Written by StockBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Bestinvest vs Lloyds Bank, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
Your capital is at risk.
Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, Lloyds Bank offers better pricing than Bestinvest for share dealing.
What type of trader are you?
New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.
Bestinvest and Lloyds Bank both offer a solid range of investment choices that cater to different investor needs. For those interested in share and ETF trading, both platforms provide these services, making it easy to diversify your portfolio with stocks and exchange-traded funds. However, if you're looking to trade crypto, spread betting, or CFDs, neither Bestinvest nor Lloyds Bank currently support these options. When it comes to trading funds, both brokers allow this, along with access to investment trusts. Bestinvest shines with its advisor services, matching Lloyds Bank in offering professional guidance to its clients.
Lloyds Bank clearly stands out with a perfect 5-star rating from UK.StockBrokers.com for its investment choices, ranking 8th out of 21 brokers, whereas Bestinvest receives a commendable 4.5 stars and sits at 10th position. A distinct advantage for Lloyds Bank is its offering of corporate and government bonds, which Bestinvest does not currently provide. Ultimately, if access to a wider array of bonds is essential for you, Lloyds Bank might be the more attractive option. However, both platforms offer a robust selection for typical investors aiming to grow their wealth in the UK market.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Lloyds Bank
|
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes |
| CFD Trading | No | No |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | Yes |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes |
| Spread Betting | No | No |
| Crypto Trading | No | No |
| Advisor Services | Yes | Yes |
| Investment Choices |
|
|
Low-cost US and UK shares.
Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.
When it comes to charting tools, Bestinvest offers a more feature-rich experience compared to Lloyds Bank. Bestinvest provides nine drawing tools and 36 technical indicators, allowing users to personalize and enhance their analysis. Additionally, users can add notes and stock overlays directly to charts, features that are missing from Lloyds Bank's platform. Both platforms lack the ability to display corporate events like earnings or dividends on charts, and neither offers index overlays or real-time market data.
Both Bestinvest and Lloyds Bank feature browser-based trading platforms, making them accessible from any internet-enabled device. They also allow users to set up alerts for stock price updates, keeping investors informed of market movements. However, those seeking a more comprehensive suite of charting tools may find Bestinvest to be the more attractive option, given its broader range of features for in-depth analysis.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Lloyds Bank
|
|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 36 | 0 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 9 | 0 |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | No |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
When comparing retirement account options between Bestinvest and Lloyds Bank for UK investors, both platforms offer Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). Whether you choose Bestinvest or Lloyds Bank, you can access tax-efficient saving and investing opportunities through their ISA and SIPP offerings. Consider your specific investment needs and platform features to determine which provider suits you best, as both have similar account options for managing your retirement savings.
Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.
For UK investors seeking mobile-friendly financial services, both Bestinvest and Lloyds Bank offer dedicated apps for iPhone and Android users. According to UK.StockBrokers.com, both apps receive a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, indicating a comparable level of user satisfaction and functionality. In terms of overall rankings among 21 brokers, Bestinvest slightly edges out Lloyds Bank for mobile app quality, securing the 16th spot, just above Lloyds Bank at 17th. Whether managing investments or banking needs, both platforms provide accessible and efficient mobile solutions for UK users.
Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.
For UK beginners seeking investment education, Bestinvest outshines Lloyds Bank in several key areas. Bestinvest offers live educational webinars, which are also available for on-demand viewing, covering essential topics such as share trading, funds, and retirement planning. In contrast, Lloyds Bank does not provide these resources, leaving some gaps for new investors looking to learn at their own pace. Bestinvest's comprehensive approach is reflected in its perfect 5-star rating and high ranking of 6th out of 21 brokers for beginner education by UK.StockBrokers.com, while Lloyds Bank is rated 4 stars and ranks 14th. Bestinvest clearly provides more thorough and accessible educational support for UK investors at the start of their financial journey.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Lloyds Bank
|
|---|---|---|
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | No |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No |
| Education |
|
|
Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.
