used on a desktop through its web platform. You can view your portfolio and place trades directly from your computer.
Freetrade financial assets
Freetrade offers a diverse range of investment options, including thousands of Stocks and ETFs, Investment trusts, and UK treasury bills.
- REITs
- Freetrade investment trusts
- ETFs
- Stocks
- UK treasury bills
- Mutual funds
Freetrade deposit methods
Freetrade primarily offers the following deposit methods.
- Bank transfer
- Debit card
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
What is the minimum deposit required on Freetrade? The minimum deposit required on Freetrade is £0. Freetrade funds bank transfers within 2 to 4 hours, Monday to Friday, and excluding bank holidays.
If low starting deposits matter to you, take a look at our picks for the best UK trading platforms with low minimum deposits.
Deposits made using Apple Pay or Google Pay are typically instant. However, Freetrade business accounts are not accepted for deposits. If you use direct debit, cash may take 3 or more working days to become available for trading.
Freetrade withdrawal methods
How long does Freetrade take to withdraw money? The processing times of Freetrade withdrawals are given below.
- Standard and basic customers: Funds can be withdrawn from your Freetrade account to your linked bank account in approximately 2 to 3 business days, although it may take up to 5 days.
- Plus customers: Withdraw before 2 PM on a working day to get your money the same day. After 2 PM or on holidays, you will get it the next working day. It depends on your bank’s faster payments.
Fees and commission of Freetrade
How much does Freetrade charge per trade in 2026? The fees and commission of Freetrade are as follows.
Trading fees
- Commission: Free on all Stocks, ETFs, Investment trusts, and UK treasury bills.
Account fees
What is the Freetrade Plus account monthly fee? Freetrade charges account fees for each account type, which are given below.
| Account types | Monthly fee | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Free | N/A |
| Standard | £4.99 | £59.88 |
| Plus | £9.99 | £119.88 |
Additional fees
The additional fees of Freetrade are given below.
| Features | Fees |
|---|---|
| Foreign Exchange (FX) fee (USD/EUR) – Non-GBP trades | Basic plan:0.99%+ exchange rate Standard plan: 0.59%+ exchange rate Plus plan: 0.39% + exchange rate |
| Stamp duty on UK equity buy orders | 0.50% |
| Same-day withdrawals – Charged by banking partner | £5 |
| Interest on uninvested cash on your plan | Basic plan: 1% on up to £1,000 Standard plan: 3% on up to £2,000 Plus plan: 5% on up to £3,000 |
| Inactivity fee | Free of charge |
| Deposit fee | Free of charge |
| Standard/ plus subscription fees | £4.99/ £9.99 per month |
Freetrade customer service
Freetrade customer offers multiple ways to get help, depending on your needs and account type.
- Help hub: Find answers to common questions in their online resources.
- Email support: Get personalized assistance by emailing [email protected] with your specific question.
- Social media: You can also reach out to Freetrade on social media for quick responses.
- In-app chat: Extended hours with faster replies for Plus members.
Conclusion
Freetrade is a simple, commission-free investment platform that offers a wide range of global Stocks, ETFs, and investment products, making it a good option for many beginners and long-term investors. However, it does have limitations, including higher FX fees on the basic plan, no demo account, and limited withdrawal and phone support.
Before investing, consider your goals, risk level, and whether Freetrade’s pricing plans and features match your needs to decide if it is the right platform for you.
If you’d like to see how Freetrade compares with other trusted platforms, you can check our guide to the 5 best FCA-regulated brokers in the UK.
Pro Tip
Boost your investing knowledge with Freetrade’s learning tools and stay updated on market trends. For deeper insights on Forex, Stocks, and more, explore our expert-reviewed best Forex brokers and use our smart broker finder tool to choose the right platform for your goals. Drop your comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Freetrade regulated by the FCA in 2026?
Yes, Freetrade is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures the platform follows strict rules to protect UK investors.
2. How many Stocks are available on Freetrade right now?
Freetrade offers access to over 6,500+ UK, US Stocks, and ETFs.
3. What is the withdrawal limit on Freetrade?
There is no fixed withdrawal limit for most users. Your bank limits and Freetrade’s processing times may apply.
4. Is Freetrade safe for beginners in 2026?
Yes, Freetrade is considered safe for beginners because it is FCA-regulated and offers an easy-to-use platform. But beginners should still understand basic investing risks before starting.
5. Can I buy crypto on Freetrade?
No, Freetrade does not support Cryptocurrency trading. It only offers Stocks, ETFs, and other traditional financial assets.
6. Is Freetrade really commission-free?
Yes, Freetrade offers commission-free trading on Stocks, ETFs, and investment trusts. However, FX fees apply for non-GBP trades.
7. Can I transfer my ISA to Freetrade?
Yes, you can transfer your Stocks and Shares ISA to Freetrade. The transfer process is handled within the app.
8. Is Freetrade good for day trading?
No, Freetrade is not ideal for active day trading due to limited charting tools and slower order execution features. It is better suited for long-term investing.
