Barclays is a UK-based bank. Barclays Smart Investor has low stock, fund and bond fees. The non-trading fees are low as well, no inactivity or withdrawal fees are charged. Barclays has a solid background as it has a long history, is listed on multiple stock exchanges, has a banking background, and is regulated by top-tier authorities. Finally, the fundamental research tools, such as analysis and news, are high-quality. It is a good choice for beginner investors. On the other hand, Barclays Smart Investor lacks products, like options or CFDs. Unless you have a current account with Barclays, you can't manage your investments on the go as there is no mobile trading platform. The customer service is very poor and it lasts very long for solving a problem. BrokerChooser gave Barclays a 4.3/5 rating based on analyzing 500+ criteria and testing via opening a live account.