When comparing the market research features of online broker Bestinvest to Lloyds Bank, there are several key differences and similarities. Both platforms offer comprehensive research reports for funds, enabling investors to make informed decisions. They also provide research across shares and ETFs, catering to a wide range of investment preferences. However, when it comes to viewing portfolio allocation by asset class, Bestinvest provides this feature, whereas Lloyds Bank does not. Additionally, those interested in bonds research will find Lloyds Bank more accommodating, as Bestinvest does not offer this feature. Overall, while both platforms have extensive offerings, the subtle distinctions in their market research features might influence an investor's choice depending on their specific needs.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Lloyds Bank
|
|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes |
| Research - Funds | Yes | Yes |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | Yes |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | No |
Which broker is better overall, Bestinvest or Lloyds Bank? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Bestinvest to be a better trading platform overall.
Bestinvest is a very good broker that should appeal to a wide range of investors. Fees are competitive, particularly if you invest in funds or US shares, and the investment options are extensive. The Bestinvest platform is relatively easy to use and the offer of a free 45 minute session with a financial coach can be a useful starting point for newer investors. Bestinvest is also a great option for a Junior SIPP, as it is one of very few UK brokers offering children’s pensions and with a low entry point.
| Feature |
Bestinvest
|
Lloyds Bank
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Charges & Fees |
|
|
| Investment Choices |
|
|
| Mobile App |
|
|
| Website |
|
|
| Ease of Use |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
When comparing online broker Bestinvest to Lloyds Bank, both platforms do not offer crypto trading options, providing a traditional investment approach without cryptocurrency access.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | Bestinvest | Lloyds Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Bestinvest Review | Lloyds Bank Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
| Investments | Bestinvest | Lloyds Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA | Yes | Yes | |
| SIPP | Yes | Yes | |
| Share Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| CFD Trading | No | No | |
| Mutual Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Bonds - Corporate | No | Yes | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) | No | Yes | |
| Investment Trusts | Yes | Yes | |
| Spread Betting | No | No | |
| Crypto Trading | |||
| Advisor Services | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Fees | Bestinvest | Lloyds Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £50 | £0 | |
| Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | £8 - £11 | |
| Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | £8 | |
| Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month | £0 - £4.95 | £8 | |
| 5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| 3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) | |||
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £0 - £250,000 | Up to £500 or £1,000 | £40 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £250K-£500K | £500 - £1,000 | £40 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £500,000 - £1m | £100 - £1,000 | £40 | |
| Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £1m and over | £0 | £40 | |
| Bonds - Corporate - Fee | £4.95 | £8 - £11 | |
| Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee | £4.95 | £8 - £11 | |
| ETFs - Fee | £4.95 | £8 - £11 | |
| Investment Trusts - Fee | £4.95 | £8 - £11 | |
| Telephone Dealing Fee | £30 | £35 |
| Broker Screenshots | Bestinvest | Lloyds Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
| Platforms & Tools | Bestinvest | Lloyds Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Stock Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies | 36 | 0 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools | 9 | 0 | |
| Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Display Corporate Events | No | No | |
| Charting - Stock Overlays | Yes | No | |
| Charting - Index Overlays | No | No |
| Research | Bestinvest | Lloyds Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research - Shares | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - CFDs | |||
| Research - Funds | Yes | Yes | |
| Fund Research - Research Reports | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
| Research - Bonds | No | Yes | |
| Portfolio Allocation Breakdown | Yes | No |
| Education | Bestinvest | Lloyds Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Share Trading) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Funds) | Yes | No | |
| Education (Retirement) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Overall Summary | Bestinvest | Lloyds Bank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Charges & Fees |
|
| |
| Investment Choices |
|
| |
| Mobile App |
|
| |
| Website |
|
| |
| Ease of Use |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Review | Bestinvest Review | Lloyds Bank Review | |
| Winner | check_circle |
Trading 212 Review
Interactive Brokers Review
Hargreaves Lansdown Review
XTB Review
IG Group Review
eToro Review
Saxo Review
CMC Invest Review
Freetrade Review
Halifax Review
Vanguard Review
