Best-Performing Stocks and Shares ISAs in 2024

Investing in the stock market is a great way to make your hard-earned money work for you. While a traditional savings account may yield a higher return, your 'money pot' can be eroded if the interest rate is eclipsed by the rate of inflation.

With a stocks and shares ISA, you are taking some risk with your money in the hope that it will grow faster.

This article offers guidance on the best-performing stocks and shares ISAs.

A list of the Best Stocks and Shares ISAs for April 2024:

1. IG ISA – One of the Best ISA Provider in the UK
2. Halifax ISA – Best ISA Platform with no Transfer Fees
3. HSBC ISA – Top Stocks and Shares ISA with Low Minimum Deposit
4. Santander ISA – One of the Best Performing ISA Funds in the UK
5. Fidelity ISA – Best Performing ISA With a Wide Range of Assets
6. Fineco – One of the Best ISA Platform with Expert Support
7. Vanguard ISA – One of the Best-Managed Stocks and Shares ISA
8. AJ Bell ISA – One of the Top UK Investment Platforms
9. Hargreaves Lansdown ISA – Among the Best ISA Accounts Providers with Ready-Made Portfolios
10. Interactive Investor ISA – One of the Best Investment ISA with Great Resuorces
11. Wealthify ISA – One of the Best Stocks and Shares ISA with Robo-Advisory Service

What Is a Stocks and Shares ISA?

A stocks and shares ISA is an account that allows you to make a wide range of investments such as exchange-traded funds, individual shares and investment trusts. This type of account is also tax-free.

Investing up to the current ISA annual allowance comes with very low charges. If managed well, the best performing stocks and shares ISA has the possibility of yielding the optimal investment gains.

Best Stocks and Shares ISA Comparison (2024)

Want to compare stocks and shares ISA?

Look no further! Here is a stocks and shares ISA comparison

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of IG retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with IG. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Best Performing Stocks and Shares ISAs – Reviewed (April 2024)

Below, you can find the best performing stocks and shares ISAs reviews to aid your investment decisions.

These reviews offer insights into platforms with strong historical performance, competitive fees, and excellent customer satisfaction.

By studying these reviews, you can make informed choices, aligning your investments with your financial goals and risk tolerance, ultimately achieving potential growth for your portfolio.

Investment options: Individual company stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bonds, and other assets
Minimum investment: £250 by card and £50 by bank transfer
Charges and fees: £0 on US shares; £3 per trade on UK shares
Transfer fees: Dematerialisation fee is £100

IG, being one of the best stocks and shares ISA, is a specialized tax-efficient investment account offered by IG.

One of the primary USPs of the IG ISA is its ability to provide tax-free growth on investments. Profits generated from stocks and shares held within the ISA are exempt from capital gains tax (CGT), allowing investors to potentially maximize their returns without worrying about tax implications.

Additionally, any dividends earned from investments are also tax-free, providing an advantage for income-oriented investors.

The ISA offers flexibility in how you contribute – whether through lump-sum deposits or regular contributions. This adaptability accommodates changes in your financial situation and investment strategy.

The IG ISA offers a wide range of investment options, including individual company stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and bonds.

This comprehensive selection enables investors to build diversified portfolios that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance.

Investment options: There is only a small pool of investment options and ready-made portfolios, making it perfect for beginners
Minimum investment: Minimum lump sum of £2,000, monthly investments at a minimum of £100 a month, or a combination of the two
Charges and fees: There is a 0.24% platform charge, a 0.25% charge for the fund management services, and a £12.50 per trade share-dealing charge
Transfer fees: No closing or transfer fees

The Halifax ISA offers a tax-efficient way to save for your future. Whether you choose a cash ISA for steady interest gains or a stocks & shares ISA for potential market growth, you can enjoy the benefits of tax-free savings.

With Halifax's reputable services, you can confidently plan for your financial goals and secure your financial future.

Investment options: The selection of the best ISA funds is limited for those using in-house advice, but a much broader selection is available for those using the HSBC Global Investment Centre
Minimum investment: £50 with investment advice or £100 if you're guided by your own investment strategy
Charges and fees: There is a dealing fee of £10.50 per trade for UK shares, a quarterly account fee of £10.50, and a 0.5% fee for investment advice
Transfer fees: No closing or transfer fee

HSBC provides customers with a variety of best performing stocks and shares ISA options to suit their financial needs. With an HSBC ISA, you can take advantage of tax-free savings on your interest, making it an attractive option for those looking to grow their money while avoiding unnecessary taxes.

