If you’re a student wondering how to start investing without much money, you’re in the right place. The good news? You don’t need thousands of pounds — the best investment apps for students let you start with as little as £1.
In this guide, we compare the top investment apps available to UK students in 2024, covering fees, features, and what each one is best for.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Min Deposit | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading 212 | £1 | 0% commission | Beginners |
| Freetrade | £2 | Free basic plan | ISA investing |
| eToro | $50 | 0% stocks | Copy trading |
| Moneybox | £1 | £1/month | Roundups |
| Plum | £1 | Free tier | Auto-saving |
1. Trading 212 — Best Overall for Students
Trading 212 is arguably the best investment app for students in the UK. It offers commission-free trading on thousands of stocks and ETFs, plus a Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual fee.
Key features:
- Start with just £1
- Fractional shares (buy a slice of Apple or Tesla)
- Free Stocks & Shares ISA
- AutoInvest feature to invest automatically
Who it’s best for: Students who want to invest in individual stocks or ETFs without paying fees.
👉 Open a Trading 212 account — get a free share worth up to £100 when you deposit £1.
(Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you)
2. Freetrade — Best for ISA Investing
Freetrade makes it simple to invest in a Stocks & Shares ISA — which means any gains are completely tax-free. As a student, this is one of the most powerful tools available to you.
Key features:
- Free basic account
- ISA available from £4.99/month
- 6,000+ stocks and ETFs
- Clean, easy-to-use app
Who it’s best for: Students who want to shelter investments from tax inside an ISA.
👉 Sign up to Freetrade — get a free share worth up to £100.
(Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you)
3. eToro — Best for Copy Trading
eToro is unique because it lets you copy other investors automatically. If you find a top-performing trader, you can mirror their portfolio in real time.
Key features:
- CopyTrader feature
- $50 minimum deposit
- Stocks, ETFs, crypto
- Large social community
Who it’s best for: Students who want a hands-off approach by copying experienced investors.
(Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high‑risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 minutes to learn more.)
4. Moneybox — Best for Rounding Up Spare Change
Moneybox connects to your bank and rounds up your purchases to the nearest pound, investing the difference automatically.
Example: You spend £2.60 on a coffee — Moneybox rounds up to £3.00 and invests 40p.
Key features:
- Round-up investing
- Lifetime ISA (25% government bonus)
- Stocks & Shares ISA
- Start with £1
Who it’s best for: Students who want to invest passively without thinking about it.
5. Plum — Best for Auto-Saving and Investing
Plum uses AI to analyse your spending and automatically set aside money to invest. It’s one of the smartest passive investing apps available.
Key features:
- AI-powered auto-saving
- Invest in funds automatically
- Free basic tier
- Works alongside your bank
Who it’s best for: Students who want to save and invest on autopilot.
How to Choose the Right App
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you want tax-free growth? → Choose Freetrade or Moneybox (ISA options)
Do you want to pick your own stocks? → Choose Trading 212
Do you want someone else to manage it? → Choose eToro (copy trading) or Plum (auto-investing)
Do you want to invest spare change? → Choose Moneybox
Is It Safe to Invest as a Student?
All the apps listed above are FCA-regulated, meaning they’re authorised and monitored by the UK’s financial regulator. Your cash is protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).
That said, investing always carries risk — the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Never invest money you can’t afford to lose.
Final Verdict
For most students, Trading 212 is the best starting point — zero fees, fractional shares, and a free ISA make it hard to beat. If you want tax-free long-term growth, pair it with a Freetrade ISA.
Start small, invest consistently, and let compound interest do the work over time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing.