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CFD trading apps have revolutionized how trading is done in the UK, making it possible to engage in the market without needing a desktop device. However, with leverage involved in CFD trading, the potential for significant losses is real. Therefore, it’s crucial to use a reliable app to monitor your trading activity and make informed decisions. This is where InvestingGuide experts come in. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to researching and recommending the best apps for CFD trading in the UK, drawing on decades of experience. Trust our guidance to make well-informed choices and enhance your trading experience.
Contracts for Difference (CFD) trading is a high-risk, high-reward strategy in the financial world. As technology evolves, staying updated with the latest trends is essential, and having the best CFD trading app UK can help you do just that. These apps make it easier to manage and track your CFD positions, even when you’re on the go.
With hundreds of CFD trading apps available in the UK, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To simplify this process, we’ve done the research for you. Below, you’ll find our curated list of the top CFD trading apps. Whether you’re new to CFD trading or an experienced trader, our recommendations will help you find the right app for your needs.
List of the Best CFD Trading Apps
- Plus500* – Overall Best CFD Trading App in the UK
- AvaTrade – Best CFD Trading App For MetaTrader Users
- XTB – Beginner-Friendly CFD Trading App in the UK
- eToro – Top CFD Trading App for Social Trading
- FxPro – Best CFD Trading App For Professionals
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
CFD Trading Apps UK: Comparison Table
Coming up with this list of the best CFD trading apps in the UK was a detailed and extensive process for us. Our research involved testing and comparing as many CFD trading apps UK as possible, looking into various aspects including security features, platform performance, costs, support service reliability, and the availability of demo accounts.
To ensure our recommendations are unbiased, we also incorporated user feedback into our evaluation. We gathered insights from Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot, analyzing both positive and negative reviews to understand each app’s strengths and weaknesses from a user perspective.
See our comparison table below, highlighting the features that made these CFD trading apps for UK clients stand out.
| Best CFD Trading App | Licence | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account | Money Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus500* 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | FSRA, FCA, SCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, MAS, FSA, SCA | 24/7 | Plus500 Webtrader, Plus500 Pro | Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/debit cards, Paypal, Skrill | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| AvaTrade | FSRA, FCA, SCA, CySEC, ASIC, CIRO, FSCA | 24/5 | MT4, MT5, AvaSocial, DupliTrade, AvaOptions, AvaTradeGO | Bank transfers, Skrill, WebMoney, Neteller, credit/debit cards | Yes | Yes (up to $1,000,000) |
| XTB | DFSA, SCA, FCA | 24/5 | xStation Mobile, xStation 5 | Credit/debit cards, Bank Transfers, Skrill | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| eToro | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, ASIC, SFSA ADGM, MFSA, FSAS, GFSC, SEC | 24/5 | eToro investing platform and app, Multi-asset platform, Social Trading, Copy Trader, Smart Portfolios | Credit/ debit cards, Bank transfer, Klarna, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Yes | Yes (up to $250,000) |
| FxPro | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSCM | 24/5 | FXPro Trading Platform, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | Wire transfers, Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
Apps Short Overview
When choosing a CFD trading app in the UK, it’s important to consider not just the features, but also your budget and the range of assets available. The app should fit your budget to avoid overspending and should include the instruments you prefer, whether that’s forex, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, or others.
We understand how challenging it can be to compare CFD trading apps’ fee structures and asset offerings. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. Check out the tables below, where we have highlighted those key details to help you make informed choices.
Fees
| Best CFD Trading App | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/Spreads | Deposits/Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus500* | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £10 monthly |
| AvaTrade | £100 | From 0.13% | Free | £50 quarterly |
| XTB | £0 | From 0.1 pips | Free | £10 monthly |
| eToro | £100 | From 2 pips | £5 withdrawal | £10 monthly |
| FxPro | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £10 one-off maintenance fee |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
Assets
| Best CFD Trading App | Stocks | Forex | Cryptocurrencies | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus500* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XTB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| FxPro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
Our Expert’s Opinion about the Best CFD Trading Apps
Our CFD app tests and comparisons were comprehensive, and we left no stone unturned to ensure we selected the best. All the apps featured here are licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are transparent about their charges, so you won’t encounter hidden costs that could impact your budget.
