Barclays has eliminated its platform fees for Direct Investing customers, effective from May 31, 2026, making it completely free to hold investments through the service. The change is designed to make investing more accessible for millions of ordinary people.
Fee Removal Details
Customers using Barclays Direct Investing will no longer pay a monthly customer fee, meaning there is no cost to hold any investments on the platform. Previously, customers were charged a monthly fee that varied based on the value of their holdings. The move simplifies the fee structure and reduces overall costs for investors.
Sasha Wiggins, chief executive of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, said: “At Barclays, we are committed to making investing more accessible for everyday investors.” She added: “Whether someone is experienced or just getting started, investing should feel relevant and within reach. By removing our Direct Investing customer fee, we are helping to make it more straightforward for people to take the next step and invest with confidence.”
Impact on Customers
Recent research from Barclays shows that low fees and charges are the single most important factor when choosing an investment service, cited by 39 per cent of UK adults. This highlights the role cost plays in whether people feel able to get started with investing.
While the monthly customer fee has been scrapped, the £6 fee to buy or sell investments such as shares, ETFs, bonds, and investment trusts remains unchanged. For example, a customer with £10,000 in shares who makes six trades over a year will pay £36 under the new pricing, compared with £61 previously, saving £25. Foreign exchange fees may also apply for trading international shares.
Competitive Landscape
Barclays faces competition from other high street banks including Santander, HSBC UK, Lloyds, NatWest, Nationwide, TSB, The Co-operative Bank, First Direct, and building societies such as Nottingham, Skipton, Yorkshire, and Coventry. The removal of the platform fee is intended to make Barclays Direct Investing more attractive to cost-conscious investors.
