Best Online Brokers In The US 2026
Quick answer: For UK investors in 2026, the best online brokers in the US 2026 are British platforms offering cheap, FCA-regulated access to American shares. We ranked the top five based on fees, usability, and support. Each broker here lets you trade US stocks inside an ISA wrapper, keeping gains tax-free.
Key data for United Kingdom (2026-08-06)
| Aspect | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local index | FTSE 100 | London Stock Exchange |
| Currency | pound sterling (£) | £ |
| Reference rate | 3.75% (2026) | Bank of England (MPC) |
| Regulator | FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) | Oficial |
1st Place: Hargreaves Lansdown – Best for All-Round Service
Hargreaves Lansdown leads our ranking. Its platform gives you access to US stocks, FTSE 100 shares, funds, and SIPPs. Fees are competitive: 0.45% annual account fee capped at £45 for funds. Dealing costs £11.95 per trade, but you get excellent research tools. Support is top-tier, with phone and webchat. Ideal for investors who want one reliable broker for everything. Example: £20,000 in an ISA earning 6% becomes £35,816 tax-free after 10 years. HL makes that simple.
2nd Place: Trading 212 – Best for Low-Cost US Trading
Trading 212 offers commission-free US stock trading. No platform fees, no dealing charges on US shares. This is perfect for active traders who buy and sell frequently. Their ISA account uses the £20,000 allowance, and you can hold fractional shares. Downside: limited research tools compared to HL. Customer support is email only, but response times are decent. Best for anyone who wants to keep costs rock bottom while trading American giants like Apple or Tesla.
3rd Place: Interactive Investor – Best for SIPP and Pension Investors
Interactive Investor charges a flat monthly fee of £9.99 for its Investor plan, which includes regular trading credits. US trades cost £5.99 each. This structure suits investors with larger portfolios, especially those using SIPPs or Lifetime ISAs. The platform offers good educational content and analyst notes. It is not ideal for small balances because the flat fee eats into returns. For a £20,000 SIPP, the £9.99 monthly fee equals 0.6% per year, which is higher than HL's percentage fee.
4th Place: AJ Bell – Best for DIY Investors Who Want Simplicity
AJ Bell's Youinvest platform is straightforward and low-cost. Dealing charges are £9.95 per US trade, with no annual platform fee on funds up to £250,000. That makes it cheap for buy-and-hold investors. The website is clear and easy to navigate. Support is good but not 24/7. AJ Bell also offers a Lifetime ISA, which is great for first-time buyers or retirement savers. Drawback: no mobile app as slick as Trading 212 or Freetrade.
5th Place: Freetrade – Best for Fractional Shares and Casual Investors
Freetrade offers commission-free US stock trading with a basic account. Its ISA subscription costs £5.99 per month, giving you access to thousands of US and UK shares. Fractional shares let you invest small amounts in expensive stocks like Amazon. The app is beautiful and user-friendly. However, research and analysis tools are minimal. No SIPP or Lifetime ISA yet. Best for beginners or those who want to invest £20,000 gradually without high fees.
Practical example in United Kingdom
£20,000 in an ISA with 6% return grows to ~£35,816 in 10 years, tax-free
Risks and cautions
Volatilidade do mercado, mudanças na política monetária de Bank of England (MPC) e fatores geopolíticos globais são os principais pontos de atenção para investidores em United Kingdom.
| Ranking | Broker | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Hargreaves Lansdown | 0.45% fee capped, great support | All-round investors |
| 2nd | Trading 212 | Commission-free US trades | Active traders |
| 3rd | Interactive Investor | Flat monthly fee, SIPP | Pension savers |
| 4th | AJ Bell | Low platform fee on funds | DIY buy-and-hold |
Frequently asked questions
Can I hold US stocks in an ISA?
Yes, all five brokers allow US shares inside an ISA, keeping gains tax-free up to £20,000 per year.
Which broker is cheapest for frequent US trading?
Trading 212 offers zero commission on US trades, making it cheapest for frequent buying and selling.
Do any of these brokers offer a Lifetime ISA?
Yes, AJ Bell and Hargreaves Lansdown offer Lifetime ISAs, along with their standard ISA and SIPP accounts.
How does the Bank of England rate affect my broker choice?
BoE rate at 3.75% in 2026 means cash yields are low. Investing in US stocks via an ISA can beat inflation, but fees matter.
Are these brokers regulated by the FCA?
Yes, every broker in our ranking is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, protecting your money.
Sources and authority
This guide is part of the MoneyApp financial education ecosystem. For tax questions in Brazil, see Agente Tributário.
Related articles
- What is the S&P 500 and how to invest
- Nasdaq Composite: complete guide
- Dow Jones Industrial Average explained
← Back to MoneyApp United Kingdom
MoneyApp · Financial education in United Kingdom · Consult FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) para orientação oficial.