Below, you’ll find concise reviews of our top CFD trading apps in the UK. We aim to provide you with a clear understanding of each app’s features, helping you make an informed choice.
1. Plus500 – Overall Best CFD Trading App in the UK
Among the CFD trading apps we reviewed in the UK, Plus500 stands out as one of the best. Its user-friendly and customizable platform makes it ideal for beginners, while more experienced traders can take advantage of the app’s Professional Trading account, which offers higher leverage limits up to 1:300. This flexibility in leverage can be a significant advantage for those looking to maximize their trading potential.
Getting started at Plus500 requires a minimum deposit of £100 for UK clients. The app charges no commissions on assets, only spreads, which are notably low, starting from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs. Plus500 offers access to over 2,000 CFD instruments, covering forex, shares, commodities, indices, and more. Additionally, the app supports multiple languages and provides 24/7 professional customer support.
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider. Your capital is at risk.
✔User-friendly interface
✔Zero deposit and withdrawal fees
Pros
- A reliable and responsive 24/7 support service via phone, email, and live chat
- Commission-free traders with spreads from 0.0 pips
- A user-friendly and modern-design trading app
- Multiple global payment methods for transactions
Cons
- Its £10 monthly inactivity fee kicks in after three months
- Features only CFD instruments
Brokers need to generate revenue and cover operating costs. That’s why many have fees and commissions. Sadly, high charges can undermine your profitability in the long run. That’s why looking for an affordable service provider is necessary.
With that in mind, we evaluated Plus500 fees UK. The process was easy since this broker values transparency. Our team was impressed by the fact that the trading platform doesn’t charge a dime for most services. First, opening an account is free. Deposits and withdrawals also attract zero charges. Furthermore, the broker offers free live CFD prices and dynamic charts. But note that the Plus500 minimum deposit UK is £100.
Plus500 primary source of compensation is the spread. While trading with this platform, you’ll have to cover the spread whenever you open a position. Your costs will depend on various factors, including your preferred instrument and current market conditions.
This broker also charges overnight funding and currency conversion fees. The former fee kicks in whenever you keep a position open overnight. On the other hand, you have to cover currency conversion fees whenever you interact with any currency besides your account’s base currency. Lastly, dormant Plus500 accounts attract a £10 monthly inactivity fee.
2. AvaTrade – Best CFD Trading App For MetaTrader Users
For MetaTrader users in the UK, we highly recommend the AvaTradeGO app. Its user-friendly and customizable platform makes navigating the financial landscape straightforward and efficient. AvaTradeGO’s MT4 and MT5 platforms host advanced resources that enhance your trading experience and help you maximize your potential. Additionally, the app features other platforms, including DupliTrade, ZuluTrade, and AvaSocial for social and copy trading, automated trading, and AvaOptions.
AvaTradeGO requires a minimum deposit of just £100 and offers fee-free transactions with spreads starting from 0.13% on major currency pairs. For beginners, the broker provides a wealth of educational resources and a virtually funded demo account, allowing you to test the app’s performance before committing.
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
✔Beginner-friendly user interface
Pros
- A highly rated app by users on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot
- Features automated trading and is compatible with Expert Advisors
- Low spreads for UK CFD traders, starting from 0.13% pips
- Quality trading resources on its MT4 and MT5 platforms
Cons
- Limited asset offerings compared to its peers
- Has a £50 inactivity fee that kicks in after only three months
Before going any further, note that there’s an AvaTrade minimum deposit requirement for UK traders. Fundamentally, this service provider requires Britons to fund their account with at least £100 while using supported payment methods like wire transfer, credit card, and e-payment. You should keep that in mind while funding your trading account.
