Moneybox vs Lightyear
Key takeaways
 | ||
|---|---|---|
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.
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'.
Is Moneybox safe?
Which is cheaper, Moneybox or Lightyear?
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.
Is the Moneybox ISA flexible?
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.
Can I transfer stocks from Moneybox to Lightyear?
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.