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There are many ETFs you can trade and invest from the UK. However, you must trade with a credible and reliable platform to avoid losing your money and tackling challenges like delayed payouts frequently. Our team went through the service providers in the UK, weeded out shoddy entities, compared the most promising, and identified the best of the best. While separating the wheat from the chaff, we used different factors, including licensing, reputation, and fees. The service providers highlighted here are authorised and regulated by the FCA. They also have a stellar reputation and numerous additional positive qualities.
Trading ETFs is safer than individual instruments since the former consists of baskets of securities. For instance, the Vanguard S&P 500 UCITS ETF consists of shares from different companies, including technology giants like Apple, healthcare organisations like Pfizer, and popular consumer stables like Coca-Cola. But, to get the most out of ETFs, you need to trade with the best ETF platform UK.
We understand that, since countless ETF platforms are available today, identifying the best service providers can be tricky. That said, we will always remain dedicated to informing you and making your life easier. For that reason, our experts have researched the ETF trading platforms that accept Britons and identified 5 pace setters.
List of the Best ETF Trading Platforms
- eToro – Overall Best ETF Trading Platform in the UK
- Plus500*- Best Low-Cost ETF Trading Platform in the UK
- Pepperstone – Best ETF Platform UK for CFD Trading
- AvaTrade – Best Platform for Seasoned ETF Traders in the UK
- Saxo – Best ETF Trading Platform for Investors
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider.
In This Guide
UK ETF Trading Platforms: Comparison Table
A significant percentage of UK brokers support ETF trading. Admittedly, most of these entities offer CFD trading on ETFs; a very small number allow people to buy and sell real ETF instruments.
With that in mind, we have vetted service providers that support all kinds of ETF trading in the UK. We couldn’t feature all of them in our guide since, first of all, hundreds are available today. Some of the options available today have lousy services, and others are nothing short of fraudulent. So, we did what we do best: evaluated the service providers operating in the UK and picked 5 that stood out.
Our experts focused on several factors while selecting the best ETF platform UK. First, we evaluated and vetted all platforms based on regulatory status, support service, and the availability of demo mode. Our team also considered supported payment methods and trading software. We’ve outlined our findings in the comparison table below.
| Best ETF Platform | Licence & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Plus500* 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | FCA (FRN 509909), MAS, FSCA, CySEC (#250/14), ASIC | 24/7 | Plus500 CFD | Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, Bank transfer | Yes |
| 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 |
| AvaTrade | FCA, MAS, FSCA, CBI, CySEC, PFSA, ASIC, B.V.I FSC, FSA, ADGM, ISA | 24/5 | WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaTrade App, Mac Trading, MT4, MT5, Automated Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Wire transfer, WebMoney | Yes |
| Saxo | FCA, FSA, MAS, FINMA, JFSA, SFC, ASIC, AFM, FSMA | 24/5 | SaxoTraderGo, SaxoTraderPRO | Bank/wire transfer, debit card | Yes |
Platforms Short Overview
Fees have directly impact your returns. Your profit margins will reduce if you get exposed to too many costs. That is why you need to trade with a cost-effective platform. You should also check if the entity with which you plan to sign up supports your favourite assets. With that in mind, we analysed every trading platform’s fee and asset before preparing this guide. The comparison tables below summarise our findings.
Fees
| Best ETF Platform | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/ Spreads | Deposits/ Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | £50 | From 0% | £5 withdrawal fee | £10 monthly |
| Plus500* | £100 | From 0% | Free | £10 monthly |
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
| AvaTrade | £100 | From 0.13 pips | Free | £50 after every 3 consecutive months of inactivity |
| Saxo | £0 | From 0.03% | Free | £0 |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider.
Assets
| Best ETF Platform | Stocks | Forex | Cryptos | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plus500* (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Saxo | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider.
Our Expert’s Opinion about the Best ETF Trading Platforms
We consider the ETF trading platforms listed here to be the best in the UK. Why? First and foremost, they are authorised and regulated by the FCA, which means they operate under strict regulatory supervision. Moreover, all of them are licensed and monitored by many other authorities, including MAS, ASIC, and the FCSA. They also have excellent customer ratings and reviews. We checked different platforms, from Trustpilot to the App Store and Google Play. Let’s take a closer look at them.