That aside, while evaluating AvaTrade, we discovered that this broker has numerous fees and costs. For starters, it requires dormant account holders to pay a £50 inactivity fee. It kicks in after 3 successive months of dormancy, and the broker charges it after every 3 months.
Additionally, dormant AvaTrade accounts incur a £100 annual administration fee that takes effect after 12 months of inactivity. Not to forget, while trading with AvaTrade, you’ll have to cover an overnight premium whenever you keep a position open after the stipulated overnight funding time, which is 22:00 GMT.
Regarding spreads and commissions, AvaTrade is one of the most affordable brokers in the UK. With this platform, you will enjoy reasonable spreads starting from 0.13% while trading popular instruments like Tesla and Amazon shares are involved. AvaTrade doesn’t require traders to cover any commissions. The broker uses the Bid-Ask spread to compensate itself.
3. XTB – Beginner-Friendly CFD Trading App in the UK
Beginners will find XTB a reliable CFD trading app for various reasons. First, it is one of the most cost-effective options available. The xStation Mobile app requires no minimum deposit, and trading costs are low, starting at just 0.1 pips. Additionally, XTB does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees, making it an ideal choice for those on a tight budget who want to start CFD trading in the UK without overspending. The app’s user-friendly, modern design also ensures a smooth and engaging trading experience.
XTB offers a wide range of instruments, including forex, shares, commodities, indices, and more. With over 5,800 options, you can easily explore new markets and diversify your portfolio. While XTB does not support third-party platforms, its xStation 5 and xStation Mobile provide reliable trading tools. Additionally, XTB’s professional customer support team is available to assist you whenever needed.
✔5,700+ financial instruments
✔No minimum deposit requirement
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Low trading fees
- A user-friendly and intuitive design app
- Excellent selection of research and learning materials
- A highly rated xStation mobile app on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot
Cons
- Features only CFD instruments
- No third-party platforms like TradingView and MT4
XTB is a cost-effective trading platform. We used a live account to assess its fees and commissions. The first applaudable aspect we noticed is setting up an account with this broker is quick and easy. Furthermore, there’s no set XTB minimum deposit requirement, and the platform supports free transactions. When it comes to withdrawals, transactions above £50 are free.
That aside, we noticed various mandates on the XTB UK trading platform during our exploration. For starters, this entity has a £10 minimum order requirement for shares from companies like the Associated British Food PLC. Additionally, it requires users to cover a 0.5% conversion fee while trading with anything besides the base currency.
Not to forget, XTB charges different spreads for different instruments and requires traders who hold open positions to cover swap costs.
4. eToro – Top CFD Trading App for Social Trading
For UK CFD traders who value social trading features, eToro is an excellent choice. Its award-winning CopyTrader platform allows you to engage with a global community of CFD traders. You can follow and replicate the trades of top professionals, giving you the opportunity to benefit from their expertise and potentially increase your profit.
eToro’s trading app is user-friendly and secure, featuring two-factor authentication and strong password protection. We appreciate its responsive support team, which effectively addresses user concerns. The app offers a diverse range of over 5,000 assets, including forex, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and more. While the app has a low minimum deposit requirement of £100 for UK traders, its trading charges are relatively high compared to those of its peers.
✔5000+ financial instruments
✔Cost-free deposits
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement of £100 for UK clients
- Numerous learning materials, including articles, guides, eBooks, recorded videos, and more
- Free and instant deposits
- Commission-free stock trading
Cons
- A £5 withdrawal fee applies
- High trading costs compared to its peers
If there’s anything that can eat away at your profit margins, it’s unnecessary costs. Thankfully, eToro fees UK are reasonable and pocket-friendly. We acquired a new account without paying a single cent, which was quite a relief. We also noticed that you can enjoy free deposits by using USD. That said, eToro supports many other currencies, including GBP, EUR, and RMB.
You will incur conversion fees if you use any currency other than USD. And if you use any currency that eToro doesn’t support, you must pay conversion fees to your payment provider. The exact conversion fees you may incur at any moment will depend on various factors, including your preferred currency and payment method.
