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InvestEngine Review 2025: Features, Fees, Pros & Cons

4.7
/
5

InvestEngine offers commission-free investing in a wide range of ETFs through a simple, user-friendly platform designed for DIY investors.

    Fees: Very low; Fund Protection: Yes; Portfolio Transfer: Yes
    Minimum deposit£100
    Last updated:March 2025
    Fact Checked

    Pros and Cons of InvestEngine

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Zero platform fees and commission-free ETF trading for DIY portfolios (ETF costs apply)</li><li>Fractional investing from as little as £1 (minimum investment of £100, after that as low as £1)</li><li>Wide selection of 770+ ETFs for comprehensive diversification</li><li>User-friendly platform with powerful portfolio analysis tools</li><li>Attractive welcome bonus for new customers (up to £100, T&Cs apply, minimum deposit of £100, must stay invested for 12 months)</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Limited strictly to ETFs - no individual stocks or other assets available</li><li>No advanced trading features for short-term traders</li><li>Fewer account types than some competitors (no JISA or LISA)</li><li>No phone support - only chat and email assistance</li></ul>

    InvestEngine distinguishes itself with an unbeatable fee structure and a platform designed specifically for ETF investing. The zero-fee DIY option (ETF costs apply) sets it apart from most competitors. However, investors seeking individual stocks or active trading capabilities will need to look elsewhere.

    InvestEngine - Auto Layout Investment Service

    Why Choose InvestEngine

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Completely free DIY investing platform with no account fees or trading commissions (ETF costs apply)</li><li>Fractional share investing from just £1 (minimum investment of £100, after that as low as £1)</li><li>Feature-rich automation tools like Savings Plans and one-click rebalancing</li><li>High-quality portfolio analytics and diversification tools</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>ETFs only - not suitable for stock pickers or traders</li></ul>

    InvestEngine stands out as one of the most cost-effective investment platforms in the UK market. Unlike most competitors who charge percentage-based fees or trading commissions, InvestEngine offers a completely free service for DIY investors (ETF costs apply), with no platform fees, account fees, or trading commissions.

    InvestEngine's automation features also distinguish it from competitors. The platform enables effortless portfolio management through features like Savings Plans for scheduled investments, auto-invest capabilities that maintain your target allocations, and one-click rebalancing to keep your portfolio on track. These tools encourage disciplined, long-term investing rather than impulsive trading.

    For cost-conscious investors who value ETFs as their primary investment vehicle, InvestEngine delivers a sophisticated yet user-friendly experience without the fees that typically eat into returns over time.

    Who Is InvestEngine For?

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Perfect for beginner investors seeking simplicity</li><li>Ideal for cost-conscious investors prioritizing low fees</li><li>Excellent for passive, long-term investors</li><li>Great for ETF enthusiasts and portfolio builders</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Not suitable for active traders or those wanting individual stocks</li><li>Limited appeal for investors needing complex instruments</li></ul>

    InvestEngine caters primarily to beginner and intermediate investors who appreciate a straightforward approach to long-term wealth building. The platform's intuitive interface, educational resources, and options make it particularly welcoming for newcomers to investing who might be intimidated by more complex platforms.

    Cost-conscious investors will find InvestEngine's zero-fee structure compelling. Without platform fees eating into returns, more of your money remains invested and working for you. This advantage compounds over time, making it especially valuable for long-term passive investors. The automatic investing features further support this group by enabling regular contributions and maintaining portfolio allocations without manual intervention.

    ETF enthusiasts are perfectly served by InvestEngine's focused approach. With over 770 ETFs available, covering global markets, sectors, themes, and asset classes, you can create sophisticated portfolios tailored to your investment strategy. The platform's portfolio analysis tools provide deep insights into your combined holdings, helping you fine-tune allocations and avoid unintended concentration risks.

    UK investors seeking tax-efficient wrappers will appreciate InvestEngine's fee-free ISA and SIPP options, which allow tax-advantaged investing (tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in future) without the additional wrapper fees many platforms charge. This is particularly valuable for retirement planning or long-term growth.

