- Experts highlight that Hargreaves Lansdown Cryptocurrency Investing offers a range of crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) with varying fees, including annual account charges and dealing fees. While the platform allows access to regulated crypto investments without needing a crypto wallet, the process to start trading is described as cumbersome and slow, which may deter some potential investors.
- Across 1775 user reviews on Good Money Guide, averaging 3.8/5, customers frequently commend the platform's user-friendly app and efficient customer service, particularly praising its ease of use for managing investments. However, there are notable criticisms regarding high fees and a cumbersome account verification process, with some users expressing frustration over customer support and the platform's navigation challenges.
Hargreaves Lansdown Cryptocurrency Investing Expert rating
Our expert rating is the average of the areas listed here, each scored out of 5 by our team.Our experts have rated Hargreaves Lansdown Cryptocurrency Investing across five key areas of our review framework.
- Pricing4.0
- Market Access3.0
- App & Platform5.0
- Customer Service4.0
- Research & Analysis2.0
Pros
- You can invest in crypto-assets via a regulated structure
- Don’t need a crypto wallet or private keys
- You can hold the products in a regular brokerage account or SIPP
Cons
- Gaining access is a cumbersome process
- The products cannot be held within a Stocks and Shares ISA
- You don’t own the crypto-assets directly
See full expert review
Our verdict
Hargreaves Lansdown offers access to a range of crypto exchange-traded notes (crypto ETNs). These are regulated stock market-listed investments that track cryptocurrency prices.
With these products, you can get exposure to crypto prices without holding any crypto-assets directly yourself and without having to worry about things like crypto wallets and passkeys. And you can trade them just like regular stocks. The launch of Hargreaves Lansdown's crypto ETNs is a positive development. At last, UK investors can access crypto assets through the platform.
However, at this stage, the offering is rather limited. And getting set-up to trade is a slow, cumbersome process.
What crypto products does Hargreaves Lansdown offer?
At present, there are a range of crypto ETNs that have ongoing charges on offer including:
- 21Shares Bitcoin Core ETP (CBTC) - 0.10%
- 21Shares Ethereum Core Staking ETP (ETHC) - 0.10%
- Bitwise Core Bitcoin ETP (BTC3) - 0.05%
- Coinshares Bitcoin ETP (BITP) - 0.15%
- Coinshares Ethereum Staking ETP (ETHP) - 0.00%
- Invesco Physical Bitcoin (BTIP) - 0.10%
- iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) - 0.15%
- Wisdomtree Physical Bitcoin (WXBT) - 0.15%
- Wisdomtree Physical Ethereum (WETP) - 0.35%
Of the crypto funds on HL, the iShares Bitcoin ETP (IB1T) is the most well-known. Managed by BlackRock, it is the largest Bitcoin fund in the world.
How do Hargreaves Lansdown's crypto ETNs work?
Crypto ETNs are debt securities issued by financial institutions. Issuers use investors’ capital to buy and hold crypto-assets on behalf of the investors. With these products, you don’t own the crypto-assets yourself directly. Instead, you own a product that is designed to track the price of certain crypto assets.
Can you hold Hargreaves Lansdown's crypto ETNs in a Stocks and Shares ISA? Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs cannot be held in a Stocks and Shares ISA. They can either be held in a regular Fund and Share Account or a SIPP.
Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETN fees With Hargreaves Lansdown, there are a range of fees to be aware of:
- Annual account charge to hold Crypto ETNs in a Fund and Share Account or SIPP – 0.35% (capped at £12.50 per month).
- Dealing charges – these range between £3.95 and £6.95 per deal, depending on dealing frequency.
- Crypto ETNs fund management charges – these range from 0.00 to 0.35%.
Who can invest in Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs?
Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs are available only to certain types of investors:
- Certified high-net-worth individuals with an annual income above £100,000 or net assets above £250,000 (excluding your home, your pension, and any rights under qualifying contracts of insurance).
- Restricted investors who intend to invest less than 10% of their net assets (excluding their home, pension, and any rights under qualifying contracts of insurance).
Note that before you can invest in a crypto ETN, you’ll need to pass an appropriateness assessment confirming you have enough knowledge and experience.
