EQi Review 2026

EQi Review

A good stock broker provides secure market access, competitive trading fees, and a wide range of investment options such as stocks, ETFs, and funds. It should offer tax-efficient accounts, reliable trade execution, and a platform that is easy to use for both beginners and experienced investors. Strong brokers also maintain transparent pricing, solid regulatory oversight, and helpful research tools to support informed decisions. For individuals looking to grow their portfolio, the right broker combines low costs, dependable service, and access to global markets in one streamlined platform that supports their investment business.

EQi is a UK-based online broker that allows investors to trade stocks, shares, ETFs, and funds through tax-efficient accounts such as ISAs, LISAs, and SIPPs. The platform is built for self-directed (DIY) investors who want full control over their portfolios. It provides access to 8,000+ global investments, including UK and international markets. One key feature is its flexible Stocks & Shares ISA, which allows you to withdraw and replace funds within the same tax year without affecting your annual allowance. EQi’s standard dealing commission for UK shares and bonds is £10.99, which is competitive compared to other providers. EQi was formerly known as Selftrade and was acquired by Equiniti in 2015. Equiniti manages and administers the shares of some 70% of the FTSE 100 companies for approximately 70 million shareholders. Since its rebranding, EQi has undergone an overhaul of both technology and product range, and the site is designed to be reliable and user-friendly for investors. This in-depth review of EQi takes a closer look at the broker’s core features, fee structure, available investment products, regulatory standing, and overall platform experience. It examines how EQi supports investors through its range of tax-efficient accounts, including ISAs, LISAs, and SIPPs, as well as its access to UK and international markets. The review also breaks down trading costs, custody fees, and execution standards to provide a clear picture of what investors can expect in terms of value and performance. By analyzing its tools, services, and account flexibility, this assessment aims to help individuals determine whether EQi absolutely aligns with their investment goals, risk profile, and long-term financial strategy.

What is EQi?

EQi is a UK-based online brokerage service that lets individual investors buy and sell shares, ETFs, investment trusts and funds, and manage their investments through tax-efficient accounts like Stocks & Shares ISAs, Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). It is a trading name of Equiniti Financial Services Limited, authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and designed to offer a low-cost, transparent and accessible way to invest with tools and information that support self-directed decision-making. EQi’s platform aims to help users take control of their financial future by providing practical investment tools, secure market access and clear fee structures.

EQi originated from the Selftrade brand, which was one of the early online brokers in the UK and helped expand share dealing beyond traditional city brokers. In March 2020, Selftrade was re-branded and is now called EQi to reflect its connection with the Equiniti Group, a technology-led financial services company that manages millions of shareholder records and supports many FTSE 100 firms. Equiniti manages and administers the shares of some 70% of the FTSE 100 companies for approximately 70 million shareholders. In 2021, Equiniti sold the direct-to-consumer EQi investment platform and its retail customer book to interactive investor (ii), meaning EQi’s investor accounts and customers were transferred to ii’s platform as part of the deal. This move aligned EQi’s retail investing services with one of the UK’s largest flat-fee investment platforms. Since its rebranding, EQi has undergone an overhaul of both technology and product range.

Benefits of Trading with EQi

Trading with EQi gives investors access to 8,000+ global investment options, including UK and international shares, ETFs, investment trusts, and funds, all from a single online platform. It supports tax-efficient accounts such as Stocks & Shares ISAs, Lifetime ISAs (LISAs), and SIPPs, helping investors grow their money in a tax-advantaged environment. EQi uses a transparent pricing structure, with flat custody fees that can be offset by regular trading, making it potentially more cost-effective for active investors. The broker also aims to deliver best execution on trades, helping ensure competitive pricing when buying or selling investments. One plus point is the successful transfer of shares and timely responses, which many users find valuable. Clients can easily buy more share to increase their holdings through the platform, making portfolio expansion straightforward.

EQi is built for DIY investors who want full control over their portfolios while benefiting from useful investment tools and resources. These include watchlists, research insights, market data, portfolio tracking features, and educational guides to support informed decision-making. Investors also have the benefit of being able to speak to a knowledgeable person for guidance when needed. Customers appreciate the clear and patient guidance provided, especially when dealing with complex topics. With straightforward account setup, broad market access, clear fees, and practical trading tools, EQi positions itself as a simple, self-directed broker for individuals focused on long-term investing.

