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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If you are looking to maximise your potential trading in the financial landscape, then you need the best trading platform. Being the best means having features that align with your trading requirements.
It is unfortunate that many individuals fall short of identifying suitable trading platforms. For this reason, I took it upon myself to test and compare numerous options. My goal is to give you the best recommendations. Whether you are new to online trading or seeking a better platform, this guide will help you find a perfect match for your trading requirements in 2025.
Please find below my list of top UK trading platforms.
Compare Brokers Table
UK trading platforms have varying features to suit different traders. Therefore, ensure you thoroughly conduct market research to make a suitable choice. Alternatively, refer to the table I have prepared below. It summarises the key points that will help you select the best trading platform.
Best Trading Platform | Licence | Support Service | Software | Payment | Demo Account | Money Insurance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone* 74.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. | 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) |
eToro* 61% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSAS, ADGM, DNB | 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) |
Axi | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | 24/7 | MT4 | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, International bank transfer, Domestic bank transfer | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme |
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 | Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Skrill | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
FP Markets* Derivative products are highly leveraged, carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for all investors. | FSCA, ASIC, CMA, CySEC, 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 $500,000) |
Spreadex* 64% of retail investors lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider | FCA | 24/5 | iPhone App, iPAD App, ANDROID App, TradingView | Bank Wire Transfers, Credit cards | No | Yes (up to £85,000) |
Fees & Commissions
I decided to conduct another analysis, whereby I asked traders what features they prioritise when choosing UK trading platforms. Many start by confirming the security measures employed by the platforms they consider. These include licences (FCA) and encryption technologies applied.
They also consider affordability, which ensures they trade within their budgets. Personally, I believe having an affordable trading platform will maximise your experience. Therefore, I have shared a table below summarising the fee structures of the best trading platforms in the UK.
Best Trading Platform | Fees | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Transaction | Inactivity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | From 0.0 pips | £0 | Free | None |
eToro | From 2 pips | £100 | £5 withdrawal | £10 monthly |
Axi | £5 | From 0 pips* on Pro accounts | Free | £10 monthly |
Plus500** | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | £10 monthly |
FP Markets | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | None |
Spreadex | From 0.6 pips | £0 | Free | None |
*Commission charges apply.
Note: 80% of CFD retail accounts lose money with this provider.
Brokers Reviews
According to recent statistics, over 54% of UK investors have traded as of 2025. This is an estimated number of 29 million, which is up from 51% in 2021.
I have been working and trading in the financial landscape for over a decade. From my market analysis, more individuals are joining the financial trading bandwagon. The rising numbers indicate how trading in the UK can be lucrative.
If you are a beginner, there is no specific time to start trading. Start today, but approach the activity with caution, considering the risks involved.
Below, I share mini-reviews of my recommended platforms based on personal experience. Feel free to compare them to identify an option that best suits your requirements.
1. Pepperstone – Beginner-Friendly
Pepperstone is an excellent trading platform for newbies looking to enter the financial market. I discovered that it provides a range of valuable resources for newcomers. These include comprehensive learning materials, a demo account, and an intuitive platform. The platform works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices.
Additionally, Pepperstone supports social trading through its MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView platforms. This feature makes it easier for newbies to interact with other global traders. They will learn different trading tips to improve their skills and maximise their potential.
When it comes to asset offerings, this best trading platform in the UK lists over 2,700 CFD and spread betting instruments. The securities are spread across various asset classes, such as forex, shares, commodities, ETFs, and indices. I also like Pepperstone’s low spreads from 0.0 pips and no minimum deposit requirement. This makes it easier for newbies to start trading with small funds and gradually increase the amount as they become familiar with the market.
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Low spreads from 0.0 pips
- Quality learning materials and a demo account for newbies
- Social and copy trading on multiple platforms
Cons
- Limited asset offerings compared to its peers
- You can only trade the assets as CFDs and spread betting
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. eToro – Overall Best
After thorough analysis, I consider eToro the best online trading platform in the UK for various reasons. The platform is user-friendly both on desktop and mobile devices. Additionally, registering an account is straightforward, with a low minimum deposit requirement of £100 for UK clients. Personally, it took me about 30 minutes to get my account up and running.
eToro supports a variety of transaction methods, including debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. While deposits are free, there is a £5 fee for withdrawals.
I also like that eToro offers commission-free stock trading and investing services. It also provides a range of additional securities for portfolio diversification, including forex, commodities, indices, ETFs, and more.