1. eToro – Overall Best ETF Trading Platform in the UK
Our overall best ETF trading platform for Britons is eToro. Why? For starters, it gives traders access to over 671 ETFs. Available instruments include popular options like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF, the IShares Short Treasury Bond ETF, and the Invesco QQQ. These have been grouped into categories like London, NASDAQ, and NYSE, which makes finding your favourite ETFs easier.
eToro is also an exceptional platform because it charges zero commissions for ETF-related trades. Moreover, this broker doesn’t charge overnight, custody, or market spread fees. We love the platform because it has two iconic features: social trading and copy trading. You can use them to learn from experienced traders, seek insights from like-minded individuals, and increase your profit potential.
Finally, with eToro, you can invest in real ETFs, crypto, and stocks. That gives you ample opportunity to diversify your portfolio with other instruments besides CFDs. Moreover, this platform has quality educational resources for beginners and advanced features like smart portfolios for seasoned pros. Deposits are free on eToro.
eToro
✔5000+ financial instruments
✔Cost-free deposits
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Users can trade and invest in ETFs
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Quality educational materials for beginners
- Social and copy-trading features are available
- Free deposits and reasonable minimum requirements
Cons
- £5 withdrawal fee
- £10 inactivity 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.
2. Plus500 – Best Low-Cost ETF Trading Platform in the UK
Plus500 is the best ETF platform for traders who would like to enjoy lower costs. It allows users to trade CFDs on a wide variety of instruments, including iShares Silver, GLD Gold, and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth. The platform lowers costs by, first, supporting free transactions.
Additionally, Plus500 doesn’t charge account maintenance fees. The only charges you might have to cover are the stipulated £10 monthly inactivity fee. Fortunately, you can avoid it by never letting your account stay dormant for over 3 months. Not to forget, while trading CFDs on ETFs with Plus500, you will enjoy tight spreads.
Plus500 also allows low-budget traders to maximise potential returns* with leverage of up to 1:5. You can use this feature to control a large position with relatively smaller capital. Plus500UK Ltd authorized & regulated by the FCA (#509909).
*Your capital is at risk
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider.
Plus500
✔User-friendly interface
✔Zero deposit and withdrawal fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- No account set up and management fees
- Zero charge dealing commissions
- Competitive leverage up to 1:5
- Cost-free deposits and withdrawals
- Users can diversify with CFDs on forex, indices, etc
Cons
- Only CFDs on ETFs are available
- Higher currency conversion fees than its peers
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. Pepperstone – Best ETF Platform UK for CFD Trading
Most ETF trading platforms operating in the UK focus on CFDs. That said, after analysing the available options, we consider Pepperstone the best for trading CFDs on ETFs. This platform has a wide variety of instruments, from the Global X MSCI FTSE Portugal 20 ETF and the iShares Europe ETF to the SPDR S&P Retail ETF and the ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF.
Pepperstone has categorised available ETF products to make things easier for users. We discovered numerous helpful categories, including North America, Technology & Innovation, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. All you have to do is pinpoint where your preferred instruments belong, click on the correct category, and start trading.
Finally, Pepperstone has a wide variety of trading platforms. We discovered top-notch options like cTrader, MT4, and MT5. To make things better, the broker allows seasoned pros to build EAs for automated trading. Professionals can also apply for Pro accounts and enjoy additional pros like lower margins, juicy referral rewards, and a dedicated relationship manager.
Pepperstone
✔24/7 customer support
✔No inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Over 100 ETFs from different corners of the globe are available
- CFD traders can diversify with FX pairs, shares, indices, etc
- Outstanding platforms available, including MT and MT5
- Excellent market analysis and trading tools
- No deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees
Cons
- Focuses on CFDs and spread bets primarily
- Higher trading costs than other industry leaders
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.
4. AvaTrade – Best Platform for Seasoned ETF Traders in the UK
Most people consider AvaTrade to be a fitting trading platform for beginners, and rightly so. This broker has an outstanding academy and countless top-quality educational materials. What’s more, it gives users the opportunity to practice with demo accounts. That said, we vetted AvaTrade’s ETF trading functionality and realised it’s also ideal for seasoned pros.