How to trade crypto ETNs with Hargreaves Lansdown
Trading crypto ETNs with Hargreaves Lansdown is a rather cumbersome process. First, you must self-certify as an advanced investor. Then, you must complete a suitability questionnaire. Once this is completed, you then need to wait 24 hours to be able to see the range of products on offer. Finally, you have to review the investment criteria before you can trade. Obviously, these steps are designed to protect investors. However, compared to other crypto platforms, getting set up to trade was slow.
Are Hargreaves Lansdown’s Crypto ETNs protected by the FSCS?
Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Meanwhile, the Financial Ombudsman Service does not cover poor investment performance.
Are Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs risky?
Hargreaves Lansdown’s crypto ETNs are high-risk investments. With these products, you should be prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Platform and app Hargreaves Lansdown’s platform and app are well designed and easy to use. However, they do have their flaws. For example, on the desktop platform, US stock prices are displayed in pence. That’s not ideal.
Research and value added
Hargreaves Lansdown does offer research on its website. However, there is minimal research dedicated to crypto-assets.
Customer service
Hargreaves Lansdown’s customer service is generally solid, however, it’s not what it used to be. For example, during the week, phone support is only available between 8am and 5pm now.
Customer reviews for Hargreaves Lansdown
Customer ratings come from reviews left on this site. Every review is read and approved before it is published.Based on 1,775 reviews
- Excellent27%
- Very good38%
- Basic24%
- Poor7%
- Bad4%
Read customer reviews
Excellent App but high buying fees
HL is an excellent platform as it’s easy to use and set up. It does however have rather large fees when buying a share. Considering the number of clients they have I’m surprised they remain high and is the reason I am looking for an alternative for my Stocks and Shares ISA
My trust in their knowledge is key
When you are a newbie to investing, it can be overwhelming, there are sharks in the tank that you need to avoid, along with many obstacles to overcome. While no financial organisation can deliver guidance with a crystal ball - I have found Hargreaves's Lansdown to operate with expertise and business integrity with a focus on client satisfaction. This has led me to confidently invest in a safe and secure environment with top class educated guidance. I don't think you can do better than that.
Great value for Junior ISAs
Set up Junior ISAs for my kids last year with 0% commission on all trades into and out of the Junior ISAs has been an excellent way to get them started in investing. I use other resources for keeping track of my portfolio but the overall service provides excellent value for money.
SAFE AND SECURE LIKE A TRUSTED OLD FRIEND
I have been a customer of Hargreaves Lansdowne for many decades, and I use the platform to manage my stocks and shares ISA, my SIPP, plus my Fund and Share Account.
The platform is easy to navigate
The choice of investments is wide ranging.
The customer service is very good, though not as good as it used to be since a cost saving exercise about a year ago.
Obviously, other platforms are cheaper, and for that reason I cannot give it five stars.
It is safe and secure like a trusted old friend, and long may that continue.
No fees on JISA is Great - Webstite Needs Improvement
Love the lack of fees on the product for the junior ISA. Really draws me in to make the most of the contributions that are made to it. However I really don't enjoy using the HL website to manage the JISA. It lacks a lot of the ease of use that you find in other products e.g. Invest Engine, Trading 212 that HL should be able to compete with. Just changing my contribution / d
Good
Good service speed, feedback clear website
Investors
My Friend made a small investment in Hargreaves Lansdown PLC . They are a United Kingdom-based digital wealth management service administering company. The Company provides a range of services, including stocks and shares individual savings account (ISA), Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), share dealing, fund dealing, drawdown, cash savings, lifetime ISA and junior ISA.
There is so much to like about this company. They have money in the bank. The returns are enormous with ROC of 50% ROE of 46% and a healthy margin of 48%. Gearing is low. Liquidity is good. Analyst sentiment is reasonably positive. The fundamentals are excellent . Revenue is increasing . Operating profits are steady. Cash flow and working capital are all good.
I had a few reservations. New investment last year was 38% down year on year. However, this is understandable in a cost of lockdown crisis. In addition, compared to their peers, such as AJ Bell, they are not doing that badly.
Another drawback is that HL are not competitive for those who are just getting started with investing. Investors with a large portfolio are ok because of the platform fee cap. However, HL could well lose out to new platforms offering commission free trading and no platform fees.
