Claire is an experienced financial analyst with strong analytical skills. With her expertise and focus on thorough market research, Claire ensures individuals in the financial landscape are well-informed. Often in an engaging writing style, her content helps traders quickly grasp the market dynamics. As an Associate Editor of financial news at InvestingGuide, she provides an original analysis of the financial markets and economy. You’ll be at joy reading her flawlessly written content. She has written hundreds of pieces that simplify complex financial topics in plain language.
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Investing in the financial landscape has never been easier, thanks to a new wave of innovative apps that change how we manage our activities. I am an experienced investor and researcher, and I have tried many platforms to analyse the best. Whether you are just starting your investment journey or need a reliable option for investing. In this case, my guide below will point you in the right direction. I will introduce you to some of the best investment apps that I have personally tested. I will also take you through ways to make a suitable choice and kickstart your investment ventures on a good note.
List of the Best Investment Apps
Below is a handpicked list of the best investment apps UK, following my own in-depth testing and analysis.
- eToro – Overall Best
- XTB – Top Commission-Free Option
- Plus500* – Ideal For Beginners
- Pepperstone – Perfect For MetaTrader Enthusiasts
- FP Markets – Best For Experienced Investors
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
In This Guide
Compare Apps Table
I have reviewed more than twenty investment applications to ensure I recommend only the best. I examined their features and functionality closely. After signing into demo accounts, I tried each in person. I focused on interfaces, tools, and other unique offerings. Then, I shortlisted only those that met my high criteria regarding ease of use, reliability, and features important to investors like you.
To avoid being biased, I combined my test results with real-world feedback from user reviews on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. This way, I could stick to pure facts and present you with some trustworthy insights.
Below is a comparison table with the key features of top apps that have made the cut. I hope it helps you make an informed decision in line with your investment goals.
| Best Investment App | Licence and Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account | Money Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSAS | 24/5 | eToro investing platform, Multi-asset platform, Copy Trader | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, eToro Money, Online Banking | Yes | Yes (up to £250,000) |
| XTB | CIRO, FCA, CNMV, KNF | 24/5 | xStation 5, xStation Mobile | Credit/debit cards, e-wallets, Bank transfers | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| 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) |
| Pepperstone | FCA, ASIC, DFSA, CySEC, CMA, SCB, BaFin, SEC | 24/7 | TradingView, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Pepperstone Trading Platform, Social trading | Visa, Mastercard, Bank transfer, Flutterwave, Skrill, PayPal | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| FP Markets | SEC, ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSCA, FSA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile App, Copy Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
Fees & Commissions
There are several things to look out for when picking the best investment app. The most critical for me will be the available asset offerings and fees. These ensure that one can invest in assets of their choice without necessarily breaking the bank.
However, choosing an app based on these features can be tricky, especially given the time and effort it takes to compare all the options. That is why I have made things easier for you. Below are tables summarising the fees and asset offerings of the top apps.
| Best Investment App | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commissions/ Spreads | Deposits/ Withdrawal Fees | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | £100 | From 0% | £5 withdrawal fee | £10 monthly |
| XTB | £0 | From 0% | Free | £10 monthly |
| Plus500* | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £10 monthly |
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
| FP Markets | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
Apps Reviews
During my research, I personally reviewed many investment apps UK to help you make the best choice. Here are my mini-reviews of the standout apps from my explicit tests.
1. eToro – Overall Best
Out of all the investment apps I tested in the UK, eToro came out on top as the overall best option. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices, and the app’s interface is incredibly user-friendly. Setting up an account is a breeze and takes just a few minutes. The best part? You can download it for free from Google Play or the App Store.
eToro offers a wide range of investment assets, including stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and more. ETF and stock investing is completely commission-free, and you’ll find access to some of the world’s top-performing stocks like Tesla, Microsoft, Netflix, and Google. What’s even better is the ability to invest in fractional shares. This means you can own a piece of stock even if you’re not ready to buy a full share.
You can start exploring eToro’s features with an initial deposit of just £100. Beyond its diverse asset offerings, the app shines with its copy trading and social trading features. These and more make the app a great choice for both beginners and seasoned investors.
eToro
✔5000+ financial instruments
✔Cost-free deposits
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- User-friendly investment platform
- Hosts millions of investors and is highly regulated globally, including in the UK, by the FCA
- Leading copy and social trading platform
- Lists over 7,000 investment securities to choose from
Cons
- A £5 withdrawal fee applies
- No third-party platforms like the MT4/5
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. XTB – Top Commission-Free Option
This brokerage is particularly ideal for short-term investors who want to trade a range of assets but not own them outright. The app offers access to more than 5,400 CFD securities including shares, forex, commodities, ETFs, indices and more. I also like that XTB has retirement investment plans that you can join with as little as £15. This is a nice touch for those planning for the long term.
