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Britons have access to CFD trading and the accompanying boons, including juicy potential returns*. To reap abundantly from this activity, you must find the best CFD trading platform UK. It should be authorised by the FCA and other reputable international authorities. Additionally, the platform should have reasonable fees, a user-friendly interface, and powerful software, among other outstanding features. We evaluated the CFD trading platforms in the UK and picked the top 5. While doing so, we focused on providing informative and unbiased information. Our experts vetted all service providers using factors like licensing, online reputation, and fees.
*Your capital is at risk
CFD trading offers you the opportunity to reap from both falling and rising markets. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to own the underlying assets. That is because CFD trading lets you speculate on price movements and earn commendable returns. That said, you need the best CFD trading platform UK to trade CFDs and enjoy juicy returns. Remember, don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Finding an excellent CFD trading platform might sound easy, but it’s not. With hundreds of options available today, identifying the best service providers and singling out unscrupulous actors can be challenging. Luckily, you don’t have to vet all available platforms. We’ve done that on your behalf, trimmed the options, and isolated the top 5.
Our team considered crucial factors like security, fees, and online reputation while picking the best CFD trading platforms in the UK.
List of the Best CFD Trading Platforms UK
- Pepperstone – Overall Best CFD Trading Platform in the UK
- Plus500*- Best CFD Leverage Trading Platform in the UK
- eToro – Best CFD Trading Platform for Beginners
- FP Markets – Best Platform to Trade Share CFDs in the UK
- FxPro – Best CFD Trading Platform UK for Experienced Traders
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
In This Guide
UK CFD Trading Platforms: Comparison Table
Let’s recap everything before we explore the best CFD trading platforms in the UK and what they offer. We used various factors to identify service providers that deserve to be on our list, including security, fees, and online reputation. Platforms that are authorised and regulated by the FCA are the most secure, cost-effective, and reputable. Refrain from trading with unregulated service providers to avoid getting ripped off and other complications.
The table below outlined the first aspects we considered while analysing the CFD trading platforms in the UK and isolating the best.
| Best CFD Trading Platform | Licence & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | FCA, MAS, ASIC, FSCA, DFSA, CySEC, CMA, SCB, BaFin | 24/5 | TradingView, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Pepperstone Trading Platform, Social trading | Visa, Mastercard, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes |
| Plus500* 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | FCA (FRN 509909), CySEC (#250/14), ASIC, MAS, FSA | 24/7 | Plus500 CFD | Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, Bank transfer | Yes |
| eToro | FCA, MAS, 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 |
| FP Markets | FCA, MAS, FSCA, ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile App, Copy Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes |
| FxPro | FCA, FMA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB | 24/5 | FxPro Mobile App, MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader | Credit/debit cards, Bank wire transfers, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes |
Platforms Short Overview
Besides the elements we’ve included in the first comparison table, our experts also factored in fees and assets. Why? Fees have a direct influence on potential profits. Paying too much will undermine your overall profit margins and vice versa. On the other hand, to trade CFDs, you need a CFD-friendly trading platform. Moreover, for diversification purposes, you must find an entity that offers a wide variety of instruments, including forex pairs, commodities, and stocks.
The comparison table below outlines the fees and assets that our team discovered while researching and assessing the best CFD trading platforms in the UK.
Fees
| Best CFD Trading Platform | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/ Spreads | Deposits/ Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
| Plus500* | £100 | From 0% | Free | £10 monthly |
| eToro | £50 | From 0% | £5 withdrawal fee | £10 monthly |
| FP Markets | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
| FxPro | £100 | From £3.50 per lot | Free | £10 monthly |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
Assets
| Best CFD Trading Platform | Stocks | Forex | Cryptos | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Plus500* (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FP Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Platforms UK
The best CFD trading platforms are regulated, reputable, and credible. If you want to avoid losing money and enjoy exceptional over the years, trade with these entities. And we are not praising them baselessly. Our experts put these platforms through rigorous tests and evaluations before categorising them as the best in the UK. We also analysed their reviews and ratings on the App Store, Google Play, and Trustpilot.
With that in mind, the mini-reviews below will give you a sense of what the best CFD trading platform in the UK offers.
1. Pepperstone – Overall Best CFD Trading Platform in the UK
Our top pick is Pepperstone, a company founded in 2010 that boasts hundreds of thousands of customers. We are big fans of the Pepperstone online trading platform because it’s stylish and stunning, clearly designed to impress. Most importantly, the interface is neatly organised and very user-friendly. We identified everything we needed to vet this service provider quickly, from its pricing structure to supported markets.
