Best Junior ISA Providers Compared 2025

You've decided to open a Junior ISA for your child—excellent choice. But with dozens of providers competing for your business, how do you choose? The wrong provider could cost thousands in unnecessary fees over 18 years.

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll review the best Junior ISA providers for 2025, comparing fees, fund selection, minimums, and user experience. By the end, you'll know exactly which platform suits your family.

Quick verdict: For most parents seeking low-cost index investing, Fidelity (zero platform fees) or Vanguard (industry-low 0.15% fee) offer the best value. For active investors wanting research and choice, Hargreaves Lansdown excels despite higher fees. For Cash Junior ISAs, Coventry Building Society and Nationwide offer top rates.

Calculate what your contributions could grow to with different providers using our Future Builder Calculator.

What Makes a Great Junior ISA Provider?

Before diving into specific platforms, let's establish what actually matters:

Essential Criteria

1. Low Total Costs

• Platform/account fee (annual percentage or flat fee)
• Fund fees (ongoing charges for the investments themselves)
• Transaction fees (buying/selling investments)
• Why it matters: A 0.50% fee difference compounds to thousands over 18 years

2. Fund Selection

• Access to low-cost index trackers
• Range of options (global, UK, US, bonds)
• Ability to build a simple portfolio
• Why it matters: You need access to quality investments that match your strategy

3. Low Minimums

• Initial lump sum requirement
• Monthly contribution minimum
• Why it matters: Many families start small and increase over time

4. Ease of Use

• Simple online application
• Clear mobile app or website
• Straightforward fund selection
• Why it matters: You'll use this platform for 18 years—it should be pleasant

5. Trust and Stability

• FCA regulated
• FSCS protected (up to £85,000 cash, investments protected separately)
• Established track record
• Why it matters: This is your child's future—you need reliability

Best Stocks & Shares Junior ISA Providers

1. Fidelity — Best Overall for Low Fees

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Why we love it: Fidelity eliminated platform fees for Junior ISAs in 2023, making them the lowest-cost option for most investors. You only pay fund fees, which start at 0.06% for basic index trackers.

Fees:

• Platform fee: £0 (completely free)
• Fund fees: From 0.06% (index funds) to 0.75%+ (active funds)
• Dealing fee: £0 for regular investing, free for lump sum purchases
• Total cost example: Global index tracker = 0.06% annually (£5.40 on £9,000)

Minimums:

• Lump sum: £25
• Monthly: £25
• Perfect for: Families starting small

Fund Selection:

• 1,000+ funds available
• Excellent index fund range (Fidelity, Vanguard, iShares)
• Active funds if desired
• ETF access

Best Features:

• Zero platform fees (unbeatable for smaller portfolios)
• Simple fund selector tool
• Clean, modern website and app
• Automatic dividend reinvestment

Limitations:

• Not as hand-holdy as some competitors
• Research tools are good but not as comprehensive as Hargreaves Lansdown

Best for:

• Cost-conscious parents (most of you)
• Simple index fund portfolios
• Smaller portfolios (£100 - £10,000)
• Parents who know what they want to buy

Our take: For 80% of parents investing in a simple global index tracker, Fidelity is the clear winner. Zero platform fees mean more money working for your child's future.

2. Vanguard — Best for Vanguard Fund Investors

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Why we love it: Vanguard pioneered low-cost index investing. Their platform is simple, focused, and transparent. If you want Vanguard funds (which we recommend), going direct often makes sense.

Fees:

• Platform fee: 0.15% annually (capped at £375/year)
• Fund fees: 0.06% - 0.23% for Vanguard funds
• Total cost example: Global All Cap fund = 0.38% annually (£34.20 on £9,000)

Minimums:

• Lump sum: £100
• Monthly: £25

Fund Selection:

• Vanguard funds only (70+ funds)
• Excellent index tracker range
• Global, regional, and bond options
• Target retirement funds (automatically adjust risk)

Best Features:

• Rock-bottom fund fees
• Simple platform (can't get overwhelmed with choices)
• Automatic rebalancing options
• Clear, transparent fee structure

Limitations:

• Vanguard funds only (no flexibility for other providers)
• Platform fee means Fidelity is cheaper for smaller accounts
• Basic research tools

Best for:

• Larger portfolios (£25,000+ where £375 cap matters)
• Parents who want Vanguard funds specifically
• Simple, set-and-forget investors
• Those who prefer fewer choices

Our take: Vanguard is excellent, but Fidelity's zero platform fee wins for most Junior ISA portfolios. Vanguard's £375 fee cap only becomes advantageous at extremely large portfolios (£250,000+), which is rare for Junior ISAs. Choose Vanguard if you specifically want Vanguard funds and value their simple, transparent approach—not for cost savings on typical Junior ISA balances.

