Interactive Investor vs AJ Bell (2026) – Which ISA Platform Is Better?
Interactive Investor and AJ Bell are two of the strongest full-service Stocks & Shares ISA platforms in the UK. Both offer shares, ETFs, funds, investment trusts, bonds and SIPPs. The real difference is not investment choice — it is how they charge, who they suit, and when each platform becomes better value.
Interactive Investor vs AJ Bell — Side by Side
Here is the straight comparison that matters most for ISA investors.
| Feature | Interactive Investor | AJ Bell |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | Core £5.99/month up to £100k | 0.25% per year |
| ISA Available | ✓ Included | ✓ Yes |
| SIPP Available | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| UK Share Trade | £3.99 | £5.00 |
| Fund Trade | £3.99 | £1.50 |
| Regular Investing | Free | £1.50 |
| FX Fee | 0.75% Core | Up to 0.75% |
| Investments | Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, Trusts | Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, Trusts |
| Research Tools | More comprehensive | Good |
| Mobile App | Good | Good |
| FCA Regulated | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| FSCS Protected | ✓ Up to £85,000 | ✓ Up to £85,000 |
| Best For | Mid-size to larger portfolios | Smaller to mid-size portfolios |
Fees — This Is the Real Decision
The biggest difference is fee structure. Interactive Investor charges a flat monthly fee. AJ Bell charges a percentage of your portfolio. That means one tends to win at smaller balances and the other gets stronger as your portfolio grows.
| Portfolio Size | Interactive Investor Core | AJ Bell at 0.25% | Cheaper Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | £71.88/year | £25/year | AJ Bell |
| £20,000 | £71.88/year | £50/year | AJ Bell |
| £25,000 | £71.88/year | £62.50/year | AJ Bell, but close |
| £50,000 | £71.88/year | £125/year | Interactive Investor |
| £100,000 | £71.88/year | £250/year | Interactive Investor |
Investment Range & Research
There is no huge winner on investment range. Both platforms offer the core products serious UK investors care about: shares, ETFs, funds, investment trusts, bonds and SIPPs.
The difference is in how the platforms feel. Interactive Investor is more research-heavy and more “full service.” AJ Bell is cleaner, slightly simpler, and easier for investors who want a traditional platform without quite as much clutter.
If you actively use research tools, read fund factsheets, compare trusts, or want a platform built around deeper analysis, Interactive Investor has the edge. If you want a solid all-rounder without paying a flat monthly fee too early, AJ Bell is easier to justify.
Ease of Use
AJ Bell is the easier platform for most people to pick up quickly. Interactive Investor is not bad, but it is more feature-dense and more obviously aimed at self-directed investors who want more than just a clean app experience.
That does not make AJ Bell “better.” It just means AJ Bell is easier to recommend to someone still building confidence, while Interactive Investor becomes stronger when you actually want the depth it offers.
Interactive Investor vs AJ Bell — Final Verdict
Which Platform Is Better?
Choose Interactive Investor if: your portfolio is moving into mid-size or larger territory, you want a full-service platform, and you care about research depth more than absolute simplicity. The flat fee gets more attractive as your balance grows.
Choose AJ Bell if: your portfolio is still smaller, you want percentage-based pricing that scales more gently at the start, or you want a slightly cleaner all-round platform without committing to a monthly subscription from day one.
Neither platform is weak. This is mainly a portfolio-size decision. Smaller balances usually favour AJ Bell. Larger balances increasingly favour Interactive Investor.
Read the full reviews for detailed fee breakdowns, platform features and account options. Capital at risk.