We highly recommend AvaTrade since it gives users access to various premier trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. Additionally, with an AvaTrade account, you can automate trading with solutions like the AvaSocial app, Duplitrade, and Zulutrade. By automating ETF trading, you lessen your exposure to mistakes and losses arising from common human emotions like fear, anger, and greed.
In addition, AvaTrade is a splendid platform that offers a wide variety of financial instruments. As a seasoned trader, you can diversify your portfolio with everything from cryptocurrencies and currency pairs while trading CFDs on ETFs with AvaTrade. Not to forget, the broker offers top-notch educational materials that experienced pros can use to keep up with emerging trends and stay in tip-top shape.
AvaTrade
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
✔Beginner-friendly user interface
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Top-notch platforms like WebTrader, MT4, and MT5
- Excellent, personalised support is available
- Users can also trade cryptos, FX pairs, etc
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Quality educational materials for pros and beginners alike
Cons
- Charges £50 inactivity fee every 3 months
- Inactive accounts attract a £100 administration fee
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.
5. Saxo – Best ETF Trading Platform for Investors
As an ETF trader, investing is the best route to diversifying your portfolio and mitigating losses. You can invest in various assets and reduce risk exposure, including ETFs and Stocks. Luckily, Saxo has these and more products. With Saxo, you can protect yourself from catastrophic losses while trading by investing in over 7,000 ETFs. The best part is you can buy ETF-related assets for £1.
Moreover, Saxo offers investors 5,900+ bonds, 23,500+ stocks, and 6,000+ funds. And, while interacting with the platform, you get to enjoy low commissions starting from 0.03% while trading popular markets like the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam.
We also encourage ETF traders who’d like to diversify through investments to try Saxo since there’s no minimum deposit requirement on the platform. It also offers free transactions and doesn’t charge account inactivity fees. Not to forget, Saxo has excellent customer support and an intuitive user interface optimised for novices and pros alike.
Saxo
✔No minimum deposit requirement
✔Low commissions for all asset classes
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Offers diverse investment products, including ETFs and stocks
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Investors can start with £1
- Excellent customer support service
Cons
- Limited trading platforms
- Stringent requirements for professional traders
Saxo is one of the brokers in the UK with transparent fee structures. While analysing its trading and no-trading charges, we noted that the broker has no hidden charges. This makes it easier for users to plan and budget for their activities without worrying about extra charges once fully invested.
Additionally, we find Saxo affordable since it charges low commissions, starting at $1 on US stocks, ETFs, and futures. For traders interested in options and government bonds, Saxo charges low fees, starting at $0.75 and $0.05%, respectively.
When it comes to Saxo’s minimum deposit requirement, the broker has none. This means that any trader, whether new or budget-conscious, can create a trading account with the broker and start exploring the financial space. However, expect to incur a currency conversion fee, especially when you trade using a different currency from your account’s base denomination. The good news is this fee doesn’t apply to marginal collateral and can never exceed +/- 0.25%.
Financing charges for positions left overnight are also applicable at Saxo. For investors, expect to incur annual custody fees if your account holds stock, bond, or ETF/ETC positions. The exact fee will vary depending on your account. Our analysis showed that you will pay up to 0.15% for the classic account, 0.12% for the platinum account, and 0.09% for VIP accounts.
Lastly, Saxo charges fees for additional services besides those mentioned above. For instance, it imposes a $50 fee for online report requests. Plus, transactions are free, and there is no inactivity fee should your account stay idle for some time.
ETF Trading in the UK
ETF trading is legal in the UK. You need a reliable ETF trading platform to reap handsomely from this venture. It should also be authorised by the FCA and have the right assets, affordable fees, etc. Note that FCA-regulated trading sites and apps are only accessible to people aged 18 and above. You’ll also need to prove your identity and age with valid documents.
Trading ETFs in the UK can be a lucrative source of income. However, this activity also exposes you to immense losses. Increase your odds of winning in the long run by educating yourself. Countless free materials are available online, from guides to video tutorials; use them. Afterwards, practice trading ETFs with a demo account. Check if your knowledge and skills are good enough to facilitate consistent positive returns. If not, go back to learning and practising till you’re ready.
Also, before trading ETFs in the UK, get acquainted with applicable tax laws, allowances, and exemptions. Doing so will prevent you from inadvertently breaking the law and paying immense fines or spending considerable time in jail.
