Moneybox Review UK

Moneybox began in 2015 as a simple savings and budgeting app that rounded up your everyday spending to the nearest pound and invested the spare change.

Today, it has evolved into a complete investment and savings platform, offering ISAs, pensions, and ready-made portfolios for all experience levels.

This Moneybox review explains how the platform works, who it suits, and how it compares with other UK investing apps.

Each feature is rated based on hands-on analysis of performance, usability, and value for money, using Sterling Savvy’s trusted scoring system.

For more information on how we test view here.

This article was reviewed by Tobi Opeyemi Amure, an investing expert and writer at Investopedia, Investing.com, and Trading.biz.

How does Moneybox perform overall?

Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

Moneybox scores 71.8 points, averaging 79.78% across all tested categories. It stands out as an excellent choice for beginners who want a simple, user-friendly investing app with strong long-term savings and investment options.

However, experienced traders may find it too limited, as the platform offers few markets, basic research tools, and minimal educational content.

What makes Moneybox unique is its round-up savings feature and behavioral approach. By linking everyday spending with automatic investing, it helps users build consistent habits and view investing as a natural part of daily life, a smart psychological design that encourages long-term wealth building.

Moneybox category ratings

Category	Points	Star rating
Fees	7.1	★★★½
Safety	9.4	★★★★★
Onboarding	9.7	★★★★★
Deposit & withdrawal methods	8.6	★★★★½
Markets	5.0	★★½
Tools	6.8	★★★
Investment & trading platform	8.7	★★★★½
Education	7.7	★★★½
Customer service	8.8	★★★★½

Pros and cons of Moneybox

Pros

• Simple, beginner-friendly platform
• Excellent onboarding and account setup
• Ideal for long-term investors

Cons

• Limited market range
• Few research and analysis tools
• Fees could be more competitive

Verdict: Moneybox is best for beginners and long-term savers who want to invest effortlessly through automation. Advanced investors should consider a more powerful, low-fee trading platform.

How much does Moneybox charge in fees?

Overall rating: ★★★½ (3.5 stars)

Moneybox’s fees are higher than many UK investing platforms, and its pricing structure can feel confusing at first.

While there are no trading fees, users pay several non-trading and fund-related charges that can add up over time.

Trading fees

Moneybox doesn’t charge traditional trading fees because it’s an investment and savings app, not an active trading platform.

You won’t pay per trade or transaction.

Non-trading fees

Here’s where most of the costs arise:

• Monthly subscription fee: £1 per month for all accounts except SIPPs.
• Annual platform fee: 0.45% of your portfolio value (for example, £45 per year on £10,000).
  • For SIPP accounts, the fee drops to 0.15% on balances above £100,000.
• Fund provider fee: Ranges from 0.12% to 0.58%, depending on the account type and fund. Moneybox clearly outlines these charges on its website.

Currency conversion fee

If you invest in US stocks, a 0.45% currency conversion fee applies on every buy and sell transaction involving USD. This makes international investing slightly more expensive than with some competitors.

It’s important to factor these fees into your returns to understand your true cost and compare against other platforms. Staying up to date with any fee changes will help you make the most informed investment decisions.

Pros and cons of Moneybox fees

Pros

• No per-trade or commission fees
• Transparent pricing shown on the website
• Clear breakdown of fund provider fees
• Good choice of long-term investment options

Cons

• £1 monthly subscription fee
• 0.45% annual platform fee
• 0.45% currency conversion fee on USD trades
• Multiple layered fees make costs harder to predict

Verdict: Moneybox is transparent but not cheap. It’s best for hands-off, long-term investors who value automation and simplicity over low-cost trading.

Is Moneybox safe and trustworthy?

Overall rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)

Yes, Moneybox is a safe and trusted UK investment platform. It is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), meaning your funds are protected up to £85,000 if the company were to fail.

Track record and reputation

Founded in 2015, Moneybox has built a strong reputation over nearly a decade for reliability and responsible money management. While it’s smaller than some major investment firms like Saxo Markets, its consistent performance and growing customer base show solid long-term stability.

FCA regulation

Moneybox operates under the supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK’s top financial regulator. This ensures the platform follows strict standards for client fund protection, transparency, and fair practice. Any FCA-regulated platform must keep your money separate from its own business funds.

FSCS protection

Moneybox customers are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This provides up to £85,000 in protection per person if Moneybox were ever to go out of business.

Bank licence

Moneybox does not hold a banking licence, which means it isn’t required to follow the same regulations as banks. However, its FCA regulation and FSCS cover provide robust protection for investors.

