What is a Hargreaves Lansdown Stocks and Shares ISA?
A Stocks and Shares ISA is an investment account in the UK which is tax-efficient and allows you to grow your money free from capital gains tax (CGT) and income tax. The Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) Stocks and Shares ISA is one of the most popular options as it provides many different types of investments along with expert research and a simple to use platform.
This single-account solution allows both novice and veteran investors to access everything about HL Stocks and Shares ISA including fees, investment options, pros & cons, and steps to getting started.
An individual investment account enables UK residents to grow their wealth without incurring:
- ✖ Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
- ✖ Dividend Tax
- ✖ Income Tax on interest
Hargreaves Lansdown receives high reviews as a UK investment platform because it offers:
- ✅ Extensive Investment Choice – Invest in shares, ETFs, funds, bonds, and investment trusts.
- ✅ Award-Winning Platform – Easy-to-use website & app with advanced tools.
- ✅ Expert Research & Insights – Access to market analysis, fund picks, and investment ideas.
- ✅ Tax-Free Growth – No capital gains or dividend taxes are applicable within the ISA.
Key Updates for 2025
- ✔ For account balances below £250,000, the annual fee will decrease from 0.45% to 0.35%.
- ✔ New fractional shares option available for UK/US stocks with a £1 minimum investment.
- ✔ ISA allowance stands at £20,000, as confirmed by HMRC for 2025/26.
Highlights:
- Over 200 sustainable funds were added, enabling further ESG investments.
- A new AI-powered tool for portfolio analysis has been introduced.
Why Choose HL in 2025?
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Investment Choice | 3,500+ funds, 1,200+ stocks, ETFs, bonds |
| Platform | 4.8/5 Trustpilot (rated “Excellent”) |
| Research | Daily market insights + 2025’s top-rated “Wealth Shortlist” funds |
| Flexibility | Invest from £1 (fractional shares) or £25/month |
2025 Fee Structure
| Fee Type | 2024 Cost | 2025 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Account Fee | 0.45% | 0.35% (reduced) |
| Share Dealing | £11.95/trade | £9.95/trade (12+ trades/year) |
| ETF Trading | Free | Free |
Savings example: the new cost of a £50,000 portfolio is £175 per year, down from £225 in 2024.
New Investment Choices for 2025
- ✅ Fractional Shares – Own a part of Amazon and other high-priced stocks.
- ✅ Thematic ETFs – Funds that focus on AI, robotics, and clean energy.
- ✅ Pre-IPO Access – Special opportunities through HL Private Markets
Step-by-Step: Opening An ISA For 2025
- Apply Online – Filling out a form (digital) takes five minutes and requires no paperwork.
- User Verification – ID verification instantaneously through a UK license or passport.
- Account Funding – Transfer from bank, debit card, or via ISA transfer.
- Commence Investing – Simply use the “QuickStart” feature if you are a novice.
Who Should Not Use HL?
- ❌ Passive Investors – Vanguard has cheaper index funds with a 0.15% fee.
- ❌ Frequent Traders – Interactive Investor offers better rates at £4.99/trade.
- ❌ Hands-off Investors – Nutmeg offers managed portfolios for those looking to give the reins.
Pro Tips for 2025
Use the new HL’s “Tax Optimiser” tool to automatically;
- Harvest capital losses.
- Optimize dividend allowances.
- Monitor CGT over all accounts.
Conclusion: Remains On Top In 2025?
Most suitable for; Those who seek diverse investment options along with in depth research while wanting the benefit of a streamlined tax system.
Alternatives:
- Vanguard for passive investors.
- AJ Bell has lower fees if you have a bigger portfolio.
- InvestEngine charges no fees for trading with ETFs.
👉 Interested in investing? Open your HL ISA now and get a £50-£100 bonus as a new client offered in 2025.
For a detailed breakdown of this year’s top investment platforms, read our Best Stocks & Shares ISAs in 2025 – Top Platforms Compared, Cash ISAs Overview and The Best Accounts and Rates and Lifetime ISA (LISA): Buy Your First Home or for Retirement– we analyze fees, investment options, and exclusive features to help you choose the perfect tax-efficient account for your portfolio.