Freetrade
FCA
Lightyear
FCA/EFSA
Freetrade vs Lightyear
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026
Our Verdict
Lightyear has a higher rating of 4.1/5 compared to Freetrade (3.9/5). Freetrade offers 4 instrument types, while Lightyear offers 3. The minimum deposit is lower at Freetrade with 0 £. Freetrade has been in the market since 2016, making it the more experienced provider. On spreads, Freetrade offers £0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus), while Lightyear offers FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Freetrade | Lightyear |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.9/5 (550 reviews) | 4.1/5 (500 reviews)✓ |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA/EFSA |
| Fees | £0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks | €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee |
| Min. Deposit | 0 £ | 1 € |
| Instruments | Stocks, ETFs, REITs, SPACs | Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds |
| Platforms | Freetrade App | Lightyear App, Lightyear Web |
| Options Trading | No | No |
| Spread (typical) | £0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus) | FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market |
| Founded | 2016 | 2020 |
| Headquarters | London | London |
Detailed Comparison
Fee Comparison
Freetrade: £0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks. Minimum deposit: 0 £. Spread: £0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus).
Lightyear: €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee. Minimum deposit: 1 €. Spread: FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market.
Product Range
Freetrade (4 categories)
Lightyear (3 categories)
Trading Platforms
Freetrade
- Freetrade App
Lightyear
- Lightyear App
- Lightyear Web
Regulation & Security
Freetrade is regulated by FCA (HQ: London).
Lightyear is regulated by FCA/EFSA (HQ: London).
Who Is It For?
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
Lightyear
Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts
✓ No commissions on stocks and ETFs
✓ Multi-currency accounts without exchange fees
✓ Modern, user-friendly app
✗ Relatively new broker
✗ Limited product range
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freetrade or Lightyear cheaper?
Which broker offers more products: Freetrade or Lightyear?
Which broker is better regulated?
Is Freetrade or Lightyear better for beginners?
Freetrade vs Lightyear: Which broker is better overall?
How do spreads compare between Freetrade and Lightyear?
Lightyear
Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts
Open Account →From 1 € min. deposit