Pros and cons of Moneybox safety

Pros

• Regulated by the FCA
• Protected by the FSCS (up to £85,000)
• Nearly a decade of strong performance

Cons

• Does not hold a banking licence

Verdict: Moneybox is one of the safest UK investment apps for everyday investors. With FCA oversight, FSCS protection, and a proven track record, users can invest with confidence knowing their funds are secure.

How easy is it to open a Moneybox account?

Overall rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)

Moneybox makes account setup quick, smooth, and beginner-friendly. The verification process takes only a few minutes, and users can access a wide range of investment, savings, and retirement accounts from a single dashboard.

Account selection

Before signing up, you’ll choose between Investment Accounts, Cash Accounts, and Retirement Accounts. Each offers flexible options to help you grow and manage your money efficiently.

Investment accounts:

• General Investment Account (GIA): Invest in stocks and shares with no contribution limits.
• Stocks and Shares ISA: Invest tax-free, up to the £20,000 annual allowance.
• Stocks and Shares Lifetime ISA (LISA): Earn a 25% government bonus (up to £1,000 per year) for first-home or retirement savings.
• Junior ISA: Designed for under-18s, with a £9,000 annual limit and parental control until age 18.

Cash accounts:

• Cash ISA: Earn tax-free interest on savings.
• Cash Lifetime ISA: Fixed 4.25% interest in the first year, then 3.25%.
• Simple Saver: Easy-access account offering 4% interest, ideal for emergency funds.
• Notice Account: Higher interest for 32–120 days’ notice before withdrawals.

This range allows you to build a personalised money ecosystem, managing short-term savings, medium-term investments, and long-term goals all in one place.

Onboarding experience

Creating a Moneybox account is fast and intuitive:

1. Enter basic details like email, residence, and ID verification.
2. Upload documents such as a passport or utility bill.
3. Choose your preferred account type (you can add more later).
4. Set your initial deposit and customise weekly deposits or round-ups.
5. Optionally enable payday boosts or direct debits for automatic saving.
6. Complete a brief financial questionnaire for verification.

From start to finish, the process takes around 10 minutes, and verification typically completes within minutes.

Pros and cons of Moneybox onboarding

Pros

• Excellent variety of account types
• Seamless signup and quick verification
• Combines saving, investing, and retirement options in one app

Cons

• None noted

Verdict: Moneybox offers one of the best onboarding experiences in the UK, with a diverse range of accounts and a user-friendly setup ideal for both new and experienced investors.

How do deposits and withdrawals work on Moneybox?

Overall rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)

Depositing and withdrawing funds with Moneybox is free, simple, and flexible. The platform supports several automated saving tools like Round-Ups, Payday Boost, and Weekly Deposits, making it easy to build consistent investing habits. Withdrawals are also free, though timing depends on the type of account you hold.

Deposits

Moneybox makes adding funds straightforward. You can deposit by bank transfer or set up a direct debit for automated contributions.

Deposit options include:

• Bank transfer: Add £100 or more instantly to your ISA or investment account.
• Direct debit (Weekly Collection Cycle): Automate weekly deposits based on your goals.
• One-off deposits: Add extra funds manually, ideal for bonuses or lump sums.
• Payday Boost: Automatically invest a set amount when your salary arrives.
• Round-Ups: Link your bank account and automatically invest spare change from daily purchases.

All deposit methods are fee-free and designed to encourage consistent, stress-free investing.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals are also free of charge but vary by account type:

• Savings accounts: Withdraw funds at any time.
• Investment accounts: You must sell your holdings first. Withdrawals typically take 3–5 working days.
• Lifetime ISA: Early withdrawals not used for a first home purchase result in losing the 25% government bonus.
• Pension (SIPP): Funds can only be accessed from age 55.

It’s important to plan withdrawals carefully, as market conditions can affect the value of investments when selling. Moneybox also provides tools and guidance to help you manage withdrawals effectively.

Tip: Keep a cash emergency fund of 3–6 months of expenses before locking money into long-term accounts.

Pros and cons of Moneybox deposits and withdrawals

Pros

• Free deposits and withdrawals
• Flexible automated saving options
• Innovative features like Round-Ups and Payday Boost

Cons

• Withdrawals from investment accounts can take several days

Verdict: Moneybox offers a smooth, fee-free experience for both deposits and withdrawals. It’s ideal for those who want to save and invest automatically, though investors should plan ahead for withdrawal timelines.

What markets and assets can you invest in with Moneybox?

Overall rating: ★★½ (2.5 stars)

Moneybox offers a very limited selection of markets, focusing mainly on funds, ETFs, and a few US shares. It’s designed for long-term investors rather than active traders. If you’re seeking exposure to crypto, bonds, or CFDs, this platform won’t meet your needs.

