September 18, 2024

How to Buy Shares Online in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Get started investing in shares today

Introduction to Online Investing in the UK

As you may know, investing in the stock market is an exciting opportunity to grow your wealth. In the UK, buying shares online has become increasingly straightforward, allowing both seasoned investors and newcomers to jump into the market. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take, making the process feel approachable and manageable.

Step 1: Choosing Your Investment Platform

The first thing you’ll want to do is select the right investment platform. This is crucial for a smooth investing experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

Key Factors to Consider

  • Fees and Commissions: Platforms with lower trading fees can help you keep more of your profits.
  • User Interface: Choose a platform that feels intuitive; you don’t want to be lost in a maze when making trades.
  • Investment Options: Look for a variety of shares to diversify your portfolio.
  • Research Tools: Opt for platforms that provide resources to help you make informed decisions.

Popular UK Platforms

Here are some platforms worth exploring:

  • eToro: Great for social trading; learn from others’ strategies.
  • Hargreaves Lansdown: Excellent for in-depth research.
  • AJ Bell: Known for competitive fees and a user-friendly experience.
  • Freetrade: Ideal for beginners with its commission-free structure.

Step 2: Creating Your Account

Once you've selected a platform, it’s time to set up your account. You’ll need to gather a few important details:

What You’ll Need

  • Personal Information: Your name, address, and date of birth.
  • Identity Verification: A form of ID, like a passport or driver’s license.
  • Payment Method: Link your bank account or credit/debit card for funding.

Step 3: Funding Your Account

Next, you’ll need to deposit funds into your account. Here’s how you can do that:

Deposit Methods

  • Bank Transfers: Usually free but may take a few days.
  • Debit and Credit Cards: Instant deposits, though some platforms may charge fees.
  • E-Wallets: Quick transfers using services like PayPal.

Important Note

Make sure to check the minimum deposit requirement for your chosen platform to ensure you’re ready to start investing.

Step 4: Researching Potential Shares

Before jumping into buying shares, it’s essential to do your homework. Focus on these areas:

Key Research Areas

  • Company Performance: Look into financial health and historical performance.
  • Industry Analysis: Understand the sector in which the company operates.
  • Future Potential: Assess growth prospects and market trends.

Many platforms offer analysis tools to help you evaluate shares effectively—don’t skip these resources!

Step 5: Placing Your Order

When you’re ready to invest, follow these straightforward steps to buy shares:

Steps to Buy Shares

  1. Search for the Company: Use the platform’s search feature to find what you’re interested in.
  2. Choose the Type of Order: Decide between market orders and limit orders based on your strategy.
  3. Enter the Number of Shares: Specify how many you’d like to purchase.
  4. Review and Confirm: Double-check your order before hitting submit to avoid any mistakes.

Step 6: Monitoring Your Investment

Investing doesn’t end once you buy shares; regular monitoring is key. Here’s what to do:

Keeping Track of Performance

  • Check Performance: Stay updated on stock price movements and market trends.
  • Set Up Alerts: Use alerts for significant price changes or news about your investments.

Step 7: Knowing When to Sell

Having a plan for when to sell your shares is just as important as knowing when to buy. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:

Selling Strategies

  • Target Price: Set a price at which you plan to sell for a profit.
  • Watch for Changes: Stay alert to significant company news or earnings reports that could affect your investment.
  • Rebalance Your Portfolio: Regularly review your holdings and adjust based on performance and financial goals.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Investing Journey

Investing in shares online can be a rewarding experience when approached thoughtfully. By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of online investing with confidence. Remember, every investor’s journey is unique—embrace the process, stay curious, and happy trading!

Why Use Investing Apps in the UK

The UK has seen a boom in investing apps in recent years, which offer beginner investors an easy to use and accessible option to get into the market.

Investing is now simpler than ever thanks to these applications, which get rid of the need for pricy brokers or complicated procedures. Investing apps like Trading 212, Freetrade, and Revolut make it possible for young and beginner investors to take control of their investments with their user friendly interfaces, built in educational tools and minimal or no costs.

As the need for low cost investing options and financial independence continues to grow, the UK is expected to utilise mobile investing tools even more in 2025. More people in the UK are using apps to manage their money as a result of its adaptability, simplicity of use, and the growing trend towards digital financial solutions and increased awareness of personal financial planning, which makes investing apps an effective tool for beginner investors.

Benefits of Using Investing Apps for Beginners

There are a number of advantages to using investing apps for beginners, particularly for those who are just getting started. Here are a few main benefits:
  • Accessibility - By providing a straightforward, mobile friendly platform that is available at anytime and from any location, investing apps have completely changed how individuals invest. You no longer have to spend hours learning complicated systems or setting up sessions with financial experts. Beginners can begin investing directly from their smartphones with a few taps. Anyone, regardless of their schedule or location, can participate in investing without any obstacles thanks to this immediate access.
  • Low cost - The affordability of investment apps is one of their most notable benefits. The high commissions and administration costs associated with traditional broking services make it challenging for those starting out to invest small amounts of money. On the other hand, a lot of investment apps provide cheap fees or commission free trading, which makes them perfect for beginners. This enables beginners to invest without fear of losing a significant amount of their profits to fees, allowing them to give more money to the market.
  • Adaptability - Traditional investment strategies are not as flexible as investing apps. Beginners can more easily dabble without making a significant upfront payment because many investment platforms enable users to invest in a variety of assets, stocks and shares, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and specialised investment options, allowing beginners in the UK to diversify their investment portfolios right away. Furthermore, everyday investors may manage their investments on their own terms and are not restricted to a 9 to 5 schedule thanks to the option to trade at any time and from any location.
Investment apps are a great place for beginner investors to start because they combine low-cost solutions, user friendliness, and convenience to help gradually increase wealth.

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Key Features to Look for in an Investment App for Beginners in the UK

It's crucial to search for features that can features that can facilitate your learning and make investing simple and accessible when selecting an investment app as a beginner. Here are some essential features to look out for:
  • East to use interface
    The design of the app should be simple and intuitive. You will find it easier to comprehend and utilise the platform without feeling overwhelmed if it has a straightforward and uncomplicated layout.
  • Educational Resources
    The best investment apps include educational materials such as FAQs, videos, tutorials, and articles. Beginner investors can use as a guide to understand important investment strategies and make wise choices.
  • Platform fees
    A lot of investment apps charge management fees and trading fees. To protect your investment gains, it's crucial for beginners to select an investment app with little to no costs. The best investment apps waive management fees or provide zero commission trading.
  • Low minimum investment
    For beginners who might not have a large initial investment, apps that let you start investing with small amounts of money are excellent. Also look for apps that sell fractional shares, so you can invest in pricey stocks without having to purchase the entire share.
  • Portfolio diversification tools
    Seek for investment apps that provide a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, index funds, and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Even with little money you can create a diversified portfolio by making a fractional investment in individual stocks.
  • Robo-Advisor Features
    Some investment apps include robo-advisors which automatically manage your investment portfolio according to your goals and risk tolerance. For those whose may not feel comfortable choosing their own investments, this is a fantastic benefit.
  • Security features
    It is important to ensure that the app has strong security features like encryption, two-factor authentication, and safe account recovery methods to protect personal data and information.
  • Current market data
    The best investment apps have real time market data, charts and stock market performance metrics which are essential for beginners who wish to remain informed and make wise judgements.
  • Type of investment accounts
    There are many types of investment accounts available, such as investment accounts for minors, individual retirement accounts and individual taxable accounts. You should choose an investment app that provides you with a range of account options that can help meet your financial objectives.

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