Win, win when you open a Vantage account

Clients who hold funds outside of Hargreaves Lansdown Vantage Account miss out on two important services - investment alerts and loyalty bonuses.

We monitor more than 90% (by value) of the funds clients hold in a Vantage ISA, PEP and Fund Account and if the management of a particular investment deteriorates and we feel there is no prospect for recovery, we alert those whose portfolio includes that fund and highlight alternatives.

Clients also benefit from worthwhile loyalty bonuses of up to half a per cent a year - up to £50 a year on a £10,000 investment.

How does that work? When you hold a fund part of the annual management charge can be used to pay renewal commission to a broker.

You pay the same charges whether you hold the fund directly with the fund manager or through a broker. If you invest directly the fund managers simply keep the renewal commission themselves. This renewal commission makes absolutely no difference to the annual management charges you pay.

We share that renewal commission with you through our annual loyalty bonuses. Tax legislation prevents us offering loyalty bonuses on the Vantage SIPP. But with a portfolio worth £40,000 in a Vantage ISA, PEP or Fund Account, our loyalty bonuses could save you up to £2,000 over the next 10 years - more if your investments rise in value.

This should not be seen as a personal recommendation to invest, but if you think the Vantage Service could be right for you, and you are happy with your current investments then it makes sense to transfer them to Vantage as they are. You could start earning loyalty bonuses while also acquiring the ability to see online at a glance what you hold, which funds are performing well and which are not. In other words managing your portfolio will become easier.

Most groups offer stock transfers and while a few levy exit fees, these are typically no more than £25 and can usually be recouped through our loyalty bonuses. If your fund is an ISA or PEP you do not lose your tax benefits even if you transfer as cash - and with loyalty bonuses of up to a half per cent on more than 1,200 funds you can save money every year. If you place a new investment you'll benefit from market-leading initial savings of up to 5.5%.

Quick and easy dealing is available by telephone, online or by post - you can choose to deal in the way most suitable to you. If you spot a threat or opportunity you can act straightaway.

Many investors like to 'go liquid' in times of market volatility. You can go to cash and receive competitive interest rates which many traditional plans do not offer.

If you have a query the experts on our helpdesk are here to answer your questions in person, they cannot provide you with advice, but can put you in touch with an adviser if you think this would be appropriate.

If you want to transfer your holding to Vantage or invest new money - once you have read the terms and conditions - simply complete the relevant transfer/application form. You can find all applications forms here and don't forget that if you are investing new money you can apply for an ISA or Fund Account online with a debit card.

If you wish to change any of your existing investments held in Vantage simply call us, go online or send your instructions by post.