Lightyear or Freetrade – which is better for UK traders 2024? Compare Lightyear and Freetrade 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
Freetrade is a London-headquartered investing platform that offers zero-commission trading on thousands of UK, European and US stocks and ETFs through a beginner-friendly platform. Open a standard investment account, a self-invested pension or a stocks and shares ISA and start building a portfolio from as little as £2.
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
FCA-regulated brand with FSCS cover for investors
Thousands of US and UK stocks and hundreds of ETFs to choose from
Very competitive pricing vs competitors with low fees and zero commissions
Earn interest on uninvested cash with competitive rates
Transfer/move ISAs from other accounts
News and blog feed updated regularly
Built-in customer support via live chat
Fast revenue withdrawals
Dividends on stocks
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
Competitors have larger selection of assets
Trading platform lacks deep analytical tools
Less suitable for active, high-volume traders
Many countries not accepted
No leveraged trading
No demo account
Awards
Best Online Trading Platform 2020 - British Bank Awards
Best Share Trading Platform 2019 - British Bank Awards
People’s Choice 2019 - Good Money Guide
Best New Investment Service 2019 - Consumer Investment Awards