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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The InvestingGuide team spent hours exploring the UK financial market to come up with the best trading apps below. Having the best app means that it should feature elements suitable for your trading needs. Most importantly, the best trading app UK should be licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). As a beginner, start by learning how online trading works before investing your money. Choose the assets you are familiar with and understand the tax implications to plan accordingly.
The financial landscape is dynamic and volatile. Asset prices constantly change due to uncontrollable events. With trading apps, it’s easy to stay abreast with the latest economic developments and trends. You can efficiently conduct research, track your activities, and open potentially profitable positions.
Unfortunately, many traders do not know how to identify the best trading app for their needs. The research process can be lengthy and overwhelming, thus leading to wrong choices. As experts, we did all the legwork and share below the top trading apps in the UK today. They are all secure and guarantee an exciting experience.
List of the Best Trading Apps
- AvaTrade – Overall Best UK Trading App
- Plus500* – Best App For CFD Traders in the UK
- FxPro – Best App For UK Professional Traders
- eToro – Beginner-Friendly Trading App in the UK
- FP Markets – Best App For Automated Trading in the UK
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
In This Guide
Trading Apps UK: Comparison Table
Our process for creating this list of the best trading apps UK was overwhelming. We spent hundreds of hours testing and comparing as many trading apps as we could. We analysed various elements, including security, reliability, asset availability, support service, and more. We then shortlisted those that met our specifications.
Our research didn’t stop there. We visited Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot to sample hundreds of user comments and ratings. Our experts then combined the findings with our test results to come up with the options we share here. With this process, we remain unbiased and recommend apps solely based on the services they offer.
That being said, here are the features of our top trading apps that make them stand out. You can compare them for informed choices.
| Best Trading App | Licence & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account | Money Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | FCA, 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 | Yes (up to $1,000,000) |
| 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) |
| FxPro | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSCM | 24/5 | FXPro Trading Platform, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader | Wire transfers, Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| 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) |
| FP Markets | FCA, FSCA, ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile App, Copy Trading | Debit/credit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes | Yes (up to $500,000) |
Apps Short Overview
We always advise our readers to select trading apps that feature suitable elements for an exciting experience. From our market analysis, the majority of UK traders prioritise apps they can afford. They also compare the asset offerings and settle with those with securities they are familiar with.
Since this process can be lengthy for some traders, we went out of our way to compare trading apps’ offerings and fee structures. Below are tables highlighting the overviews of our top apps’ fees and assets. We hope you can now easily make comparisons and select what best aligns with your trading requirements.
Fees
| Best Trading App | Fees | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Transaction | Inactivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | 0.03 pips | £100 | Free | £50 quarterly |
| Plus500* | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | £10 monthly |
| FxPro | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | £10 one-off maintenance fee |
| eToro | From 2 pips | £100 | £5 withdrawal | £10 monthly |
| FP Markets | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | None |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
Assets
| Best Trading App | Forex | Stocks | Commodities | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plus500* (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FxPro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| FP Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider
Our Expert’s Opinion about the Best Trading Apps
We aim to educate our readers accordingly so they can make the best choices and decisions for maximum experience and potential. For this reason, we have prepared mini-reviews below on the best trading apps in the UK. The reviews are based on our hands-on experience, so rest assured we share accurate details and information.
1. AvaTrade – Overall Best UK Trading App
AvaTrade has been offering trading services to UK clients since 2006. We tested its AvaTradeGO app and discovered it features excellent resources for all types of traders. For instance, newbies have access to quality learning materials and a virtually funded demo account to test the broker. Professional traders also have access to advanced resources on some of the best platforms. These include MT4, MT5, AvaSocial, Automated Trading, and more.
When it comes to asset offerings, AvaTradeGO lists over 1,200 options, including forex, shares, commodities, cryptos, and more. Although the assets can only be traded as CFDs, expect to incur low trading fees from 0.03 pips. We also like the app’s social trading features on its ZuluTrade and DupliTrade platforms. You will easily mingle with fellow global traders and mirror positions with increased profitability.
AvaTrade
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
✔Beginner-friendly user interface
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- A user-friendly and intuitive design platforms
- The app is highly rated by users on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot
- Quality trading tools for new and professional traders
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Low minimum deposit requirement of £100 for UK traders
Cons
- Limited financial instruments compared to its peers
- A high minimum deposit requirement of £2,000 to access the DupliTrade platform
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.
2. Plus500 – Best App For CFD Traders in the UK
Plus500 is one of the top trading apps in the UK. It has gained excellent reviews from users on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. We tested the app’s performance on our Android and iOS devices and were impressed. Besides a user-friendly platform, this app is customisable, thus making it easier for users to explore the financial markets even as they advance their skills. Plus500UK Ltd authorized & regulated by the FCA (#509909).
