Finding the best low-cost SIPP to suit your needs could be a game changer for your financial future. 

As of 2025, life expectancy in the UK is over 81 years,¹ and, according to an Indeed summary of government statistics, 35% of people are choosing to retire between the ages of 50 and 64 instead of waiting to reach the state pension age of 65.² 

This means that, for many in the UK, it has become crucial to plan for three decades or more of retirement.

At EveryInvestor, our goal is to provide you with thoroughly researched, easy-to-understand information about the best SIPP for your unique circumstances, which is why we have consulted industry publications and provider websites to compile this guide.

While costs are pivotal when it comes to optimising pension savings, it is essential to look beyond fees and to evaluate the overall value and range of services on offer to identify the best low-cost SIPP for your needs.

What Is a Low-Cost SIPP?

A low-cost SIPP is a pension wrapper designed to give you control over your retirement investments while keeping fees to a minimum. Unlike traditional personal pensions, SIPPs allow you to choose from a wide range of assets, including funds, shares, and ETFs. Low-cost SIPPs are particularly attractive for cost-conscious investors who want flexibility without high management charges.

For a comprehensive overview of SIPP essentials, visit the SIPPs Checklist.

These costs can include annual management charges, transaction fees, and other administrative expenses. 

Low-cost SIPPs are often more attractive to those who prefer a more hands-on approach to managing their pension investments but do not wish to incur high fees in the process.

However

It is important to note that while the fees associated with low-cost SIPPs are lower, the range of available investment options might be more limited compared to those of more expensive SIPPs.

Additionally, low-cost SIPPs are typically more suited to individuals who are comfortable making their own investment decisions, as these wrappers may offer less in the way of financial advice or management services.

Did you know?

Unlike standard personal pensions, SIPPs give the holder more flexibility in terms of investment choices. 

This includes a wide range of assets like stocks, bonds, and property.

Remember

As with any financial product, it is crucial to research and consider the specific terms, conditions, and risks associated with a low-cost SIPP before making any decisions.

Which Are the Best and Cheapest SIPPs for Pensioners Over 65?

There are several low-cost SIPP options available for pensioners over 65, including Hargreaves Lansdown and AJ Bell.

These platforms offer a range of investment options, low fees, and easy-to-use online platforms for managing your pension savings.

Hargreaves Lansdown is a popular choice for pensioners over 65 due to its wide range of investment options, competitive fees, and excellent customer service.

AJ Bell's product is another low-cost SIPP option that offers a range of investment choices, low fees, and a user-friendly online platform.

Best Value SIPPs: Affordable Options Offering Maximum Benefits

When choosing a SIPP, it’s important to consider both cost and the value you receive in return.

The best-value SIPPs strike a balance by offering low fees without sacrificing key features like investment variety, user support, and platform reliability.

These options provide affordable access to a broad range of assets, helping you grow your retirement funds effectively.

Many top-value SIPPs also include added benefits such as customer support tailored to pension planning, as well as educational resources for making informed investment decisions.

Providers to consider:

• Fidelity
• Interactive Investor
• Close Brothers

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but by focusing on both affordability and quality, these providers give you the chance to maximise your savings potential while maintaining strong, long-term financial growth.

How Do Low-Cost SIPPs How Do Low-Cost SIPPs Operate?

Low-cost SIPPs work in much the same way as other Self-Invested Personal Pensions, offering standard advantages such as tax benefits and flexible retirement income options.

Who Can Apply for a Low-Cost SIPP?

UK residents under the age of 75 are eligible for a low-cost SIPP.³

What Are the Advantages of Low-Cost SIPPs?

The benefits of a low-cost SIPP are numerous and may be particularly appealing to cost-conscious investors.

These benefits include:

• Affordability: Lower fees and charges make low-cost SIPPs an economically viable choice for those keen on minimising costs while building their pension fund.
• Ease of use: With fewer investment options, these product platforms are generally easier to navigate, making them accessible even for those new to pension investing.
• Tax benefits: There is tax relief on contributions, tax-free investment growth, and a 25% tax-free lump sum upon retirement.⁴

What Are the Potential Risks of Low-Cost SIPPs?