Pepperstone users have access to over 1,200 CFDs on different assets, including commodities, indices, and shares. The best part is this broker offers tight spreads and commissions. For instance, you can trade CFDs on commodities like Silver vs Euro and enjoy razor-sharp average spreads starting from 0.023 pips. Also, you will be exposed to low commissions of up to 0.10% while trading UK share CFDs and German share CFDs on this platform.
To make things better, Pepperstone has diverse trading platforms, ranging from TradingView and cTrader to MT4 and MT5. This platform’s users also have uncapped access to expert commentary from seasoned global market analysts.
Pepperstone
✔24/7 customer support
✔No inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Gives users access to over 1,200 CFDs
- No minimum deposit requirement
- A wide variety platforms, including MT4 and MT5
- Zero additional deposit and withdrawal fees
- Tight spreads and low commissions for CFD traders
- Users can diversify with FX trading and spread betting
Cons
- Some instruments have high spreads, including forex pairs
- Limited educational resources
After evaluating Pepperstone, we opened a trading account for conducting extensive tests. The process was quick and easy.
But what impressed us most was the Pepperstone minimum deposit requirement. This platform has no minimum deposit, which makes it ideal for low-budget and high-budget traders. If you are a beginner, joining this broker is advisable since you can start with a low amount and increase your stakes with time. To top it off, Pepperstone supports free deposits and withdrawals. This broker allows you to use diverse payment methods for free, from Visa debit and credit cards to PayPal and domestic bank transfers.
When it comes to spreads and commissions, Pepperstone is very cost-friendly. You can open a Razor account with this broker and enjoy 20 commission-free trades. Pepperstone’s Standard accounts also have zero commissions. On the other hand, spreads start from as low as 0.0 pips for forex pairs like EUR/USD and 0.5 for commodities like XAUUSD.
Finally, unlike most of its peers, Pepperstone charges zero inactivity fees. However, any positions you hold overnight with this platform are subject to swap rates. Visit Pepperstone’s pricing page for a detailed account of how this broker calculated swap rates for different financial instruments.
2. Plus500 – Best Leverage CFD Trading Platform in the UK
If your capital is limited, you can increase market exposure and potential returns* with leverage CFD trading. That said, we evaluated countless CFD platforms and can confidently say that Plus500 is the best option for traders interested in CFD trading.
Plus500 offers traders the opportunity to maximise returns with flexible leverages of up to 1:30. But remember, your capital is at risk. The exact maximum leverage you’ll have access to while trading with Plus500 will depend on your preferred financial instruments. For instance, you can start trading CFDs on indices today and magnify potential earnings with leverages of up to 1:20. To enjoy higher ratios of up to 1:30, all you have to do is trade forex CFDs.
Admittedly, some of Plus500’s peers have leverages, with some numbers going up to 1:30. However, we like what this company offers: moderate leverage. Although higher leverages can translate to more earnings, they magnify potential losses. If you mess around while trading with high leverage, you will lose most, if not all, of your capital in one fell swoop.
Plus500 is also one of our favourites because the platform offers CFDs on a wide range of products, including commodities, forex, and indices. Moreover, the company has a commendable academy, quality educational resources, and friendly fees.
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider. Your capital is at risk.
Plus500
✔User-friendly interface
✔Zero deposit and withdrawal fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Users have access to CFDs on 2,800+ instruments
- Moderate leverages that don’t expose traders to catastrophic losses
- Zero dealing commissions
- Quality training tools and materials
- Free deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- £10 inactivity fee
- Offers CFD trading exclusively in the UK
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.
3. eToro – Best CFD Trading Platform for Beginners
Trading CFDs is a good idea for many reasons. First and foremost, with this venture, you can profit from both rising and falling markets. You no longer have to buy low and sell high, which was mandatory in traditional markets. But, before you dive into CFD trading, if you are a beginner, seek education and practice with a demo account.
eToro has the educational materials and resources beginners need to learn the basics and improve essential skills. You can visit the eToro Academy today to start learning the fundamentals of CFD trading. Just use the search function to find the right courses and lessons. Over 14 courses and countless lessons are available on this platform. They cover myriad topics, from CFD Trading for Beginners to Leverage and Margin for CFD Trading.
After taking the courses, eToro lets you test your comprehension and hone indispensable skills with a free CFD trading demo account. It comes with £100,000 virtual money and allows you to do a lot, including learning how to build the best portfolio and copy top-performing investors. That aside, with eToro, you can trade CFDs on over 5,000 assets, including currencies, stocks, and commodities.
eToro
✔5000+ financial instruments
✔Cost-free deposits
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Over 5,000 financial assets are available
- Beginner-friendly user interface
- Excellent courses and lessons
- Allows users to invest in real stocks, ETFs, and cryptos
- Experienced traders can open professional accounts
Cons
- No third-party trading platforms
- £5 withdrawal fee
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.
