How to invest money

Investing money doesn’t need to be difficult, here’s some steps to help you get started

Important information – Investors need to be happy making their own investment decisions, and understand that investments and any income they produce can fall as well as rise in value, so they could get back less than they put in. You can learn about investing essentials before you start investing your money. Tax rules can change and benefits depend on your circumstances. The information on this page isn't personal advice – please ask for financial advice if you're not sure where to invest your money, or what’s right for your personal circumstances.

Choose your investment account

To start investing your money, the first thing you need is an account.

This is where you can buy, sell and hold investments, such as funds or shares.

There are different types of investment accounts available, and the right one for your circumstances will depend on your investing goals. We offer a range of investment accounts, each with different characteristics.

Each account has important information that you should read and understand before proceeding, to ensure it’s the right decision for you.

Find out more about which account could be right for you.

Choose your investment account

Pick your investments

Once your account is open, you’ll be able to make your first investments. You can choose from UK and international shares, funds, ETFs, investment trusts, bonds and more.

If you’ve already decided you’d like to invest your money 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, just give us a call on 0117 900 9000. The cheapest way to invest 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.

View dealing charges

Check in anytime, anywhere

As soon as you’ve invested your money, 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. But make sure you revisit your investment strategy before making any changes, as investing is designed for the long term. If you’re investing in a SIPP, you won’t usually be able to access your pension until age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028).

We’d recommend taking some time to learn more about investing your money for the long term. From help understanding diversification and risk, to tips on building a portfolio, we’ve covered what we think you need to know before, during and after you get started investing money.

Learn about investing

Choose your investment account

Our two most popular investment accounts are the HL Stocks and Shares ISA and the HL Fund and Share Account.

You can hold your investments in either account. Explore our range of accounts with our interactive account filter and get started today.

If you choose to open more than one account, you’ll be able to see everything with a single set of log in details.

Tax rules can change and any benefits depend on your personal circumstances.

Stocks and Shares ISA

A simple way to invest your money free from UK income and capital gains tax.

Pay in up to £20,000 a year
UK tax-free growth and income
Competitive charges, giving you value for money
Open your ISA from £100, or £25 per month

Open a Stocks and Shares ISA

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 and capital gains tax allowance
Competitive charges, giving you value for money
Open your account from £1, or £25 per month

Open a Fund and Share Account

Why choose to invest your money with HL?

Security - we're a FTSE-listed company, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Trust - we have £127bn under administration for over 1.7 million clients
Ease - invest your money anytime, anywhere online or with the HL app
Choice - pick your own investments, or take inspiration from our experts' latest investment ideas to help grow your money
Award-winning - we've won over 200 awards, including Share Dealing Category by the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2023, and Best Online Stockbroker by the Personal Finance Awards 2022/2023

Easy to contact and information is made simple to understand
MISS CARTER, Oxfordshire

Frequently asked questions

This depends on which account you withdraw from. You may access your money at any time from a Stocks and Shares ISA or a Fund and Share Account. However, certain rules, such as age and the reason for withdrawal, apply to the Lifetime ISA, Junior ISA, and SIPP. Have a look at each product page to find out more. If you choose to invest your money, you should be thinking about it over the longer term, only investing money you won’t need for 5 years or more.
You can choose where to invest any money you add to your investment account. Pick from:
- Thousands of funds
- UK and overseas shares
- Corporate and government bonds
- Exchange traded funds (ETFs)
- Investment trusts and much more