Nutmeg vs Moneybox

Nutmeg and Moneybox are both “robo-advisor” investing apps that offer ready-made portfolios that you choose, based on your appetite for risk (some robos quiz you at length to assess your attitude to risk, but these two don’t).

Many people opt for robos when they’re looking for a decent return on their savings so are considering a stocks and shares individual savings account (ISA), but they need some support on choosing investments.

We’ve shown a head-to-head summary below, and then compared their portfolios, costs, features and more in detail, to help you decide which could be the best fit for you.

Nutmeg vs Moneybox: Vital statistics

In our 2021 customer satisfaction survey, Moneybox users found it easy to set up regular transfers and praised the round-ups feature. But one found it “costly…if investment is low”.

Several Nutmeg customers found the service “helpful” with “products to suit all levels of risk”. But a few found it a little complicated.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects your money in both of these platforms; if either company were to fail, investment deposits up to £50,000 would be covered.

Round 1: Products

When it comes to products offered, these two are about equal. You can open a stocks and shares individual savings account (ISA) to invest up to £20,000 tax free (in the 2024/2025 tax year). You’re also able to open a lifetime ISA (LISA). This lets you save up up £4,000 per year for your first home or for retirement. The government contributes £1,000 for every £4,000 invested. Moneybox also offers a range of cash savings accounts (all are accounts where you have to give notice before withdrawing money).

Both Nutmeg and Moneybox have private pensions available – these work the same as their other products, except that your money can’t be withdrawn until you turn 55.

Winner: Tie

Round 2: Portfolios

Most robo-advisors offer fewer than five portfolios. So while Moneybox’s 6 is a great range, Nutmeg has a huge 30 to choose between. With Nutmeg, you can choose Fully Managed, Smart Alpha, Socially Responsible or Fixed Allocation. Each one has either 5 or 10 different risk profiles to choose between. This gives you plenty of control over what you’re invested in and how much risk you’re taking on.

Moneybox has two types of funds, one of which is classed as socially responsible. Each one has three different risk profiles: Cautious, Balanced and Adventurous.

Winner: Nutmeg

Round 3: Costs

Both these services are fairly pricy. But while Nutmeg’s fees are pretty simple, and are based on how much you invest, Moneybox’s fees are rather more complex.

For Nutmeg’s fully managed portfolio, it charges 0.75% on investments up to £100,000 and then 0.35% on investments beyond that. Nutmeg also charges a 0.19% investment fund cost and a market spread cost of 0.06%. Nutmeg has a cost calculator so you can work out exactly how much your investment will cost you.

With Moneybox, there’s a £1 per month fixed subscription fee (free for the first 3 months). As well as this, it charges a platform fee of 0.45% annually and between 0.12% and 0.30% fund provider fees.

Moneybox doesn’t have a cost calculator, so we worked out the fees above the old fashioned way (on a £10,000 investment, that’s: £45 platform fee + £12 subscription fee + £30 fund provider fees).

Winner: Moneybox

Round 4: Features

You can access Moneybox only through its mobile app, while Nutmeg lets you log in on a desktop and take a look at your investments. Both of these providers have iPhone and Android apps and provide news and research; and you can top up within the app.

Winner: Nutmeg

Round 5: Learning resources

Both Nutmeg and Moneybox have guides about the products that are available, but neither has any videos, walkthroughs or demo accounts, which some of their rivals offer.

Nutmeg has a range of advisory features; you can get personalised planning and advice and general support and guidance. This does come at an extra cost, though.

Winner: Nutmeg

Overall winner: Is Nutmeg better than Moneybox?

These two platforms are pretty similar. Moneybox is app only, so if you want to access your investments in a web browser, Nutmeg may be more suitable. It also offers investment advice, which Moneybox doesn’t currently offer. Moneybox’s fees tend to be lower in our comparison, but it’s worth working out your costs based on the amount you’re investing.

Save and invest with Nutmeg

• Choose a portfolio that goes with your investment style
• Get help with your account management
• Open and transfer your ISA account in minutes

Go to site

Capital at risk

All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.