    However, InvestEngine is not designed for active traders, day traders, or investors who want to pick individual stocks. If you're seeking short-term opportunities or want to invest in specific companies rather than ETFs, you'll need to look elsewhere. Similarly, investors requiring sophisticated trading instruments like options, futures, or direct cryptocurrency access won't find those capabilities here.

    Fees and Commissions

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Zero platform fees for DIY portfolios</li><li>No trading commissions on ETFs</li><li>No account fees for ISA or SIPP wrappers</li><li>No deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>ETF expense ratios still apply (though these are unavoidable with any provider)</li></ul>

    InvestEngine's fee structure is remarkably transparent and among the most competitive in the industry. For DIY portfolios, there are simply no platform fees or trading commissions - a rare offering that can save investors hundreds or even thousands of pounds over time compared to percentage-based fee platforms.

    The only costs DIY investors pay are the underlying ETF expense ratios, which typically range from 0.03% to 0.89% annually depending on the fund. These fees are built into ETF pricing and would apply regardless of which platform you use to buy them. InvestEngine doesn't add any markup to these costs.

    There are no hidden charges with InvestEngine:

    • No ISA or SIPP wrapper fees
    • No dealing fees or trading commissions
    • No deposit or withdrawal fees
    • No inactivity fees
    • No exit fees if you decide to leave

    This clean fee structure means you can invest even small amounts regularly without worrying about fees eroding your returns. For a £10,000 portfolio in a DIY account, the platform cost would be £0, compared to perhaps £25-50 annually with platforms charging percentage-based fees.

    Product Selection and Markets

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Over 770 ETFs covering global markets</li><li>Access to major asset classes (equities, bonds, commodities)</li><li>ETFs from leading providers (Vanguard, iShares, HSBC, etc.)</li><li>Both broad market and specialized thematic ETFs available</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>No individual stocks or shares</li><li>No mutual funds, investment trusts</li><li>No cryptocurrency ETPs or exotic instruments</li><li>Limited to ETFs only</li></ul>

    InvestEngine focuses exclusively on Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), offering a comprehensive selection of over 770 ETFs that cover virtually all major markets and asset classes. This focused approach is deliberate - the platform is built around the philosophy that well-selected ETFs provide the diversification and cost-efficiency most investors need.

    The ETF selection includes:

    Equity ETFs: Covering global, regional, country-specific, sector, and thematic indices. Whether you want broad exposure through funds like the FTSE All-World or Vanguard S&P 500, or more targeted investments in sectors like technology or renewable energy, you'll find suitable options.

    Bond ETFs: Government bonds, corporate bonds, high-yield bonds, and inflation-linked securities across different durations and geographies. This enables fixed-income allocation for conservative investors or portfolio balancing.

    Commodity ETFs: Including precious metals like gold and silver, as well as broader commodity indices for inflation hedging or portfolio diversification.

    Multi-Asset ETFs: Some ETFs on the platform combine multiple asset classes in a single fund, offering ready-made diversification.

    The platform supports investments across major global markets, including the UK, US, European, Asian, and emerging markets. All ETFs are UCITS-compliant (meeting European regulatory standards) and GBP-denominated or with GBP share classes, avoiding direct currency conversion needs.

    The "Portfolio look-through" feature is particularly valuable, showing you the combined exposure of all your ETFs to different regions, sectors, and even individual companies. This helps you avoid unintended concentration risks and understand your true portfolio composition.

    InvestEngine does not offer individual stocks, active funds, investment trusts, or direct bond investments. This limitation is by design - the platform focuses on ETFs as the optimal investment vehicle for most investors. If you specifically want to buy shares in individual companies or invest in active funds, you would need a different platform or a second brokerage account alongside InvestEngine.

    For the vast majority of long-term investors, however, the ETF selection provides more than enough options to build sophisticated, diversified portfolios aligned with almost any investment strategy or risk tolerance.