Whether you opt for a cash ISA or a stocks & shares ISA, HSBC ensures a reliable platform to build a brighter financial future.

Investment options: This flexible account offers several different ways to invest, including four pre-made investment funds, several self-directed investment funds, and much more
Minimum investment: Investing with a minimum deposit of £5,000 or a monthly recurring investment of £20 is obligatory
Charges and fees: There is a 0.35% annual fee on the first £50,000
Transfer fees: No closing or transfer fees

Santander provides customers with a variety of best stocks and shares ISA options to suit their financial needs. Their ISA offerings include flexible and tax-efficient ways to save and invest.

Whether you opt for a cash ISA with attractive interest rates for faster savings growth or a stocks & shares ISA for potential market growth, Santander ensures a reliable platform to build a brighter financial future.

With their transparent and competitive ISA rates, you can confidently work towards your financial goals and secure a prosperous tomorrow.

Investment options: Provides access to a variety of funds from different markets, and allows you to combine these investments with traditional shares
Minimum investment: £7,500 to activate the low fees
Charges and fees: If you invest £7,500, you will pay only 0.35% per year
Transfer fees: No transfer fees

Fidelity ISA offers a diverse range of investment opportunities for individuals looking to maximize their tax-efficient savings by investing in the best performing stocks and shares ISA.

With Fidelity ISA, you can invest in various assets like stocks, bonds, and funds to build a balanced and robust portfolio.

Their platform provides expert guidance and tools to help you make informed decisions and work towards achieving your long-term financial objectives.

Investment options: Access to numerous best performing stocks and shares ISA; build your custom portfolio based on your needs and preferences
Minimum investment: Start with as little as £100
Charges and fees: An account fee of 0.25% of your total portfolio; for UK shares, dealing starts at only £2.95 per deal
Transfer fees: No exit or transfer fee

Fineco Bank offers a comprehensive ISA (Individual Savings Account) that caters to various financial needs.

With Fineco ISA, you can benefit from tax-efficient savings and investment options.

Whether you prefer a cash ISA for steady returns or a stocks & shares ISA for potential market growth, Fineco provides a user-friendly platform and expert support to help you manage and grow your savings effectively.

Investment options: Provides access to hundreds or thousands of bonds or shares in one package
Minimum investment: £500 or £100 per month
Charges and fees: 0.15% per year
Transfer fees: No transfer fees

Vanguard offers a range of ISA options for investors seeking a simple and cost-effective way to build a diversified investment portfolio.

With Vanguard ISA, you can access their renowned low-cost funds, allowing you to invest in a broad range of assets.

Their emphasis on passive index-tracking strategies and long-term investing makes Vanguard ISA an attractive choice for those looking to achieve steady growth and minimize expenses while navigating the financial markets.

Investment options: In addition to the standard stocks and shares ISAs, this firm offers the largest selection of Junior Stocks and Shares ISA accounts
Minimum investment: You can start investing from just £25 per month
Charges and fees: £1.50 monthly direct debit
Transfer fees: There is a transfer fee of £500

AJ Bell ISA offers a comprehensive platform for tax-efficient savings and investments.

With a variety of ISA options, including cash ISAs and stocks & shares ISAs, investors can tailor their portfolios to suit their needs.

AJ Bell's user-friendly interface and extensive investment options make it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient way to grow their savings and achieve their financial goals.

Investment options: Either choose from over 2,500 funds, shares, investment trusts and more to build your own portfolio, or be recommended a ready-made portfolio based on your goals and risk appetite
Minimum investment: £100 or £25 a month with 'do-it-yourself' option or £1,000 with 'ready-made portfolios' option
Charges and fees: Annual fee of 0.45% and a share-dealing charge that can reach up to £11.95
Transfer fees: No transfer fee

Hargreaves Lansdown ISA provides a comprehensive investment platform for individuals looking to make the most of their tax-efficient savings by offering top performing stocks and shares ISAs.

With a wide array of investment options, including stocks, funds, and bonds, Hargreaves Lansdown allows investors to build a diversified portfolio tailored to their financial goals.

Their user-friendly interface and expert research tools make it a popular choice among investors seeking professional support and a seamless investment experience.

Investment options: Access to over 40,000 investment prospects, including the UK and international stocks, ETFs, funds and US stocks
Minimum investment: No minimum investment amount
Charges and fees: Monthly fee of £9.99
Transfer fees: No closing or transfer fee

Interactive Investor ISA offers a versatile platform for investors seeking tax-efficient savings and investment opportunities.