3. Hargreaves Lansdown — Best for Active Investors

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Why it's worth considering: Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) is the UK's largest investment platform. They offer exceptional research, fund ratings, and customer service. You pay more for this, but active investors appreciate the tools.

Fees:

• Platform fee: 0.45% annually (capped at £45/year for Junior ISAs)
• Fund fees: From 0.06% (index funds) to 0.75%+ (active funds)
• Total cost example: Global index tracker = 0.51% annually (£45.90 on £9,000)

Minimums:

• Lump sum: £100
• Monthly: £25

Fund Selection:

• 3,000+ funds (massive choice)
• All major fund houses
• ETFs and investment trusts
• Shares (individual stocks)

Best Features:

• Best-in-class research and fund ratings
• Excellent mobile app
• Wealth Shortlist (curated fund recommendations)
• Outstanding customer service
• Educational content for parents

Limitations:

• Higher fees than Fidelity or Vanguard
• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Temptation to overcomplicate with too many funds

Best for:

• Active investors who use the research tools
• Parents who want guided fund selection
• Those who value premium customer service
• Investors holding individual shares

Our take: HL is excellent but expensive for simple index investing. If you're just buying one global tracker and holding it, Fidelity saves you £40+/year. But if you actively use their research tools and Wealth Shortlist, the premium can be worth it.

4. Interactive Investor — Best for Large Portfolios

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Why it's unique: Interactive Investor (ii) uses a flat monthly fee instead of percentage-based charges. This makes them expensive for small accounts but excellent value for large ones.

Fees:

• Platform fee: £4.99/month (£59.88/year) flat fee
• Fund fees: From 0.06% onwards
• Total cost example: Global index tracker = 0.06% + £59.88 = £65.28 annually on £9,000

Minimums:

• Lump sum: £100
• Monthly: £25

Fund Selection:

• 3,000+ funds
• ETFs and investment trusts
• Individual shares
• Comprehensive choice

Best Features:

• Flat fee benefits larger portfolios
• £3.99 regular investing deal (even cheaper)
• Good research tools
• Fractional shares available

Limitations:

• Expensive for portfolios under £10,000
• Flat fee feels painful when starting small
• Not as polished as HL interface

Best for:

• Larger portfolios (£15,000+)
• Parents expecting to max out allowances yearly
• Active traders (fixed fee for unlimited trades)

Break-even analysis:

• At £9,000: ii costs £65.88, Fidelity costs £5.40 → Fidelity wins
• At £50,000: ii costs £89.88, Fidelity costs £30 → Fidelity still wins
• ii works best with their £3.99/month regular investing plan or for very active traders

Our take: Unless you're investing £20,000+ annually or trading frequently, Fidelity or Vanguard offer better value.

5. AJ Bell — Solid All-Rounder

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Why it's worth considering: AJ Bell sits between Fidelity (low-cost, simple) and HL (premium, comprehensive). Reasonable fees, good fund choice, decent platform.

Fees:

• Platform fee: 0.25% annually (no cap)
• Fund fees: From 0.06% onwards
• Total cost example: Global index tracker = 0.31% annually (£27.90 on £9,000)

Minimums:

• Lump sum: £100
• Monthly: £25

Fund Selection:

• 2,500+ funds
• Good index fund selection
• ETFs and shares available

Best Features:

• Middle-ground pricing
• Clean, functional platform
• Good customer service
• Regular updates and educational content

Limitations:

• Not as cheap as Fidelity
• Not as comprehensive as HL
• Doesn't excel in any particular area

Best for:

• Parents who want balance between cost and features
• Those who find Fidelity too basic but HL too expensive

Our take: AJ Bell is perfectly fine, but we'd still recommend Fidelity for most investors purely on cost grounds.

Best Cash Junior ISA Providers

If you've decided on a Cash Junior ISA (typically for short timeframes under 5 years), here are the top options:

Coventry Building Society

Interest Rate (as of 2025): 4.00% AER/gross (variable)

Minimums: £1 to open, no minimum monthly

Features:

• Competitive rate
• Easy account management
• Established building society

Best for: Parents wanting simple, secure cash savings with a good rate

Nationwide Building Society

Interest Rate (as of 2025): 3.75% AER/gross (variable)

Minimums: £1 to open, no minimum monthly

Features:

• Trusted high-street name
• Branch access if needed
• Good online platform

Best for: Parents who value branch access and established brand

NS&I Junior ISA

Interest Rate (as of 2025): 3.50% AER/gross (variable)

Minimums: £1 to open, no minimum monthly

Features:

• 100% government-backed (beyond FSCS protection)
• Maximum security
• Simple online management

Best for: Parents prioritising absolute security over highest rates

Our take on Cash Junior ISAs: Rates change frequently. Check MoneySavingExpert or Moneyfacts for current best rates before opening. For most long-term investors (10+ years), Stocks & Shares Junior ISAs offer significantly better growth potential.