Getting started with XTB is pretty easy. There is no minimum deposit, and you can trade commission-free on stocks and ETFs up to a 100,000 EUR monthly turnover. If you go beyond that, the commission is just 0.2% (minimum £10). Another standout feature is the opportunity to earn 5.2% interest on your uninvested GBP funds. This will add extra value to your account.
As for trading tools, XTB hardly disappoints. Its xStation 5 and xStation Mobile are packed with enough features to get you going into deeper market analysis and well-informed decision-making. Both novice and professional traders have ample room for flexibility and all kinds of tools at XTB.
XTB
✔5,700+ financial instruments
✔No minimum deposit requirement
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- A user-friendly and modern design platform
- Commission-free stocks and ETF investments
- Free deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- Lists only forex and CFD instruments
- No third-party platforms like the MT4/5
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.
3. Plus500 – Ideal For Beginners
For those new to trading, Plus500 is one of the finest options. It has a user-friendly, intuitive platform made for CFD trading. Its ability to operate seamlessly on Android and iOS devices makes it perfect for beginners getting into the financial markets.
Coming from Plus500 are zero commission trading and a free lifetime demo account that lets you have all practice and learning in your hand. Plus, the app offers a secure environment for trading since it is licensed and regulated by the FCA.
Plus500’s Insights tool helps users make more informed decisions. I also like that the app hosts over 2,800 assets. These include shares, ETFs, commodities, indices, forex, and more. While Plus500 may focus on CFDs, its competitive pricing and array of risk management tools make it suitable for any beginner or intermediate trader.
When it comes to technical indicators, Plus500 hosts over 110 options. This is with an amazingly strong learning resource in the Trading Academy. I find these resources really useful in navigating the markets. With fast withdrawals, negative balance protection, and a responsive 24/7 support team, Plus500 is all about seamless trading.
On the flipside, Plus500’s inactivity fees and the lack of crypto products might not fit all investors. For advanced traders, the limitations of its platform integrations and technical features might be restrictive. Still, for those looking for a basic and dependable trading experience, Plus500 is adequate.
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
- Commission-free trading
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Quick and helpful customer support
- Low spreads
Cons
- CFD trading only
- Inactivity fee kicks in after only three months
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.
4. Pepperstone – Perfect For MetaTrader Enthusiasts
I was impressed with how smooth and functional Pepperstone is and how this broker cares about MetaTrader users from the very beginning. The application is great on both MT4 and MT5, boasting automated trading, social trading, some risk management features, and a host of customisable indicators.
During my testing, I also reviewed its cTrader and TradingView platforms. This simply adds to the diversity of the different types of traders out there that need to have every possible tool at their fingertips.
The application is not only about features but is also very affordable. It starts with spreads as low as 0.0 pips, thus being budget-friendly to cost-conscious individuals. Besides that, over 1,200 CFD instruments are available with Pepperstone. Among them are forex, shares, indices, commodities, and many more. This gives investors many options to diversify their portfolios.
You can also rely on this app’s professional support, which is available five days a week. If reliability and advanced trading tools are high on your list, then definitely take a closer look at Pepperstone.
Pepperstone
✔24/7 customer support
✔No inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Zero deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity fees
- Spreads as low as 0.0 pips
- Diverse advanced platforms, including MT4 and MT5
- Top-notch tools like cTrader algorithmic trading
Cons
- This platform is focused on forex and CFD instruments
- Limited asset offerings compared to its peers
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.
5. FP Markets – Best For Experienced Investors
From what I have analysed, FP Markets is primarily suitable for professional investors in the UK. It happens to be on the list due to its offering of an array of well-founded trading platforms like cTrader, TradingView, MT4, and MT5. All these boast of powerful tools and features like social trading, Expert Advisors, and more.
In addition, FP Markets’ proprietary platform is user-friendly and customisable. This ensures that the user experience is smooth, whether on an Android or iOS mobile device.
Another element worth mentioning at FP Markets is the access to more than 10,000 CFD securities. It provides stocks from huge markets like New York, London, Hong Kong, to name a few. But that does not stop here. FP Markets is also home to indices, commodities, forex, ETFs, and many others.
And the best part is that it is super affordable, boasting a minimum deposit as low as £100 and spreads starting at 0.0 pips. Its high leverage limit of up to 500:1 adds more excitement to pro traders’ activities.
FP Markets
✔10,000+ tradeable financial instruments
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- A wide selection of CFD instruments
- Low spreads as low as 0.0 pips
- High leverage limit of up to 500:1 for professional traders
- A broad range of top-tier trading platforms
- Excellent 24/7 customer support service
- No inactivity, deposit, or withdrawals fees
Cons
- High minimum deposit requirement of £1000 to access its Iress platform tailored for share investing
- Product offerings are limited to CFDs only
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.