With a range of ISA options, including cash ISAs and stocks & shares ISAs, investors can tailor their portfolios to match their financial objectives.

Interactive Investor's powerful tools and resources empower investors to make informed decisions, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a hands-on investment experience.

Investment options: Five different portfolios are available on its robo advisor platform
Minimum investment: There is a symbolic minimal deposit of £1
Charges and fees: The platform is free to use for one year for new investors, after which it becomes 0.6%
Transfer fees: No closing or transfer fees

Wealthify ISA provides a seamless and user-friendly platform for individuals looking to invest with ease.

With Wealthify's ISA, investors can access diversified portfolios, managed by their team of experts, based on their risk preferences and financial aspirations.

This robo-advisory service offers a convenient way for investors to grow their savings, making it an attractive option for those seeking a hands-off and accessible investment experience.

Opening a Stocks and Shares ISA (Individual Savings Account) involves a few steps, and the exact process might vary depending on the financial institution you choose to work with.

Here's a general guideline on how to open a Stocks and Shares ISA:

How Does a Stocks and Shares ISA Work?

Where Can You Open One?

You can open a stocks and shares ISA at one of numerous institutions across the UK. These include:

• Banks
• Credit unions
• Building societies
• Friendly societies
• Peer-to-peer lending services
• Stockbrokers
• Crowdfunding companies
• Other financial institutions

If you have a regular provider who holds your other accounts, you may want to consult them about opening a stocks and shares ISA. This way, all your accounts would be handled by one company.

Who Is Eligible for a Stocks and Shares ISA?

There are several criteria of eligibility for opening a stocks and shares ISA:

• You need to be at least 18 years or older
• You must be a UK resident with a national insurance number
• You need to have some money you can afford to lose
• You mustn't have any outstanding debt

How Much Can You Invest?

The amount you can invest is determined by your annual ISA allowance. For the 2022/23 tax year, this amount is £20,000.

If you've already used some of your allowance for another type of ISA, you will need to deduct that amount from your total ISA allowance to find out how much you can invest in a stocks and shares ISA this financial year.

Do You Pay Tax on Returns?

No. As long as you stay under your annual ISA allowance, you will not pay any taxes on your returns from a stocks and shares ISA.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Performing Stocks and Shares ISA in the UK in 2024

Several factors determine your success with a stocks and shares ISA. Here are some significant factors to consider about this investment option.

Risk

Your savings will be at risk with any investment but less so with best performing stocks and shares ISA. Essentially, your risks can be minimized by ensuring you won't sell your investment for less money than you purchased it for.

The longer you go without selling, the higher the chances of your investment solidifying.

Shorter time frames always allow more things to go south, while leaving your investment alone is more likely to increase it.

Another great way to spread your risk is simply investing in several different ISAs. Not only does this reduce the risk of losing your money, but it also represents a great way to avoid taxes on parts of your income.

FSCS Protection

FSCS is the UK's statutory, non-profit fund that protects investors from losing investments and other payments.

If your stocks and shares ISA provider is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), your money and assets will still be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

This protection consists of several layers. The first comes from the FCA, forcing the firms to separate their assets from yours.

The second layer comes from FSCS and covers all authorized firms up to a limit of £85,000 per person.

If the firm fails to meet the target investments, the compensation will be slightly lower.

Fees and Costs

The fees depend on the type of investment you want to make and the institution you are using. Some common charges include:

• A platform charge – A flat fee or a percentage of the overall value of your capital
• An annual management charge – A percentage of your overall investments deducted each year
• A flat transaction charge – A fee for trading with stocks and shares
• A transfer out fee – A percentage based on the overall fund – the more you transfer, the higher the cost

Uses

The best performing Stocks and Shares ISAs can be of great use for UK-based individuals who want to avoid the low-interest rates of regular savings accounts.

You may enjoy higher returns as well as tax benefits.

If you have a significant amount of capital saved and are willing to take a minimal amount of risk in investing it, this type of investment may be for you.

It may also be the right move if you have enough money coming in from other sources to leave a lump sum invested for at least five years to allow you to avoid the unpredictability of the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A top-performing stocks and shares ISA often yields a higher return on your savings than other ISAs. For optimal results, this type of account should only be considered a long-term investment.

It's a good idea to consult with a financial advisor and establish another emergency savings fund to avoid touching your ISA. Having done that, all that's left to do is to choose the stocks and shares ISA that fits your needs.