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Provider review

Standard Life

Last verified: Q2 2026 · Source: provider fee page
Fee model
0.60% under £100k, 0.55% £100k–£250k, 0.45% £250k–£500k, 0.40% above £500k. No fund dealing charges.
Whole-pot percentage tiers · SIPP available · Workplace available
Annual platform fee by pot size
£25,000 pot
£150/yr
0.60% effective
£50,000 pot
£300/yr
0.60% effective
£100,000 pot
£550/yr
0.55% effective
£250,000 pot
£1,125/yr
0.45% effective
£500,000 pot
£2,000/yr
0.40% effective
£1,000,000 pot
£4,000/yr
0.40% effective
Platform fee only. Fund charges (OCF) are additional: 0.10%–1.5% depending on fund choice (additional to service charge)
Note: Fees shown are for Standard Life's SIPP using the whole-pot rate at each band (not marginal). The personal pension (non-SIPP) charges a flat 0.45% service charge + fund charges (~0.10% for ready-made). Workplace pension charges are employer-negotiated (typically 0.20%–0.30%). No fund dealing charges on any product.

Standard Life, now part of the Phoenix Group (and formerly linked to abrdn), is one of the UK's largest pension providers. The SIPP charges a whole-pot service charge that starts at 0.60% and drops as your pot grows — but even the lowest tier (0.40% above £500k) is more expensive than most competitors at that level. Standard Life's strengths are its broad fund range across three investment levels and the fact that no fund dealing charges apply. The personal pension (non-SIPP) product is simpler at a flat 0.45% + fund charges. Workplace pension rates are typically much lower. Standard Life is suited to investors who want a wide fund range and are willing to pay a premium for the platform, or who access it through an employer at a negotiated rate.

Strengths
  • +No fund dealing charges
  • +Broad fund range across 3 levels (300 to 4,000+)
  • +Strong workplace pension presence
  • +Well-established brand
Limitations
  • –Expensive — 0.60% at entry level is among the highest
  • –Whole-pot tiers mean you pay one rate on entire balance
  • –More expensive than most competitors at every pot size
  • –High minimum investment for smaller pots
Details
Fund rangeLevel 1: 300+ pension funds; Level 2: 4,000+ mutual funds; Level 3: commercial property, gold bullion (adviser-arranged)
Minimum investment£240/month or £2,400/year; reduced above £50k; or £8,000 one-off
Typical fund OCF0.10%–1.5% depending on fund choice (additional to service charge)
SIPPYes
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Things to consider
  • •Fees shown are platform fees only — you also pay fund-level charges (OCF) on top, which vary by fund choice.
  • •Fee structures change without notice. Always verify the current fee on the provider's website before making any decision.
  • •The cheapest provider is not necessarily the best fit — consider fund range, customer service, platform features, and the specific funds you want to hold.
  • •Transferring a pension may involve exit fees, loss of guaranteed benefits, or loss of employer contributions. Check before you transfer.
  • •This page is factual information based on published fee schedules, not a recommendation to use or avoid any provider.
  • •If you're unsure which provider is right for you, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser.

This calculator provides estimates based on 2026/27 tax rates and is not financial advice. Scottish taxpayers are subject to different income tax rates and bands. The calculations assume your salary is your only source of income and do not account for benefits in kind or other taxable income.

For personalised guidance on your pension contributions, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser. You can find one via Unbiased or VouchedFor.