Do it yourself investing
Direct Investment Service
Invest in your future using our first-class service to implement your investment decisions, through our secure platform and app.
The benefits of our Direct Investment Service
Start investing today
Open your account in minutes and start to build your portfolio from over 12,500 UK & International Shares, Funds, ETFs and Investment Trusts that you can trade online, over the phone and via the App.
Competitive charges
Our low service fee is 0.35%, and through our highly competitive loyalty programme the more you invest the more you can save across your accounts.
Safe and secure
Nothing is more important to us than the safety of your money. We’ve designed our processes to protect and nurture wealth in a safe environment, including strong cybersecurity measures.
Monthly investing
Set up Direct Debits to invest from as little as £25 per month. Select from our wide range of funds and automatically top-up your chosen investments.
Award-winning service
Our experienced team is based in Edinburgh. They provide the highest levels of service and will support you in any way they can – from opening your account to detailed account queries.
Access to our Dealers
Trade directly over the phone with our highly experienced Dealers for your larger orders, overseas and bond trades.
Why Direct Investment could be ideal for you
Our execution-only service allows you to take control of your investments. With our support and guidance we can help you choose from a wide range of investments.
First-time investors
Figuring out how to start investing might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Our helpful guides and videos seek to answer your questions to help you on your way to building wealth.
Experienced investors
Explore our Preferred List to help you choose investments that suit your risk appetite and objectives. Alternatively self-select from over 12,500 UK & international shares, funds, gilts, bonds, investment trusts and ETFs.
Responsible investors
Building wealth for the future is important, but increasingly people want their investments to do more than make money. Explore our Preferred List to find investments we’ve selected for their positive credentials using ESG factors.
Don't just take our word for it
Providing high quality service to our clients
Security of the service
86%
are satisfied with the security of the service.
Respondents from our 2022 Direct Investment Private Client Survey.
Choose the right account for you
We offer a range of accounts with our Direct Investment Service.
Account options
Stocks & Shares ISA
Make your savings work harder with our flexible ISA. Shelter up to £20,000 per tax year.
Account options
Self-Invested Personal Pension
Create more opportunities for your retirement by saving more within a SIPP. Pay in up to £60,000 per tax year and get tax relief.
Account options
Investment Account
Start investing today with a wide range of funds and shares or transfer and consolidate any existing holdings.
Account options
Junior Stocks & Shares ISA
Give your children a financial head start with our JISA. Shelter up to £9,000 per tax year.
Account options
Cash Savings
Get quick and easy access to some of the best interest rates available. Set up an account on our Cash Savings platform through our Direct Investment Service with no commitment then browse, choose, and switch.
Invest on the go
Download our app
Once you have opened your account, you can download our Charles Stanley Direct App.
Monitor your investments and trade on the go.
Available on both Android and iOS devices.
Start your investment journey
Suited to all levels of investor, watch our video to find out how our investment platform can help you manage your investments.
Invest in your future using our first-class service to implement your investment decisions, through our secure platform and app.
It's easy to get started, open your account in minutes.
- Register your email
- Provide us with some details about you
- Choose your account; ISA, SIPP, Investment Account or Junior ISA
- Choose your investments; buying a fixed amount or monthly investments
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to open an account?
Firstly, you will need to register and verify your email. We will then ask you for some personal information, you will need your passport or driving licence to allow us to verify your identify as part of our anti-money laundering procedures.
Once you have registered, you can choose from our account options and start investing.
Can Charles Stanley give me advice on my investments?
The Direct Investment Service is a do-it-yourself (DIY) execution-only service; therefore, we are unable to offer advice on your investments. We do provide guidance through our Preferred List, Starter Portfolios and regular insights.
If you are looking for a professionally managed service, we have a number of options available: Investment services
Can I transfer and consolidate my investments?
Yes, you can transfer your investments and cash ISAs to your Charles Stanley accounts. Consolidating your investments will enable you to take advantage of our loyalty programme offers, such as tiered pricing on funds, free SIPP for those who hold £30,000 or more and 6-months fee waiver when you transfer £200,000 or more.
Do I need to be experienced to use the Direct Investment Service?
Our Direct Investment Service is suited to all levels of investors. We seek to provide helpful guides and short videos to answer questions you may have about the basics of investing to help you on your way to building your wealth.