Invest · Broker review

Hargreaves Lansdown

UK's largest investment platform — convenient but expensive on FX

Reviewed by Aayush Jain·Updated May 2026

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Overall score

7.0/10

FX rank#18 of 20

FX cost / $10k$100

Conversion spread1%

Trading commission$11.5

Annual fee0.45%

Min investmentNone

$90 more per $10,000 than Interactive Brokers (FX cost only)

Not financial advice.This is a comparison of FX costs only. We don't recommend specific investments. Always consult a qualified financial adviser before investing.

Verdict

Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK's most trusted investment platform with excellent research, customer service, and a comprehensive fund range. However, its 1% FX charge on international trades is among the highest in the market. Best for UK investors who primarily buy UK-listed products (HL's fund platform is excellent) or those who prioritise service over cost.

FX cost breakdown

Conversion spread

Above mid-market rate

Fixed FX fee

None

Per currency conversion

Total FX cost / $10k

$100

Realistic all-in estimate

FX cost comparison on $10,000 investment

Interactive Brokers$10

Trading 212$15

Tiger Brokers$20

moomoo$25

Pros & cons

Pros

Most trusted UK investment brand — 1.8 million clients
Excellent research, news and company analysis
Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP available
Strong customer service
Comprehensive UK-listed fund range

Cons

1% FX charge on international trades — 10× higher than IBKR
High share dealing commission (£11.95/trade, reduces with volume)
Annual platform fee of 0.45% (capped at £45/year for shares, but uncapped for funds)
US-domiciled ETFs blocked (MiFID II) — UCITS only

Who can use it

Markets available

USUKEUBondsFunds

Supported corridors

GBP→USDGBP→EUR

Regulated by

FCA

Frequently asked questions

Is Hargreaves Lansdown worth it for UK investors?

HL is worth it for UK investors who primarily invest in UK-listed funds, want an ISA, and value platform quality and customer service. If you're buying significant amounts of US or international stocks, IBKR's 0.1% FX cost vs HL's 1% creates a large long-term cost disadvantage. The two are often used together: HL for the ISA wrapper and UK fund investments, IBKR for international equity exposure.