Barclays Smart Investor has a straightforward fee structure designed to make investing more accessible and transparent. Here are the key costs associated with using their platform:

Customer Account Fee:

• 0.25% per year on investment balances up to £200,000.
• 0.05% per year on investment balances above £200,000.

Transaction Fees:

• Buying and selling shares, ETFs, investment trusts, bonds, and gilts: £6 per deal.
• Buying and selling funds: No charge.
• Regular investments, dividend reinvestment, holding cash, transferring investments, and cash withdrawal/account closure: No charge.

SIPP Administration Fee:

• A quarterly fee of £31.25 + VAT, totaling £125 + VAT annually. This fee is collected by Barclays and paid to AJ Bell, the SIPP administrator.

International Trades:

• Additional foreign exchange and international brokerage fees may apply when trading international shares.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

To invest with Barclays Smart Investor, the minimum amount required is £50. You can start with a one-off investment or set up regular investments from £50 per month.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

Barclays Smart Investor offers a wide range of investment options, including:

• 2,500 funds, including UK-based unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs).
• Access to over 8,000 different investments, including stocks, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), investment trusts, bonds, and gilts.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

Barclays Smart Investor offers a diverse range of securities for investors to choose from, including:

• UK-based unit trusts
• Open-ended investment companies (OEICs)
• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
• Investment Trusts
• Shares
• Bonds and Gilts

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

Yes

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

Barclays Smart Investor offers several types of investment accounts to suit different investment needs and goals, including:

• Investment ISA (Stocks & Shares ISA)
• General Investment Account (GIA)
• Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

No

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

Yes

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

Yes

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.https://www.barclays.co.uk/smart-investor/

Key factors to consider when choosing an investment platform:

• Fees and commissions
• Available investment options
• User interface and ease of use
• Customer support options
• Security measures in place
• Research and analysis tools available
• The platforms reputation and track record
• A platform that aligns with your investment goals
• A platform that aligns with your risk tolerance

*The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Key factors to consider when choosing an investment fund:

Investment Objectives: Clearly define your investment goals and time horizon. Different funds cater to various objectives, such as growth, income, or a balanced approach.

Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance. Some funds are more conservative, while others are more aggressive. Choose a fund that aligns with your comfort level for risk.

Diversification: Look for funds that provide a diversified portfolio. Diversification helps spread risk across different asset classes, reducing the impact of poor performance in any single investment.

Fund Type: Understand the type of fund you're considering. Common types include mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index funds, and actively managed funds. Each has its own characteristics and management styles.

Performance History: Review the fund's historical performance. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, it can give you insights into how the fund has performed in various market conditions.

Expense Ratio: Consider the fund's expense ratio, which represents the annual fees and operating expenses as a percentage of the fund's assets. Lower expense ratios generally translate to lower costs for investors.

Manager's Track Record: For actively managed funds, assess the track record and experience of the fund manager. Consistent and experienced management can be an indicator of the fund's potential.

Benchmark Comparison: Compare the fund's performance against a relevant benchmark index. This helps you evaluate whether the fund is outperforming or underperforming its peers.

Distribution History: For income-focused funds, check the fund's distribution history. Understand how often and how much income the fund has distributed in the past.

Size of the Fund: Consider the size of the fund. While a large fund may offer stability, it could also face challenges in deploying capital efficiently. Conversely, a small fund might be more nimble but could face liquidity issues.

Redemption Fees and Liquidity: Be aware of any redemption fees or liquidity constraints. Some funds may charge fees for early withdrawals, and illiquid funds may have limitations on how quickly you can access your money.

Tax Efficiency: Assess the fund's tax efficiency, especially if you're investing in a taxable account. Funds with low turnover and tax-efficient strategies can help minimise tax implications.

Distribution Method: Determine whether the fund distributes income and capital gains periodically or reinvests them. Your preference might depend on your financial goals and tax situation.

Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and ratings from reputable sources, such as Morningstar or Lipper. These sources provide independent assessments of funds based on various criteria.

Exit Strategy: Understand the fund's exit strategy. If your investment goals change, ensure that the fund allows for a smooth exit without excessive penalties.

*The value of your investments can fall as well as rise and past performance is not a guide to future performance.

Understanding investing fees is essential for investors to make informed decisions and maximise their investment returns.

Here are some common investing fees you should be aware of:

Management Fees: These fees are charged by investment managers or advisors for managing your investment portfolio. Management fees are typically charged annually as a percentage of the assets under management (AUM). They cover the cost of research, analysis, and portfolio management services provided by the investment professional.

Expense Ratios: Expense ratios represent the annual operating expenses of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other investment funds as a percentage of the fund's average net assets. These expenses include management fees, administrative costs, and other operational expenses. Expense ratios are deducted from the fund's returns and directly impact investors' net returns.

Front-End Loads: Front-end loads are sales charges or commissions paid when purchasing mutual fund shares. Front-end loads are deducted from the initial investment amount before the remaining funds are invested in the fund. These fees are typically expressed as a percentage of the investment amount and are paid to the investment advisor or broker who sold the fund.

Back-End Loads (Deferred Sales Charges): Back-end loads are sales charges or commissions paid when redeeming or selling mutual fund shares within a specified period after purchase, typically within a few years. Unlike front-end loads, back-end loads are not deducted at the time of purchase but are applied when investors sell their fund shares. These fees often decline over time and eventually reach zero after the specified holding period.

Transaction Fees: Transaction fees are charged by brokerage firms or trading platforms for buying or selling securities, such as stocks, bonds, options, or mutual funds. These fees can vary depending on the type of transaction, the size of the trade, and the brokerage firm's fee structure. Transaction fees can significantly impact the overall cost of trading and should be considered when executing investment transactions.

Advisor Fees: Advisor fees are charges levied by financial advisors or investment professionals for providing investment advice and financial planning services. Advisor fees can be charged as a flat fee, hourly rate, or as a percentage of assets under management (AUM). These fees compensate advisors for their expertise and guidance in managing clients' investment portfolios and financial affairs.

Account Maintenance Fees: Some brokerage firms or investment platforms may charge account maintenance fees for managing or maintaining investment accounts. These fees are typically assessed on an annual or quarterly basis and cover administrative expenses associated with account management, record-keeping, and customer service.

*Understanding and minimising investing fees is crucial for maximising investment returns over the long term. Investors should carefully review fee disclosures, compare fee structures across different investment options, and consider the impact of fees on their investment performance and overall financial goals.