How to invest money
Investing doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are 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 that it’s the right decision for you.
Find out more about which account could be right for you.
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 that 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, visit our contact us page. 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.
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 that 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.
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
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
Why choose to invest your money with HL?
Security - we're a trusted company, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Trust - we have £172bn under administration for over 2 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 more than 200 awards, including Best for Investment Research and Best for Customer Service by the Boring Money Awards 2026
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can set up a direct debit with us from as little as £25 per month.
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, investing only money you won’t need for five years or more.
As soon as your debit card payment is authorised, your 'Amount available to invest' will be updated to reflect the payment. The cash might not actually move from your bank account for a few days, but you can invest straight away.
Please note that when adding money via cheque, the balance may take a few days to show upon receipt.
You can choose where to invest any money you add to your investment account. Pick from:
Thousands of funds
Investment trusts and much more
Yes, it is possible to invest your money into more than one account, although this will depend on what type of accounts you already hold and their individual limits.
Need expert investment advice?
Use our expert advice services to help explore your investment options and build or amend your portfolio to suit your long-term financial goals.
Help and support
If you have any questions about investing, call our helpdesk or send us a message.