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Provider review

Hargreaves Lansdown

Last verified: Q1 2026 · Source: provider fee page
Fee model
0.45% on first £250k, 0.25% on £250k–£1M, 0.1% on £1M–£2M
Tiered percentage · SIPP available · Workplace available
Annual platform fee by pot size
£25,000 pot
£113/yr
0.45% effective
£50,000 pot
£225/yr
0.45% effective
£100,000 pot
£450/yr
0.45% effective
£250,000 pot
£1,125/yr
0.45% effective
£500,000 pot
£1,750/yr
0.35% effective
£1,000,000 pot
£3,000/yr
0.30% effective
Platform fee only. Fund charges (OCF) are additional: 0.06%–1.5% depending on fund choice
Note: Fees shown are for funds only. Shares, ETFs, and investment trusts may have different platform fee tiers. HL also charges dealing fees on share trades (£11.95 per online trade) which are not included here.

Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK's largest retail investment platform by AUM and the name most people think of first when they hear 'SIPP'. The platform is polished, the research tools are extensive, and customer service consistently rates among the best in the industry. The trade-off is cost: HL's 0.45% headline fee is among the highest of any major platform, and the tiered structure means large pots pay significantly more than they would on a flat-fee or cheaper percentage-fee platform. For pots above £100,000, the annual fee gap versus Vanguard or Interactive Investor runs into hundreds or thousands of pounds per year. HL is a strong choice for investors who value research, customer service, and breadth of investment options — and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Strengths
  • +Best-in-class customer service
  • +Widest fund and share range in the UK
  • +Excellent research and tools
  • +Strong mobile app
Limitations
  • –Most expensive major platform by percentage fee
  • –Dealing charges on shares (£11.95 per trade)
  • –No flat-fee option for large pots
Details
Fund range3,000+ funds, shares, ETFs, investment trusts, bonds
Minimum investment£1
Typical fund OCF0.06%–1.5% depending on fund choice
SIPPYes
Compare HL with
vs Vanguardvs AJ Bellvs iivs Fidelityvs PensionBee
All providers
HLVanguardiiAJ BellPensionBeeFidelityAvivaNESTInvestEngineNutmeg
Things to consider
  • •Fees shown are platform fees only — you also pay fund-level charges (OCF) on top, which vary by fund choice.
  • •Fee structures change without notice. Always verify the current fee on the provider's website before making any decision.
  • •The cheapest provider is not necessarily the best fit — consider fund range, customer service, platform features, and the specific funds you want to hold.
  • •Transferring a pension may involve exit fees, loss of guaranteed benefits, or loss of employer contributions. Check before you transfer.
  • •This page is factual information based on published fee schedules, not a recommendation to use or avoid any provider.
  • •If you're unsure which provider is right for you, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser.

This calculator provides estimates based on 2025/26 tax rates and is not financial advice. Scottish taxpayers are subject to different income tax rates and bands. The calculations assume your salary is your only source of income and do not account for benefits in kind or other taxable income.

For personalised guidance on your pension contributions, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser. You can find one via Unbiased or VouchedFor.