What is an ETF Trading Platform?
ETF trading platforms are entities that allow investors like yourself to buy and sell ETFs. They give users access to different ETF-related asset classes, including equity ETFs, commodity ETFs, and currency ETFs. The best ETF trading platforms are allowed to operate in the UK by the FCA. You should trade with them since they adhere to strict mandates. Avoid trading ETFs with unregulated platforms to protect yourself from fraud, poor services, and other issues.
How to Choose the Best ETF Trading Platform
Finding a platform in the internet quagmire can be anything but easy. Hundreds of options are available, and more keep popping up every other day. Sadly, many are operated by scammers and fraudulent organisations intent on robbing traders like yourself. You can’t afford to play roulette with trading platforms. You must pick carefully and pay attention to the following:
Regulation
Assets
Fees
Support
Reputation
The FCA has stringent regulatory standards and mandates designed to protect traders and investors like yourself. Before authorising any broker, this authority conducts thorough checks and assessments. That means FCA-authorized and regulated ETF trading platforms are trustworthy and reliable. Prioritise signing up with such entities and avoid unregulated brands like the plague.
Before registering with any specific trading platform, check if it supports ETF trading. Furthermore, examine the variety of the available ETF-related instruments. If everything is as per your expectations, explore the other asset categories. You will need additional options like currency pairs, commodities, and stocks for portfolio diversification purposes.
Several elements, including trading and non-trading fees, can negatively impact your potential earnings in the long run. Check fees and commissions while searching for the best ETF platform in the UK. Focus on important aspects like account set-up, management, and trading fees. For optimum returns, prioritise trading with a cost-effective platform with reasonable charges.
Good customer support can make an immense difference when problems crop up. Remember, while trading ETFs, you will likely encounter a plethora of issues, like forgetting your account password and delayed payouts. You may also have a general inquiry that demands a professional answer. To ensure you enjoy splendid support when the need arises, test every service provider’s customer support services now.
An ETF trading platform with exceptional services and other positive attributes should have a solid reputation and vice versa. You can quickly gauge if a specific service provider is reputable through online reviews and testimonials on Google Play, the App Store, and Playstore. While reading reviews, focus on aspects like fees, service quality, and customer responsiveness.
How to Sign up for an Account with an ETF Trading Platform
To enjoy the perks of trading ETFs in the UK, you must open a live account with your chosen service provider. Millions of Britons have trading accounts, so it’s doable. In fact, registration is quick and easy, where the best ETF platforms are involved. Here’s all you need to do:
Step 1: Visit your chosen platform’s official site
Step 2: Start the registration process
Step 3: Submit identity verification documents
Step 4: Fund your account
Step 5: Trade
Go to your broker’s official site and check if ETF trading is available. That is the first thing to do. It doesn’t matter how good the platform is. If it doesn’t offer ETF trading, it won’t be of any use to you. Additionally, check all crucial elements, from fees and commissions to terms and conditions.
Use the provided sign-up button to register a new account. You will be required to provide your email or phone number and set a strong password. Then, the platform will provide a form you must fill out with personal information like your full name, date of birth, and gender. Submit factual, relevant info to avoid rejections.
After completing the initial account set-up steps, your service provider will ask you to complete account verification before proceeding. You’ll have to submit a photo of a POI (proof of identity) document, such as your driver’s license, and a copy of a POI (proof of identity) document, such as a recent bank statement.
Check your chosen ETF platform’s minimum deposit requirement. Then, go through the list of accepted payment methods, choose one option, and use it to fund your ETF trading account. To beginners, we recommend service providers with low minimum deposit requirements.
After funding your account, pick an ETF from the list of assets supported by your preferred trading platform. Additionally, look for other instruments that can help you hedge against risk. That is important because your predictions won’t always come true, and you don’t want all your eggs to be in one basket when things go south. Not to forget, you should reduce risk exposure with stop loss and other tools.
Conclusion
ETF trading can be profitable, but you need an excellent service provider. To protect your hard-earned money, prioritise trading and investing with an FCA-regulated platform. Most importantly, if you are new to ETF trading, pour through educational materials, attend online courses, and practice with virtual accounts before diving into the real thing. Don’t forget to master tips for keeping your emotions in check and managing risk while trading ETFs.
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