Moreover, Plus500’s app accommodates traders of all levels. Newbies have access to quality learning materials and a virtually funded demo account. On the other hand, professional traders will enjoy advanced resources on the app’s “Professional Trading” platform. We also noticed that this app lists over 2,000 CFD trading instruments. The best part is that you can trade them commission-free with spreads as low as 0.0 pips. These include forex, shares, indices, commodities, ETFs, and more.
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
- £100 minimum deposit requirement for UK clients, which we believe is low
- Commission-free trades
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Hosts a Professional Trading platform with advanced resources for expert traders
Cons
- Does not support the buying and taking ownership of featured assets
- No third-party platforms like the MT4/5
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. FxPro – Best App For UK Professional Traders
We found FxPro to be a considerable choice for UK professional traders for various reasons. For instance, we like this app’s multiple advanced platforms hosting quality resources for market analysis. These platforms include cTrader, MT4, and MT5. Plus, the app has a fast trade execution speed — an element that allows traders to easily enter and exit trades without missing out on potentially profitable opportunities.
FxPro Mobile App is compatible with iOS and Android devices. The app also features the TradingView third-party platform known for hosting advanced charting resources. When it comes to safety, this app maintains the highest levels of personal data encryption using the 2-step authentication, passcode and fingerprint setting options. You will have access to over 2,100 CFD instruments across six asset classes. These include forex, shares, commodities, indices, cryptos, and futures.
FxPro
✔User-friendly platform
✔Low minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Hosts multiple trading platforms, including the cTrader, MT4, MT5, and TradingView
- Excellent and responsive support service via phone, email, and live chat
- Hosts extensive selection of market research and learning materials
Cons
- Supports only CFD instruments
- It has a $10 monthly inactivity fee that kicks in after only six months
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.
4. eToro – Beginner-Friendly Trading App in the UK
Beginners looking for a reliable app to explore the financial market and manage their open positions should settle with eToro. Our experience with this app was one of the best. Navigating its user-friendly platform was seamless, and the app is secured using two-factor authentication and passwords. Plus, we like its support service response rate and how its team handles users’ concerns. Undoubtedly, beginners can rely on this app for an exciting trading experience.
When it comes to asset offerings, eToro lists over 5,000 options, including forex, shares, commodities, cryptos, indices, and more. Stock trading and investing are commission-free, and you will enjoy its CopyTrader platform. With this platform, users get to interact with each other to learn more trading tips and boost their skills. The platform also allows you to follow the most professional traders and track their activities. This is so that you can copy their positions with increased profitability.
eToro
✔5000+ financial instruments
✔Cost-free deposits
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement of £100 for UK clients
- Numerous learning materials, including articles, guides, eBooks, recorded videos, and more
- Free and instant deposits
- Commission-free stock trading
Cons
- A £5 withdrawal fee applies
- High trading costs compared to its peers
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.
5. FP Markets – Best App For Automated Trading in the UK
Automated trading is becoming popular in the UK, and FP Markets is one of the best trading apps UK that supports this cutting-edge feature. While trading on this app, our trades were seamlessly executed, which allowed us to trade multiple times. We also explored over 10,000 CFD securities, including forex, shares, commodities, cryptos, and more. All these assets are available for a minimum deposit of £100.
Note that automated trading at FP Markets is accessible via its MT4 and MT5 platforms. Using the Myfxbook feature, you can automatically mirror expert traders’ positions. This is so you can earn profits when they do, thus saving time that comes with extensive market analysis. You can also automate your trades and avoid emotional and impulsive decisions that come with manual trading.
FP Markets
✔10,000+ tradeable financial instruments
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Low CFD trading fees from 0.0 pips
- High leverage limit of up to 1:500 for professional clients
- Plenty of learning and educational materials
Cons
- High minimum deposit requirement of £1000 for the Iress platform
- Automated trading securities are available for CFD trading 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.
Mobile Trading in the UK
Mobile trading in the UK is skyrocketing, primarily due to technological advancements and high-speed internet connectivity. With mobile trading, you can easily buy, trade, or sell financial instruments using your mobile device. Like the web, mobile trading offers access to market analysis tools, learning resources, and more anywhere, anytime.
Besides offering flexibility, mobile trading offers trading opportunities to a wide range of individuals, especially those with no access to desktop devices. Plus, you can easily manage your open positions, even when you step away from your trading station.
To engage in mobile trading in the UK, individuals must be at least 18 years old. This is because you will enter into a contractual agreement with an app’s provider. Plus, you will be required to share your national identity card while conducting account registration.
What is a Trading App?
A trading app is a mobile software or application that allows you to trade directly using your Android or iOS mobile device. With an app, you can explore various financial instruments and earn profits or losses.
