
It has now become commonplace to keep track of your pension online, or via an app. There are plenty of different options to choose from. So how do you know what’s the best option for you?
Two of the big names in pension consolidation are Pensionbee and Nutmeg. Both promise to offer you flexible control over various pensions you may have trouble keeping track of. But what are the main differences between the two? And is there anything you should be keeping in mind before choosing one over the other?
In this guide we’ll be comparing them both, before drawing everything together in a quick summary. Read on to find out more!
Pensionbee Vs Nutmeg : A Quick Summary
- Both
Pensionbee and Nutmeg offer you an always-on service. This means you can transfer, combine, contribute to, and withdraw from your pension pots online at any time. - However, while
Pensionbee is primarily focused on pension consolidation,Nutmeg appears to offer more services. For example, you can also manage ISAs and general investments through the latter, but not through the former.Pensionbee will, however, let you invest your contributions in stocks and shares depending on the plan you opt into. - Both
Pensionbee andNutmeg allow you to plan your investments in advance with smart projections.Pensionbee has a simple calculator, whileNutmeg has advanced risk projections. - Both services will let you withdraw your pension from the age of 55 or older.
- Both
Pensionbee andNutmeg offer different service plans, thoughNutmeg ’s approach appears to be a little more in-depth. - Both systems allow you to benefit from the lucrative 25% government top-up.
Nutmeg allows you to invest in your pension(s) through managed or fixed channels, as you prefer. To be able to use the fixed option, you’ll need to invest through the service’s ISA or general portfolio services.Pensionbee has no minimum investment limits set. WithNutmeg , you will need to invest at least £500 to get started. This, according to industry sources, has decreased from £5,000 minimum in recent years.- Both services claim to offer ease of use and setup. However, even from a quick glance, it is clear that
Pensionbee may be preferred by those looking for a more casual, straightforward management service.Nutmeg , however, offers a lot more options, such as its investment opportunities.
Let’s take time to look at both
Pensionbee Review
What is Pensionbee ?
There aim, it seems, is to break down the clunky and cluttering pensions of old, instead collaborating them into a simple, singular digital standard. It’s likely to be very appealing to a lot of people, particularly young adult savers who want to invest in their future at their convenience.
But how exactly does
How Does Pensionbee Work?
Getting Started
What the service also offers is a pension check. This means that Beekeepers will be able to scan a national database for information on your pension(s) based on your employment history. This is a handy service which will appeal to anyone who may not have all the paperwork to hand.
Once you’re happy for
Using The Service
Once you’re happy to go ahead, you can start by choosing any one of seven plans available. These plans are set up to allow you to invest in various companies, stocks and shares, depending on where you’d like your money to go. Most people apparently opt for the ‘tailored’ approach, though you can choose set portfolios such as 4Plus, which works on growing your investment by 4% each year.
You can access
- Retirement Planner – this lets you see the level of savings you might need based on long-term goals.
- Transfer and Contribution breakdown – a snapshot of what’s in a your pension pot, based on how much you’ve transferred, contributed and received from HMRC in the form of tax top ups.
- Past Performance – a chart showing the growth of your pension pot over time.

What Fees Do Pensionbee Charge?
Fees are, handily, withdrawn from your
There is, however, a withdrawal fee which applies if you drawdown within a year of signing up and using the service.
Can You Transfer Any Pension into Pensionbee ?
You can also transfer ‘defined benefit’ pensions into
Otherwise, you won’t be able to invest pensions based outside of the UK. A fantastic bit of flexibility in the terms, however, states that you can even move pension pots over which are already in drawdown.
Pensionbee Investment Style
Pensionbee appears to favour diversity in investment. What’s more, it presents investment opportunities in a straightforward manner. Its plans are neither too simple nor too complicated, which means seasoned investors are unlikely to be put off. However, for anyone who may be new to investing at all, the approach here is very straightforward and appealing.
You can completely manage your investments and pension pot whenever you like, and from wherever you like.
Above all,
Nutmeg Review
What is Nutmeg ?