4. FP Markets – Best Platform to Trade Share CFDs in the UK
If you’re searching for the best CFD shares trading platform, we recommend FP Markets. With this broker, you get the opportunity to trade CFDs on over 10,000 UK, Australian, and international stocks and shares. Available instruments are linked to renowned and promising players in diverse sectors, from Big Tech and aviation to tourism and pharmaceuticals.
Additionally, FP Markets allows its users to use three exceptional platforms to trade CFDs on stocks and shares: Iress, MT4, and MT5. With Iress, you get direct market access to over 10k global stock and share CFDs. This account also enables you to enjoy tight commissions starting from 0.06% and minimal trading fees. The other platforms are MT4 and MT5, which give you access to over 1,000 shares on global exchanges and high leverages of up to 500:1.
Traders interested in shares CFDs should also consider trading with FP Markets because it supports free deposits and withdrawals. Also, unlike many of its peers, this broker charges zero account inactivity fees.
FP Markets
✔10,000+ tradeable financial instruments
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Over 10,000 CFDs on stocks and shares are available
- Users can trade CFDs with MT4 and MT5
- Professional support is available 24/7
- Cost-free deposits and withdrawals
- Traders can get Direct Market Access with Iress
- Social and copy trading options are supported
- No inactivity fees
Cons
- Iress comes with a £1,000 minimum deposit requirement
- Users can only trade CFDs and forex
Before going any further, note that the FP Markets minimum deposit is £100. You can’t fund your account with anything less than the mandated amount. Also, as a trader, expect to cover stipulated FP Markets fees and commissions. Let’s expound on that.
FP Markets has different trading and non-trading fees. However, the costs you will likely incur depend on where you are from. Take London as an example. If you’re from this city, you’ll incur a 0.10% commission per side while trading equity CFDs. You’ll also have to pay a £60 monthly fee if you use Iress Trader or ViewPoint.
But here’s the good news. You won’t incur additional costs while depositing or withdrawing money from your FP Markets trading account. Moreover, unlike many other brokers, this service provider doesn’t have inactivity fees for dormant accounts.
Please visit FP Market’s official site for a comprehensive overview of all fees and commissions.
5. FxPro – Best CFD Trading Platform UK for Experienced Traders
Are you a seasoned CFD trader searching for the best broker in the UK? Try FxPro. We highly recommend this service provider since it offers an exquisite, modern trading platform. Numerous outstanding trading software, including MT4, MT5, and cTrader, are hosted on it. The broker also boasts several powerful proprietary solutions, like FxPro WebTrader and the FxPro Mobile App.
FxPro is also suitable for experienced traders since it offers CFDs on a wide variety of financial instruments, including FX pairs, indices, and international shares. And the platform isn’t one of those that overpromise and underdeliver. This company provides top-quality services and products, which is why it boasts over 110 international and domestic (UK) awards.
Deposits and withdrawals are free on FxPro, so you don’t have to worry about sky-rocketing costs catalysed by transaction charges. Moreover, this broker offers excellent multilingual support services, lightning-fast execution speeds, and unparalleled security.
FxPro
✔User-friendly platform
✔Low minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- The site has a striking, stylish user interface
- Third-party platforms like MT and MT5 are provided here
- Excellent support services
- VIP users can use the provided free VPS to run EAs 24/7
- An investment platform with stocks and ETFs is available
Cons
- £10 account inactivity fee
- VIP accounts require traders to deposit a minimum of £50,000
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 for Beginners UK
A CFD (contract for difference) allows a trader like yourself to speculate on the price movements of a specific financial instrument. With CFDs, traders can open positions without owning the underlying assets. You should also note that CFDs factor in price changes that occur after you enter and exit a specific position. The underlying value of financial assets doesn’t affect the value of CFDs.
If you are new to CFD trading, you’ll be glad to know that this endeavour is legal in the UK. It’s also regulated by the FCA, an authority that ensures you and other traders have access to a safe and transparent trading environment. For optimum protection and safety, you must trade with an FCA-regulated broker.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Every beginner should note that CFD trading is restricted to individuals aged 18 and above. Most importantly, before starting out, all newbies should educate themselves and increase their knowledge base. Trading CFDs without a solid grasp of the fundamentals will lead to detrimental financial losses. And don’t fret over education; the trading platforms reviewed here offer free guides, tutorials, courses, and many other materials.