    Mobile App Experience

    Platform Experience

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Clean, intuitive interface for both web and mobile</li><li>Powerful portfolio analytics and visualization tools</li><li>Automated features like Savings Plans and portfolio rebalancing</li><li>Fractional investing capability for any ETF</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Limited customization options for advanced users</li><li>No advanced charting or technical analysis tools</li></ul>

    InvestEngine offers a thoughtfully designed platform that balances simplicity with powerful functionality. The clean interface avoids the clutter and complexity found on trading-focused platforms, making it approachable for beginners while still providing the tools needed for effective portfolio management.

    The web platform and mobile app share a consistent design language, making it easy to switch between devices. The dashboard provides a clear overview of your portfolio performance, allocation, and recent activity. Navigation is straightforward, with logical organization of features and information.

    Key platform features include:

    Portfolio Analytics: The portfolio breakdown shows your allocation across asset classes, regions, and sectors with intuitive visualizations. The unique "look-through" feature aggregates data across all your ETFs to show total exposure to specific companies, sectors, or countries.

    Automated Investing: Set up regular Savings Plans to automatically invest on your schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) using Open Banking connections. For DIY portfolios, you can set target allocations and have new investments automatically distributed accordingly.

    One-Click Rebalancing: Easily realign your portfolio to target allocations with a single click, rather than calculating and placing multiple trades manually. Since there are no trading commissions, you can rebalance whenever needed without cost concerns.

    Fractional Investing: Invest any amount in any ETF, even if it's less than the price of a full share. This enables efficient investing of even small regular contributions across multiple ETFs.

    Real-Time Valuation: See current portfolio value and performance metrics clearly presented with relevant benchmarks for comparison.

    The mobile app (available for iOS and Android) maintains feature parity with the web version, allowing complete portfolio management on the go. Users consistently rate the app highly (4.7+ stars in app stores) for its reliability and ease of use.

    For beginners, the platform provides sufficient guidance without overwhelming complexity. For intermediate investors, the analytics and automation features offer valuable insights and time-saving automation. However, very advanced traders accustomed to technical analysis tools, advanced order types, or extensive customization may find the platform somewhat limiting.

    The platform experience clearly reflects InvestEngine's philosophy of encouraging thoughtful, long-term investing rather than frequent trading. This aligns well with evidence-based investment approaches that emphasize low costs, diversification, and disciplined investing.

    InvestEngine - Dashboard

    Account Opening

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Fast, fully digital process</li><li>Low minimum investment of just £100</li><li>Quick identity verification for most applicants</li><li>Welcome bonus of up to £100 for new customers (T&Cs apply, minimum deposit of £100, must stay invested for at least 12 months)</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Limited account types available (no JISA or LISA)</li><li>UK residents only (18+ years)</li></ul>

    Opening an account with InvestEngine is straightforward and entirely digital. The process typically takes less than 10 minutes, with most accounts approved and ready to fund within one business day.

    To get started, you simply provide basic personal information (name, email, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number for tax reporting). InvestEngine uses electronic verification to confirm your identity against public records and databases - in most cases, this happens instantly without requiring document uploads.

    If the automated verification can't confirm your identity (perhaps due to recent address changes or limited credit history), you'll be prompted to provide photo ID and proof of address. This can be done by taking photos directly through your phone or webcam.

    During setup, you'll choose your account type:

    • General Investment Account (taxable)
    • Stocks & Shares ISA (tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in future)
    • Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)
    • Business Account (for limited companies)

    The minimum initial investment is just £100, making the platform accessible to most investors. After your initial deposit, you can invest as little as £1 at a time, supporting gradual portfolio building.

    New customers can receive a welcome bonus of between £20 and £100 when signing up through a referral link and investing at least £100 (T&Cs apply, must stay invested for at least 12 months). The exact bonus amount is randomly determined and credited to your account once you meet the qualifying criteria.

    The entire process is designed to be friction-free, with no paperwork or lengthy delays. Most users report being able to open an account and start investing on the same day.

    Deposit and Withdrawal

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Multiple convenient deposit methods</li><li>No fees for deposits or withdrawals</li><li>Fast processing times</li><li>Flexible ISA with easy access to funds</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Withdrawal process requires selling investments first if fully invested</li></ul>

    InvestEngine offers several convenient methods for moving money in and out of your account, all without fees.

