How to buy shares
Buy shares by following these three steps
Important information - investments and any income they produce fall as well as rise in value, so you could get back less than you put in. Investing in individual companies isn’t right for everyone – it’s higher risk as your investment is dependent on the fate of that company. You should understand the companies you’re investing in, their specific risks, and make sure any shares you own are held as part of a diversified portfolio. You can learn about investing essentials before getting started. Tax rules can change and benefits depend on your circumstances.
The information on this page isn't personal advice – please ask for advice if you're not sure what’s right for you.
Choose an investment account
To start investing, the first thing you’ll need is an account.
This is where you can buy, sell and hold investments, such as shares.
There are different types of investment accounts available, and the right one for you will depend on your goals. We offer a range of investment accounts, each with different characteristics.
Find out more about two popular options for buying shares.
Pick your shares
Once your account is open, you’ll be able to buy your first investments.
You can choose from UK and international shares, funds, ETFs, investment trusts and more.
If you’ve already decided you’d like to buy shares online, you’ll need to log in to your account to place the dealing instruction. You can do this on our website or via the HL mobile app.
If you need help at any point, visit our contact us page. The cheapest way to buy shares is online but we’ll be happy to talk you through the process.
We’ll send you confirmation once the trade has been placed.
Investments fall as well as rise in value, so you could get back less than you put in.
Check in anytime, anywhere
As soon as you’ve purchased your shares, you’ll be able to see the details on your account. You can check the current value and look back at the details of any trades you’ve placed.
You can also add and withdraw money, buy more investments, or sell what you already hold. You’re in control.
We’d recommend taking some time to learn more about investing. From help understanding diversification and risk, to tips on building a portfolio, we’ve covered what we think you need to know.
Choose your account
Our two most popular investment accounts are the HL Stocks and Shares ISA and the HL Fund and Share Account.
You can hold shares, alongside any other investments, in either account. Get started by opening an account today, or try our interactive account filter for our full range of account options.
If you choose to open more than one account, you’ll be able to see everything with a single set of log in details.
Stocks and Shares ISA
A simple way to invest free from UK tax.
Pay in up to £20,000 a year
UK tax-free growth and withdrawals
Competitive charges, giving you value for money
Open your ISA from £100, or £25 per month
Fund and Share Account
A low-cost, flexible investment account that makes anytime trading quick and easy.
No limits on what you can pay in
Make use of tax-free dividend allowance
Competitive charges, giving you value for money
Open your account from £1, or £25 per month
Why choose HL for your investment account?
Security - Security - we're the UK's number one platform for private investors, trusted by over 2 million clients and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Ease - invest anytime, anywhere online or with the HL app
Choice - pick your own investments, or take inspiration from our experts' latest investment ideas
Award-winning - we've won over 200 awards, including Best Online Stockbroker at the Personal Finance Awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024
Price Improvement - saving £16 per share trade on average
Unsure which shares to buy?
Discover six common sense methods to selecting shares. Plus, learn the basics of how to value a share and spot price trends.
Online share dealing costs
| Share trades | Charge per trade |
|---|---|
Monthly regular investing (Direct Debit) | No charge |
| 0 - 19 trades last month | £6.95 |
| 20+ trades last month | £3.95 |
The online share dealing charge is determined by the number of deals you placed in the previous calendar month. We count deals placed across all the HL accounts held under the same client number. The above covers shares, exchange traded funds and investment trusts, there is no dealing fee on fund dealing.
How we could help you save money
No more than 0.35% p.a. to hold shares (capped at £12.50 per month)
No inactivity fees
Invest in shares by monthly direct debit for free
No charge for reinvesting dividends
Frequently asked questions
The HL Stocks and Shares ISA and the HL Fund and Share Account can be used in similar ways.
You can log in, manage and trade in each account online, or on the go with the HL mobile app. You’re in control of picking the investments for either account.
The main differences relate to the tax benefits of Stocks and Shares ISAs. Investments held in an ISA are free from UK income and capital gains tax. This means there’s an annual allowance of £20,000 each tax year.
A Fund and Share Account, on the other hand, has no limits on the amount you can pay in. But you may have to declare income or capital gains on a tax return.
The charges are also different for each account.
Yes, you can open multiple investment accounts with us.
As long as they’re all in your name, you’ll be able to see them under a single set of log in details.
You can also link family members’ accounts to your own.
You can choose where to invest any money you add to your investment account. Pick from:
Over 3,000 funds
UK and overseas shares
Corporate and government bonds
Exchange traded funds (ETFs)
Investment trusts and much more
We've won over 200 awards for our services
Best Buy Pension
- Boring Money Awards 2026
Best for Investment Research
- Boring Money Awards 2026
Best For Customer Service
- Boring Money Awards 2026
Help and support
If you have any questions about buying shares, call our helpdesk or send us a message.