Funds

Moneybox’s core investment products are ready-made funds, built for simplicity and diversification. Each fund includes a mix of global stocks and bonds managed by trusted providers. You can choose from three risk levels:

• Cautious: Lower risk and slower growth, ideal for conservative investors.
• Balanced: A middle ground between risk and reward, suitable for most users.
• Adventurous: Higher volatility and potential returns, best for younger or long-term investors.

For context, in 2016, the cautious fund grew 15.2%, while the adventurous option returned 27.5%. In 2022, both fell, by 5.3% and 9.2% respectively, illustrating how higher risk can amplify both gains and losses.

ETFs

Moneybox gives access to around 12 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from reputable providers such as BlackRock and Vanguard. These offer low-cost exposure to diversified global markets, making them ideal for passive, long-term investing.

US shares

You can also buy a small selection of major US stocks, such as Apple or Microsoft. However, the choice is very limited, with little opportunity to explore smaller or emerging companies. Traders seeking broader access may prefer platforms like eToro or IG.

Socially responsible investments

Moneybox also offers Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) portfolios. These invest in companies with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, avoiding businesses with poor ethical or environmental records. While returns may be modest, they appeal to investors focused on sustainable investing.

Pros and cons of Moneybox markets

Pros

• Excellent ready-made fund options
• Reputable ETFs from BlackRock and Vanguard
• Offers ethical and sustainable investing choices

Cons

• Very limited asset range
• No access to crypto, bonds, or CFDs
• Small selection of individual shares

Verdict: Moneybox is best for hands-off, long-term investors who want simple, diversified portfolios. Active traders or those seeking broader market access will find the platform too restrictive.

What tools does Moneybox offer for investors?

Overall rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

Moneybox provides a small but useful set of beginner-friendly tools designed to help users plan and visualise long-term goals. While these are helpful for saving and retirement planning, the platform lacks advanced research and analysis tools, making it unsuitable for experienced traders.

Planning and saving tools

Pension Calculator

This tool helps you estimate your retirement savings by entering your age, income, target retirement age, and lifestyle goals. It projects potential pension outcomes while accounting for inflation and expected returns, showing how your current contributions align with your retirement targets.

House Deposit Calculator

Ideal for first-time buyers using the Lifetime ISA (LISA), this calculator estimates how long it will take to reach your property deposit goal. It considers your current savings, regular contributions, and the 25% government bonus, giving you a realistic timeline for homeownership.

ISA Time Machine

This visual tool uses historical market data and compound growth projections to show how your portfolio could perform over time. It highlights how regular contributions and time in the market can accelerate long-term returns, helping users understand the value of consistency.

Research and analysis tools

Moneybox does not provide any advanced research tools such as charting software, technical indicators, or fundamental data. There’s also no access to an economic calendar or real-time market news.

This minimalist design suits users who prefer automated, hands-off investing, but it limits those who want to conduct in-depth market research or active trading strategies.

Pros and cons of Moneybox tools

Pros

• Easy-to-use calculators for long-term planning
• Visual tools make complex financial concepts simple
• Encourages disciplined, long-term investing habits

Cons

• No advanced research or charting tools
• Basic functionality may frustrate experienced investors

Verdict: Moneybox’s tools are perfect for beginners focused on saving for retirement or property goals, but too basic for anyone seeking in-depth market analysis. The platform’s “less is more” approach keeps investing simple — and helps users stay focused on their long-term objectives.

How good is the Moneybox app and investment platform?

Overall rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)

Moneybox delivers an excellent investment platform that’s simple, intuitive, and ideal for beginners. It focuses on helping users invest effortlessly rather than overwhelming them with data and charts.

The only major drawback is the lack of a web version, which limits accessibility for those who prefer desktop investing.

Mobile platform

The Moneybox mobile app (available on iOS and Android) offers a clean, easy-to-navigate layout. Upon logging in, you’ll see a weekly summary of how much you’ve saved or invested.

Navigation is straightforward:

• The Accounts tab shows your balances and holdings.
• The Discover tab gives access to educational resources and tools.
• The Settings tab lets you manage preferences and notifications.

While it doesn’t feature advanced trading tools, the app’s minimalist design and fast performance make it perfect for tracking investments and managing accounts on the go.

User experience

Moneybox shines in user experience and simplicity. The interface is modern, uncluttered, and makes your investment progress easy to understand at a glance.

However, the absence of a desktop platform may frustrate users who prefer analysing their portfolio on a larger screen. For a platform handling long-term investments and pensions, adding a web version with desktop notifications and analytics tools would greatly enhance usability.

