Freetrade£0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks
- Published fee
- £0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks
- Minimum deposit
- 0 £
- Spread figure
- £0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus)
Broker comparison
Freetrade vs.
Lightyear
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Updated: October 2026
See comparisonFreetrade
LightyearVS
Summary
Your goal decides.
Lightyear has a higher rating of 4.1/5 compared to Freetrade (3.9/5). Freetrade offers 4 instrument types, while Lightyear offers 3. The minimum deposit is lower at Freetrade with 0 £. Freetrade has been in the market since 2016, making it the more experienced provider. On spreads, Freetrade offers £0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus), while Lightyear offers FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market.
FreetradeUK neobroker with commission-free stock trading
LightyearCommission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Freetrade | Lightyear |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Freetrade App | Lightyear App, Lightyear Web |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, REITs, SPACs | Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds |
| Options trading | No | No |
| Fee model | £0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks | €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee |
| Minimum deposit | 0 £ | 1 € |
| Regulation | FCA | FCA/EFSA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Freetrade
Freetrade App
Lightyear
Lightyear App, Lightyear Web
Product types
Freetrade
Stocks, ETFs, REITs, SPACs
Lightyear
Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds
Options trading
Freetrade
No
Lightyear
No
Fee model
Freetrade
£0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks
Lightyear
€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee
Minimum deposit
Freetrade
0 £
Lightyear
1 €
Regulation
Freetrade
FCA
Lightyear
FCA/EFSA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
FreetradeLightyear€0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee
- Published fee
- €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee
- Minimum deposit
- 1 €
- Spread figure
- FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
FreetradeCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationLightyearCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
FreetradeStocksETFsREITsSPACs
LightyearStocksETFsGovernment Bonds
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
FreetradeFreetrade App
Freetrade offers a mobile app for iOS and Android as its primary trading platform. The app features a minimalist design with emphasis on ease of use. Users can buy stocks and ETFs, manage watchlists, and track their portfolio. Basic charting features are available, but professional analysis tools are absent. A web version is not a priority.
Explore platformLightyearLightyear App · Lightyear Web
Lightyear offers its own mobile app for iOS and Android as well as a web platform. The app impresses with a modern, minimalist design and intuitive user experience. Users can trade stocks, ETFs, and government bonds, create watchlists, and track their portfolio in real time. The platform supports multi-currency accounts and provides basic charting features.
Explore platformRegulation does not prevent market losses. The relevant authority depends on the contracting entity.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
FreetradeUK neobroker with commission-free stock trading
- No commissions on UK stocks
- ISA account available (tax-free in UK)
- User-friendly app
- Mainly focused on UK market
- FX fees for international stocks
LightyearCommission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts
- No commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Multi-currency accounts without exchange fees
- Modern, user-friendly app
- Relatively new broker
- Limited product range
Find the broker that fits
Freetrade oder Lightyear?
Side by side. Decided with knowledge.
See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.
VS
- Fees
- Platform
- Regulation
- Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between Freetrade and Lightyear?
Freetrade: £0 commission, 0.45% FX fee for non-GBP stocks. Lightyear: €0 commission on US/EU stocks, 0.35% FX fee. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Freetrade or Lightyear?
Freetrade offers Stocks, ETFs, REITs, SPACs. Lightyear offers Stocks, ETFs, Government Bonds.
How are Freetrade and Lightyear regulated?
The broker profiles list FCA for Freetrade and FCA/EFSA for Lightyear. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Freetrade or Lightyear better for beginners?
Freetrade lists a 0 £ minimum deposit and offers Freetrade App. Lightyear lists 1 € and offers Lightyear App, Lightyear Web. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Freetrade vs Lightyear: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Freetrade (3.9/5, 550 reviews) and Lightyear (4.1/5, 500 reviews) depends on your needs. Freetrade: UK neobroker with commission-free stock trading. Lightyear: Commission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts.
How do spreads compare between Freetrade and Lightyear?
Freetrade offers typical spreads of £0 commission (Basic), FX conversion 0.99% (Basic), 0.59% (Standard), 0.39% (Plus). Lightyear offers FX conversion 0.35%, stocks from $0–$1 per trade depending on market. Tighter spreads reduce trading costs especially for active trading.
Your next step
Your next step
FreetradeUK neobroker with commission-free stock trading
Open accountRead reviewLightyearCommission-free stock trading with multi-currency accounts
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.