Best-Performing Stocks and Shares ISAs in 2024
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- A list of the Best Stocks and Shares ISAs for September 2024:
- What Is a Stocks and Shares ISA?
- Best Stocks and Shares ISA Comparison (2024)
- Best Performing Stocks and Shares ISAs – Reviewed (September 2024)
- How to Open a Stocks and Shares ISA?
- How Does a Stocks and Shares ISA Work?
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- What to Consider When Choosing the Best Performing Stocks and Shares ISA in the UK in 2024
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- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
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 September 2024:
- IG ISA – One of the Best ISA Provider in the UK
- Halifax ISA – Best ISA Platform with no Transfer Fees
- HSBC ISA – Top Stocks and Shares ISA with Low Minimum Deposit
- Santander ISA – One of the Best Performing ISA Funds in the UK
- Fidelity ISA – Best Performing ISA With a Wide Range of Assets
- Fineco – One of the Best ISA Platform with Expert Support
- Vanguard ISA – One of the Best-Managed Stocks and Shares ISA
- AJ Bell ISA – One of the Top UK Investment Platforms
- Hargreaves Lansdown ISA – Among the Best ISA Accounts Providers with Ready-Made Portfolios
- Interactive Investor ISA – One of the Best Investment ISA with Great Resuorces
- 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
Trading Options CFDs, Forex | Fees and Commissions Variable | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Commodities, Indices | |||
Platform Halifax | Trading Options Stocks, ETFs | Fees and Commissions Fixed commission | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Investment Trusts | ||
Trading Options Stocks, ETFs | Fees and Commissions Fixed commission | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Investment Funds | |||
Trading Options Stocks, ETFs | Fees and Commissions Fixed commission | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Investment Funds | |||
Trading Options Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds | Fees and Commissions Variable | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds | |||
Trading Options Stock, ETFs | Fees and Commissions Variable | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Investment Funds | |||
Trading Options Mutual Funds | Fees and Commissions Expense Ratios | Investment Options Mutual Funds, ETFs | |||
Trading Options Stocks, ETFs, Investment Funds | Fees and Commissions Variable | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Investment Trusts, Funds | |||
Platform Hargreaves Lansdown | Trading Options Stocks, ETFs, Investment Trusts | Fees and Commissions Variable | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Investment Trusts, Funds | ||
Trading Options Stocks, ETFs | Fees and Commissions Fixed and Subscription | Investment Options Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Investment Trusts | |||
Platform Wealthify | Trading Options Robo-Advisor | Fees and Commissions Management Fee | Investment Options Diversified Portfolios |
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 (September 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.
1. IG ISA
Pros
- Tax efficiency
- Diverse investment options
- Flexibility in contributions
- Designed for long-term investors
- User-friendly platform
Cons
- Investment risk
- Management fees
- Withdrawal restrictions
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.
2. Halifax ISA
Pros
- Tax efficiency
- Diverse investment options
- Flexible contribution options
- Expert resources
Cons
- Market volatility
- Account fees
- Withdrawal restrictions
- Performance not guaranteed
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.
3. HSBC ISA
Pros
- Global presence and expertise
- Premium customer service
- Integrated banking services
Cons
- Higher minimum investment
- Complexity for novice investors
- Potential for higher fees for premium services
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.
4. Santander ISA
Pros
- Established banking brand
- Integrated banking services
- Personalized investment solutions
- Access to expert advice
- Diverse investment options
Cons
- Higher fees
- Higher minimum investment requirements
- Potential conflicts of interest between promoting their own products and providing impartial advice
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.
5. Fidelity ISA
Pros
- Robust online platform
- Access to Fidelity funds
- Investor community
- Goal-based investing
Cons
- Complex fee structure
- Potential for overchoice
- Minimum investment thresholds
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.
6. Fineco
Pros
- All-in-One platform
- Wide range of investment options
- No account fees
- Competitive trading fees
- Advanced trading tools
Cons
- Complexity for novice investors
- Inactivity fees
- Higher minimum investment
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.
7. Vanguard ISA
Pros
- Low cost
- Passive investing
- Diverse investment options
- Reputation for trustworthiness
Cons
- Limited active management
- Limited personalization
- Complexity for novice investors
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.
8. AJ Bell ISA
Pros
- Diverse investment options
- Competitive fees
- User-friendly platform
- Flexibility to set up regular contributions
- Investment expertise
Cons
- Inactivity fees
- Market risk
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.
9. Hargreaves Lansdown ISA
Pros
- Extensive selection of investment options
- Comprehensive research and analysis
- User-friendly platform
- Regular savings plan
Cons
- Higher fees
- Complex fee structure
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.
10. Interactive Investor ISA
Pros
- Access to a broad range of share classes
- Advanced trading analytics
- Active cmmunity engagement
- Premium research subscription options
- Exclusive investment insights
Cons
- Variable costs for less frequent traders
- Complexity for novice investors
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.
Visit Interactive Investor ISA
11. Wealthify ISA
Pros
- Simplified approach to investing
- Professionally managed portfolios
- Low minimum investment
- Automated portfolio rebalancing
Cons
- Limited control
- Fees
- Dependence on manager performance
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.
How to Open a Stocks and Shares ISA?
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:
Step 1. Research and Choose a Provider
Start by researching different financial institutions, such as banks, investment firms, and online platforms, that offer the best performing Stocks and Shares ISAs.
Compare their fees, investment options, customer reviews, and other factors to find a provider that suits your needs.
Step 2. Check Eligibility
Ensure that you are eligible to open a Stocks and Shares ISA. In the UK, for example, you must be a resident and at least 18 years old to open this type of ISA.
Non-residents are generally not eligible.
