What are fees really costing your pension?
Two pensions can hold the same investments yet end up worth very different amounts — purely because of fees. Move the sliders to see how much a high-fee adviser or offshore product could quietly take from your retirement.
The fee you don't see is the one that hurts most
A 1% difference in annual fees can cost tens of thousands over a lifetime. See it in pounds and pence — before you sign anything.
Your pension
Estimates are fine — adjust and watch the result update.
Leave at £0 if you’re no longer paying in.
Compare two plans
A typical low-cost SIPP or workplace pension.
Layered adviser + platform + product (e.g. an offshore bond).
Some transfers charge a one-off commission up front.
The cost of high fees
Over 25 years
How the gap grows
Fees compound — the longer you invest, the wider the gap.
Protect yourself — questions worth asking
High fees are often a sign of an unsuitable product. Before transferring any pension, ask:
- Is the adviser authorised by the FCA? (Check the register — it’s free.)
- Were you contacted out of the blue, offered a “free review”, cashback, or put under time pressure?
- Are you being moved into an offshore bond or QROPS you don’t fully understand?
- What is the total yearly cost — adviser + platform + fund + product — as one percentage?
- Is there an upfront commission or exit penalty?