Guide · Adviser fees

How do financial advisers get paid?

How an adviser is paid depends on the type of advice. Pension and investment advice works differently from some mortgage and insurance advice.

Updated 28 August 2026 · UK

Direct advice fees

For pension and investment advice, advisers commonly charge fixed fees, hourly rates, percentage fees or combinations. MoneyHelper states that advisers cannot receive commission for pension or investment advice.

When can commission apply?

MoneyHelper explains that advisers or brokers can receive commission from providers for certain products such as mortgages and insurance. The adviser should explain how the advice is paid for before you commit.

Fees can sometimes be paid through a product

In some arrangements the advice fee can be deducted from or added to the financial product rather than paid separately. That does not make the advice free, so understand the overall cost.

What should you ask?

Who pays you?Consumer, provider or a combination?
What is the cash amount?Ask what the advice costs in pounds.
Is there an ongoing charge?Understand what recurring service is included.
What other product costs apply?Advice fees may be only one part of the total cost.
Sources & further reading

MoneyHelper - Financial adviser fees ↗