Interactive Investor vs Lightyear
Key takeaways
 |  |  | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly fee | Free | £4.99 | £11.99 | £19.99 |
Cash ISA - AER | 4.00% | |||
Stocks & Shares ISA | ||||
ETFs - per order | Free | £3.99 | £3.99 | £3.99 |
US stocks - per order | Free | £3.99 | £3.99 | £3.99 |
EU stocks - per order | Free | £9.99 | £9.99 | £9.99 |
UK stocks - per order | Free | £3.99 | £3.99 | £3.99 |
Currency conversion (FX) | 0.35% | 1.50% First £25k (see below) | 1.50% First £25k (see below) | 1.50% First £25k (see below) |
Pricing data for Interactive Investor sourced on ii.co.uk, and correct as of 1st September 2025.
FX fee is tiered and works as follows: £24,999 and below is 1.50%, £25,000 - £49,999 are 1.25%, £50,000 - £99,999.99 are 1%, £100,000 - £599,999 are 0.5%, and £600,000+ is 0.25%.
Is Interactive Investor expensive?
Interactive Investor (II) uses a transparent, flat-fee pricing model and offers access to a wide range of tradeable stocks and ETFs. The platform charges a monthly subscription fee between £4.99 and £19.99, depending on the service tier, with stocks and ETFs costing between £3.99 and £9.99 per trade.
While the flat fee structure may suit some investors, those looking for a simpler and more cost-efficient platform - without subscription fees, zero execution fees on ETFs, and lower currency conversion fees - might consider exploring alternatives like Lightyear.
Is Interactive Investor's ISA flexible?
No, Interactive Investor’s Stocks & Shares ISA is not flexible. This means that if you withdraw funds during the tax year, you cannot replace them without affecting your annual ISA allowance. For investors who value the ability to withdraw and replace funds without losing their allowance, a flexible ISA may be a better choice.
Additionally, Interactive Investor does not offer a Cash ISA.
Lightyear offers a Stocks & Shares ISA and a Cash ISA, and both are flexible.
Can I transfer stocks from Interactive Investor?
Yes, you can transfer stocks from Interactive Investor to Lightyear. Lightyear accepts transfers of whole shares, provided each position is worth at least £/$/€1,000. Only regular, exercised stocks can be transferred—non-qualified stock options (NSOs) are not accepted.
To start a transfer, read our guide to stock transfers.