Lightyear or Fidelity – which is better for UK traders 2024? Compare Lightyear and Fidelity in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.
Lightyear is a trading app that offers multi-currency investing with low-commission US, EU and UK stocks, no commission on ETF trades, and the chance to earn high interest on uninvested USD, GBP and EUR. The firm launched in 2015 and UK retail traders will be registered under the Lightyear Financial Ltd entity. This company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), license number 955739. Capital at risk
Fidelity is a popular financial services firm that provides investment accounts and pensions with access to thousands of stocks, ETFs and mutual funds to clients based in the US, Europe and Asia. Fees vary by asset and account country, but are generally competitive, with zero-commission trading available on US stocks.
Capital at risk
Pros
Lightyear offers a user-friendly trading app with thousands of global equities
The investing app has been featured in the Financial Times & CNBC
Low-cost trading with no hidden fees or inactivity penalties
Traders can earn interest on uninvested cash
Low starting deposit of just $1 for new investors
Excellent list of stocks and funds to choose from
Very competitive pricing compared to largest rivals
Good list of account types to suit various types of investor
Uninvested cash is automatically put into a money market fund
Trusted global brand with strong regulation from SEC & FCA
Tax-efficient vehicles are available including ISAs
Cons
Platform features are basic and won't meet the needs of seasoned traders
Limited range of instruments with no forex trading
No demo account for prospective users
No MetaTrader 4 integration
No copy trading service
No forex or CFD trading
There is no demo account
Less suitable for short-term trading
Presentation of data is overly complicated
No trading platform for non-US clients
The $1000 minimum deposit for international clients is high
Awards
Boring Money Best Buy 2021 – Pension
Boring Money Best for Beginners Pension 2021
Boring Money Best for Beginners ISA 2021
Boring Money Best for Low - Cost Pension 2021
Online Personal Wealth Awards - Best Retirement Adviser 2021
Shares Awards 2020 - Best Execution-Only Stockbroker of the Year