The risks of low-cost SIPPs are important to consider when evaluating your pension investment strategy.

Risks and drawbacks include:

• Limited investment options: The narrower range of available funds and assets can limit diversification and the potential for higher returns.
• Time investment: These platforms typically do not offer financial advice, requiring you to dedicate time to make investment decisions on your own.
• Market fluctuations: As with all investment-based pensions, your SIPP portfolio will be subject to market risks, which can negatively impact your retirement savings.

Low-Cost Investment Choices Within SIPPs: How to Maximise Affordability

One way to keep your SIPP costs low is by selecting affordable investments within the account itself.

Many SIPPs offer access to cost-effective options such as index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and low-cost shares.

These investments have lower fees than actively managed funds, which can help maximise the growth of your pension over time.

Choosing low-cost investments within your SIPP can be particularly beneficial in the long run, as lower fees mean more of your money remains invested.

This approach is ideal for those who want to take a hands-on approach to their retirement savings without incurring high costs, enabling your pension to grow more efficiently.

Which Providers Offer the Most Affordable Low-Cost SIPPs?

Choosing the right SIPP provider involves more than just comparing fees. Consider investment options, platform usability, and customer support. Here’s a summary of leading options:

Provider	Annual Platform Fee	Investment Range	Notable Features
Fidelity	From 0.35%	Funds, shares, ETFs	Tiered fees, strong research
AJ Bell	From 0.25%	Wide, incl. shares/funds	User-friendly, low trading fees
Vanguard	0.15% (capped)	Vanguard funds/ETFs	Lowest fees, limited range
Freetrade	£11.99/month	Shares, ETFs	App-based, commission-free
Bestinvest	From 0.20%	Funds, shares, ready-made	Financial coaching, research

For a full breakdown of costs and features, visit the Fidelity SIPP review or Freetrade SIPP review.

On the other hand, this product is cost-efficient thanks to its lack of set-up and exit fees and its annual fee of 0,15%, which is capped at £375 for assets over £250,000.⁸

Users can manage their investments online and access customer support via phone or email. 

Bestinvest

Bestinvest's SIPP features a tiered fee structure which starts at 0,20% for ready-made products up to £250,000 and tapers to zero for the portion of a portfolio over £1 million. 

The platform offers extensive research tools and inclusive financial coaching.

However, the app features and fee structure may not be ideal for frequent share traders.

Freetrade

Freetrade offers a SIPP as part of its Plus plan for £11,99 per month.¹⁰ 

This product features commission-free dealing and the option to invest in fractional shares from as low as £2.¹¹ 

The online platform is complemented by an award-winning mobile app for both iOS and Android. 

However, while this product is cost-effective for small to mid-size portfolios, it may lack the extensive features or investment options found on other platforms and may not fully cater to more complex investment strategies.

Keep in mind

It is crucial to compare the fee structures, investment options, platform usability, and customer support when choosing a SIPP provider. 

Additionally, prospective SIPP investors should consider how their needs might change over time and ensure that the provider they choose can accommodate these evolving requirements.

How Do We Select the Best Low-Cost SIPP Providers?

We chose the best low-cost SIPP providers by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of several key factors that are crucial in determining the quality and suitability of these pension schemes for various investors. 

This process involved:

• Cost Analysis: We carefully analysed the fee structures of various SIPPs, including annual management charges, set-up fees, and transaction costs. 
• Investment Options: We assessed each SIPP’s range and diversity of investment choices. We prioritised SIPPs that offer a wide variety of investment options to cater to different investment strategies and risk appetites.
• Platform Usability: We evaluated the ease of use and accessibility of the online platforms and apps. User-friendly interfaces, clear navigation, and the availability of educational resources were considered important for both experienced and novice investors.
• Customer Service: We looked into the level of customer support provided, including the availability of financial advice, responsiveness of customer service teams, and the availability of resources for making informed investment decisions.
• Regulatory Compliance and Security: Ensuring that each SIPP provider is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offers protections under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) was a critical part of our selection process.
• Reputation and Customer Feedback: We took into account the reputation of each provider in the industry, along with customer reviews and feedback. This helped in gauging user satisfaction and the reliability of each provider.

