Last Updated: January 2026 | 5 minute read
Start Here: Your First £100 Investment
Feeling overwhelmed by investing? You're not alone. Over 64% of young UK investors who lost money in crypto or meme stocks are now looking for safer options. If you have £100 and want to start investing wisely, this guide is for you.
Capital at risk. Not financial advice or a personal recommendation.
Your £100 Investment Options (Ranked by Beginner-Friendliness)
Your options with £100:
- Digital Gold (Simplest): Buy through Royal Mint DigiGold - start from just £25
- Physical Gold: 1g gold bar (around £70-80) + delivery
- Gold ETF: Buy shares in a gold fund through your ISA
✅ Best for: Complete beginners who want something tangible and stable
Your options with £100:
- • Open with providers like Vanguard (£500 minimum) or Trading 212 (no minimum)
- • Buy index funds that track the FTSE 100
- • Automatic diversification across many companies
✅ Best for: Those comfortable with some risk for potential higher returns
Your options with £100:
- • Minimum investment is exactly £100
- • Backed by HM Treasury (100% safe)
- • Chance to win tax-free prizes instead of interest
✅ Best for: Those who hate risk but want better than savings account returns
Current best rates:
- • Easy access: ~5% (Chase, Marcus)
- • Fixed 1-year: ~5.5%
❌ Downside: After inflation, you're likely losing money
Here's why gold is ideal for your first £100 investment:
📱 How to Buy Your First Gold in Under 5 Minutes
1. Go to Royal Mint DigiGold
- • No minimum investment
- • Your gold is stored in their secure vault
- • Buy and sell 24/7
2. Create Account (2 minutes)
- • Basic details required
- • No complex verification
3. Buy Gold (1 minute)
- • Enter £100
- • Confirm purchase
- • You now own gold!
1. Choose a UK Gold Sovereign (around £450) or save until you have more
- • These are Capital Gains Tax free when you sell
- • Hold a piece of history
2. Order from reputable dealer:
- • BullionByPost (UK's largest)
- • The Royal Mint (official source)
- • Hatton Garden Metals (competitive prices)
⚠️ Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- 1. Don't buy from eBay or unknown websites - Fake gold exists
- 2. Don't invest money you need soon - All investments should be long-term
- 3. Don't panic if prices drop - Gold is for long-term wealth preservation
- 4. Don't put all your money in one investment - Start with £100, learn, then diversify
📈 What Happens Next?
You'll see daily price changes. Don't panic - this is normal.
You'll understand market movements better. Consider adding another £100.
Historical data shows gold typically preserves purchasing power. You'll be glad you started.
🎓 Your Next Steps
- 1Choose your investment (we recommend starting with gold)
- 2Set up your account (5 minutes)
- 3Make your first £100 investment
- 4Read our platform comparison guide for deeper knowledge
- 5Set a monthly reminder to invest another £50-100
Important Information
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, a personal recommendation, or an endorsement of any product or service. The value of gold and other investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
London Gold Exchange is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and does not provide regulated investment advice. Before making any investment decisions, consider seeking advice from an independent financial adviser who is authorised by the FCA.