    Deposit Methods:

    Instant Bank Transfer (Open Banking): The fastest option, allowing you to connect directly to your bank through a secure portal and authorize a payment.

    Manual Bank Transfer: Transfer money from your bank to InvestEngine's client account using the provided bank details and your unique reference. These transfers are processed the next business day if sent before the cutoff time (6:30 PM on working days).

    Automated Savings Plans: Set up regular automatic deposits using Open Banking connections. You can schedule weekly, biweekly, or monthly contributions that are automatically pulled from your linked bank account and invested according to your portfolio settings.

    For deposits, InvestEngine doesn't charge any fees, and the minimum deposit is just £1 after your initial £100 investment. Deposits made via Open Banking are typically credited to your account instantly, while manual bank transfers may take up to one business day.

    Withdrawals:

    Withdrawing from InvestEngine is also straightforward and free of charge. You can withdraw any available cash balance to your verified bank account. If your money is fully invested in ETFs, you'll need to sell some investments first to free up cash for withdrawal.

    Standard withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days, though many users report receiving their money within hours of requesting it. For full portfolio withdrawals or account closures, the process may take up to 5 business days due to trade settlement periods (typically T+2 for ETFs).

    A notable advantage for ISA holders is that InvestEngine offers a Flexible ISA, meaning you can withdraw money and replace it within the same tax year without affecting your annual allowance (tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in future). This provides valuable flexibility if you need temporary access to your funds.

    The deposit and withdrawal processes are intuitive through both the web platform and mobile app, with clear status updates keeping you informed about your money movements.

    Portfolio Transfer

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Free transfers into and out of InvestEngine</li><li>In-specie transfers supported for ETFs</li><li>Both ISA and SIPP transfers accepted (Vanguard only for SIPPs)</li><li>No exit fees if you decide to leave</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Only ETFs can transfer in-specie (other assets must liquidate)</li><li>Transfer timelines depend on other providers' responsiveness</li></ul>

    If you already have investments elsewhere, InvestEngine makes it easy to transfer them to take advantage of their fee-free platform. The service supports transfers of both ISA and SIPP accounts (Vanguard only for SIPPs), with no charges on InvestEngine's side.

    Additionally, InvestEngine offers a Tax Year End ISA transfer bonus if you transfer an ISA before the end of the tax year (T&Cs apply).

    For ISA transfers, you can move your existing Stocks & Shares ISA to InvestEngine while preserving its tax-efficient status (tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in future). The process requires completing an ISA transfer form through your InvestEngine account. You have two options:

    Cash Transfer: Your current provider sells your investments and transfers the cash to InvestEngine, which you can then reinvest in ETFs.

    In-Specie Transfer: If you already hold ETFs that InvestEngine offers, these can be transferred directly without selling, keeping you invested throughout the process.

    For SIPP transfers, InvestEngine can currently accept transfers from Vanguard personal pensions only. The process is similar to ISA transfers, though it might require additional pension-specific information. Recently, InvestEngine removed their SIPP platform fee, making their SIPP as fee-free (ETF costs apply) as their other accounts - a significant advantage over most pension providers.

    General Investment Account transfers can also be arranged, though these don't have the same formal transfer process as ISAs or SIPPs. If you hold ETFs in a general account elsewhere, InvestEngine can often work with your current broker to re-register those ETFs in their name without selling.

    Transfer timelines vary based on the responsiveness of your current provider - typically ranging from 1-3 weeks for ISAs and 6-11 weeks for SIPPs. InvestEngine will keep you updated throughout the process and handle all coordination with your old provider.

    There are no fees for transferring into InvestEngine, and importantly, no exit fees if you ever decide to transfer out in the future. This lack of "lock-in" fees demonstrates confidence in their service quality and competitive pricing.

    The transfer process is particularly worthwhile for those currently paying platform fees, as shifting to InvestEngine's fee-free structure (ETF costs apply) can save significant money over time, especially for larger portfolios.

