All ISA comparisons

Moneybox vs Lightyear

Break out of the box. Lightyear offers smarter investing and low fees.
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When you invest, your capital is at risk.

Key takeaways

Lightyear and Moneybox both offer a Stocks & Shares ISA, a Cash ISA, and charge zero execution fees on ETFs. However, Moneybox charges an annual fee of 0.45% of your portfolio value on top of a regular monthly charge. Lightyear has zero platform fees and lower FX fees (0.1% vs. 0.45%).
Moneybox
Monthly fee
Free
0.45%
per year, plus £1/month
Currency conversion (FX)
0.1%
0.45%
Cash ISA
- AER
3.75%
3.25%
Stocks & Shares ISA
ETFs
- per order
Free
Free
US stocks
- per order
Free
Free
EU stocks
- per order
Free
UK stocks
- per order
Free

Pricing data sourced from moneyboxapp.com, and correct as of 1st March 2026.

Moneybox have a Cash ISA and an Open Access Cash ISA with different rates for each. The table references the Open Access Cash ISA as this is more directly comparable to the Lightyear Cash ISA. Moneybox's Open Access Cash ISA offers an introductory rate of 4.00% AER (variable) on balances over £500, which includes a bonus rate of 0.75% for the first 12 months. The interest rate drops to 3.25% AER (variable) after the introductory 12 month period, and to 0.75% AER if your balance drops below £500. The Moneybox Cash ISA offers an introductory rate of 4.52% AER (variable) on balances over £500, which includes a bonus rate of 1.07% for the first 12 months. Only 3 withdrawals can be made annually without impacting the rate. The Moneybox platform fee of 0.45% per year is charged monthly.

Lightyear vs Moneybox
Price comparison
Break out of the box. Lightyear offers smarter investing and low fees.
Yearly investments£12,000.00

By default, this projection assumes a 5.00% annual growth rate - this is purely illustrative and is not a reliable indicator of future performance. We assume a 50:50 split of the yearly investment amount between stock and ETF investments, over a 10 year period. All ETFs are assumed to be in GBP (Pounds), and all stock purchases in USD (Dollars), incurring FX fees. We assume all purchases use newly invested funds (i.e. holdings are not sold, or sold and reinvested) and that the amount invested increases by 2% each year. It is your responsibility to check your investments are within the ISA annual contribution limit.

To customise, or to see broker pricing data, hit 'Detailed comparison'.

Frequently asked
Moneybox vs Lightyear: FAQs

Yes, Moneybox is safe and secure. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and customer funds held in ISAs and investment accounts are protected up to £85,000 under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in case of provider failure.

Lightyear and Moneybox differ significantly in their pricing structures.

  • Moneybox charges a 0.45% annual platform fee on your portfolio value, plus a £1 monthly subscription fee. The platform fee accrues daily and is charged monthly by selling a portion of your largest holding. Trades in US shares are commission-free but incur a 0.45% FX fee for currency conversion.
  • Lightyear charges no platform fees or subscription fees. ETF and stock trades are free with zero execution fees.

For investors looking to minimise fees, Lightyear offers a simpler and more transparent cost structure. For larger portfolios, percentage-based platform fees like those charged by Moneybox can add up quickly. Additionally, Lightyear supports multi-currency accounts in its General Investment Account, allowing you to hold and trade in different currencies without unnecessary conversions, further reducing costs.

No, the Moneybox Stocks & Shares ISA is not flexible. If you withdraw funds during the tax year, you cannot replace them without affecting your annual ISA allowance. For those who prioritize flexibility, a platform offering a flexible ISA might be a better fit. Additionally, Moneybox does not offer a Cash ISA directly within its app, focusing instead on investment-based ISAs.

Lightyear offers a Stocks & Shares ISA and a Cash ISA, and both are flexible.

Yes, you can transfer stocks from Moneybox to Lightyear. Lightyear accepts transfers of whole shares, provided each position is worth at least £/$/€1,000. Only regular, exercised stocks can be transferred; Lightyear does not accept non-qualified stock options (NSOs).

To start a transfer, read our guide to stock transfers.

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Disclaimer

This comparison is for educational purposes only and should in no way be taken as investment advice. When investing, your capital is at risk. Seek guidance if necessary.