Complete Provider Comparison Table

Provider	Platform Fee	Total Cost*	Fund Choice	Best For	Our Rating
Fidelity	£0	0.06%+	1,000+ funds	Most investors	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vanguard	0.15% (cap £375)	0.38%+	Vanguard only	Vanguard fans, large accounts	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hargreaves Lansdown	0.45% (cap £45)	0.51%+	3,000+ funds	Active investors	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Interactive Investor	£4.99/month	£65.88+/year	3,000+ funds	Large portfolios	⭐⭐⭐⭐
AJ Bell	0.25%	0.31%+	2,500+ funds	Balanced approach	⭐⭐⭐⭐

*Total cost = platform fee + typical index fund fee (0.06% for Fidelity Global Index Fund)

How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Family

Choose Fidelity If:

✅ You want the lowest fees possible ✅ You're investing in simple index funds ✅ Your portfolio is under £50,000 ✅ You're comfortable choosing your own funds ✅ You value straightforward, no-nonsense platforms

Example investor: "I want to put £200/month into a global index tracker and forget about it until my child turns 18."

Choose Vanguard If:

✅ You specifically want Vanguard funds ✅ You prefer fewer choices (less overwhelming) ✅ You value simplicity and transparency ✅ You're planning a set-and-forget strategy ✅ Your portfolio might grow very large (£100,000+)

Example investor: "I've researched Vanguard's Global All Cap fund and that's all I want. Keep it simple."

Choose Hargreaves Lansdown If:

✅ You actively use research and fund ratings ✅ You value premium customer service ✅ You want guided fund selection (Wealth Shortlist) ✅ You're willing to pay more for comprehensive tools ✅ You might hold individual shares

Example investor: "I want to actively research and possibly hold 3-5 funds plus some individual shares. I value expert ratings and guidance."

Choose Interactive Investor If:

✅ You're investing £20,000+ annually ✅ You trade frequently ✅ You want unlimited dealing for one flat fee ✅ You hold a large portfolio

Example investor: "I'm maxing out the £9,000 allowance every year and will have £50,000+ within a few years."

Choose a Cash Junior ISA If:

✅ Your child will need the money in under 5 years ✅ You absolutely cannot tolerate any investment risk ✅ You're using it for emergency savings

Example investor: "My child is 15. I'm saving for their first car at 18 and can't risk market fluctuations."

As we covered in our guide to opening a Junior ISA, your provider choice matters less than simply starting. You can always transfer later if needed.

The Fee Impact: Why It Matters

Let's see the real-world cost difference over 18 years:

Scenario: £200/month contribution, 7% annual returns before fees

Provider	Annual Fee	Final Value (18 years)	Cost vs Fidelity
Fidelity	0.06%	£86,250	Baseline
Vanguard	0.38%	£84,100	-£2,150
AJ Bell	0.31%	£84,600	-£1,650
Hargreaves Lansdown	0.51%	£83,450	-£2,800

Key insight: Hargreaves Lansdown's higher fees cost £2,800 over 18 years on this example. That's real money. You're paying for premium research and service—make sure you use it.

As we explained in our Junior ISA guide, fees compound just like returns. Every 0.10% in fees costs approximately £500 over 18 years at this contribution level.

Common Questions

Q: Can I switch providers later if I change my mind?

A: Yes! Junior ISA transfers are straightforward. Complete a transfer form with your new provider, and they'll handle moving everything (usually takes 3-6 weeks). Your child won't lose any investment time.

Q: Which provider has the best mobile app?

A: Hargreaves Lansdown wins for comprehensive features. Fidelity and Vanguard both have clean, functional apps. Interactive Investor and AJ Bell are decent but less polished.

Q: Do any providers offer educational content for children?

A: Traditional investment platforms focus on parents. None offer child-focused financial education. This is where apps like Squids-In add value—combining investment tracking with interactive lessons designed specifically for children aged 10+.

Q: Can grandparents contribute to any provider's Junior ISA?

A: Yes, all providers allow third-party contributions. Share the account reference number with grandparents, and they can transfer money directly. Total contributions from all sources cannot exceed £9,000 per tax year.

