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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Stock trading in the UK is skyrocketing, with many individuals earning good profits daily. However, success in this space doesn’t come overnight. Without proper planning and strategy, you will be frustrated with multiple losses. Many UK traders do not know how to research the best apps for stock trading. That is why InvestingGuide experts did all the legwork and shared the top options in the region below.
List of the Best Stock Trading Apps
- Pepperstone – Best With No Minimum Deposit Requirement
- Spreadex – Top For Spread Betting
- eToro – Overall Best Stock Trading App in the UK
- Plus500*- Commission-Free Stock Trading App as CFDs in the UK
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider.
The UK financial space is dominated by numerous trading apps, thus catering to traders of all levels. To trade securely while enjoying your experience, compare various options considering FCA regulatory status, reliability, support service, and more. Moreover, it is essential to understand the stock market and select a company share with which you are familiar. And to plan accordingly, learn more about the tax implications on stock trading in the region. At InvestingGuide, we leave no stone unturned to ensure you are fully prepared to make your first trade.
In This Guide
Stock Trading Apps UK: Comparison Table
Comparing stock trading apps in the UK was not easy. We spent hundreds of hours to get accurate and conclusive results. Our team of experts started by reviewing and testing as many apps for stock trading in the UK as possible. The tests include confirming their credibility, trading platform performance, customer service reliability, demo accounts, payment methods supported, and more.
When it comes to reviewing stock trading apps, we do so by reviewing user comments on Google Play, App Store, and Trustpilot. These platforms have many reviews and ratings, and we collect them all without any filter.
Once research and review procedures are complete, we combine results from the two to recommend the best stock trading apps for our readers. Take a look below at our comparison table to understand each app’s features for a suitable choice.
| Best Stock Trading App | Licence & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account | Money Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | FCA, 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 | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| Spreadex | FCA, FMA | 24/5 | Online platform, Mobile trading, Charting package, TradingView | Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Bank transfer | No | Available for some clients |
| eToro | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, ASIC, SFSA ADGM, MFSA, FSAS, GFSC, SEC | 24/5 | eToro investing platform and app, Multi-asset platform, Social Trading, Copy Trader, Smart Portfolios | Credit/debit cards, Bank transfer, Klarna, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Yes | Yes (up to $250,000) |
| 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 Webtrader, Professional Trading | Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/debit cards, Paypal, Skrill | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
Apps Short Overview
Stock traders in the UK should consider apps featuring elements perfect for their needs for an exciting experience. From our analysis, we discovered that most UK traders prioritise highly secured and regulated apps. They also choose those they can afford and host their preferred stocks.
Unfortunately, conducting market research to identify apps you can afford and hosting the right stocks can be daunting. In this regard, we did the research for you so you can save time. See below our sample tables highlighting the fees and assets provided by our recommended stock trading apps in the UK.
Fees
| Best Stock Trading App | Fees | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Transaction | Inactivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | From 0.0 pips | £0 | Free | £0 |
| Spreadex | From 0.0 pips | £0 | Free | £0 |
| eToro | From 2 pips | £100 | £5 withdrawal | £10 monthly |
| Plus500* | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | £10 monthly |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider.
Assets
| Best Stock Trading App | Forex | Stocks | Commodities | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Spreadex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Plus500* (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider.
Our Expert’s Opinion about the Best Stock Trading Apps
We share below mini reviews of the best stock trading apps in the UK. The reviews are based on our hands-on experience. Simply put, our experts tested these apps and compared them against their peers before recommending them. Therefore, rest assured of accurate reviews that will help you make the best choice.
1. Pepperstone – Best With no Minimum Deposit Requirement
We find Pepperstone to be one of the best stock trading apps for UK clients for various reasons. For instance, we like that it has no minimum deposit requirement and users can start share trading with any amount they can afford. In addition, all deposits are free, and transactions are made via multiple payment methods. You simply need to choose a convenient option. The app is user-friendly and customisable, with features that operate seamlessly on iOS and Android mobile devices.
We noticed that share trading at Pepperstone is only supported via CFD and spread betting methods. You will explore global stocks at low commissions and spreads — an element that has attracted low-budget traders. And the best part is that share trading is supported on superior platforms, including MT4, TradingView, MT4, and cTrader. Such platforms host exceptional features to help you stay ahead of the markets. We conclude that the Pepperstone app is secure, reliable, and backed up by a team dedicated to ensuring customers are fully satisfied.
Pepperstone
✔24/7 customer support
✔No inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- There is no minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
- A user-friendly and highly rated trading app
- Quality learning and market analysis tools on superior platforms
- Low commissions and spreads for share trading
Cons
- Limited stock offering compared to its peers
- No physical buying and owning the featured stocks
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. Spreadex – Top For Spread Betting
After conducting multiple tests and comparisons, we found Spreadex an excellent option for spread betting. We had an amazing experience trading and spread betting across 10,000+ financial instruments. There are thousands of stocks from 15+ global countries, including AIM stocks with a market capitalisation of £5m+. We also like that Spreadex hosts additional asset classes, including indices, forex, and commodities, for portfolio diversification.
