The investment platform has scrapped commission fees and cut its FX rate to just 0.1%, offering a truly low-cost way to invest for your future.
Disclaimer: When you invest, your capital is at risk.
Investing just became even more accessible after Lightyear announced some exciting changes to its fees.
The investment platform has drastically reduced its foreign exchange (FX) rate from 0.35% to just 0.1%, which means it's now far cheaper to invest in stocks in other markets.
Lightyear has also scrapped its commission fees altogether, making it one of the most cost-efficient platforms in the UK overall.
Wander Rutgers, the UK CEO of Lightyear, said the changes would make investing “accessible to everyone, everywhere”.
He added: “For too long, UK retail investors have got the short end of the stick.
“They’ve either been squeezed by legacy platforms charging sky-high fees for basic market access, or lured by neobrokers with promises of “free trading”, actually monetising through wide FX markups or pushing users towards complex and expensive products like CFDs.”
So, how does Lightyear stack up against the competition in terms of fees?
You can see a simple breakdown of how charges compare to some of its rivals in the table below (table accurate as of 24/03/2026), or you can see a more detailed cost comparison here.
Disclaimer: While Lightyear is commission-free, fund manager and FX fees may apply when investing in ETFs.
While keeping fees to a minimum is a huge plus, it isn’t the only reason to consider investing through Lightyear.
The platform gives you access to more than 6,000 shares and ETFs and offers low-cost global trading through multi-currency accounts.
And there are loads of other great services and products to help you on your investment journey, whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced trader.
- Tax-free investing
By making use of the Lightyear Stocks and Shares ISA, you can ensure your returns won’t be liable for tax. Do note that ISA rules apply and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances.
- Make your spare funds work harder
It can be difficult to know what to do with funds that you aren’t yet sure where you want to invest.
While on some investment platforms that money would be left languishing in a 0% AER holding, Lightyear lets you put this to work with Vaults.
By investing these funds in a low-risk money market fund, you can earn up to 3.75% AER at the time of publishing.
Interest is earned daily, paid monthly and most withdrawals happen instantly back into your Lightyear Cash account.
Note this is not like holding cash savings as your money is invested, so there is an element of risk involved.
- Fractional investing
Some popular shares can cost hundreds – or even thousands – of pounds each, which can make it difficult for those who are looking to invest smaller sums.
This is where fractional investing comes in.
As the name implies, this allows you to buy smaller chunks of a share rather than having to buy a whole one outright.
Note: Fractional investing isn’t available on all shares and funds on Lightyear, but the platform is constantly increasing the number of eligible investments.
- Create your own portfolio
Want to do more than select a few random shares to invest in? Lightyear Plans helps take the pain out of achieving your financial goals.
You can simply create mini portfolios within your main account by selecting an array of investments, choosing your weighting and then setting up an automatic investment.
Now, you can rest up, safe in the knowledge that your funds are being regularly distributed across your choice of investments, hassle-free.
- Get investing insights
Get help keeping on top of market movements and investing trends with Lightyear AI.
This tool provides access to high-quality market insights and sophisticated tools that have historically been reserved for institutional investors.
It can also help by notifying you when any stock you own or watch shifts notably in price – and explain why.
Put simply, it's useful information, delivered to you when you need it.
Learn more about how Lightyear AI works here
- Get a competitive Cash ISA
Lightyear also offers a Cash ISA, which pays a rate of 3.75% AER at the time of publishing.
Research from financial data site Moneyfacts shows the average Cash ISA rate in March 2026 is just 2.58%, so you can rest assured your savings are earning a competitive rate with Lightyear.
Note that Lightyear’s Cash ISA holds money in banks and Qualifying Money Market Funds. As a result, FSCS protection will only apply to money held in banks, and not to money held in Money Market Funds.
Fancy joining Lightyear?
Lightyear can offer you a great mix of low fees, multi-currency accounts for global trading, investing insights that cut through the noise and competitive rates for any spare cash you’re not yet ready to invest.
So, what are you waiting for? Join Lightyear today and get between £10 and £100 in a fractional share or ETF in your General Investment Account with code LOVEMONEY.*
*For new users only who complete onboarding in Lightyear and deposit a minimum of £100. Capital at risk. T&Cs apply.
Disclaimer: When you invest, your capital is at risk.
The value of investments can go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
Lightyear U.K. Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
This is a paid promotion on behalf of Lightyear and does not necessarily reflect the views of loveMONEY.