For beginners, this platform provides a vast selection of learning tools and a £100,000 virtually funded demo account. On top of that, it hosts an award-winning social trading platform that allows you to interact with other traders and mirror potentially profitable trades from experts.
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- A user-friendly and intuitive design trading platform
- Commission-free stock trading
- Reliable and responsive 24/5 support service
- Hosts an award-winning social and copy trading platform
Cons
- Withdrawal fees apply
- No third-party platforms like the MT4 and MT5
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.
3. Axi – Best For MetaTrader 4 Users
For users looking to explore the financial markets with an MT4 trading platform, Axi is a considerable choice. My tests identified that it is simple to use with numerous functions such as charts, price alerts, custom indicators and analysis tools. These features make it easier for you to analyze the markets and get updated on the latest trading trends.
Additionally, Axi executes trades seamlessly on both mobile and desktop devices. This means any UK trader can effortlessly manage their activities, whether at home or on the go. Remember, the MT4 platform is one of the most sought-after trading platforms by retail forex traders. It allows you to develop your own expert advisors for automated trading. It also features custom indicators and scripts using the MQL4 programming language, developed by MetaQuotes.
I like that Axi has a full market coverage with asset classes like forex, shares, commodities, indices, and more. Overall, I identified more than 150 assets, which users can trade as CFDs and spread betting. All you have to do is sign up for a trading account and deposit as little as £5 to get started. I noticed that while there is no minimum deposit requirement, some payment methods have limits, which you should understand so you can budget accordingly.
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Hosts a variety of asset classes for trading portfolio diversification
- Commission-free trading services on its Standard account
- There are multiple accounts to choose from, depending on your skill level
- A reliable 24/5 support service via phone, live chat, and email
Cons
- There is no buying and taking ownership of the supported assets
- No alternative trading platforms besides the MT4
4. Plus500 – Top Platform for CFD Trading
For traders interested in CFD assets, Plus500 is an excellent choice. After thoroughly testing it, I discovered that the platform features a user-friendly and customisable interface. Plus, it offers commission-free forex and CFD trading across a wide range of asset classes. These include shares, commodities, ETFs, and indices.
The only trading cost associated with this platform is the spread, which starts as low as 0.0 pips. Plus, there are financing charges for positions left overnight. I believe these low charges are affordable for most traders looking to venture into CFD trading.
When it comes to asset offerings, Plus500 provides access to over 2,800 CFD instruments. They include forex, shares, commodities, indices, ETFs, and options. The best part is that users can trade with leverage limits up to 1:30 per ESMA regulations.
Beginners can use Plus500’s £50,000 virtual demo account to practise and build their skills. Experienced traders can take advantage of Plus500’s “Premium Service”, which includes advanced resources that guarantee an exciting experience. Plus500UK Ltd is authorised & regulated by the FCA (#509909).
Note: 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Pros
- Commission-free CFD trades
- Has a virtually funded demo account and quality learning materials for newbies
- £100 minimum deposit requirement, which we believe is low
- High leverage limits and an advanced platform for professional traders
- Low spreads from 0.0 pips
Cons
- Only forex and CFD instruments supported
- Limited asset offerings compared to its peers
Brokers need to generate revenue and cover operating costs. That’s why many have fees and commissions. Sadly, high charges can undermine your profitability in the long run. That’s why looking for an affordable service provider is necessary.
With that in mind, we evaluated Plus500 fees UK. The process was easy since this broker values transparency. Our team was impressed by the fact that the trading platform doesn’t charge a dime for most services. First, opening an account is free. Deposits and withdrawals also attract zero charges. Furthermore, the broker offers free live CFD prices and dynamic charts. But note that the Plus500 minimum deposit UK is £100.
Plus500 primary source of compensation is the spread. While trading with this platform, you’ll have to cover the spread whenever you open a position. Your costs will depend on various factors, including your preferred instrument and current market conditions.
This broker also charges overnight funding and currency conversion fees. The former fee kicks in whenever you keep a position open overnight. On the other hand, you have to cover currency conversion fees whenever you interact with any currency besides your account’s base currency. Lastly, dormant Plus500 accounts attract a £10 monthly inactivity fee.
5. FP Markets – Best For Professional Traders
FP Markets is an excellent platform for professional traders with its comprehensive suite of high-end trading tools. I liked its instantaneous trade execution, a high-end client portal to keep abreast of everything in real-time, and class-leading VPS solutions for professional advisors and automated trading.
