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Spread betting allows you to profit by speculating on different financial instruments’ price movements without owning the underlying assets. It’s a popular activity in the UK due to its tax-free returns. To get the best experience, it’s essential to use a top-tier spread betting app. Our experts have reviewed and tested numerous options to bring you the top 5 recommendations in this guide. The apps recommended here are FCA-regulated and excel in areas like fees, customer support, and online reputation.
Spread bettors in the UK enjoy unique advantages. With the right knowledge and skills, they can speculate on the price movements of financial instruments and potentially earn significant returns. The best part? Profits from spread betting aren’t subject to stamp duty or capital gains tax in the UK.
However, to fully capitalize on these benefits, you need a reliable app. With so many brokers operating in the UK, finding the right app can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Our team has carefully evaluated the top apps in the UK, narrowing it down to 5 of the best. This way, you can find the ideal app and start trading without wasting time.
List of the Best Spread Betting Apps
- IG Markets – Overall Best Spread App in the UK
- Pepperstone – Best UK Spread Betting App for Reliable Customer Service
- Spreadex – Best UK Spread Betting App for Comprehensive Offering
- AvaTrade – Best Spread Betting App for Beginners in the UK
- FxPro – Best Spread Betting App for Experienced UK Traders
Spread Betting Apps UK: Comparison Table
We will kick off with a brief comparison of our recommended spread betting apps. Since you can’t trade with all of the service providers reviewed here, it’s essential to choose one that best fits your needs and preferences. We strongly recommend committing to a single app, as juggling multiple platforms can be both cumbersome and confusing.
When selecting a spread betting app from our list, you must consider several factors, such as licensing and customer support, available trading software, and funding options. Let’s dive into a comparison of the top UK spread betting apps based on these key criteria.
Platforms Short Overview
To ensure you get optimum returns, you need to trade with a broker with reasonable fees. And to avoid nasty surprises, your chosen service provider should have a clear, transparent fee structure with no hidden charges. You can predict future costs and plan accordingly with transparency in the equation. Furthermore, you must check if your chosen spread betting platform has your favourite financial assets.
The tables below will help you compare the fees and assets we discovered while evaluating the best spread betting platforms in the UK.
| Best Spread Betting App UK | License & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Markets | FCA, FSCA, CySEC, SCA, DFSA | 24/5 | MetaTrader 4, Online platform, ProRealTime, Trading apps, L2 Dealer, US options and futures | Credit/debit cards, Bank transfer, PayPal | Yes |
| Pepperstone | FCA, MAS, ASIC, FSCA, DFSA, CySEC, CMA, SCB, BaFin | 24/7 | TradingView, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Pepperstone Trading Platform, Social trading | Visa, Mastercard, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes |
| Spreadex | FCA | 24/5 | Online platform, Mobile trading, Charting package, TradingView | Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Bank transfer | No |
| AvaTrade | FCA FSCA, CBI, CySEC, PFSA, ASIC, B.V.I FSC, MAS, FSA, ADGM, ISA | 24/5 | WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaTrade App, Mac Trading, MT4, MT5, Automated Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Wire transfer, WebMoney | 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 |
Apps Short Overview
We also recommend considering fees and supported financial assets while comparing service providers and picking the best spread betting app in the UK. Why? Trading with an affordable app is the key to reducing costs and boosting profitability in the long run. Moreover, not all trading apps support every financial instrument. Make sure the app you choose offers your favourite assets to avoid frustration and wasted time.
With that in mind, use the tables below to assess the fees and assets of our recommended apps. This comparison should help you find the most suitable service provider.
Fees
| Best Spread Betting App UK | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/ Spreads | Deposits/ Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Markets | £0 | From 0.1 points | Free | £12 monthly |
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
| Spreadex | £0 | From 0.6 pts | Free | £0 |
| AvaTrade | £100 | From 0.13% | Free | £50 after every 3 consecutive months of inactivity |
| FxPro | £100 | From £3.50 per lot | Free | £10 monthly |
Assets
| Best Spread Betting App UK | Stocks | Crypto | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Spreadex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FxPro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Our Expert’s Opinion about the Best Spread Betting Apps UK
All of the apps we’ve reviewed and recommended here are provided by brokers authorised and regulated by the FCA. Therefore, they are 100% credible, reliable, and trustworthy. Plus, they’ve built a solid reputation over the years. We verified their ratings and reviews on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. However, before signing up with any of them, be sure to read our mini-reviews and do additional research. Your hard-earned money and trading goals are on the line, so making informed decisions is crucial.