    InvestEngine - Mobile Transfer

    Safety and Fund Protection

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)</li><li>Client funds segregated from company assets</li><li>FSCS protection up to £85,000</li><li>Robust security measures for online access</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Not a publicly listed company</li><li>No banking background</li></ul>

    InvestEngine prioritizes investor protection through multiple layers of security and regulatory compliance. These measures ensure your investments remain safe even in unlikely adverse scenarios.

    The platform is operated by InvestEngine (UK) Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK's primary financial regulator. This oversight requires InvestEngine to meet strict operational standards, maintain adequate capital reserves, and follow rigorous client money rules.

    Your investments are protected by several key safeguards:

    Client Asset Segregation: All client funds and investments are legally segregated from InvestEngine's own assets and held in separate accounts. This means if InvestEngine were to face financial difficulties, your investments would remain separate and protected from creditors.

    FSCS Protection: InvestEngine is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which provides protection of up to £85,000 per person if the company were to fail and there was a shortfall in client assets. This compensation scheme acts as a safety net of last resort.

    Custodian Arrangements: Client investments are held by a nominee company (InvestEngine Nominees Limited) or at a regulated custodian. This structure ensures clear ownership records and protection of your assets.

    Online Security: The platform employs industry-standard security measures including 256-bit SSL encryption for all data transmissions, secure servers, and regular security audits. Access to your account requires password protection, and sensitive actions like withdrawals have additional verification steps.

    It's important to understand that while these protections safeguard your funds from platform risk (problems with InvestEngine itself), they don't protect against market risk - the normal ups and downs of investment values. As with all investing, your capital is at risk from market movements, which is separate from platform security.

    InvestEngine maintains solid financial backing and has grown significantly since its founding, now managing over £1 billion in client assets. The company follows transparent business practices and provides clear information about how client assets are protected. Their commitment to security, combined with regulatory oversight, provides a solid foundation of trust for investors.

    Customer Service

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Extended service hours (5:30am-11:00pm weekdays, 7:00am-10:00pm weekends)</li><li>Responsive live chat support</li><li>Comprehensive help center and FAQs</li><li>Active community forum for peer support</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>No phone support line</li><li>Email response times may vary during busy periods</li></ul>

    InvestEngine provides customer support primarily through digital channels, focusing on responsiveness and extended availability rather than traditional phone support.

    The primary support channels include:

    Live Chat: Available directly from the website and app during extended hours (5:30am to 11:00pm weekdays and 7:00am to 10:00pm on weekends). This real-time support option is typically the fastest way to get assistance, with most queries answered within minutes.

    Email Support: Available for more complex issues or when you need to share documentation. Response times are generally within 24 hours, though they may be longer during particularly busy periods.

    Help Centre: An extensive online knowledge base covering common questions and procedures. The articles are clearly written and regularly updated, often eliminating the need to contact support directly.

    Community Forum: InvestEngine maintains an active online community where users can share experiences, ask questions, and get insights from both peers and InvestEngine team members. Company representatives often provide updates and answer queries through this channel.

    The support team has received positive feedback from users for their knowledge, helpfulness, and response times. In particular, many reviews mention the clear explanations provided to investment-related questions and the efficiency in resolving account issues.

    The absence of phone support is a deliberate choice that helps InvestEngine maintain their fee-free model. While some users might prefer speaking to a representative, the extended hours for live chat (including evenings and weekends) provide accessible real-time support when many traditional brokers' phone lines would be closed.

    For routine inquiries and common procedures, the self-service options are comprehensive and well-designed. The Help Centre includes detailed guides with screenshots for processes like setting up accounts, transferring investments, and using platform features.

    Overall, while InvestEngine's support model differs from traditional brokers with call centers, it delivers effective assistance through digital channels at times convenient to most users, including outside standard business hours.

    Reputation and Reviews

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Excellent ratings on Trustpilot and other review sites</li><li>Strong reputation for cost transparency</li><li>Recognized through industry awards</li><li>Positive feedback about platform reliability</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Some users note limitations of ETF-only approach</li><li>Newer platform compared to established brokers</li></ul>

    InvestEngine has built an impressive reputation in the relatively short time it has been operating. User reviews and industry recognition reflect high satisfaction levels and appreciation for the platform's unique value proposition.