Upon opening an account with FP Markets, you have access to over 10,000 trading instruments spread across various asset classes. Some of the assets they include are forex, stocks, commodities, cryptos, indices, ETFs, and others.
In addition to having multiple trading platforms, this broker also provides social and copy trading. I also find the support service team to be responsive and quick to respond when contacted.
Pros
- Low minimum deposit requirement of £100
- Low spreads from 0.0 pips
- Fast trade execution speed on its desktop and mobile devices
- Features an Iress DMA platform for share trading
- Reliable and responsive 24/7 support service
Cons
- The securities are available to trade as CFDs only
- The minimum balance for the Iress account type is £1000
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.
6. Spreadex – Top Option For Spread Betting
Spread betting is legal in the UK, and to succeed in this area, you need a reliable platform like Spreadex. I found that Spreadex is both user-friendly and highly customisable. Moreover, it offers access to over 10,000 global markets across various asset classes. You will not only spread bet on stocks but also on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and more.
The Spreadex platform has no minimum deposit requirement. Plus, it offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 points on major currency pairs. Besides its proprietary platform, Spreadex supports TradingView, known for its advanced features.
TradingView features social trading, over 12 interactive chart types, more than 50 drawing tools, and over 100 pre-built technical indicators. These tools help you perform thorough market analysis and craft strategies to enhance your trading performance.
Pros
- Low trading fees with spreads from 0.6 points on major currency pairs
- Quality market analysis tools
- Features a Spreadex Pro platform tailored for professional traders
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- No minimum deposit requirement
Cons
- No demo account
- No MetaTrader platforms
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.
Learn about stock trading apps in the UK in our other article.
How to Choose a Trading Platform
Years back, when I started trading in the UK, I didn’t know how to choose the best platform. However, things got better with time, and now this process is always a breeze for me.
If you are struggling in this area, I share below the major factors to consider in research. I know they will help you select a platform that aligns with your trading requirements.
The security of your funds and personal data should be of utmost importance. A broker that is licensed and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guarantees maximum safety. I once overlooked this element, and guess what, I got scammed out of all my hard-earned money.
That being said, take your time to confirm a platform’s credibility. It should also be highly encrypted for both desktop and mobile platforms.
Trading and non-trading costs are other elements I do not overlook. I know that trading can be addictive. So, to avoid overspending, having a budget is crucial. The platform I settle with must be affordable and fit my budget.
You should analyse a platform’s fee structure and confirm all trading and non-trading charges. These include minimum deposit requirements, inactivity fees, commissions/spreads, financing charges for overnight positions, and others. Remember, trading involves risks, so only use funds you are comfortable losing.
Most trading platforms I choose have demo accounts. This makes it easier for me to sign up for trading accounts and explore their features risk-free. I assess a platform’s performance, ensuring it has a fast trade execution speed.
Additionally, I confirm the availability of trading tools for market analysis. If you are a newbie, do not forget to confirm the availability of learning materials. Most importantly, verify its compatibility with mobile devices to help you efficiently manage your positions while on the move.
I always look for platforms that host my preferred tradable instruments. There are many asset classes in today’s market, like forex, shares, commodities, ETFs, and more. However, you cannot assume that a particular broker hosts all of them without checking.
You probably understand that putting all your capital in a single asset trade is highly risky. So, if you want to diversify your portfolio. In this case, your broker should host multiple asset classes.
Many traders overlook this element, believing that they will not encounter any challenges. I have been there, and I ended up being disappointed once I had already invested with a broker. The broker’s support team was slow in response, with poor-quality assistance.
To avoid such incidents, check a platform’s support team availability and response rate. Whether the team operates 24/7 or five days a week. In this case, it must be responsive via the supported channels. Feel free to test them by reaching out and gauging the quality of assistance you receive.
While considering the above factors is essential, don’t ignore user testimonials. As a professional in this field, I believe learning from other traders’ experiences can provide valuable insights into a platform’s strengths and weaknesses.
Feel free to visit review sites like Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. Read user comments and ratings. They have really helped me make the best choices so far.
How to Start with a Trading Platform
Understanding the process for setting up a trading account in the UK is crucial. Having the right knowledge will streamline the process whenever you are ready to get started. You will have all the necessary information and documents ready.
Let’s dive straight into the step-by-step procedures below.
To create an account, you must visit the official website of your preferred trading platform. I share links of my recommended platforms on this page. Clicking them gives you quick access, and you are guaranteed to land on the official website.
Do not begin any procedure without reading and understanding the attached terms of service. Plus, install the broker’s trading app on your Android or iOS mobile device. Planning ahead will make it easier for you to keep managing your activities even while on the move.