Despite that, for its purpose, helping everyday users save and invest automatically, Moneybox performs exceptionally well.

Pros and cons of the Moneybox platform

Pros

• Simple, easy-to-understand layout
• Seamless mobile experience
• Clear account navigation and reporting
• Perfect for hands-off investing

Cons

• No desktop or web version

Verdict: Moneybox offers a best-in-class mobile experience for casual investors. It’s not built for traders, but for those seeking a clear, hassle-free way to manage their money, the app delivers almost flawlessly.

What educational resources does Moneybox offer?

Overall rating: ★★★½ (3.5 stars)

Moneybox provides a solid range of beginner-friendly educational content, helping new investors understand key financial concepts and long-term investing strategies. However, users with prior experience may find the material too basic.

Learning content

Most of Moneybox’s educational resources come in the form of short videos, articles, and guides that explain the fundamentals of investing, ISAs, and pensions. The content is visual, simple, and well-structured, making it ideal for first-time investors who want to learn at their own pace.

The standout feature is the Moneybox Academy, a structured training hub designed to teach complete beginners the essentials of personal finance and investing. It’s an accessible entry point for anyone looking to build financial confidence.

Real-time updates

Moneybox also includes real-time market updates and economic news coverage, giving users some context for current financial events. While this feature isn’t as advanced as what you’d find on platforms like Saxo or IG, it’s a valuable addition for users seeking light market awareness.

Pros and cons of Moneybox education

Pros

• Engaging and easy-to-follow learning content
• Strong Moneybox Academy for complete beginners
• Visual lessons simplify complex topics

Cons

• Limited depth for experienced investors
• Basic compared to full-service trading platforms

Verdict: Moneybox’s education tools are best for beginners who want to build a foundation in saving and investing. It’s clear, visual, and easy to follow, though experienced investors may want to look elsewhere for advanced learning materials.

How good is Moneybox customer service?

Overall rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)

Moneybox provides excellent customer service, with quick response times, clear communication, and multiple ways to get help directly from the app. Support is available seven days a week, though there’s no phone line and service isn’t available 24/7.

FAQ section

The FAQ hub in the app is one of the best starting points for resolving issues. It covers everything from general investing questions to technical troubleshooting, written in clear, simple language. Unlike many competitors, Moneybox’s FAQs are genuinely useful and regularly updated.

Messaging support

If you need further help, you can contact the support team through the in-app messaging system. This isn’t a live chat, but more like texting a support agent, you’ll receive notifications when your message is answered.

Despite the non-live format, responses are fast and detailed, and the agents are knowledgeable about both technical and financial topics. This approach also means you don’t have to wait around on the app for a reply.

Email support

You can also reach Moneybox via email, and responses are typically prompt and well-informed. The team provides clear, relevant answers rather than canned replies.

Phone support

Moneybox does not offer phone support, which may disappoint users who prefer to speak directly with an agent. However, the quality of written support and responsiveness helps offset this limitation.

Pros and cons of Moneybox customer service

Pros

• Fast, helpful responses
• Excellent in-app FAQ section
• Friendly and knowledgeable support team

Cons

• No phone support option
• Not available 24/7

Verdict: Moneybox’s customer service is reliable and efficient, with quick replies and strong in-app support tools. While a phone line or round-the-clock availability would improve accessibility, the existing support system is among the best in its category.

Who is Moneybox best suited for?

Moneybox is best suited for beginners and long-term investors who want an easy, automated way to save and invest without needing deep financial knowledge. It’s ideal for users who prefer a simple, goal-based approach over complex trading tools or market analysis.

The platform works particularly well for:

• First-time investors who want to start small using features like Round-Ups and Payday Boosts.
• Long-term savers building towards goals such as buying a home, retirement, or financial security.
• Ethical investors who like the option of Socially Responsible portfolios.
• Busy professionals who value automation and mobile convenience over manual trading.

However, Moneybox is not suitable for active traders or those seeking exposure to crypto, CFDs, or advanced markets. Its tools are designed for steady, passive investing, not day trading.

Verdict: Moneybox is best for beginners and hands-off investors who want to grow their wealth gradually through automated, diversified portfolios, not for traders chasing short-term gains.

Final thoughts

Moneybox is a beginner-friendly, FCA-regulated platform that makes saving and investing simple. Its clean mobile app, automatic saving tools, and ready-made portfolios help users build wealth over time without stress or complexity.

While the limited market range and lack of advanced tools may deter active traders, Moneybox excels at what it’s designed for, helping everyday people invest consistently and confidently.

Verdict: A great choice for new and long-term investors seeking a safe, automated, and user-friendly way to grow their money.

FAQs