Beginner's Guide to Investment Apps in the UK

Investment apps are a great way for beginners to get started in the world of investing. They offer a convenient and affordable way to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other assets. In this guide, we'll take a look at the best investment apps in the UK, as well as some tips for using them.

What is an investment app?

An investment app is a mobile or web-based application that allows users to invest in stocks, bonds, and other assets. These apps typically offer a variety of features, including:

  • Account opening: Investment apps make it easy to open an account and start investing.
  • Investing: Investment apps allow users to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other assets with a few taps of the screen.
  • Research: Investment apps provide access to research and analysis to help users make informed investment decisions.
  • Education: Investment apps offer educational resources to help users learn about investing.

Why use an investment app?

There are several reasons why investment apps are a good choice for beginners:

  • Convenience: Investment apps make it easy to invest from anywhere, at any time.
  • Affordability: Investment apps typically offer low fees, making them a cost-effective way to invest.
  • Ease of use: Investment apps are designed to be user-friendly, even for those with no prior investing experience.

How to choose an investment app

When choosing an investment app, there are a few factors to consider:

  • Fees: Fees are an important factor to consider when choosing an investment app. Some apps charge commissions for each trade, while others charge annual fees or monthly subscription fees.
  • Investment options: Not all investment apps offer the same investment options. Some apps focus on stocks, while others offer a wider range of options, including bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds.
  • Research and education: Some investment apps offer research and education resources to help users make informed investment decisions. Others do not.

Best investment apps in the UK

Here are a few of the best investment apps in the UK:

  • eToro: eToro is a popular investment app that offers a wide range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, and CFDs. The app also offers a social trading feature that allows users to follow and copy the trades of other investors.
  • Trading 212: Trading 212 is another popular investment app that offers a wide range of investment options. The app also offers fractional shares, which allow users to invest in stocks with a smaller amount of money.
  • Freetrade: Freetrade is a commission-free investment app that offers a range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, and ISAs. The app also offers educational resources to help users learn about investing.
  • Vanguard Investor: Vanguard Investor is a popular investment app that offers a range of Vanguard funds, including index funds and ETFs. The app is a good choice for investors who are looking for a low-cost, passive investing approach.

How to use an investment app

To use an investment app, you'll first need to create an account. Once you have an account, you can start investing by adding money to your account and then buying the assets you want to invest in.

Here are the basic steps on how to use an investment app:

  • Open the app and sign in to your account.
  • Add money to your account. You can do this by linking your bank account or credit card.
  • Choose the assets you want to invest in. You can browse the app's selection of assets or search for specific assets.
  • Buy the assets you want to invest in. You can do this by entering the amount of money you want to invest and clicking the Buy button.

Tips for using an investment app

Here are a few tips for using an investment app:

  • Start small: Don't invest more money than you can afford to lose.
  • Do your research: Before you invest in any asset, make sure you understand the risks involved.
  • Be patient: Investing is a long-term game. Don't expect to get rich quickly.

Conclusion

Investment apps are a great way for beginners to get started in the world of investing. They offer a convenient and affordable way to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other assets. By choosing the right app and following some simple tips, you can start investing today.