    On Trustpilot, InvestEngine currently maintains an excellent rating of approximately 4.7 out of 5 stars based on thousands of reviews. Users consistently praise several aspects of the service:

    • The zero-fee structure (ETF costs apply) and transparency about costs
    • The user-friendly interface and intuitive platform design
    • The quality and responsiveness of customer support
    • The smooth account opening and transfer processes

    Industry experts and financial publications have also recognized InvestEngine's innovative approach. The platform has received several notable accolades, including:

    • MoneyWeek's "Reader's Choice" investment platform award in 2024
    • A 5-star rating from the Financial Times' Investors Chronicle Awards
    • Recognition from independent reviewers as one of the UK's most cost-effective investment platforms

    Financial blogs like Monevator have highlighted InvestEngine as a game-changer in the fee landscape, particularly for ETF investors. Their growth to over £1 billion in assets under management by early 2025 demonstrates substantial market confidence and adoption.

    When criticisms do appear in reviews, they typically focus on the platform's deliberate limitations rather than service quality issues:

    • Some users mention wanting access to individual stocks alongside ETFs
    • Others note the absence of certain account types like Junior ISAs or Lifetime ISAs
    • Occasionally, users report temporary technical glitches during platform updates

    InvestEngine appears responsive to user feedback, regularly implementing improvements and new features based on customer suggestions. The introduction of features like portfolio transfers and the removal of SIPP fees shows willingness to evolve their offering while maintaining their core value proposition.

    The company has also navigated market volatility periods without major service disruptions, building confidence in their operational resilience. Their transparent communication during industry changes (like when they highlighted their advantage after Vanguard's fee increases) has further enhanced their reputation for straight dealing.

    For investors aligned with InvestEngine's ETF-focused, low-cost philosophy, the overwhelmingly positive reputation provides reassurance about the platform's quality, reliability, and commitment to customer value.

    Learning Resources

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Informative blog with market insights and investing guides</li><li>Educational video content on YouTube</li><li>Helpful investment glossary for terminology</li><li>Active community forum with peer learning</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>More limited educational content than some larger platforms</li><li>Primarily focused on beginners and intermediate investors</li></ul>

    InvestEngine offers a decent range of educational resources to help investors understand both the platform itself and broader investment concepts, though their educational offering isn't as extensive as some larger brokerages.

    The Insights Blog serves as the primary educational hub, featuring regular content on:

    • Market commentary and analysis of current events
    • Explanations of investment strategies and concepts
    • Practical guides on using platform features
    • Thematic investment discussions (like ESG investing or inflation hedging)

    Their YouTube channel includes tutorial videos and educational content explaining:

    • How to use specific platform features
    • Basic concepts like diversification and rebalancing
    • Explanations of different ETF types and strategies

    The platform includes an Investment Glossary that defines common financial terms in plain English, helping beginners navigate investment jargon. This resource is particularly useful for those new to investing who may encounter unfamiliar terminology.

    InvestEngine occasionally hosts webinars and online workshops covering various investment topics. These events sometimes feature ETF providers or investment experts discussing market trends or specific investment themes.

    The Community Forum functions as both a support channel and learning resource, where investors can learn from others' questions and experiences. InvestEngine staff actively participate, providing expert insights and guidance.

    For beginners, the platform itself serves as an educational tool through features like:

    • Portfolio analytics that visualize diversification concepts
    • The portfolio look-through tool that demonstrates what's inside ETFs

    While these resources provide a solid foundation, especially for beginners and intermediate investors, they're not as comprehensive as the educational offerings from some larger platforms that have full investor academies or structured courses. Advanced investors looking for deep theoretical content might need to supplement with external resources.

    The educational content is clearly designed to support InvestEngine's investment philosophy - focusing on low-cost, diversified, long-term investing rather than active trading strategies or speculative approaches. This alignment helps guide users toward evidence-based investment practices.