Not to forget, profits from CFD trading are taxable in the UK. Familiarise yourself with the taxation laws in this region to avoid breaking vital mandates and risking repercussions like hefty financial penalties and imprisonment.
What is CFD Trading Platform?
As the name suggests, a CFD trading platform is an app, online site, or software that enables you to trade CFDs. With a good CFD trading platform, you can trade CFDs on diverse assets, including forex pairs, shares, indices, and commodities.
Most of the best CFD trading platforms allow users to magnify returns* with leverage. Others offer different types of accounts that traders can choose depending on their needs and preferences. But, ultimately, the best CFD trading platforms in the UK are authorised and regulated by the FCA.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.
How to Choose the Best CFD Trading Platform UK
In a region with hundreds of service providers available, identifying the best CFD trading platform can be daunting. However, it’s not impossible. You just have to do what we did: vet available options and pick the best one based on the factors outlined below.
Security and Regulation
Product Offerings
Trading Platforms
Fees and Charges
Customer Support
Online Reputation
Trading platforms and accounts are potential targets for cybercriminals since they have invaluable data and money. To enjoy optimum safety and security, trade with an FCA-regulated platform. You should also vet the available options based on the protocols they implement. The best CFD trading platform UK should have solutions like data encryption and 2FA to optimise security.
As a CFD enthusiast, you need to find a CFD trading platform. Your preferred option should allow you to trade CFDs on whichever instruments you like, be it FX pairs, indices, precious metals, crypto, etc. It should also have sufficient assets for portfolio diversification.
Before signing up with any service provider, check it has your preferred trading platform, especially if you are a fan of third-party solutions like MT4 and MT5. If such options are unavailable, assess and test the available proprietary software. You should favour brands with an intuitive user interface, advanced tools, and excellent order execution speeds.
There are numerous costs you’ll encounter while trading CFDs in the UK. They range from spreads and commissions to overnight financing charges and inactivity fees. To plan accordingly and avoid nasty surprises, vet every platform’s fees and costs before signing up. Avoid platforms that require you to cover too many expenses since the more you spend, the lower your potential profits.
The best CFD trading platforms have 24-hour support, indispensable in addressing urgent issues. They also have knowledgeable support technicians, extensive FAQs, and excellent chatbots in some cases. The bottom line is that the best platform for you should have good customer support. Its agents should also be responsive and knowledgeable. Test your chosen service provider’s customer services before committing financially.
A CFD trading platform’s online reputation can tell you everything you need to know. If the service provider is shoddy and unreliable, you’ll see complaints and concerns that indicate that. On the other hand, the best platforms have glowing remarks and testimonials. Use Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot to access unbiased reviews and customer feedback.
Read about the best options trading brokers UK in our other guide.
How to Sign up for an Account with a CFD Trading Platform
Finding the best platform is just one of the steps to becoming a successful CFD trader. You also have to open a live account. That will require you to apply with relevant details and documentation. We know it sounds tedious and lengthy, but it’s not. You can open a CFD trading account now by following these easy steps:
Step 1: Visit your chosen service provider’s official site
Step 2: Sign up for an account
Step 3: Verify your identity and address
Step 4: Deposit money into your account
Step 5: Trade CFDs
After vending different service providers, visit your chosen one’s official site. First, confirm that CFD trading is supported. Check which financial instruments and trading platforms are available. Then, vet everything else, including fees and commissions, and read the terms and conditions.
Hit the signup button. Register with a valid email or mobile number and share the required personal details, including your name and physical address. Most service providers will also require you to set a password. For enhanced security, set a password with 12-16 characters; the longer, the better. Also, use a mix of lowercase/uppercase letters, special characters, and numbers.
To verify your identity, submit a photo of the required proof of identity document. It can be your driver’s license or government-issued national ID card. Then, provide proof of address documents like recent bank statements. Your service provider will use the latter to confirm your residential address.
Account verification is almost instant nowadays, though it might take a couple of hours when your service provider’s team is busy. That said, wait for your CFD trading account to be verified, and then fund it. Before jumping into funding, check supported payment methods and minimum requirements.
You can start trading CFDs immediately after funding your account. But remember to risk your capital wisely. To avoid incurring immense losses and leaving the game too soon, obey the 2% rule. In other words, each single trade should expose nothing more than 2% of your capital to financial losses.
Conclusion
Choose the best CFD trading platform UK from our list of top service providers. But remember that CFD trading is incredibly risky. Before putting money on the line, master the fundamentals. You should also research the risks associated with CFD trading and learn to reduce risk exposure. Also, learn to keep your emotions in check because emotional trading can cause impulsive decisions, cognitive biases, and disastrous financial losses.
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