Buy and sell shares online
Open one of our InvestDirect share dealing accounts if you'd like to be hands-on and make your own investment decisions.
You'll be able to trade in UK and US equities, UK government bonds, investment trusts and a range of UK-listed exchange-traded funds.
Explore market research with our interactive tool, set up share price alerts and even test your trading strategy with a virtual portfolio – so, you can make smarter investment choices.
Share dealing carries more risk than investing in a fund. To spread the risk you could diversify your portfolio across shares and other investment types, such as funds. Not sure if share dealing is for you? Our ready-made portfolios could be an easier way to start if you're new to investing.
Before you invest, be sure to have some money saved for emergencies – ideally 3-6 months of living expenses. That way you won't need to sell your investment to cover any unexpected costs. Remember, the value of investments go up and down, so you may not get back what you invest.
Why open an InvestDirect share dealing account?
Do your own investment research
Use an interactive tool to better understand market research, and even set up share price alerts.
Test your trading strategy
Create a virtual portfolio to test your strategy and see how you could aim to grow your money.
Easy access to your money
You should aim to invest for at least 5 years. But your money isn't locked away – you can sell your investments and the money will usually be in your account within 4 business days.
Choose from 2 InvestDirect accounts
We've got a choice of accounts, so you can open the one that best matches what you're looking to trade.
Choose your account
What you can do | InvestDirect | Invest Direct Plus |
---|---|---|
Trade in UK equities, investment trusts, gilts (UK government bonds) and a range of UK-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) | ||
Trade in US equities listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ | ||
No trading limit | Trade up to the value of £20,000 | |
Discount for trading frequently | ||
Use your HSBC current account to pay for shares and receive money from any sales | ||
Use a separate investment account to pay for shares and receive money from any sales | ||
Option to open additional investment accounts for buying and selling shares in euros and dollars |
What you can do | Trade in UK equities, investment trusts, gilts (UK government bonds) and a range of UK-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) |
---|---|
InvestDirect | |
Invest Direct Plus | |
What you can do | Trade in US equities listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ |
InvestDirect | |
Invest Direct Plus | |
What you can do | No trading limit |
InvestDirect | Trade up to the value of £20,000 |
Invest Direct Plus | |
What you can do | Discount for trading frequently |
InvestDirect | |
Invest Direct Plus | |
What you can do | Use your HSBC current account to pay for shares and receive money from any sales |
InvestDirect | |
Invest Direct Plus | |
What you can do | Use a separate investment account to pay for shares and receive money from any sales |
InvestDirect | |
Invest Direct Plus | |
What you can do | Option to open additional investment accounts for buying and selling shares in euros and dollars |
InvestDirect | |
Invest Direct Plus |
Who can apply?
You can open an InvestDirect share dealing account if:
- you have an HSBC current account (excluding the HSBC Basic Bank Account)
- you're registered for online banking
- you're a UK resident
- you're at least 18 years old
Apply for InvestDirect
Already an HSBC customer?
Here's how to apply:
- Log on to your online banking
- Select ‘Products’, then select ‘Apply for share dealing'
- Choose either an InvestDirect or an InvestDirect Plus account
Need some help before applying? Speak to a share dealing specialist on chat.
Once you've successfully applied, your account will be ready to use within 3 working days. Then, you can manage your investments online or by phone.
New to HSBC? Discover our current accounts
If you already bank with us, but you're not yet registered for online banking Register now
Frequently asked questions
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