From the Learn Hub
Learn Hub
Fees definition
The costs you pay to invest your money.
What are investing fees?
Fees are the costs you pay to invest your money. They might seem small, but over time, they can eat into your returns – so it’s worth knowing what you’re being charged.
Common types of fees include:
- Platform fees: charged by investment platforms for holding and managing your investments.
- Fund management fees: a percentage taken by fund managers for running the fund (also called an ongoing charges figure or OCF).
- Trading fees: charged when you buy or sell investments, especially individual stocks.
- Exit fees: some providers charge you for moving your money elsewhere.
Not all fees are bad – after all, you’re paying for a service – but keeping an eye on them ensures you’re getting the best deal and maximising your returns.
Investing glossary
It's important you know
Capital at risk. All investing should be for the longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
A 25% government penalty applies if you withdraw money from a Lifetime ISA for any reason other than buying your first home (up to £450,000) or for retirement, and you may get back less than you paid into your Lifetime ISA.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Payments you make into your pension won’t be accessible until the minimum pension age (currently 55, increasing to age 57 from 2028). Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.