EQi Regulation and Safety

EQi® is a trading name of Equiniti Financial Services Limited, whose registered office is located at Highdown House, Yeoman Way, Worthing, West Sussex BN99 3HH. Equiniti Financial Services Limited is part of the Equiniti Group, a financial services organisation that provides shareholder and investment administration services. The company is registered in England and Wales (No. 6208699) and is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which means it must comply with strict rules on client protection, financial reporting, and operational standards. Investment and general insurance services are provided through Equiniti Financial Services Limited, which is also a member firm of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). This membership supports its ability to facilitate share dealing and market access. The company holds VAT registration number 915967778. Being FCA-regulated and part of an established financial group provides an added layer of oversight and credibility for investors considering the platform. Do not assume all platforms are equally safe—EQi’s FCA regulation is a key factor in ensuring investor protection.

EQi Customer Reviews

Many customers praise helpful and knowledgeable support staff, noting that representatives often take time to explain the process clearly to customers, resolve queries, and guide users through account issues such as login resets or share transfers. Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with EQi’s customer service, consistently praising the staff for being knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. Some users report that opening accounts and transferring shares into EQi’s ISA platform was straightforward and well supported.

Many users reported a short wait time when contacting customer service, indicating efficient service. EQi’s web chat service is appreciated for helping users navigate complex topics and providing clear answers to customer questions. On the other hand, some investors mention slow processing times, especially for ISA transfers, and long waiting times on calls. A few reviewers reported delays or communication issues with instructions being actioned, and occasional frustrations with account access or service responsiveness. There are mixed opinions on platform efficiency, with both positive and negative experiences shared.

EQi Spreads, Fees, and Commissions

EQi does not charge traditional spreads like forex brokers; instead, it uses a clear fee structure based on custody charges and commissions per trade. For standard dealing and ISA accounts, EQi charges a quarterly custody fee of £17.49 to hold your investments, regardless of portfolio size. Anything you pay in online dealing commissions and funds platform fees is deducted from this custody fee, meaning regular traders can often fully offset the custody cost by executing a few trades each quarter. For example, two share trades at £10.99 each would offset a £17.49 custody fee. When you buy and sell investments, EQi applies a dealing commission per trade — typically around £10.99 for shares and investment trusts and £9.99 for ETFs when traded online. If you place 20 or more trades in a month, the dealing commission can drop to around £5.99 per trade, providing savings for frequent traders. Holding mutual funds can incur a funds platform fee, charged as a percentage of the fund’s value per quarter, but there is no fee to buy funds online. In Lifetime ISAs (LISAs), EQi charges a competitive custody fee of 0.2% per annum on holdings capped at £10 per quarter, and similar trade rates still apply.

Account Types

Dealing Account

• Flexible, unrestricted investment account for trading shares, ETFs and funds
• No tax-wrapper limits on contributions or withdrawals
• Access to global markets and 8,000+ investments
• Helps build a core share trading portfolio without ISA limits
• Automatically created if you open another account type like ISA, LISA or SIPP
• Best execution on trades (~99.9% of the time) enhances execution quality

Stocks and Shares ISA

• Tax-efficient account where gains and income are free from UK tax
• Invest up to £20,000 per tax year in stocks, ETFs and similar assets
• Flexible ISA allows withdrawals and replacements within the same tax year without affecting your allowance
• Helps shelter long-term stock holdings from capital gains and income tax
• Ideal for long-term share investing with tax benefits

Lifetime ISA

• Designed for UK residents aged 18–39
• Annual investment limit of £4,000, with a 25% government bonus on contributions
• Investments grow tax-free within the account
• Best suited for long-term goals like first home purchase or retirement
• Fee structure includes competitive custody fees (e.g., ~0.2% pa capped quarterly)
• Stocks held within the LISA benefit from tax-efficient treatment

How to Open Your Account

1. Go to the official EQi website and click “Sign Up” to begin your application.
2. Select your preferred account, such as a Dealing Account, Stocks & Shares ISA or Lifetime ISA (LISA) depending on your investment goals.
3. To register, you will need: a UK address, UK bank account, National Insurance Number (any Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) if you pay tax abroad) & additional information if you are a non-UK national or hold multiple nationalities.
4. Before submitting your application, carefully read and confirm the declaration. For example, if applying for a Flexible Stocks & Shares ISA, you confirm that: all subscriptions belong to you, you are 18 years of age or older, you will not exceed the annual ISA subscription limit, you are a UK tax resident, or meet eligibility conditions under applicable UK tax law and you agree to the EQi ISA Terms & Conditions.
5. Provide your full name, residential address, date of birth, and contact details.
6. Enter your UK bank account information for funding and withdrawals.
7. Complete required compliance questions, including tax residency, employment status, and financial background, as part of regulatory checks.
8. Review all details carefully, set up your security credentials, and submit your application for approval. Once verified, you can fund your account and begin investing.