Trading apps must be licensed and regulated by top-tier authorities like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures traders are protected and trade in a secure environment. Plus, the best apps must guarantee an exciting experience by featuring a user-friendly interface, quality resources, and more. We share how to choose the best app below, so keep reading for more insights.
How to Choose the Best Trading App
Choosing the best trading app in the UK is one of the best decisions that could increase your chances of success. You see, having the best app will streamline your activities, from making deposits to managing your open positions. All you will have to do is focus on strategy development and the best time to make a move.
That being said, here are the factors you should consider to ensure you identify a trading app that suits your preferences.
Security
Asset Offerings
Charges
Platform
Support Service
User Recommendations
The first element to prioritise when selecting a trading app UK is its safety measures. Which encryption technology does it employ? Does it have other account protection measures like two-factor authentication, face ID, and more? Confirming these elements will ensure your personal data remains safe from unauthorised access.
Additionally, the best trading app should be licensed and regulated by the FCA. Such apps will secure your trading funds in segregated accounts only accessible to you. Plus, it guarantees maximum safety, considering that many fraudulent providers are looking to scam innocent traders off their hard-earned money.
Check the asset offerings provided by a trading app you are considering. Ensure it lists the securities you are interested in and have conducted thorough research on. You may notice that some apps, like the ones we recommend, list numerous asset classes. This is a plus, as it makes it easier for you to try new assets and diversify your portfolio on a single platform.
Every brokerage firm has its own trading and non-trading charges. You should ensure all applicable charges or costs align with your budget to avoid digging deep into your nest egg. Therefore, when choosing an app for trading, confirm its minimum deposit requirements, commissions/spreads, inactivity fees, overnight charges, and more. Most importantly, ensure there are no hidden costs to avoid surprises once you are fully invested and committed to your activities.
An app’s platform performance will determine whether you will enjoy your experience or not. The best platform should be user-friendly with fast trade execution speed. Plus, it should host quality trading and learning materials that suit your skill level.
For beginners, confirm the availability of a demo account. This allows you to easily explore the financial market and gauge your skill level without spending real money. And to transact effectively, it is crucial to check the supported payment methods. Settle with an app offering convenient ones, whether bank transfers, e-wallets, or debit/credit cards.
Every FCA-regulated trading app has a support service team. However, you need one you can rely on in times of need. The best team should be supportive and responsive. You should be able to contact them via convenient channels, whether phone, email, or live chat. Plus, confirm their availability and ensure they fit your trading schedule.
While the above elements are crucial to consider when choosing a trading app, user opinions also matter. Analysing other users’ comments on platforms like Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot will give you insights into an app’s strengths and weaknesses. As a result, you can decide whether to overlook some of its pitfalls and make a commitment.
How to Sign up for an Account with a Trading App
Signing up for a trading account with a trading app is a straightforward process. Below are the simple steps you should note.
Step 1: Visit an app’s website
Step 2: Participate in the registration procedure
Step 3: Verify your account
Step 4: Make a deposit
Step 5: Trade
Most apps like the ones we recommend are hosted by online brokerage firms. So, visit an app’s website to create a trading account. Before you begin the process, understand the app’s terms of service. Most importantly, install the app on your Android or iOS device.
Click the “Join now”,”Register”, or ”Sign up” button to complete the account registration. You will fill out a form using your personal details, including your name, email, phone number, location, and more. Plus, ensure you create a unique username and password to secure your account from unauthorised access.
The FCA requires all UK brokers it regulates to verify their clients’ details before having their accounts fully activated. Therefore, you will participate in this procedure by sharing copies of your personal documents. These include an ID card, passport or driver’s license to verify your identity. You will also share a copy of a recent utility bill or bank statement to verify your location. The verification time frame varies with every trading app. However, you will receive an email notification once your account is fully activated.
Deposit funds into your account to access the app’s featured instruments to trade. Choose the most convenient payment method, whether credit/debit cards, e-wallet, or bank transfers, for efficient and quick deposits. Be mindful of any applicable charges and minimum deposit requirements to ensure you stick to your budget.
Your broker will confirm your deposit, after which you will be redirected to its featured instruments to trade. Choose the assets you are familiar with and open a position based on your strategy. As a beginner, we encourage you to get started on your app’s demo account and put up small capital that you are comfortable losing. Most importantly, apply risk management controls to mitigate massive losses in case a trade works out against your strategy.
Conclusion
Trading apps UK have become a necessity for traders. With our guidance above, you will be able to make a suitable choice and kickstart your ventures on a good note. However, note that having the best app for trading is not a sure-fire way to success. You must conduct thorough market research on the asset you plan to trade. Most importantly, avoid making decisions based on emotions, as we have seen many traders earn losses because of it. Instead, have a plan, remain disciplined, and trade with funds you are comfortable losing.
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