By carefully weighing these factors, we were able to identify the best low-cost SIPPs that offer a balance of affordability, investment options, user experience, and reliability, catering to the diverse needs of UK investors.

How to Pick the Best Low-Cost SIPP With the Lowest Fees

To choose the best low-cost SIPP with the lowest fees, consider how several key factors align with your individual retirement planning needs and investment preferences. 

Here are steps you can follow to make an informed decision:

1. Compare fee structures.
2. Study the range of investment options.
3. Investigate platform usability.
4. Evaluate financial performance (but remember that past performance is not indicative of future results).
5. Research flexibility and client service options.
6. Confirm regulatory compliance and security.
7. Study reviews and reputation.
8. Research additional features and benefits.

Seek independent financial advice if you are uncertain about choosing a SIPP. 

A financial advisor can help tailor recommendations to your specific financial situation and retirement goals. 

Remember, the best low-cost SIPP for you should balance affordability with the features and services that will support your long-term retirement objectives.

Easy SIPP Options for Beginners: Simple and Cost-Effective Choices

If you’re new to SIPPs, simplicity and ease of use are essential.

Several providers offer beginner-friendly SIPPs with straightforward setup processes, user-friendly online platforms, and affordable fees.

These options are ideal for those looking to start a SIPP with minimal hassle while still accessing a solid range of investment choices.

An easy SIPP doesn’t mean compromising on quality; these plans often include essential resources to help new users make informed choices, such as tutorials, live support, and portfolio suggestions.

This combination of affordability and ease makes beginner SIPPs a practical choice for those who want to ease into self-invested pensions confidently.

Here are some of the most beginner-friendly SIPPs:

• Hargreaves Lansdown SIPP: Known for its excellent customer service, user-friendly app, and a wide range of investment options. It's a great choice for beginners who need a bit of guidance and support.
• Fidelity SIPP: Offers a wide range of low-cost funds and has a reputation for being beginner-friendly. It provides plenty of educational resources to help new investors.
• AJ Bell SIPP: This platform is known for its low fees and is particularly good for small pension pots. It offers a straightforward interface and plenty of investment options.
• Vanguard SIPP: Ideal for beginners due to its low fees and simplicity. However, it only offers Vanguard’s own funds, which might limit investment choices.
• InvestEngine SIPP: Best for new SIPP accounts and generally the cheapest for portfolios under £80,000. It also offers the cheapest managed portfolio option.

These options provide a range of benefits depending on your investment needs and experience level.

It's always a good idea to compare the fees and services offered by each provider to find the best fit for your financial goals.

How to Maximise Value with a Low-Cost SIPP

Getting the most from your SIPP isn’t just about picking the cheapest provider. Here’s how to enhance value:

• Diversify Your Portfolio: Spread investments across asset classes to manage risk and improve growth potential.
• Utilise Tax Allowances: Make the most of annual and lifetime pension allowances for tax relief.
• Monitor and Review: Regularly check your portfolio and rebalance as your goals or market conditions change.
• Choose Low-Cost Funds: Index funds and ETFs often have lower charges than actively managed funds, helping your pension grow faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a SIPP

Selecting a SIPP is a major financial decision. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Focusing Only on Fees: The cheapest SIPP isn’t always the best—consider investment choice, platform quality, and support.
• Neglecting Regulatory Status: Always check that your provider is FCA-authorised and FSCS-protected.
• Ignoring Future Needs: Choose a provider that can accommodate changes in your investment strategy or retirement plans.
• Overlooking Customer Service: Responsive support is crucial, especially if you’re new to SIPPs or encounter issues.

Common Questions on Low-Cost SIPPs

Best Low-Cost SIPPs: Final Summary and Recommendations

In navigating the complexities of retirement planning, low-cost SIPPs have emerged as a compelling option, offering a balance of affordability, flexibility, and tax benefits, and a degree of self-management. 

Remember, though, that while it is tempting to focus purely on low fees, it is equally important to consider the investment options available and the quality of a provider's services.

Some platforms excel in cost efficiency, for example, but may limit investment diversification or lack reliable customer support. 

Ultimately, the best low-cost SIPP for your needs will align not just with your budget, but also with your long-term financial goals and investment strategy.