Interactive Investor

Who they are

Interactive Investor, known as ii, launched in 1995 as an online investment service for retail investors. In 2022 it became a subsidiary of Abrdn, formerly Standard Life Aberdeen. Today it describes itself as the UK's number one flat-fee investment platform, with assets under administration of £85 billion and over 500,000 customers.

The name that most distinguishes ii from its rivals is its pricing model. Most other investment platforms charge a percentage of your portfolio value; ii does things differently, using a flat monthly fee that can help keep costs low. That structure tends to become increasingly competitive as your portfolio grows, and it has earned ii a loyal following among serious, long-term investors.

The platform is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

What ii offers savers and investors

Interactive Investor is not a cash savings provider. It is a self-directed investment platform. The one product listed on DepositScout for ii is a Stocks and Shares ISA - a tax-efficient wrapper in which you choose your own investments rather than earning a fixed interest rate.

Through its direct-to-customer service, investors can manage and trade shares, funds, investment trusts, and bonds via trading accounts, ISAs, and SIPPs. The platform offers a wide choice of over 40,000 UK and international investment options, including shares, funds, trusts and ETFs. Its research and editorial offering is one of its genuine differentiators, with an in-house team producing fund and stock analysis, regular market commentary, and the 'Super 60' list of independently rated funds and investment trusts.

There is currently a promotional offer on the Stocks and Shares ISA: ii will gift a Stocks and Shares ISA to a family member with no monthly account fee on balances up to £50,000. Terms apply - check the current details before opening an account.

Protection and investor safety

It is important to understand that a Stocks and Shares ISA is not a savings deposit. Your capital is at risk and the value of investments can go down as well as up. There is no guaranteed interest rate.

ii is FCA-regulated, FSCS-protected, and operates with full client fund segregation. FSCS investor protection covers eligible claims up to £85,000, but this applies to the failure of the investment firm itself - it does not protect against investment losses.

Is it right for you?

Interactive Investor has carved out a compelling niche in the UK market by offering a fair and transparent flat-fee structure that stands in stark contrast to the percentage-based models of its main rivals. Investors with over £50,000 in investments will likely find the flat-fee model significantly cheaper than percentage-based platforms.

On the other hand, the flat fee is a disadvantage for those starting out - a £4.99 monthly fee on a £2,000 portfolio is equivalent to a very high annual charge, whereas a percentage-fee platform would cost far less. ii also does not offer a Lifetime ISA , which is worth bearing in mind if you are saving towards a first home or retirement under 40.

If you are looking for straightforward cash savings - easy access accounts, fixed-rate bonds or cash ISAs - Interactive Investor is not the place to look. But if you want a home for a growing investment portfolio, a SIPP, or a Stocks and Shares ISA under one roof with predictable costs, it is worth a serious look.

The live details on this page - including any current offers and terms - are the place to check before you make any decisions, as these things do change.