Please note that eToro subjects each withdrawal request to a £5 fee. The platform uses this money to pay expenses arising from international money transfers. Most importantly, you can’t withdraw less than £30 from the eToro trading platform.
While depositing money into our account, we noticed that eToro has strict minimum deposit requirements. Britons using this platform have to deposit at least £100 the first time. Afterwards, you can fund your account with as little as £10, depending on your preferred payment method.
Commission-wise, eToro is very friendly to people who trade ETFs or invest in real stocks since the broker charges 0% for these assets. On the other hand, if you buy or sell crypto on this platform, expect to pay a 1% fee. CFD trading also attracts variable spreads depending on the involved instruments. For instance, the spreads for currencies and commodities start from 1 pip and 2 pips, respectively.
Not to forget, eToro charges a £10 monthly inactivity fee that kicks in after 12 months of dormancy.
5. FxPro – Best CFD Trading App For Professionals
FxPro is an excellent choice for professional traders in the UK for several reasons. The app features multiple advanced trading platforms, including cTrader, TradingView, MT4, and MT5, all equipped with high-quality market analysis tools. Additionally, FxPro is known for its rapid trade execution, allowing traders to swiftly enter and exit positions without missing out on potentially profitable opportunities.
FxPro Mobile App is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It is supported by a professional customer service team that provides effective solutions to enhance your trading experience. In addition to being regulated by the FCA, FxPro maintains the highest levels of personal data encryption using the 2-step authentication, passcode and fingerprint setting options. You will have access to over 2,100 CFD instruments across six asset classes, including forex, shares, commodities, indices, cryptos, and futures.
✔User-friendly platform
✔Low minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Hosts multiple trading platforms, including the cTrader, MT4, MT5, and TradingView
- Excellent and responsive support service via phone, email, and live chat
- Hosts extensive selection of market research and learning materials
Cons
- Supports only CFD instruments
- It has a $10 monthly inactivity fee that kicks in after only six months
From our broker analysis and comparisons, we find FxPro to be one of the most affordable brokers for Ul clients. For starters, this broker has a free account opening procedure that takes minutes to complete. Moreover, it has a £1000 minimum deposit requirement, though you can deposit as little as £100. And when it comes to transaction costs, FxPro doesn’t impose any. We believe this makes it suitable for newbies who are sceptical about spending a lot of money and low-budget traders.
When it comes to trading charges, FxPro imposes low fees compared to other brokerage firms. For instance, forex trading attracts low fees, starting from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs. However, expect to incur additional costs for positions left overnight. There is also an inactivity fee of £10 monthly should your account remain dormant for over six months.
CFD Trading in the UK
CFD (Contract for Difference) trading is a type of derivative trading where you speculate on the price movements of various financial assets without actually owning them. Instead of buying physical assets, you predict whether the price of an asset will rise or fall, allowing you to potentially profit from both upward and downward movements.
In essence, CFD trading involves buying or selling a contract based on the anticipated price change of an asset. You benefit from the difference between the opening and closing prices of the CFD position without being required to buy or sell the underlying asset itself.
CFD trading is popular in the UK and is accessible to anyone over the age of 18. The market is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which ensures that brokers comply with strict rules to protect traders and prevent financial misconduct, such as money laundering.
Achieving success in CFD trading requires diligent market analysis and the use of reliable trading tools. With a broker or CFD app like the ones we recommend above, you will have quality tools for this purpose. When applying leverage, ensure you risk funds you are comfortable losing. Most importantly, apply risk management controls like stop-loss and take-profit orders.
What is a CFD Trading App?
A CFD trading app is a mobile software or application that allows you to trade CFD instruments directly using your Android or iOS mobile device. Similar to web-based platforms, CFD trading apps give you access to a wide range of CFD securities, including shares, currencies, cryptos, indices, and more. They enable you to speculate on price movements and profit from the differences in asset prices.