Q: What if I want to invest in individual company shares?

A: Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor, and AJ Bell all allow individual share purchases. Vanguard (funds only) and Fidelity (funds and ETFs) don't offer individual shares in Junior ISAs. For most parents, funds are simpler and more diversified anyway.

Q: Do providers offer automatic rebalancing?

A: Vanguard offers target retirement funds that automatically rebalance. Most other providers require manual rebalancing. For simple one-fund portfolios (like a global tracker), rebalancing isn't needed.

Q: Which provider is best for teaching my child about investing?

A: All these providers are designed for parents, not children. Consider using investment tracking apps alongside your chosen provider. Squids-In, for example, lets children view their portfolio, complete financial lessons, and understand compound growth through age-appropriate tools like the Time Machine visualizer.

Making Your Decision: A Simple Framework

Still unsure? Answer these three questions:

1. What's your investment strategy?

Simple (one global index fund): → Fidelity Vanguard funds specifically: → Vanguard Active (multiple funds, research-driven): → Hargreaves Lansdown Large portfolio (£50,000+): → Consider Interactive Investor

2. What's your priority?

Lowest possible fees: → Fidelity Simplicity: → Vanguard Research and guidance: → Hargreaves Lansdown Premium service: → Hargreaves Lansdown

3. How large will your portfolio grow?

Under £20,000: → Fidelity £20,000 - £100,000: → Fidelity or Vanguard £100,000+: → Vanguard (fee cap) or Interactive Investor

For 80% of readers: Fidelity is the answer. Zero platform fees, good fund selection, simple platform. Done.

Beyond the Provider: What Actually Matters More

Here's a truth bomb: Your provider choice matters far less than:

1. Starting early - 18 years of compound growth beats everything
2. Contributing consistently - £100/month for 18 years beats £500 one-time
3. Keeping fees low - But 0.06% vs 0.15% is negligible compared to not investing
4. Staying invested - Don't panic-sell during market dips
5. Teaching your child - Financial literacy beats a large account they'll squander

You could open an account with the "wrong" provider today and still end up with £80,000 by your child's 18th birthday. Or you could spend six months researching the "perfect" provider and miss six months of compound growth.

Start today. Optimize later if needed.

As we covered in our article on teaching kids about compound interest, time in the market beats timing the market—and that includes timing your provider decision.

Key Takeaways

• Fidelity offers the best value for most families with zero platform fees and excellent low-cost index fund access

• Vanguard excels for simplicity and Vanguard fund investors, though Fidelity's zero fee usually wins for smaller accounts

• Hargreaves Lansdown justifies higher fees only if you actively use their research, ratings, and comprehensive tools

• Interactive Investor works for large portfolios or frequent traders, but most Junior ISA investors don't fit this profile

• Fee differences compound over 18 years - a 0.45% fee difference costs approximately £2,800 on £200/month contributions

• All providers are FCA-regulated and safe - choose based on fees and features, not security concerns

• You can transfer providers later if your needs change, so don't overthink it

• Starting today beats finding the "perfect" provider - time in the market matters more than provider selection

Next Steps: Open Your Junior ISA Today

Your action plan:

1. Decide your strategy (simple index fund vs active management)
2. Choose your provider (Fidelity for 80% of you)
3. Gather required documents (birth certificate, your ID, proof of address)
4. Open the account (follow our step-by-step guide)
5. Choose your investment (global index tracker for simplicity)
6. Set up monthly contributions (automate with Direct Debit)
7. Teach your child (involve them age-appropriately)

Don't wait for the "perfect" moment. Your child's 18th birthday arrives whether you start today or next year—but starting today means 12 extra months of compound growth.

Calculate your projected growth with our free Future Builder Calculator to see exactly what your monthly contributions could become.

Ready to give your child the gift of financial education? Join the Squids-In waiting list to access interactive lessons, compound growth visualizations, and portfolio tracking designed specifically for children aged 10+.

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This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment values can go down as well as up. Always research providers thoroughly and consider your own financial situation before investing.

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About Squids-In: The UK's first comprehensive financial education app designed specifically for children aged 10+. While you manage your child's Junior ISA with traditional providers, Squids-In helps your child understand their investments through 190 interactive lessons, gamified learning, and tools like the Time Machine compound growth visualizer. Parents can participate too, creating family learning opportunities.

Related posts:

• How to Open a Junior ISA: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• What is a Junior ISA? Complete Guide for Parents
• Stocks & Shares vs Cash Junior ISA: Which is Better?
• Junior ISA vs Junior SIPP: Which is Better for Your Child?
• Best Investment Apps for Families (2025 Review)