Nutmeg is an online investment system which aims to break down pensions and money management for beginners and experts alike. Their website states that they aim to ‘democratise wealth management’. The service focuses on giving their users access to world-class financial services, with an emphasis on keeping costs low.
How Does Nutmeg Work?
Getting Started
Using the Service
Nutmeg allows you access to your money and projections 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can contact a member of the team at any time for specialist advice and support. Before using the service, however, you will be asked to choose from a number of different plans. These will vary in terms of features and charges. We will cover fees a little further down.
The ‘fixed allocation’ plan, for example, will be preferred by people who would like their pension and investments to stand without intervention. This means a yearly review at most – and it is the cheapest option available. Further plans, such as ‘fully managed’, will give you access to expert support whenever you need it. You can also take on their ‘socially responsible’ service, where you can request that your money is only invested in companies who are socially responsible. It’s worth noting that, by default, pensions are treated as ‘managed’ portfolios. This is generally to your benefit, though fees will be higher than leave-alone services.
What Fees Do Nutmeg Charge?
Get 6 Months No Fees with Nutmeg
Sign up using the link below and invest with
Can You Transfer Any Pension into Nutmeg ?
However,
Nutmeg Investment Style
Nutmeg has a very ‘hands-off’ style of investing in many ways, even when it comes to their managed options. Their aim is to encourage investors and pension holders to entrust their team to make expert decisions on their behalf. This is a very attractive proposal, and one it appears you can be confident in taking.
If you want a more in depth look at the platform read our full Nutmeg review.
In any case, let’s get back to the comparison, and first of all take a look at
Pensionbee – Pros and Cons
Pros
- The
Pensionbee interface is user-friendly, and is perfect for people who are just getting started with savings, pensions and investments. - Fees start from 0.5% annually, and halve after £100,000. Fees are deducted straight from your pension pot.
- There is no sign-up fee, and no exit fee after a year of service. There is also no minimum pay-in.
- You can transfer pensions into the service even when they are in drawdown. This means you may already be managing your pension before you move it across.
Pensionbee will also consider defined benefit pensions, but encourage you to get financial advice before you make the switch.- Set plans make it easy for novice savers and investors to choose what they want to do. There is also a ‘tailored’ option with more freedom.
- You can use and manage the service any time of day, throughout the year.
Pensionbee will round up information on pensions for you with little information given. This will be appealing to anyone keen to get started as soon as possible.
Cons
- Upper fees at
Pensionbee reach 0.95% per year, higher than what some of the competition offers. - If you transfer your whole pension or withdraw it in full within the first 12 months a fee of £480 will be charged.
- There are restrictions on certain government pensions, though this is a legal matter, and isn’t
Pensionbee ’s fault! - Some savers and investors may find the plans offered to be a little restrictive. The service does offer a tailored plan, however, if you prefer.
Nutmeg – Pros and Cons
Pros
Nutmeg offers a flat fee of 0.75% on anything less than £100,000. More than this, and the rate drops to 0.35%. This is a very competitive rate, thoughPensionbee ’s lowest rate is technically 0.25% after the £100,000 threshold is reached.Nutmeg offers a completely tailored approach to pensions and saving. Answer a few questions when you sign up and you will have a plan tailored to your needs and understanding.- There are no exit fees unless you transfer stock to another person.
Nutmeg offers several investment services, such as ISAs. They can either be left alone, or managed, as you require.Nutmeg gives you complete access to your portfolio at all times, as well as advice and guidance from staff when you need it.- The risk system is designed by industry leaders, which should give investors extra confidence to get started.
Nutmeg will diversify your investments in pursuit of low costs and enhanced growth.
Cons
- You will need to invest at least £500 to get started.
Nutmeg does not currently accept defined benefit pensions.- You won’t be able to move your pension across if it is already in drawdown.
- The yearly fee doesn’t vary as you are on one fixed managed plan.
- There are no additional plans to choose from unless you wish to start an ISA or general portfolio.
Pensionbee vs Nutmeg : Conclusion
Both
However, where they differ is in approach.
Both
Related: Nutmeg vs Wealthify
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