Barclays has made a significant change to its Direct Investing platform by removing account fees, which previously cost investors 0.25% for portfolios under £200,000 and 0.05% for those above. This move positions Barclays as a more competitive option compared to established platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor. The bank claims that the fee removal could save an investor with £50,000 approximately £125 annually. However, while trading funds remains free, a £6 fee applies to trades involving stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This means that platforms like Freetrade and Trading 212 may be more cost-effective for frequent stock traders. Barclays offers a wide array of investment options, including ready-made funds that cater to novice investors. Despite the positive changes, experts caution that the £6 trading fee could accumulate quickly for active traders, suggesting that those who prioritize lower trading costs might still prefer newer investment platforms.