AJ Bell
FCA
Freetrade
FCA
AJ Bell vs Freetrade
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
Our Verdict
AJ Bell has a higher rating of 4.2/5 compared to Freetrade (3.9/5). AJ Bell offers 5 instrument types, while Freetrade offers 4. AJ Bell has been in the market since 1995, making it the more experienced provider.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | AJ Bell | Freetrade |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 (1100 reviews)✓ | 3.9/5 (550 reviews) |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA |
| Fees | £5 per trade (11+ trades: £3.50), custody fee 0.25% | £0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks |
| Min. Deposit | 0 £ | 0 £ |
| Instruments | Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, Investment Trusts | Stocks, ETFs, REITs, SPACs |
| Platforms | AJ Bell App, AJ Bell Web | Freetrade App |
| Options Trading | No | No |
| Founded | 1995 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Manchester | London |
Detailed Comparison
Fee Comparison
AJ Bell: £5 per trade (11+ trades: £3.50), custody fee 0.25%. Minimum deposit: 0 £.
Freetrade: £0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks. Minimum deposit: 0 £.
Product Range
AJ Bell (5 categories)
Freetrade (4 categories)
Trading Platforms
AJ Bell
- AJ Bell App
- AJ Bell Web
Freetrade
- Freetrade App
Regulation & Security
AJ Bell is regulated by FCA (HQ: Manchester).
Freetrade is regulated by FCA (HQ: London).
Who Is It For?
AJ Bell
UK investment broker with low costs and broad fund offering
✓ Low trading fees for frequent trading
✓ Publicly traded company (FTSE 250)
✓ Wide selection of funds and ETFs
✗ Custody fee on fund holdings
✗ Platform less modern than neobrokers
Freetrade
UK neobroker with commission-free stock trading
✓ No commissions on UK stocks
✓ ISA account available (tax-free in UK)
✓ User-friendly app
✗ Mainly focused on UK market
✗ FX fees for international stocks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AJ Bell or Freetrade cheaper?
Which broker offers more products: AJ Bell or Freetrade?
Which broker is better regulated?
Is AJ Bell or Freetrade better for beginners?
AJ Bell vs Freetrade: Which broker is better overall?
AJ Bell
UK investment broker with low costs and broad fund offering
Open Account →From 0 £ min. deposit