Investa is taking its zero-commission proposition a step further, launching what it says is the UK’s first completely free U.S. share trading service – removing commission, FX fees and other trading charges.
The FCA-regulated trading platform challenges both the traditional and zero-commission model by eliminating the transaction costs associated with share dealing.
Under the new service, Investa customers can trade U.S. shares without paying commission, foreign exchange fees or other trading fees, subject to an annual fair-use limit per account.
The limits are £250,000 in total trade value, 50 trades or 5,000 shares traded, with whichever threshold is reached first applying.
That distinction is important because while zero-commission trading has become increasingly common across investment platforms, investors can still face additional costs, particularly when trading overseas markets. Investa’s proposition is designed to address those additional charges alongside the headline commission.
Taking zero commission further
The launch represents another step in Investa’s strategy of making retail access to stocks and options simpler and more transparent.
Alec Beasley, CEO of Investa, said the investment platform sector had undergone a significant shift in charging models, with firms moving towards zero-commission trading while often retaining FX fees.
“Now, we’re delighted to be the first platform in the UK to offer completely free share trading,” said Beasley.
The company says the objective is to remove barriers to both stocks and options trading, giving customers access to more trading strategies through a single platform.
For UK retail investors interested in U.S. equities, eliminating FX charges could be particularly relevant. Currency conversion can otherwise represent an additional cost when buying and selling dollar-denominated assets, even where headline dealing commission has been reduced to zero.
Stocks and options under one roof
Investa’s proposition extends beyond conventional share dealing.
The platform already gives customers access to more than 300,000 options contracts across popular U.S. stocks and ETFs without commission, although the company notes that other fees may apply.
The company describes itself as a mobile-based stocks and options trading platform built specifically to make options trading more accessible to UK retail investors. Its platform combines simplified product design with education-led onboarding, reflecting the growing interest in options among individual investors while recognising the complexity of the products.
The new free share trading service therefore gives Investa another potential route to attract users before introducing them to its wider range of products.
Growing investor backing
The announcement also comes against the backdrop of significant investor support for the business.
Investa says it has raised £3.8 million from more than 1,000 investors, with its first Crowdcube campaign closing six days ahead of schedule.
The company says that campaign was the most participated-in UK fintech raise on Crowdcube in 2024.
That existing investor base provides an indication of the interest surrounding Investa’s attempt to build a different model for retail investing.
The company has also been experimenting with ways to align its customers with its own growth. Earlier this year, Investa launched a rewards programme under which eligible early users were granted options over up to £1,000 worth of Investa shares, potentially allowing them to participate in the company’s future growth.
A referral programme is also due to launch shortly, running until 31 October 2026. Eligible customers who refer others, along with those they refer, can receive options over £100 worth of Investa shares.
Turning customers into stakeholders
The thinking behind the rewards and referral initiatives is notable.
Investa argues that customers play an important role in helping a platform grow, yet traditionally it is shareholders, founders and employees who benefit financially from that growth.
By offering eligible customers exposure to Investa’s own equity through options, the company is attempting to create a closer relationship between platform growth and its user community.
Combined with free U.S. share dealing, the strategy could give Investa a differentiated proposition in an increasingly competitive retail investing market.
Android launch expands reach
The free U.S. share trading service is available alongside Investa’s existing iOS offering, with the platform now also available on Android via Google Play.
That potentially broadens the addressable mobile audience at the same time as the company launches its free share trading service.
Investa’s announcement was made at the Investa x Cboe Global Markets event on 17 September, underlining the company’s focus on building its presence within the wider trading ecosystem.
For more information visit – https://www.investa.co.uk/
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