Spreadex is among the apps highly rated by users, primarily due to its fast trade execution speed and easy-to-access features. While the app doesn’t offer a demo account to its users, there is no minimum deposit requirement. This allows traders to join the broker with any amount they can afford. On top of that, we find it to be one of the most affordable share trading apps in the industry with no hidden charges. And for traders seeking advanced resources, Spreadex hosts quality options, including 35+ technical indicators, price alerts, and more on its Spreadex Pro platform. There is also a TradingView third-party platform with extra features, including social trading.
Spreadex
✔10,000+ financial instruments
✔Zero account inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
- Lists thousands of shares from 15+ countries, including the UK, America, Asia, and Europe
- A highly rated trading app overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Offers access to the TradingView platform with advanced resources
Cons
- No demo account
- Does not support the buying and taking full ownership of the featured assets. You only trade them as CFDs and spread betting
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.
3. eToro – Overall Best Stock Trading App in the UK
We tested eToro’s trading app and were impressed by its user-friendliness and modern interface, which are accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Navigating through the app’s menu was straightforward, facilitating efficient trade execution and exits. With over 3,000 stocks from 17 exchanges and additional securities, including forex, commodities, ETFs, and more, eToro offers a diverse range of opportunities for all types of traders.
One standout feature we like about eToro is its social and copy trading platform, which allows users to socialise and effortlessly replicate the strategies of professional traders. The app also hosts quality trading tools for market analysis. Plus, its Investment Portfolios platform encourages long-term investments with asset allocation guidance from experts. We also note that stock trading at eToro is commission-free with a minimum deposit requirement of £50 for UK traders.
eToro
✔5000+ financial instruments
✔Cost-free deposits
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- User-friendly and intuitive design for stock trading
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Copy trading platform supported by social trading features
- Abundance of learning and market analysis materials
Cons
- Withdrawal fees apply
- 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.
4. Plus500 – Commission-Free Stock Trading App as CFDs in the UK
Plus500 is one of the cheapest stock trading apps for UK traders based on our experience and broker analysis. We discovered that there are no commissions for share trading or any other asset it features. And although you will incur spreads, rest assured they are among the industry lowest from 0.0 pips. Plus500 also doesn’t charge fees for transactions. However, expect to incur a £10 monthly inactivity fee should you not log into your account for a period exceeding three months.
Another feature we like about the Plus500 app is its Professional Trading platform. It is specifically tailored for professional traders since we discovered advanced trading tools. Leverage limits are also high, up to 1:5 for stock trading. When it comes to Plus500 customer service, rest assured you are in excellent hands. The support service is entirely dedicated 24 hours a day to making sure you get the best solutions to any trading problems you may encounter. Plus500UK Ltd authorized & regulated by the FCA (#509909).
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 commission for stock trading
- Quality learning materials and a demo account for newbies
- 24/7 customer service
- A user-friendly and intuitive design app
Cons
- You can only trade stocks as CFD
- Inactivity fee applies after three months of no activity
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.
Stock Trading in the UK
Stock trading in the UK is legal, and any trader over 18 can engage in the activity. This activity has come a long way from traditional trading to online trading. Technological advancement has played a significant role in this evolution. Traders no longer need to visit physical locations to trade stocks. Instead, they can do so from the comfort of their homes using internet-enabled mobile or desktop devices.
There are various publicly listed stocks you can trade in the UK, including popular options like NVIDIA, Microsoft, Netflix, Google, Starbucks, and more. However, you need a credible brokerage firm with access to the exchanges listing them for efficient trading. And if you do not want to buy a company’s shares and take full ownership, brokerage firms should allow you to trade the asset as derivatives (CFDs or indices).
It is worth noting that stock trading in the UK is considered a business venture. This means that all profits earned from the activity are subject to capital gains tax. As a trader, ensure you stay abreast of tax regulations and any potential exemptions, like the annual tax-free allowance.
Remember, the stock market carries risks that, if not effectively managed, can leave you with massive losses. Therefore, have a plan, remain disciplined, and be open to learning from your losses to increase your success chances.
Read about the Analysis of Stock Market Trends in the UK in our other guide.
What is a Stock App?
A stock trading app is an online software application or tool that allows you to trade stocks using your mobile device. In most cases, these apps are offered by brokerage firms and are accessible through websites. The best app should be hosted by a broker licensed and regulated by top-tier authorities like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Confirming regulatory status guarantees your funds and personal data safety. This is because the apps’ providers adhere to stringent regulations set by the authorities.
