Genuine alternative to HL?

planteria

just been reading this:

http://langcatfinancial.co.uk/2014/01/platforms-faahzands-em-barclays-et-al-go-top/

im still trying to choose which platform to use:think:

jimjames

Looks like Halifax have started the real price war

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4881720

£12.50 annual fee for an ISA, £12.50 buy funds or shares or £2 for monthly investments.

Will be very very cheap for someone who doesn't trade much.

planteria

yes, jimjames. this is good to see. hopefully there is some proper warring to come, and get these costs down.

http://www.halifax.co.uk/sharedealing/charges/new-charges/

i really like the prospect of capping charges, thereby incentivising further investment and building up ISA and Pension funds.

charges moving upwards risks putting some of us off, and, for example, focusing on clearing mortgages.

planteria

are HSBC or Barclays in the mix?

https://investments.hsbc.co.uk/product/9/sharedealing?HBEU_dyn_lnk=Investments_ProductSelectorPage_InvestDirect_FindOutMore_Btn

http://www.barclays.co.uk/BarclaysInvestorZone/InvestmentISAstocksandsharesISA/P1242586422530

planteria

there is a lot of discussion here, and elsewhere, re. the changes with HL's platform costs. it's a bit of a minefield, and i'm keen to get it as 'right' as i can.

currently thinking that i might move my relatively small Pension away from HL, perhaps transferring into my Wesleyan shp, and focus on DIY managing my ISA. but my ISA has Unit Trusts, UK Shares and US Shares (Amazon) at the moment. i like the look of X-O, but would be confined to UK Shares with them.

dave875933

In reference to Alliance Trust guaranteeing fees won't change until 2016.

In their new SIPP schedule of fees pdf, it has a "prices guaranteed until at least 2016" banner across the top corner, but then down in the terms and conditions in condition 6 is says they can change their fees whenever they want with 30 days notice.

So which is it?

jamesd

It's guaranteed until at least 2016. The rest can't override an explicit guarantee like that and such terms - contracts of adhesion - are to be read in the manner favourable to the consumer.

planteria

was with a customer today who wants to retain UK and, most importantly to him, US shares in his ISA and is convinced that Hargreaves Lansdown are the best platform. his ISA portfolio is worth £100k+. if i can show him a better deal i will score some points:D

planteria

jamesd wrote: »

At this stage I'll be looking at Trustnet Direct with great interest when I can, because of its 0.25% platform fee cap at £200 that stops rising once £80,000 combined is invested in the SIPP, ISA and investment accounts.

are TrustnetDirect still looking good for you james?

planteria

this is money article from 22.01.14:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/diyinvesting/article-1718291/Pick-best-cheapest-investment-Isa-platform.html