EQi Trading Platforms

EQi provides a web-based and mobile application trading platform that allows investors to manage their portfolios entirely online. The platform is accessible through their desktop and mobile, giving users the flexibility to trade and monitor investments from anywhere. It is designed with simplicity in mind, making it suitable for self-directed investors who prefer a straightforward interface over complex trading systems.

Through the platform, investors can trade UK and international shares, ETFs, investment trusts, and funds, while accessing real-time pricing, watchlists, and portfolio performance tracking tools. Users can place trades, review order history, and manage account settings within a secure environment. EQi also provides research insights and educational resources to support informed decision-making. While it does not offer advanced charting or algorithmic trading features, it covers the essential tools needed for efficient online share dealing.

What Can You Trade on EQi

On EQi, you can trade a wide selection of UK and international financial instruments, making it suitable for diversified stock investing. The platform allows you to buy and sell individual company shares listed on major global exchanges, giving you exposure to both domestic and overseas markets. In addition to shares, EQi supports trading in ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), which let you invest in baskets of stocks or other assets in one trade.

EQi also offers access to investment trusts and funds, providing alternative ways to build long-term portfolios beyond individual stocks. These options help investors tailor strategies based on risk tolerance, investment goals, and market preferences. While EQi focuses on these core equity-based products, it does not support spread betting, forex, or derivatives trading in the same way that specialized CFD platforms do, keeping the service oriented toward straightforward share and fund investing.

EQi Customer Support

EQi offers customer support through multiple contact channels to help investors with account setup, trading queries, technical issues, and general questions. Support can be reached via phone and email, with dedicated lines available for different types of inquiries. EQi’s colleagues work together to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that customer needs are addressed efficiently. The support staff also aim to instill hope and reassurance in customers during challenging situations, helping them feel optimistic and supported. There is also an online help section on the EQi website that provides answers to frequently asked questions and guides for common tasks like transfers, account management, and trading steps.

Investors generally use EQi’s support when they need assistance with opening accounts, transferring assets, troubleshooting login problems, or understanding fees and platform features. Wait times for support may vary, but are often short, contributing to a positive customer experience. The platform aims to provide timely and clear responses, though response times may vary based on query volume. Overall, EQi’s support options offer direct access to service staff and useful online resources to assist both new and experienced self-directed investors.

Withdrawal Options and Fees

EQi does not charge a specific withdrawal fee when you transfer money out of your account, but the method you use can determine whether any charges apply. Bank transfers (usually via BACS or CHAPS) are the standard way to withdraw cash from your EQi account, and while EQi itself does not levy a withdrawal cost, your own bank may apply receiving fees, especially for international transfers.

Withdrawals are typically processed through your linked bank account, and funds are sent in GBP for UK accounts. There are no fees for internal transfers between EQi account types you hold (for example, moving cash from your dealing account to your ISA), but if you close or transfer assets out to another provider (such as during a platform migration), fees related to transfers or account closure may be charged according to EQi’s terms. Investors should check the current fee schedule for specific transfer or processing charges to avoid unexpected costs.

Conclusion: EQi Review

EQi positions itself as a broker that empowers investors to build and refine their own strategies through a practical interface, transparent pricing, and reliable market access. With tools such as watchlists, real-time pricing, research insights, portfolio tracking, and educational resources, investors can analyse trends, adjust strategies, and manage risk with clarity. For those who prefer guidance, access to knowledgeable support staff and an extensive help centre ensures assistance is available when needed.

As a UK-based brokerage and a trading name of Equiniti Financial Services Limited, EQi operates under FCA regulation and forms part of an established financial services group. Its history, from the Selftrade brand to its integration within the Equiniti Group and later transfer of retail accounts to interactive investor, reflects structural evolution and technology upgrades over time. EQi provides access to 8,000+ global investments, tax-efficient accounts (ISAs, LISAs, SIPPs), and a clear fee structure that can benefit active investors. While it does not focus on advanced derivative trading tools, it specialises in straightforward share dealing and long-term portfolio building, making it suitable for investors seeking direct ownership, regulatory oversight, and independent wealth management tools.  

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