    Added Benefits

    <h3>Pros</h3><ul class="tick"><li>Generous welcome bonus up to £100 for new customers (T&Cs apply, min deposit of £100, must stay invested for 12 months)</li><li>Referral program with rewards for both referrer and friend (T&Cs apply)</li><li>Automatic reinvestment of dividends</li><li>Low-cost business account option for companies</li><li>Fee-free accounts (ETF costs apply) (unlike most competitors)</li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul class="dismiss"><li>Limited special perks beyond the core investment offering</li><li>Some features available only on specific account types</li></ul>

    InvestEngine offers several valuable added benefits beyond its core investment platform, enhancing the overall value proposition for investors:

    Welcome Bonus and Referral Program: New customers can receive a welcome bonus between £20 and £100 when joining through a referral link and investing at least £100 (T&Cs apply, must stay invested for at least 12 months). The exact amount is randomly determined within this range. After joining, you can refer friends and family to earn additional bonuses (up to 25 referrals allowed), with both you and your referrals receiving bonuses in the same £20-£100 range. The program is particularly generous compared to many competitors, essentially providing free investment capital to begin your portfolio.

    Business Account Benefits: InvestEngine offers a specialized account for limited companies, allowing businesses to invest surplus cash in the markets rather than leaving it idle in low-interest bank accounts (T&Cs apply, min deposit of £100, must stay invested for 12 months). The business referral bonus is even more generous, ranging from £100 to £200 for both the referrer and the business that joins. This is a relatively unique offering among retail investment platforms.

    Flexible ISA Feature: Unlike standard ISAs, InvestEngine's ISA is flexible, meaning you can withdraw money and replace it within the same tax year without affecting your annual allowance (tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in future). This provides valuable liquidity while maintaining tax benefits.

    Fee-Free Structure: While not a traditional "perk," the absence of platform fees for DIY investing (ETF costs apply) is itself a significant ongoing benefit that continuously adds value by allowing more of your money to remain invested and compound over time.

    Dividend Reinvestment: The platform automatically reinvests dividends from your ETFs (if you choose this option), ensuring that income generated by your investments immediately begins working for you again without manual intervention.

    Savings Plans Automation: The built-in Savings Plan feature allows you to automate your investment strategy through scheduled regular contributions, helping you to potentially build wealth without having to remember to invest manually.

    One-Click Rebalancing: This time-saving feature allows you to realign your portfolio to your target allocations with a single action, rather than calculating and executing multiple trades manually.

    These benefits complement InvestEngine's core offering by providing both immediate value (through bonuses) and ongoing advantages (through automation and fee savings). The referral program in particular has helped drive word-of-mouth growth as satisfied customers recommend the platform to others.

    The combination of these added benefits with the platform's core advantages of zero fees and user-friendly design creates compelling overall value, especially for long-term investors who will benefit most from the compounding effect of fee savings over time.

    Bonuses and Special Offers

    InvestEngine offers some of the most generous bonuses in the industry:

    Welcome Bonus (Up to £100)

    New customers who sign up through our referral link can receive between £20 and £100 when they invest at least £100. The bonus is randomly determined within that range and requires staying invested for 12 months.

    After joining, you can earn additional bonuses by referring friends and family, with both you and your referrals receiving bonuses in the £20-£100 range for each successful referral.

    Tax Year-End Bonus - Up to £4,000!

    Until the end of May 2025, InvestEngine is offering an exceptional bonus for new and existing customers:

    For new customers:

    • Both ISA and SIPP top-ups and ISA transfers qualify
    • Invest or transfer before the end of May 2025
    • Receive a bonus based on your investment amount:
      • £12,000: £50 bonus
      • £25,000: £150 bonus
      • £100,000: £300 bonus
      • £250,000: £550 bonus
      • £500,000: £1,100 bonus
      • £1,250,000: £3,500 bonus
      • £3,000,000: £4,000 bonus

    For existing customers:

    • SIPP top-ups and ISA transfers qualify (ISA top-ups do not)
    • Same bonus structure as above

    The bonus will be added to your account between June 16 and July 4, 2025, and you must remain invested for at least 12 months to keep it.

    Sign up here to qualify for these special bonuses.

    Final Verdict

    InvestEngine has established itself as a standout platform for cost-conscious ETF investors, offering an exceptionally compelling combination of zero fees, user-friendly design, and thoughtful features that promote sound investing practices.