Step 3. Gather Required Information
Prepare the necessary identification documents, such as proof of identity (passport, driver's license) and proof of address (utility bills, bank statements).
Some providers might also require your National Insurance number.
Step 4. Choose Your Investments
Decide on your investment strategy.
The best Stocks and Shares ISAs allow you to invest in a variety of assets, including individual stocks, bonds, funds, and more.
Consider your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon when making your choices.
Step 5. Select the Provider and Account
Once you've chosen a provider, visit their website or contact them to start the application process.
You'll need to specify that you want to open a Stocks and Shares ISA. The provider will guide you through the necessary steps.
Step 6. Complete Application Form
You'll need to fill out an application form provided by the chosen financial institution.
This form will ask for personal details, investment preferences, and other relevant information.
Step 7. Provide Identification Documents
Attach the required identification documents to your application.
These documents are necessary for verifying your identity and complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
Step 8. Choose Investments and Portfolio Allocation
Some providers might ask you to specify your investment choices during the application process, while others might guide you through this step afterward.
You'll need to choose the specific stocks, funds, or other assets you want to invest in.
Step 9. Funding Your ISA
Decide how much money you want to invest in your Stocks and Shares ISA and transfer the funds into the account.
This can usually be done via bank transfer or other methods specified by the provider.
Step 10. Review and Confirm
Before finalizing your ISA, review all the information you've provided for accuracy.
Confirm that your investment choices align with your goals and risk tolerance.
Step 11. Wait for Approval
The provider will review your application and documents.
Once everything is verified, they will approve your Stocks and Shares ISA.
Step 12. Start Investing
Once your account is approved and funded, you can start investing in the assets you've chosen.
Keep in mind that the value of investments can go up and down, so make informed decisions and monitor your portfolio regularly to benefit from the best performing 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
With a cash ISA, you will always receive a fixed interest rate, while stocks and shares ISAs don't.
Also, the amount of return on a stocks and shares ISA depends on how you handle your capital. With a cash ISA, you will experience steady growth of your money.
Stocks and shares ISA are typically recommended for those who are thinking of investing and can be especially useful for those who want to invest in their 20s.
Stocks and shares ISAs allow you to make a wide range of investments tax-free.
Some of the options you can put your money towards include investment funds or trusts, individual shares, bonds and gilts.
Given ample research and an adequately long investment period, a stock and shares ISA will definitely be a worthwhile investment.
If you have spare money to put away for several years without touching it, then this type of investment can deliver optimal results.
ISAs are considered tax-efficient savings and investment accounts because you don't pay income tax on the interest or returns you receive from these types of accounts.
Like all investments, stocks and shares carry some risk for investors. However, the chances of losing your investment are much smaller with this type of ISA.
If you're a beginner, you may want to learn more about stock trading.
The maximum amount you can save in an ISA is determined by your annual allowance. This is £20,000 in 2022/23.
In addition, the amount you can save depends on whether you are making frequent withdrawals within a year.
To avoid the risk of losing your money, it's a good idea to invest for the long term.
An investment period of five years is typically enough to get through all the highs and lows of the market.
The most noteworthy fee associated with a stocks and shares ISA is an annual fee, calculated as a percentage of your total holdings.
The higher the amount you have invested in your ISA, the more you will be charged.
Yes, you can withdraw money from your stocks and shares ISA any time you need to.
However, dipping into your ISA and reinvesting in it at a later date during the same tax year counts towards your annual ISA allowance.
There is no limit to the number of ISA accounts that you can hold, but you can invest in just one of each type of taxable ISA per year.
There are four different types of ISA you can pay into during any tax year:
- Cash ISAs
- Stocks and shares ISAs
- Innovative finance ISAs
- Lifetime ISAs
If you are familiar with using investment platforms for a broad range of products, you can open an ISA without a financial advisor.
However, if you are just venturing into this area, it's a good idea to find an advisor who can counsel you on complex matters such as stocks and shares ISAs.
Based on these considerations, a few popular platforms that often cater well to beginners include:
Nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a straightforward and user-friendly platform with various pre-built portfolios based on risk tolerance. They also provide educational content for beginners.
Wealthify: Wealthify is known for its simplicity and offers a range of investment options with different risk levels. They have a low minimum investment requirement, making it accessible for beginners.
AJ Bell Youinvest: AJ Bell offers a wide range of investment options, including funds, stocks, and ETFs. They provide educational materials and tools for beginners to get started.
Vanguard Investor: Vanguard is known for its low-cost index funds and ETFs. Their platform is user-friendly and suitable for beginners interested in long-term investing.
To find historical performance data for Stocks and Shares ISAs over the last 10 years, you have a few options:
Financial News Websites: Websites like Bloomberg, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, and Google Finance provide historical data for various investments, including stock indices, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). You can use their search features to look up specific funds or indices and access historical performance charts.
Investment Research Platforms: Platforms like Morningstar and Lipper provide detailed historical performance data for various investment funds and indices. They often offer tools to help you analyze performance over specific time periods, including the last 10 years.
Brokerage Platforms: If you have a brokerage account, the platform might offer historical performance data for the investments available on their platform. This can include individual stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
Fund Providers' Websites: Many fund providers and asset management companies publish historical performance data for their investment products on their websites. This is especially useful if you're interested in specific funds or ETFs.
Financial Reports and Documents: Some financial reports and documents, like annual reports from investment funds, may include historical performance data. These reports can often be found on the websites of the investment companies or regulatory bodies.
Investment Research Reports: Research reports from financial institutions, analysts, and research firms might include historical performance data and analyses for various investment options, including ISAs.
Some of the best performing ISA's are
- Vanguard
- Interactive Investor
- Nutmeg
- Freetrade
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.