AJ Bell
FCA
Smartbroker+
BaFin
AJ Bell vs Smartbroker+
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
Our Verdict
AJ Bell has a higher rating of 4.2/5 compared to Smartbroker+ (4.1/5). Smartbroker+ is BaFin-regulated, while AJ Bell is supervised by FCA. AJ Bell has been in the market since 1995, making it the more experienced provider.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | AJ Bell | Smartbroker+ |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 (1100 reviews)✓ | 4.1/5 (890 reviews) |
| Regulation | FCA | BaFin |
| Fees | £5 per trade (11+ trades: £3.50), custody fee 0.25% | €0 at gettex (from €500) or from €4 at other exchanges |
| Min. Deposit | 0 £ | 0 € |
| Instruments | Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, Investment Trusts | Stocks, ETFs, Funds, Bonds, Derivatives |
| Platforms | AJ Bell App, AJ Bell Web | Smartbroker+ App, Smartbroker+ Web |
| Options Trading | No | No, no options trading |
| Founded | 1995 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Manchester | Berlin |
Detailed Comparison
Fee Comparison
AJ Bell: £5 per trade (11+ trades: £3.50), custody fee 0.25%. Minimum deposit: 0 £.
Smartbroker+: €0 at gettex (from €500) or from €4 at other exchanges. Minimum deposit: 0 €.
Product Range
AJ Bell (5 categories)
Smartbroker+ (5 categories)
Trading Platforms
AJ Bell
- AJ Bell App
- AJ Bell Web
Smartbroker+
- Smartbroker+ App
- Smartbroker+ Web
Regulation & Security
AJ Bell is regulated by FCA (HQ: Manchester).
Smartbroker+ is regulated by BaFin (HQ: Berlin).
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
Smartbroker+
Low-cost trading with access to all German exchanges
✓ €0 order fee at gettex from €500
✓ Access to all German exchanges
✓ Wide range of savings plans
✗ No options trading
✗ Platform still evolving
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AJ Bell or Smartbroker+ cheaper?
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AJ Bell vs Smartbroker+: Which broker is better overall?
AJ Bell
UK investment broker with low costs and broad fund offering
Open Account →From 0 £ min. deposit