How to Choose an Investment App
Choosing the best investment app in the UK can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The process of comparing hundreds of options in the market and conducting multiple tests can be exhausting for investors. Fortunately, I have recommended above the best apps in the region to choose from. However, should you decide to conduct your own research from scratch, here are some tips to guide you in making a suitable choice.
Security
Investment Products
Charges
Platform
User Reviews
Support Service
Safety in any investment venture is paramount. Therefore, consider an app hosted by a broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Such apps guarantee your fund’s safety by securing them in segregated accounts free from unauthorised access. You will also be confident that the app you are using is free from imposters looking to scam innocent investors.
Additionally, ensure the app you are considering is highly encrypted and supports additional security measures. These include passcodes, face IDs, and more for an added layer of safety to your app.
My recommended investment apps above have plenty of assets to invest in, and choosing either means you are guaranteed an opportunity to maximise your potential. Investing using such apps also means you get additional assets to choose from whenever you feel like trying something new.
The best investing apps have different fees, so you have to choose the one you can afford. That means you need to budget for every investment and be prepared to lose the money if an investment goes against your plan. Also, check the minimum deposit requirement and other fees like transaction, inactivity and funding fees.
Long-term investments don’t require as much monitoring as short-term investments, but it’s still best to use an app with fast order execution. An app’s platform should also be user-friendly and have the necessary research materials for technical and fundamental analysis. Learning is key to skill development, and an app that supports that is a bonus.
Get the opinion of other investors before you choose an app. You want to know if the app is reliable, if there are any hidden fees, trading tools quality, and more. So visit Google Play, Trustpilot and the App Store and read their reviews and decide if they are worth considering. You can also test it with a demo account to clear any doubts.
Customer service in investment apps can be 24/7 or 24/5. So, choose the one that fits your investment schedule. You can also check the communication channels they offer and try to contact them to see how responsive they are. Having customer service on your side should be a must for any long term investor in the UK.
How to Start with an Investment App
After using the factors outlined above to identify the best investment platform, the next thing to do is register a live account. In fact, it is mostly straightforward and takes a few minutes to complete. Follow these simple steps to set up your account and make your first investment.
Step 1: Visit your app’s official site
Step 2: Complete the account registration procedure
Step 3: Participate in account verification
Step 4: Fund your account
Step 5: Open your first investment position
To open an investment account, proceed to your application’s provider’s website. If any of those options come from our recommended list above, we provide links for quick access to various parts of their website. Understand the terms of service on the site to avoid inconveniences later when you are fully invested. Also, download the app on either your iOS or Android mobile device.
After downloading the app, open and begin the registration process. Most of the applications ask for basic information like name, e-mail address, phone number, and more. A few of them would also require a username and password. Be careful at this point. Taking your time will help to determine a good, strong password and keep the account safe.
Most investment apps will need to verify your identity to meet the regulations set by the FCA. You usually do this by uploading a photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and sometimes proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. Don’t sweat it. It’s just the standard procedure for securing your account and keeping everything aboveboard. Verification might take a few hours or up to a day, depending on the broker.
When your account is verified, you can fund it. Go to the deposit section in the app, select a preferred payment method, and indicate the amount of money you would like to invest. Most of the applications require only a low minimum deposit. Remember, different platforms have different deposit fees.
This will be the exciting part of making your first investment. Therefore, feel free to skim the stock, ETFs, forex, and other assets offered to pinpoint your preference. Then, analyse the assets’ performance charts and place the order with a simple button saying “Buy” or “Trade”. At this point, you are free to choose a trade size before confirming your trade.
How we test
I work with a team of seasoned investment experts to provide you with the best recommendations. We test and evaluate every app rigorously, paying great attention to the most important aspects, such as usability, security, fees, and investment options.
Our process involves the creation of demo and live accounts to analyse real-time performance. We also compare user comments from Trustpilot, Google Play, and the App Store. That way, each app that shows up on my list is a joint effort, ensuring our readers choose from the best. You can read more about our test procedures here.
Final Thoughts
Trading in the UK offers excellent opportunities. With modern investment apps, it has become so easy. These apps bring the markets to your fingertips, but understand that succeeding will still demand strategy, discipline, and learning over time.
As a beginner, start by getting familiar with your chosen app and the diverse range of instruments it offers. Secondly, never be in the dark about market trends, and invest only amounts that you can afford to lose. The right mindset combined with the right approach means that trading via apps can indeed be both rewarding and empowering.
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I’ve found AvaTrade to be a fantastic app—easy to use and full of helpful tools like Ava Academy. The demo account and variety of assets really helped me build confidence and improve my trading skills.