Stock trading apps have simplified the way users trade or invest in stocks. You do not need to stick to your trading station and manage your activities. These apps, installed on your mobile device, allow you to trade while on the move. As a result, you can easily identify potentially profitable opportunities and utilise them while they last.
How to Choose the Best Stock Trading App UK
Choosing the best stock trading app UK is crucial for maximum experience and potential. If you are new to online stock trading and investment, consider the tips below to make a suitable choice.
Security/Regulations
Fees
Platform Performance
Asset Offerings
Support Service
User Recommendations
The best stock trading app UK should be hosted by a provider licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Confirming an app’s regulatory status ensures you trade in a secure environment and you do not fall victim to scammers. Plus, the app should be highly encrypted and support additional security features like two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access to your account.
Settle with a stock trading app you can afford to avoid spending more than you are comfortable losing. You see, the UK’s trading apps have varying fees, from minimum deposit requirements and transaction charges to spreads and commissions. Therefore, compare various apps’ fee structures and make a choice you are confident will fit your budget.
A stock trading app should be reliable. This means it should be user-friendly and easily navigable so you can easily access trading tools for an exciting experience. Moreover, consider one with a fast trade execution speed, especially if you are looking to open multiple positions within a day. The best app must also support you with quality research, learning materials, and a demo account.
Obviously, you want a stock trading app listing a variety of company stocks to choose from. With top apps like the ones we recommend above, you can trade global shares like Microsoft, Netflix, NVIDIA, Google, Meta, and more. An app with additional assets is worth committing to. With it, you can easily diversify your portfolio across multiple asset classes and mitigate the risks that come with putting up your money in a single asset.
The best app for stock trading in the UK should be backed up by a reliable and responsive support service. This will help you get quality assistance whenever you encounter trading challenges or have concerns you need clarification on. Ensure the app’s support team is available via convenient channels, whether by phone, email, or live chat. Note that trading apps’ support service availability varies. While some operate 24/7, others are only available five days a week. So, ensure you choose one that aligns with your trading schedule.
Always check user comments and ratings on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. You want to fully understand an app’s strengths and weaknesses from a user’s perspective before deciding on whether to commit.
How to Sign up for an Account with a Stock App
Starting your trading journey with stock trading apps UK can be exciting and lucrative. However, you must be strategic and have a solid plan to increase your chances of success. Start by learning the asset you want to trade. Understand what drives its price fluctuations and the best time to open a position. Then, follow the steps below to set up a trading account to kickstart your ventures.
Step 1: Download your prefered app
Step 2: Create a trading account
Step 3: Verify your account
Step 4: Fund your account
Step 5: Begin trading
Download your preferred app on your Android or iOS mobile device. If you can access its website via desktop, do so to sign up for a trading account. However, if you prefer registering your mobile device, the procedure is the same. Before proceeding, ensure you understand the app’s terms and service to ensure you never encounter any challenges once you are fully invested.
Click the “Join Now” “Sign Up” or “Register” button at your app’s website to create a trading account. For most FCA-regulated stock trading apps, you will use your personal details in this process. These include your official name, email, phone number, address, preferred currency, and more. Do not forget to set up a unique username and strong password to fully secure your trading app from unauthorised access.
Before your account is fully activated, your app’s provider must verify your identity and location. This is a standard procedure set by the FCA to ensure the online trading environment is safe from imposters. You will be required to share copies of your original ID card, passport, or driver’s license as proof of identity. To verify your location, you must share a copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement.
Deposit funds into your trading account through the app. Verify the available deposit methods and fund your account according to your initial investment plan. Apps like the ones we recommend above support multiple payment methods, thus making it easier for you to transact with what’s convenient for you.
Your app’s provider will confirm your deposit and redirect you to its listed securities to trade. Ensure you decide how you want to explore the assets, whether by buying and taking full ownership or trading them as CFDs or indices. Then, select your trade size and apply risk management controls like stop-loss or take profit orders before opening a position.
For beginners, consider starting with a demo offered by the app. This allows you to trade with virtual funds, test strategies, and familiarise yourself with the app’s functions without risking real money. Once comfortable, transition to live trading using your funded account. Execute trades based on your analysis and strategies. Constantly monitor your portfolio and make adjustments as necessary.
Conclusion
Trading can be challenging, especially if you do not have the means to monitor your activities once you open a position. With the best stock trading apps in the UK above, you can easily track your open positions and make quick moves before its too late.
Note that these apps have been tested and approved by our professionals. They are also licensed and regulated by multiple tier-one authorities, thus guaranteeing your safety. All you have to do is follow our guidelines above to make a suitable choice. Plus, choose a familiar trading security and be disciplined if you want to increase your chances of succeeding and becoming independent in the financial space.
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