If you’re looking to invest your hard-earned money into a SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension), it’s important to understand what makes a reliable SIPP provider so that you can be confident your money is in safe hands.

If you’re new to the world of SIPPs, it’s paramount you understand the ins and outs of a Self Invested Personal Pension. Our SIPP FAQ guide is a great place to start for beginners.

If you’re familiar with SIPPs but are simply looking to choose a reliable provider, or perhaps you have been mis-sold in the past and would like to ensure it doesn’t happen again, here’s what to look out for in a reliable SIPP provider.

Choosing a reliable SIPP provider

Are they FCA approved?

One of the first things you should look out for when choosing a SIPP provider is an FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) badge of approval. Most SIPP providers will include this on their website (likely in the footer), but you should always cross-reference the FCA’s financial services register for a complete list of approved providers. 

If they are not approved, steer clear. These firms may be providing regulated products without correct authorisation or they might simply be a scam. If you invest your money into such SIPPs, you may not be covered by the FSCS or Financial Ombudsman Service should anything go wrong.

Are there any costs or charges involved?

It’s common for SIPP providers to include certain costs or charges, such as admin fees, fund management charges and transfer fees. Familiarising yourself with them beforehand will help you understand what is legitimate – and what isn’t. Read our guide to costs or charges associated with SIPPs for more information.

The best SIPP providers in the UK

Now that you understand what makes a reliable SIPP provider, searching for the best option for you should be much more straightforward. To help you out, here’s a list of recommended providers in the UK along with any fees or charges you could incur.

AJ Bell

Ideal for those looking to save under £50k as they offer low charges for lower pension pots.

  • Annual charge for shares: 0.25% (or a maximum of £25 per quarter)
  • Annual charge for funds: 0.25% for £0-£250k, 0.10% for £250k-£1m, 0.05% for £1m – £2m, no charge above £2m.
  • Transfer fee (if you switch to another provider): £75 plus an extra £25 per holding.

Hargreaves Lansdown

A great choice for beginners due to their ease of service.

  • Annual charge for shares: 0.45% (or a maximum of £200)
  • Annual charge for funds: 0.45% for £0-£250k, 0.25% for £250k-£1m, 0.10% for £1m – £2m, no charge above £2m.
  • Transfer fee (if you switch to another provider): None.

Interactive Investor

A good choice for those with large pension pots over £50k.

  • Administration fee: £10 per month (offered instead of annual charges)
  • Trading fee: £9.99 per month on the Investor plan
  • Transfer fee (if you switch to another provider): None 

Vanguard

Benefit from low fees and no dealing charges, but a limited amount of funds compared with other providers.

  • Annual charge: 0.15% (or a maximum of £375)
  • Transfer fee (if you switch to another provider): None

What to do when a SIPP investment goes wrong

Unfortunately, when it comes to SIPP investing, there are many scams out there that have caused pension savers to lose their hard-earned money. If you believe you have previously been mis-sold a pension investment by an illegitimate provider, get in touch with our team for SIPP pension claims advice you can trust.

Our friendly and professional team can help you submit a claim to the FSCS or Financial Ombudsman for your mis-sold SIPP investment. Just take a look at our testimonials to see how we have helped other pension savers like you.

If you have any questions about your SIPP, please feel free to contact us using our online form or by calling freephone 0800 849 5078 or 0161 968 0768.