    The platform's key strength is its revolutionary fee structure - providing completely free DIY investing with no platform fees, account charges, or trading commissions. This alone places it among the most cost-effective options in the UK, potentially saving investors thousands of pounds over the long term compared to percentage-fee platforms. 

    InvestEngine's focus on ETFs creates both its greatest strength and its main limitation. For investors who appreciate the diversification, transparency, and cost-efficiency of ETFs, the platform provides an ideal home with powerful tools specifically designed for ETF portfolio building. The portfolio look-through feature, fractional investing capability, and one-click rebalancing are particularly valuable for this purpose. However, investors seeking individual stocks or other asset classes will need to look elsewhere or use InvestEngine as part of a multi-platform approach.

    The user experience strikes an excellent balance - intuitive enough for beginners while offering sufficient depth for intermediate investors. The automation features promote disciplined investing habits, and the educational resources provide adequate guidance for most users. Advanced traders might find the platform somewhat limiting, but they're not the target audience.

    Safety and reliability appear strong, with proper regulatory oversight, segregation of client assets, and FSCS protection. The company has built a solid reputation reflected in excellent review scores and industry recognition.

    The added benefits, particularly the welcome bonus and referral program, provide attractive incentives for new users. For existing customers, the ongoing advantage of fee-free investing continues to deliver value year after year.

    In summary, InvestEngine earns a strong recommendation for:

    • Long-term ETF investors of all experience levels
    • Cost-conscious investors seeking to minimize fees
    • ISA and SIPP holders looking for tax-efficient (tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in future), low-cost options
    • Those who appreciate a platform that encourages sound investing principles

    It's less suitable for:

    • Active traders or those seeking individual stocks
    • Investors requiring exotic instruments or specialized trading tools
    • Those who prefer phone-based customer support

    With its innovative approach to fee-free investing and thoughtful platform design, InvestEngine has raised the bar for what investors should expect from investment platforms. For its intended audience, it offers exceptional value that's difficult to match elsewhere in the UK market. You. may also want check out Trading 212 as a possible alternative and read a full in-depth review on the platform here.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is InvestEngine safe and legitimate?

    Yes, InvestEngine is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Client funds are segregated from company assets, and investments are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person.

    What are the main fees for using InvestEngine?

    For DIY portfolios, InvestEngine charges zero platform fees and no trading commissions. The only costs are the underlying ETF expense ratios (typically 0.05-0.30%), which would apply regardless of which platform you use. 

    Can I transfer my existing ISA or SIPP to InvestEngine?

    Yes, InvestEngine accepts transfers of existing Stocks & Shares ISAs and SIPPs. The process is handled for free, and if your current holdings are ETFs that InvestEngine offers, they can potentially be transferred "in-specie" without selling.

    What is the minimum investment amount?

    The minimum to open an account is £100, and after that, you can invest as little as £1 at a time thanks to fractional investing.

    Can I buy individual stocks on InvestEngine?

    No, InvestEngine only offers ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). You cannot buy individual company shares or other securities like bonds, mutual funds, or cryptocurrencies on the platform.

    How do I contact InvestEngine customer support?

    InvestEngine offers support primarily through live chat (available 5:30am-11:00pm weekdays and 7:00am-10:00pm weekends) and email. They don't provide phone support, but their digital channels have received positive feedback for responsiveness.

    Does InvestEngine offer a welcome bonus?

    Yes, new customers who sign up through a referral link and invest at least £100 can receive a welcome bonus between £20 and £100 (randomly determined). After joining, you can earn additional bonuses by referring friends and family.

    What types of accounts does InvestEngine offer?

    InvestEngine offers General Investment Accounts, Stocks & Shares ISAs, Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), and Business accounts for limited companies. They don't currently offer Junior ISAs or Lifetime ISAs.

    Can I automatically invest on a regular schedule?

    Yes, InvestEngine's Savings Plan feature allows you to set up regular automatic investments on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule. These can be distributed according to your target portfolio allocations.

    Disclaimer: When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have their own fees (TERs) which apply regardless of platform. This information is not investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future.

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