How to buy shares
Buy shares by following these three steps
Important information - investments and any income they produce fall as well as rise in value, so you could get back less than you put in. Investing in individual companies isn’t right for everyone – it’s higher risk as your investment is dependent on the fate of that company. You should understand the companies you’re investing in, their specific risks, and make sure any shares you own are held as part of a diversified portfolio. You can learn about investing essentials before getting started. Tax rules can change and benefits depend on your circumstances.
The information on this page isn't personal advice – please ask for advice if you're not sure what’s right for you.
Choose an investment account
To start investing, the first thing you’ll need is an account.
This is where you can buy, sell and hold investments, such as shares.
There are different types of investment accounts available, and the right one for you will depend on your goals. We offer a range of investment accounts, each with different characteristics.
Find out more about two popular options for buying shares.
Pick your shares
Once your account is open, you’ll be able to buy your first investments.
You can choose from UK and international shares, funds, ETFs, investment trusts and more.
If you’ve already decided you’d like to buy shares 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 buy shares 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 purchased your shares, 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.
We’d recommend taking some time to learn more about investing. From help understanding diversification and risk, to tips on building a portfolio, we’ve covered what we think you need to know.
Choose your account
Our two most popular investment accounts are the HL Stocks and Shares ISA and the HL Fund and Share Account.
You can hold shares, alongside any other investments, in either account. Get started by opening an account today, or try our interactive account filter for our full range of account options.
If you choose to open more than one account, you’ll be able to see everything with a single set of log in details.
Stocks and Shares ISA
A simple way to invest free from UK tax.
- Pay in up to £20,000 a year
- UK tax-free growth and withdrawals
- 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
- Competitive charges, giving you value for money
- Open your account from £1, or £25 per month
Why choose HL for your investment account?
- Security - we're a FTSE-listed company, trusted by over one million clients and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Ease - invest anytime, anywhere online or with the HL app
- Choice - pick your own investments, or take inspiration from our experts' latest investment ideas
- Award-winning - we've won over 200 awards, including Best Online Stockbroker at the Personal Finance Awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Price Improvement - saving £16 per share trade on average
Unsure which shares to buy?
Discover six common sense methods to selecting shares. Plus, learn the basics of how to value a share and spot price trends.
Online share dealing costs
| Deals in the previous month | Dealing charge |
|---|---|
| 0-9 deals | £11.95 |
| 10-19 deals | £8.95 |
| 20+ deals | £5.95 |
| Monthly investing | Free |
The online share dealing charge is determined by the number of deals you placed in the previous calendar month. We count deals placed across all the HL accounts held under the same client number. The above covers shares, exchange traded funds and investment trusts, there is no dealing fee on fund dealing.
How we could help you save money
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Free to hold shares in the Fund and Share Account, 0.45% p.a charge (capped at £45 p.a) to hold in an ISA
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No inactivity fees
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Invest in shares by monthly direct debit for free
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No charge for reinvesting dividends
Frequently asked questions
Finder Awards 2024
Boring Money Awards 2024
The Personal Finance Awards 2023/2024
Help and support
If you have any questions about buying shares, call our helpdesk or send us a message.