1. IG Markets – Overall Best Spread Betting App in the UK
After thoroughly testing numerous apps, we’ve ranked IG Markets as the best overall spread betting app in the UK. Established in 1974, IG Markets gives millions of people access to over 17,000 markets, including forex and indices to commodities, ETFs, and shares.
One standout feature of IG Markets is its emphasis on investing. This app allows spread bettors to reduce risk exposure and potentially earn attractive long-term returns. Users can buy and sell US shares commission-free with as little as £3 in capital. Additionally, the app offers a wide selection of ETFs to help investors diversify their portfolios. For novice investors, IG Markets provides fully managed investment portfolios, which can significantly improve the chances of success and help avoid costly mistakes.
We also recommend IG Markets for its extensive support of third-party trading platforms, such asProRealTime, known for its powerful charting capabilities, and MetaTrader 4, a leading digital trading platform. The app has no deposit requirements, offers cost-free transactions, and features tight spreads. It is also compatible with most modern Android and iOS devices, making it highly accessible for users on the go.
✔Zero minimum deposit requirements
✔17,000+ available products
Pros
- £0 minimum deposit requirement
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Traders enjoy low spreads starting from 0.1 points
- Excellent customer support service
- Rich learning resources and materials
- It gives users access to over 17,000 markets
Cons
- Professional clients must meet stringent eligibility requirements
- You have to be logged in to contact support
Opening an IG Markets account doesn’t cost a dime. Moreover, this broker has no minimum deposit, so you don’t have to worry about compromising your budget. You can also enjoy significant savings by trading with IG Markets since it offers tight spreads, starting from 0.1 points on commodities and 0.6 points on popular currency pairs.
With that in mind, IG Markets charges overnight funding for cash CFD positions and daily funded bets (DFBs) that remain open past 10 pm UK time. The broker also requires traders to cover a small guaranteed stop fee. The fee kicks in every time the guaranteed stop feature is triggered. You should also expect to incur additional when shorting stocks and augmenting your trading experiences with premium services like live data streams.
Luckily, deposits and withdrawals are free on IG Markets. The broker only requires traders to pay a 0.5% standard currency conversion fee. Furthermore, the platform has zero inactivity fees, though your account will be terminated if it remains dormant for 24 consecutive months.
2. Pepperstone – Best UK Spread Betting App for Reliable Customer Service
Reliable customer support is crucial when using a spread betting app. You might encounter various issues, such as trouble logging in or delays in transactions. In such cases, responsive support ensures quick resolution and a smoother experience.
Pepperstone excels in this area, offering exceptional customer support. Unlike many other providers, their support team is available even on weekends, ensuring you can get assistance whenever needed. If you’re based in the UK, you can reach out via a toll-free number or email support. During our testing, both options provided quick and efficient responses, which is why we highly recommend them.
Beyond customer service, Pepperstone offers access to over 1,200 financial instruments, including forex pairs, commodities, and indices. It also supports several top-tier trading platforms like MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader. Additionally, the app has no minimum deposit requirements, account inactivity fees, or extra transaction charges, making it a user-friendly choice.
✔24/7 customer support
✔No inactivity fees
Pros
- Users have access to expert support 24/7
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Hosts third-party platforms like MT4 and MT5
- Offers low spreads starting from 0.0 pips
Cons
- Limited learning materials
- Fewer financial instruments 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.
3. Spreadex – Best UK Spread Betting App for Comprehensive Offering
Several aspects make Spreadex the most comprehensive spread betting app. First, it gives spread bettors and traders the opportunity to profit from diverse financial markets, from forex and interest to commodities, shares, and indices. The best thing is that you can also trade CFDs on these assets and significantly minimise risk exposure.
As a spread bettor, you’ll enjoy juicy perks while diversifying your spread betting portfolio with trading. For instance, you can trade popular forex pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD and enjoy low super-competitive spreads starting from 0.6 points.