The best CFD trading apps are provided by brokers licensed and regulated by top-tier authorities like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures traders are protected and trade in a secure environment. Additionally, top CFD trading apps offer a user-friendly interface, and quality resources, to enhance your trading experience. We’ll guide you on how to select the best app for your needs, so continue reading for more insights.
How to Choose the Best CFD Trading App UK
It is important to prioritise your trading requirements when selecting the best CFD trading apps in the UK. Relying solely on recommendations from friends or family could lead to poor choices. Instead, consider the following factors to make an informed decision:
Choose a CFD trading app from a broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures your funds are secure and you are trading in a trustworthy environment. Avoid apps that are not FCA-regulated, as they may expose you to potential fraud and unreliable service.
The best app for CFD trading should be user-friendly and easily navigable for a smooth trading experience. Check for the availability of research and learning materials and ensure they fit your skill level. For new CFD traders, choose an app with a demo account so it will be easier for you to explore the CFD market and gauge your skill level in a risk-free environment.
Set a budget before starting CFD trading to avoid overspending. Compare the apps based on minimum deposit requirements, commissions/spreads, inactivity fees, transaction costs, and more. Each CFD trading app has its own fee structure to suit every CFD trader’s requirements.
Choose a CFD trading app UK that offers the CFD instruments you’re interested in, such as forex, shares, commodities, or indices. With most FCA-regulated apps typically provide a broad range of asset classes, allowing you to diversify your portfolio and explore various options.
Effective customer service is crucial for navigating the complexities of CFD trading. Look for apps with responsive support, whether they offer 24/7 assistance or support during business hours. Evaluate their efficiency based on response times and how well they resolve issues. Also, ensure the communication channels used are convenient for you.
Visit Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot to analyse user comments and ratings. This will give you insights into an app’s features and services from a user perspective. These insights can provide valuable information about the app’s performance and user satisfaction.
How to Sign up for an Account with a CFD App UK
Creating a CFD trading account with a CFD app in the UK is a simple process. Before you select an app, ensure you learn about the CFD markets and select a security you are familiar with. Once you’ve picked an app from our recommendations, follow these straightforward steps to set up your trading account:
After choosing a CFD trading app UK from our recommendations list , click on any of the links we have shared to quickly access its website. On the site, understand its terms of service and install the app on your Android or iOS device. You can then use your desktop or mobile device to sign up for a trading account by following the on-screen instructions.
Complete the registration process by providing your personal details. These may include a valid email or mobile number, name, date of birth, region, source of income, and more. Most service providers will also require you to set a unique username and password to secure your account. Ensure you share accurate details to avoid having your account suspended later on.
To verify your identity, submit a photo or a copy of the required proof of identity documents. For FCA-regulated trading apps in the UK, this can be your driver’s licence or government-issued national ID card. Your app provider may also request proof of address documents like recent bank statements. The verification process may take time, so use this period to familiarize yourself with CFD trading while you wait for a confirmation email.
Deposit funds into your account using any of the supported payment methods. For our recommended trading apps in the UK, you can transact using credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers. Your app’s provider will confirm your deposit and automatically redirect you to the list of assets available for trading.
Once your account is funded, you can start trading. Choose your preferred CFD instruments and open a position. If you are applying leverage, understand the risks first, as a volatile move in the opposite direction can leave you with massive losses. Apply risk management controls provided by your CFD app’s provider. This can help you mitigate massive losses in case a trade works out against you.
Conclusion
CFD trading can be highly profitable, especially when leveraging well-crafted strategies. However, understand that leverage can also leave you with massive losses. Approach CFD trading with caution and only invest money you can afford to lose. Before diving into live trading, start by learning how CFD trading works and the risks involved. Then, utilise an app’s demo account to develop your skills and gain confidence.
Embracing mobile trading through reliable CFD trading apps, such as those we have recommended, can enhance your trading experience. These apps allow you to manage your trades effectively, even while on the go.
