Considering the current economic climate, wise investing approaches that minimize taxes should always be sought after. For UK investors the options remain limited. However, the NatWest Stocks and Shares ISA attempts to simplify things for the users by offering a managed option suited for those new to investing. This raises the question: in 2025 is it’s competitive when compared to newer investment platforms? Here is an updated review.
What is NatWest Stocks and Shares ISA?
Comprising of both investment and savings accounts, an ISA allows users to sidestep capital gains tax (CGT) and taxes on income generated from investments. In this case, NatWest offers a managed version where investments are made by professionals based on the users risk level preferences. New investors can now invest as low as £50 per month or a lump sum of £500, making it easily accessible.
Updates in 2025:
In comparison to previous years, NatWest offers further assistance paying attention to customer risk tolerance. 2025 updates include:
| Portfolio | Risk Level | Investment Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Cautious Fund | Low | Bonds & stable assets |
| Balanced Fund | Medium | Mix of stocks & bonds |
| Adventurous Fund | High | Mostly stocks for growth |
Other features include:
- Offered tax-free growth (pendency of CGT or dividend tax).
- An increase in ESG (ethical) investment options.
- Improved management through NatWest’s app or online banking.
Fees & Charges (2025 Update)
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Platform Fee | 0.35% |
| Fund Management Fee | 0.31%–0.33% |
| Trading Fees | None |
While the platform fee of 0.35% is rather reasonable, it is still competitive when compared to providers such as Vanguard and InvestEngine who offer lower self-managed ISAs.
Pros vs. Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Beginner-friendly | ❌ Limited investment choice (no single stocks/ETFs) |
| ✅ Low minimum investment (£50/month) | ❌ Higher fees than some DIY platforms |
| ✅ Ethical (ESG) options | ❌ Not ideal for experienced investors |
| ✅ No trading fees |
Who Is It Suitable For?
This ISA is best for:
New investors that prefer a hands-off approach.
Ethical investors looking into ESG funds.
Those who want an uncomplicated solution rather than complex stock-picking strategies.
Still, people looking for more control or lower fees might consider Interactive Investor or AJ Bell to be more suitable.
Is It Still Good In 2025?
For novice investors seeking an uncomplicated, tax-advantaged investment account, the NatWest Stocks and Shares ISA is an attractive option due to its higher minimum requirements. Accessible ethical investment options and managed portfolios also help.
On the other hand, the NatWest ISA might be too expensive for those seeking more competitively priced options with fewer restrictions. Evaluating other platforms makes more sense in that case.
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.
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