We also recommend Spreadex to spread bettors and traders because the app is equipped with robust charting and analysis tools. Avid spread bettors can access it on the go from their Android and iOS devices. What’s more, Spreadex app users have the opportunity to take their trading experience to the next level with TradingView’s robust features and functionalities. We can’t forget to mention that the service provider has zero minimum deposit requirements and no inactivity fees.
✔10,000+ financial instruments
✔Zero account inactivity fees
Pros
- A reasonable range of financial markets
- Users can leverage TradingView’s incredible power
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Tight spreads for traders, starting from 0.6 points
- Offers special accounts to professional traders
Cons
- It doesn’t support demo accounts
- Few learning resources
- Card deposits below £50 attract a £1 charge
We analyzed Spreadex’s fees and commissions since these elements can impact a trader’s profitability. The first impressive aspect that caught our attention is this broker’s £0 minimum deposit requirement. You can deposit any amount into your Spreadex account and start trading almost instantly. Furthermore, the broker charges zero account maintenance and inactivity fees.
What’s more, Spreadex has tight spreads and commissions. While trading with this broker, you can enjoy low spreads starting from 0.9 pips for GBP/USD, 0.001 pips for USD/INR, and 0.6 pips for EUR/USD. However, note that this broker charges overnight financing fees for positions held overnight.
4. AvaTrade – Best Spread Betting App for Beginners in the UK
We urge all beginners to start their spread betting endeavours with AvaTrade. This broker has diverse materials that cover every indispensable topic, beginning with the definition of spread betting and how to bet on spreads. The best part is, unlike many service providers out there, AvaTrade doesn’t offer trading guides and articles alone. This broker provides free courses, video tutorials, quizzes, and other resources for beginners.
Additionally, the AvaTrade app has a simple, intuitive interface. It’s designed to help novices familiarise themselves with the fundamentals and start betting on spreads without any unnecessary complications. What’s more, this service provider has excellent support representatives who are always ready to offer assistance to newbies facing any challenges.
We also vouch for AvaTrade because the app because it allows low-capital spread bettors to maximise potential earnings with flexible leverages. Moreover, as a beginner, you’ll enjoy free deposits and withdrawals while trading with this app, which you can use with an IOS or Android mobile device.
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
✔Beginner-friendly user interface
Pros
- Top-tier, free educational resources, including a world-class online academy
- Intuitive user interface tailored with beginners in mind
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Users have access to MetaTrader 4 and 5
- Vibrant community for social trading enthusiasts
Cons
- High account inactivity fees
- Fewer financial instruments than its peers
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. FxPro – Best Spread Betting App for Experienced UK Traders
If you are a seasoned pro searching for an outstanding spread betting app in the UK, check out FxPro. The app gives you ample opportunity to trade 5 asset classes, including forex, shares, and indices, from their Android and IOS mobile devices. Plus, novice users have access to a reasonable number of learning materials.
We also recommend FxPro to experienced traders because this service provider allows its customers to use multiple powerful trading platforms, including cTrader, MT4, and MT5. And, while signing up, new FxPro customers can choose the most fitting account from a list of 3 outstanding options: Standard, Raw+, and Elite.
Additionally, those who want to enjoy next-level perks like uncapped access to free VPS and juicy discounts on market spreads can apply for a premium account while trading with this app.
✔User-friendly platform
✔Low minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
Pros
- Hosts diverse third-party platforms, including MT4 and MT5
- Zero fees for deposits and withdrawals
- Automated trading is available
- Advanced charting and analysis tools
- Quality customer support service
Cons
- Limited funding options
- £10 monthly account inactivity fee
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.
Spread Betting in the UK
In the UK, spread betting is legal and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, you must be at least 18 to start betting on spreads with FCA-regulated apps like the ones we’ve recommended in our guide. The best thing about this venture is that any returns you get from it are exempt from Stamp Duty and Capital Gains Tax.
But before you get a fitting app and start betting on spreads, you should know something. Many retail investors have lost considerable sums to spread betting, forex trading, and similar activities. If you are new to this, please learn the basics and practice with demo accounts to avoid being a statistic. Also, set aside money you can afford to lose for spread betting and online trading endeavours.
What is a Spread Betting App?