I like the sound of the new CEO and a potential British ISA may bring in more clients.
All in all, this is a quality company that I bought at a low price (P/E 11) with a great dividend story (expected 6.6% this year). which they have consistently paid over the past 8 years: with no share dilution.
This will be a stock that I will hold and enjoy the dividend and probable capital accumulation
Will be transferring a JISA here as it is fee free!
I will be transferring a JISA to HL as it is fee free and also pays interest on any cash held which my current provider does not.
Stocks & Shares JISA
Been using HL to invest for my daughter’s future. All transactions are quick and simple to execute. Buy & sell orders fulfilled smoothly. I also was impressed with their customer service and help in transferring in a cash JISA from Nationwide. The application process was easy and the response was swift.
Reliable and User-Friendly, but High Fees Make It Worth Exploring Alternatives
I've been a Hargreaves Lansdown customer for many years, and the platform does exactly what it says on the tin. It's generally user-friendly, reliable, and offers a wide range of investment options and app. However, it is undeniably expensive compared to other platforms. The fees add up, especially if you're an active investor. While I plan to continue using it for now, the market has become increasingly competitive, and it's worth exploring other options that offer similar functionality at a much lower cost.
HL is not acting in my best interests, I have been waiting over 6 weeks for my drawdown funds.
HL pensions staff have not been helpful, open or transparent with my drawdown application. I am still waiting after 6 weeks and have no confidence in their internal work processes. HL are not acting in my best interests.
I wish I had checked Good Money Guide and other sites before as others have experienced similar issues. Delayed payment appears a deliberate HL policy.
Hargreaves Lansdown Excellent
HL currently is a market leader to my investment experience. Top service, top platforms, safe an secure with a large portfolio and great analytics. I would recommend.
Easy to use app. Moderate plans
App is pretty intuitive and decent value
Investment guide
I’ve been following Hargreaces Lansdown it has been helpful to understand present money and investing guide.
Good and safe
They hold my shares. It’s an easy website to navigate.
Excellent service
I like the HL app which allows me to follow markets and my investment with ease. It was also very simple to set up.
investments
professional competent and efficient
keep you updated trustworthy
AVOID AT ALL COSTS
1. I Sold isa to pay deposit for house. 2. I Changed my address which stopped me nominating a bank for transfer.
3. Spoke to them was asked to provide proof of house purchase which I did.
4. 10 days later despite an email saying they would be in contact in next few days I heard nothing.
5 Rang them , nothing had been done! I wasn't allowed to speak to the relevant department they don't speak to customers.
6. Looks like at least another week before I can even nominate my bank for a transfer exchange date is before that.
IF YOUR HAPPY TO BE ABUSED AND DONT WANT CONTROL OVER YOUR FINANCES HARGREAVES LANSDOWN IS THE COMPANY FOR YOU, FOR OTHERS AVOID THESE SOULLESS COMPANY.
Professional & efficient
People & platform - professional, competent & efficient. Overall, great value.
Does the job
No fuss - just really good platform and service
Are Hargreaves Lansdown’s Crypto ETNs a safer way to invest in Bitcoin?
Hargreaves Lansdown now offers access to Bitcoin and Ethereum through ETNs. But these crypto products cannot be held within a Stocks and Shares ISA account.
For a long time, it wasn’t possible to invest in Bitcoin and other crypto assets with Hargreaves Lansdown. However, things changed in September 2026, when the firm launched a range of crypto-focused exchange-traded notes (ETNs).
In this review, we’ll take a look at the firm’s crypto offering. We’ll also explore the advantages and disadvantages of using the platform to invest in digital assets.
Based in London, Edward is a distinguished investment writer with an extensive client portfolio comprising a diverse array of prominent financial services firms across the globe. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in private wealth management and institutional asset management, both in the UK and Australia, he possesses a profound understanding of the finance industry.
Before establishing himself as a writer, Edward earned a Commerce degree from the prestigious University of Melbourne. Complementing his academic background, he holds the esteemed Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and is a proud holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification.
Widely recognised as a sought-after investment expert, Edward’s insightful perspectives and analyses have been featured on sites such as BlackRock, Credit Suisse, WisdomTree, Motley Fool, eToro, and CMC Markets, among others.
