Advice on deciding between Vanguard and Trading212 for S&S ISA

isayhello

Am thinking to finally open an S&S ISA for the first time, have narrowed my platform choice to Vanguard and Trading212. Wondered if anyone has opinions on which one they would go for. Vanguard for me has the size and reputation and the funds I'd probably begin with but Trading212 is fee free and also has Vanguard funds but is a lot newer.
I'd probably be looking to go for some Vanguard funds initially. Though if I went with Trading212 I know I have the option to buy other funds and also shares.
Plan B was to open the ISA with Vanguard and open a general account with Trading212 to see how I find it.

snowqueen555

Trading 212 has a lot more ETFS for you to invest in. Just open a normal account and try it out, no harm. If you like it, open the ISA

masonic

Also posted here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6215471/advice-on-opening-first-s-s-isa-between-vanguard-and-trading212

barnstar2077

I decided to use Vanguard because of the reduced fund choice.  When I was with HL I was constantly thinking of different strategies. However, there was nothing wrong with the first plan and I was more likely to negatively impact my returns until I actually knew what I was doing. I figure I can always have a play with other funds / shares on other platforms at a later date once I have a stable backbone to my finances in place. 

Alexland

barnstar2077 said:

I decided to use Vanguard because of the reduced fund choice. 

Also don't underestimate trading fees to help keep on the right path.  On several accounts I am too tight to ever push the sell button. With one provider the user interface is so bad I don't really want to push any buttons. T212 free trades might turn us all into kids in the candy shop making a series of bad decisions while getting harassed to trade in CFDs.

isayhello

masonic said:

Also posted here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6215471/advice-on-opening-first-s-s-isa-between-vanguard-and-trading212

I realised there was a more related sub forum after I posted this one and couldn't see how to delete it.

isayhello

barnstar2077 said:

I decided to use Vanguard because of the reduced fund choice.  When I was with HL I was constantly thinking of different strategies. However, there was nothing wrong with the first plan and I was more likely to negatively impact my returns until I actually new what I was doing. I figure I can always have a play with other funds / shares on other platforms at a later date once I have a stable backbone to my finances in place. 

Good suggestion, how have you found them so far @barnstar2077?

isayhello

Alexland said:

barnstar2077 said:

I decided to use Vanguard because of the reduced fund choice. 

Also don't underestimate trading fees to help keep on the right path.  On several accounts I am too tight to ever push the sell button. With one provider the user interface is so bad I don't really want to push any buttons. T212 free trades might turn us all into kids in the candy shop making a series of bad decisions while getting harassed to trade in CFDs.

Thats a good point @Alexland - the flexibility is good though if you can be disciplined.

barnstar2077

So far so good.  The trades take a bit longer to go through than they did on HL, but that shouldn't be a problem if I stick to my plan of buying and holding for many years. They have answered the few messages I have sent them promptly, and they do seem seem to be constantly trying to improve the user interface. Tbh though, they are just cheap enough and simple enough for me to use them, and that is what matters to me.

MovingForwards

I find they are ok, sometimes the purchases take a few working days to go through, but that may be down to what I'm buying. Buying / swapping is easy, adding money is simple and it's a user-friendly site. 

I've sent a few messages and can't fault the responses.

I'd held a S&S ISA with a bank for several years and got used to seeing the decreases / increases, adding bits of money into a few sections they had, then one day I looked at the costs and I started looking into vanguard and transferred into them.

For me it's a good stepping stone from the very limited options with the bank, into a bigger world with more choice. 

If ever I get to the stage of having a decent amount of money (highly unlikely), then I may need to consider an alternative platform. 

Blackavar

Another cheap option to consider is Iweb which is backed by Halifax/Lloyds. I've had my S&S ISA with them for a few years with no problems. Good selection of investments with no 'ongoing' charge,