As you may have already surmised, a spread betting app allows you to bet on spreads and earn substantial returns. This digital solution lets you speculate on different instruments’ price fluctuations without owning the underlying asset. The best spread betting apps are regulated by the FCA, easy to use, and built to operate with minimum issues.
How to Choose the Best Spread Betting App UK
As a UK resident, you have access to a considerable number of spread betting apps. But you shouldn’t pick a random solution for numerous reasons. First and foremost, scammers and fraudsters have put out many shoddy apps. If you fall for them, you will lose your money, sensitive personal data, or both. We highly encourage you to vet every service provider based on the following aspects before signing up:
The easiest way to ensure the safety of your funds and data is to use an app that is authorized and regulated by the FCA and other authoritative bodies. Before signing up with a service provider, assess its licensing and regulation status. In addition, check if you are protected by industry-standard security protocols like data encryption technologies.
After vetting security and regulatory status, gauge your chosen app’s reputation and reliability. How? Visit independent sites like Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot and check ratings and reviews. A reliable and trustworthy product’s positive reviews should outweigh complaints and concerns. Moreover, its team should show a commitment to assuaging users and addressing their issues.
For smooth, seamless experiences, you need an app with an intuitive user interface. It should have a clear navigation system, a clean design, and a logical layout. It should also make navigation easier, especially for beginners, with clearly labelled icons and buttons.
If you have your own set of favourite assets, check if the app you’d like to use supports them before opening an account. If not, look for a better option. Otherwise, prioritise choosing a spread betting app that supports a wide variety of financial instruments, especially top-rated options like forex pairs, commodities, and shares.
Brokers often require their app users to cover different charges. Some have inactivity fees, spreads, commissions, and more. To avoid signing up with an app with exorbitant charges, vet every service provider carefully. Study the provided fee structure and keep an eye out for hidden fees and costs. You should always trade with an affordable app to minimise expenses and magnify potential returns.
If you are starting out, the chances are high you’ll need professional assistance at some point. And once you start trading, you will face issues like delayed payments at least once. Such challenges require prompt, expert help. Having said that, evaluate and test customer support before using an app. For your own good, choose service providers with excellent representatives committed to addressing customer issues without any delays.
How to Sign up for an Account with a Spread Betting App UK
You are now familiar with the best spread betting accounts in the UK. Also, we’ve introduced you to the factors you should consider while picking the best service provider for you. But that isn’t all. You must also open an account with your chosen app to start betting on spreads. Please note that FCA-regulated service providers are required to adhere to strict KYC mandates. You should register with valid details and documentation.
Here’s a brief guide to signing up with one of the best spread betting apps:
Visit the official site of your chosen service provider using your favourite browser. Spend some time exploring and checking all vital aspects, from app features to pricing and support channels. You should also review the broker’s terms and conditions.
Look for the dedicated download link and click it. Then, choose the right platform for downloading the app, be it Google Play or the App Store. Finally, download the spread betting app and install it on your device. To avoid issues like malware and data theft, prioritise downloading apps from official stores like the ones we’ve mentioned.
Launch the spread bet app and sign up. Provide the required info, like your legal name and address. Don’t cook anything because if your documents don’t back the details you provide, your application will be rejected. Also, secure your new account with a unique username and strong password.
To comply with KYC requirements, submit the right documents when your service provider asks for them. Send clear copies or photos and ensure the information on the documents is valid and legible. Depending on your service provider, you may also be required to take and submit a selfie. Wait for verification after submitting all necessary documents.
Find the funding section of your chosen app and click it. Choose the best payment method for you and use it to top up your spread betting account. If your service provider hasn’t set minimum deposit requirements, budget wisely and fund your account with what you can afford.
Sift through the list of available markets and choose a fitting option. Then, open positions while practising proper risk management. In other words, don’t risk anything over 5% of your capital on each position. Additionally, use stop-loss and other tools to reduce losses.
Conclusion
By betting on spreads in the UK, you can enjoy tax-free returns and rake in juicy profits in the long run. However, this venture requires adequate knowledge and skills. If you’re a novice, use the bottomless reservoir that is the internet to source free learning materials and master the basics of spread betting. Once you dive into the real thing, be disciplined, stick to your strategies, and practice proper risk management.