Once you are done with the procedure above, click on the “Register”, “Join Now”, or “Sign Up” button to start the registration process. Most trading platforms will redirect you to a form. Ensure you fill it out using your personal details. They include your name, email address, phone number, source of income, preferred currency, and location.
Do not complete this procedure without setting up a username and a strong password. You want your trading account fully protected from unauthorised access.
According to the FCA, all brokers must verify traders’ details before fully activating their trading accounts. Do not worry about your data’s safety. Most brokers like the ones I recommend here are highly encrypted. The procedure simply ensures the UK’s online financial landscape remains free from money laundering and other fraudulent activities.
So, you will share a copy of your government-issued ID card. It is required to verify your identity. You will also be asked to share a copy of a recent utility bill. This confirms your location and proves that you want to trade and not engage in mischievous activities.
After your account is fully activated, you will receive an email notification. Once you do, sign back into your new live trading account to access the listed features. However, some platforms require that you make a certain amount of deposit to enjoy their services.
The good news is that my recommendations above support transactions via multiple methods. These include credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. The platforms allow you to make deposits using a method you are comfortable with.
Automatically, your deposit will be confirmed. You will know this once you gain access to your broker’s features. At this point, choose your preferred trading securities. This is whether it’s forex, shares, commodities, cryptos, or others.
Then, choose a trade size and the method to trade them. Most UK traders explore the assets as CFDs or spread betting. You can also buy them and take full ownership.
Complete this process by opening a position. At this point, your trade is live and at risk. Therefore, keep monitoring its performance to ensure it works out as expected. You can implement risk management controls like stop-loss and take-profit orders. Such commands close your trade once it reaches a certain level. They mitigate massive losses in case a trade goes against you.
How We Test
At InvestingGuide, I do not work alone. We are a team of professionals with vast experience in the financial space. To make any recommendations, we must test and approve various platforms and brokers.
For trading platforms in the UK, we begin our research by testing as many options as we can. Through demo accounts, we compare their features. These include fees, mobile compatibility, support service reliability, asset offerings, and more. We only shortlist those that meet our stringent specifications.
Our research also involves analysing user comments and ratings on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. We then combine our findings with the test results for accurate recommendations. You can visit our How we Test page to learn more about our testing process.
FAQs
Platforms like Freetrade and Trading 212 are popular among beginners thanks to their simple design, low fees, and helpful in-app education tools.
Freetrade, eToro, and Trading 212 offer commission-free share dealing on UK and US stocks. Keep an eye on FX fees, spreads, and withdrawal charges, which can still apply.
Advanced traders often prefer Interactive Brokers, Saxo, or DEGIRO for their deeper analytical tools, wider market access, and advanced order types.
Providers like AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, and Vanguard UK are well-regarded for reliable customer service, with responsive helplines and helpful UK-based support teams.
Investing on a regular basis — sometimes called pound-cost averaging — can help minimise the impact of market ups and downs by spreading out your entry points. This approach may reduce the risk of poor timing. In contrast, investing a lump sum all at once can yield stronger returns in rising markets but comes with greater exposure to volatility.
Whether now is a good time to invest depends on your personal circumstances, financial objectives, and appetite for risk. Because short-term market movements are unpredictable, many long-term investors prioritise consistency over market timing.
Yes, many platforms let you buy a single share or even a fraction of one, especially with US stocks. It’s a good way to get started with limited capital.
Losses often stem from emotional decisions, lack of strategy, or overtrading. High-risk products like CFDs and leveraged trading also amplify losses, especially for inexperienced investors.
Final Thoughts
I believe I have given you all the information you need to make the best choice. This is whether you are selecting a trading platform from my recommendations list or conducting your own research. Take advantage of demo accounts to explore the broker’s services before making a final decision.
Besides having the best UK trading platform, have a clear plan and strategy. Trading CFDs and spread betting instruments carries risks due to leverage. Should a market’s performance go against your predictions, you will be left with massive losses.
That being said, learn the market you want to explore before trading. Plus, start small as you become familiar with the trading environment. And do not forget to keep learning. New tools are launched every day, and various economic activities develop. You want to stay ahead of the competition.
In my opinion, eToro is the best. It’s easy to use, offers commission-free stock trading, and has great social trading features. It’s just perfect, I had only great experience
Great comparison! If you're just starting, I’d recommend Pepperstone for its easy-to-use platform and no minimum deposit.