Pension Bee

£0 minimum investment amount

Making it easy for customers to combine their pensions into one diversified online plan.

*The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you can get back less than you originally invested.

Check the website

Platform Details

All investment platforms are made differently. It's important to understand what features are on offer and the features that best align with your needs.

Collapsible content

1. Cost & Fees

PensionBee's fee structure is as follows:

Annual Management Fee: The annual management fee ranges from 0.50% to 0.95% depending on the plan you choose. For pension savings over £100,000, the fee on the portion above this amount is halved​.

Transaction Costs: These costs are incurred when managing your investments and are approximately 0.04% of the value of your pension each year. These are separate from the annual management fee​.

Withdrawal Fees: There are no costs for withdrawing from your pension unless you withdraw the entire pot within 12 months of transferring to PensionBee or if your account balance is less than £150 at the time of withdrawal. In such cases, a full withdrawal fee of £150 applies​.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

2. Minimum amount needed to invest

To invest with PensionBee, there is no minimum amount required to start. You can set up a new pension and make contributions of any amount, as often as you like.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

3. Number of funds and stocks available

PensionBee offers a range of pension plans managed by some of the world’s largest money managers, including BlackRock, HSBC, Legal & General, and State Street Global Advisors. They provide seven different plans to cater to various investment needs and preferences.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

4. Types of securities available

PensionBee offers various types of pension plans, each investing in a diversified range of securities. The securities within these plans typically include:

  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Cash and Cash Equivalents
  • Real Estate Investments
  • Commodities

The specific plans available are:

  1. Tailored Plan: Adjusts the mix of investments as you age.
  2. Tracker Plan: Follows the performance of global stock markets.
  3. Future World Plan: Focuses on companies transitioning to a sustainable economy.
  4. Match Plan: Mirrors investments of major UK workplace pension schemes.
  5. Shariah Plan: Complies with Shariah principles, focusing on halal investments.
  6. Preserve Plan: A low-risk option aiming to preserve capital.
  7. 4Plus Plan: Targets a return of 4% above inflation by investing in a range of assets.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

5. Does the platform offer individual stocks?

No

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

6. Types of investment accounts available

PensionBee offers several types of investment accounts designed to meet various retirement needs. Here are the primary account types available:

Personal Pension (Private Pension): This is the standard pension account offered by PensionBee, suitable for individuals looking to consolidate their old pensions into one plan. It allows for flexible contributions and provides access to various investment plans​.

Self-Employed Pension: Tailored for self-employed individuals, this account allows flexible contributions to suit varying income levels. It provides the same investment options as the personal pension, making it easier for self-employed individuals to save for retirement​.

Drawdown Pension: Once you reach the age of 55 (rising to 57 from 2028), you can begin to draw down from your pension while still keeping it invested. This account type offers flexible options for accessing your pension savings, including taking a lump sum, regular withdrawals, or buying an annuity​.

Pension Transfer: This option allows you to transfer existing pension pots from other providers into one of PensionBee's plans. It is designed to simplify managing multiple pensions by consolidating them into a single plan​​.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

7. Does the platform offer automatic portfolio rebalancing?

PensionBee offers automatic portfolio rebalancing as part of its investment management service. This feature ensures that your investments remain aligned with your chosen plan and risk profile as you approach retirement.

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

8. Does the platform offer a mobile app?

Yes

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

9. Is the platform authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)?

Yes

For more detailed and specific information, you can visit www.pensionbee.com

10. How to pick an investment platform

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.

11. How to pick an investment fund

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.

12. Understanding Fees

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.

  • Circa 5000

    £10 minimum monthly contribution | Investment platform specialising in sustainable and environmental investing.

    Learn More 
  • AVIVA

    Minimum investment amount depends on the fund type | Investment platform with over four decades of managing multi-asset and multi-strategy portfolios.

    Learn More 
  • Santander

    £20 minimum monthly contribution | Investment platform with over 25 years of experience providing investments.

    Learn More