If you’ve looked into investing, you’ve probably heard of Freetrade—an app promising commission-free investing, simple design, and easy access to UK & US stocks. But is it actually worth using? I tested it so you don’t have to.
What is Freetrade?
Freetrade is an investment app that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, and even UK Treasury Bills with zero commission on trades. It’s designed to make investing more accessible, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor looking for a simple platform.
⭐ Key Features:
✅ Commission-free trading on UK & US stocks
✅ Fractional shares—start with as little as £2
✅ ISA & Pension options for tax-efficient investing
✅ Simple, clean app design for easy navigation
✅ Paid plans for advanced features & more stocks
My Experience Using Freetrade
1️⃣ Getting Started: Super Quick Setup
Signing up was fast and easy—just a few minutes to enter my details, verify my identity, and fund my account. You can deposit money via bank transfer or Apple Pay, making it super smooth.
2️⃣ Buying My First Stock: Simple But Requires Research
Once inside, the app’s layout is clean and minimal, which is great for keeping things simple. However, unlike other investing apps, Freetrade doesn’t give much guidance on what to invest in—so you need to have done your research before diving in.
✔ Pro: If you know what you want, the process is seamless—search for the stock, enter the amount, and buy in just a few taps.
❌ Con: No in-app insights or recommendations, so complete beginners might feel lost.
3️⃣ Investment Options: Good Range, But Not the Best for Beginners
Freetrade offers:
- UK & US stocks (including fractional shares)
- ETFs & Investment Trusts
- ISA & Pension accounts (but they come with fees)
- UK Treasury Bills (for lower-risk investments)
If you’re comfortable picking your own investments, there’s a lot to choose from. However, if you prefer managed funds or robo-advisors, other apps like Nutmeg or Wealthify might be better.
Freetrade Pricing: Is It Actually Free?
💰 Free Plan: Access to most UK & US stocks, commission-free trades.
💰 Plus (£4.99/month): Access to more stocks, limit orders, extended hours trading, and higher interest on uninvested cash.
💰 SIPP (£9.99/month): Pension plan for long-term investing.
❗ Important:
- The free plan is good enough for most people.
- ISAs & Pensions cost extra—so check if it’s worth paying compared to other providers.
- Unlike traditional brokers, there are no trading fees, which is a big win if you’re actively buying and selling.
Pros & Cons
✔ Pros:
✅ Commission-free trades on UK & US stocks
✅ Fractional shares let you invest with as little as £2
✅ Simple, user-friendly app with easy setup
✅ ISA & pension options available for tax-efficient investing
❌ Cons:
⚠️ Limited insights & analysis—no research tools or recommendations
⚠️ Not beginner-friendly—you need to know what you’re investing in
⚠️ Some features & ISA/Pensions cost extra—consider your trading habits before upgrading
Final Verdict: Is Freetrade Worth It?
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
Freetrade is a solid investment app if you know what you’re doing. It’s great for buying stocks without fees, but it’s not the best for complete beginners—you’ll need to do your own research before investing.
💡 Who Should Use It?
✔ If you want to trade stocks & ETFs commission-free
✔ If you already know what you want to invest in
✔ If you’re looking for a no-fuss app for stock investing
🚨 Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
❌ If you want a managed investing approach (Nutmeg, Wealthify, Moneybox)
❌ If you need guidance on what to invest in
❌ If you’re looking for in-depth research tools
Want to Start Investing? Here’s My Advice:
If you’re thinking about getting started, always do your research first. Investing isn’t just about picking random stocks—it’s about making informed decisions that work for your financial goals.
💬 Have you tried Freetrade? Let me know in the comments!
🔗 Want more app reviews? Check out my latest ones:
📌 Plum App Review: Can AI Really Help You Save & Invest?
📌 Moneybox Review: The Easiest Way to Save & Invest Without Thinking About It?
The Everyday Tech Girl 
Leave a comment