Best Online Trading Platforms for UK Investors, Reviewed in 2022
9 Best Trading Platforms in the UK, Reviewed and Ranked in 2022
Ken Fisher hit the nail on the head – time in the market beats timing the market.
If you’re looking to invest your hard-earned money, there’s no better time to start than right now.
Although Forex trading has gained a reputation for harboring scammy brokers and causing financial ruin; as with most things, the truth lies in between extremes.
So long as you’re willing to take the first step and never invest more than you can afford to lose, you’ll likely earn significant profits in the foreign exchange market.
That said, you don’t want to trust your cash with just anybody. People have been scammed by unlicensed and unregulated Forex brokers in the past.
Before you jump into the action, it’s important to do your due diligence. We’ll help you get informed about the risks and benefits associated with foreign currency trading.
Our top 9 UK trading platforms are fully compliant with government and FCA regulations that protect you from deceptively criminal stock brokers.
You’ll enjoy minimal fees, have access to a broad range of markets with competitive pricing, and benefit from the latest automated trading tools.
That said, eToro was our #1 overall trading platform for UK investors. They offer a £10 funding minimum, 40+ cryptocurrency pairs, and 3,000+ tradable symbols.
Best Trading Platform In the UK:
eToro – Best trading platform overall.
AvaTrade – Fantastic, all-around trading platform.
Hellostake – Top online brokerage for free trades.
Plus500 – Top UK trading platform for quality customer support.
IG – Excellent trading platform for stock & crypto CFDs.
Interactive Brokers – No account funding minimums.
Skilling – Top online broker for trading tools and strategies.
VantageFX – Safest trading platform for everyday investors.
Disclaimer: You may lose money when trading. Make sure to use these services responsibly to avoid attracting heavy debt. Opinions expressed within the content are solely the authors. Does not constitute advice.
1. eToro – Best Trading Platform in UK Overall
Although you’ll need to have £5,000 or more in equity to speak directly to a representative, eToro offers a very accessible gateway into stock, ETF, cryptocurrency, and CFD trading.
Pros
3,000+ tradable symbols
40 cryptocurrency options
Commission-free stock trades
£10 account funding minimum
Cutting-edge iOS & Android app
Cons
Phone support is not for everyone
Forex Market Variety: 4.5/5
Established in 2007, eToro was launched with the intent to make stock and ETF trading more accessible to the average investor. Over the last 15 years, they’ve acquired nearly 20 million loyal traders in 140 countries across the globe.
This day trading platform is home to 3,000+ symbols that account for 1,800+ stocks, 80+ currency pairs, 200 ETFs, precious metals, petroleum, gold, and silver.
In addition to the UK Bitcoin wallet, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum; you can buy, sell, and trade 36 other cryptocurrencies.
If you’re new to day trading, their social investing program lets you mirror the stock trades of recognized investing gurus.
Similarly, their top-tier mobile application brings automated trading strategies and an unparalleled user interface to your back pocket.
Commissions & Pricing: 5/5
Unlike other stock brokers, eToro lets you fund your investor account with as little as £10. In comparison to commonly seen £100, £250, or £500 deposit minimums, eToro races ahead of the pack.
Although they charge a 1% fee for all cryptocurrency transactions, eToro offers 100% free stock and ETF trading. Because they don’t take a bite from your apple; you’ll get to keep more of what you make.
However, you will have to pay a flat 5% fee to convert your crypto trading profits into fiat currency. Upon each cashout, you’ll be charged £5 of your profits (but you can leave money in your eToro wallet for as long as you’d like).
All in all, eToro is home to some of the lowest trading fees you’ll find in the UK.
Customer Support: 4/5
eToro offers live chat and phone support, but there’s one caveat – unless you have £5,000 or more in trading equity; you won’t be able to speak to someone over the phone.
Needless to say, from a company as reputable as eToro, this was quite the letdown.
In their defence, we had no problem getting lightning-fast support via their live chat option. Within seconds of sending their team a message; we were greeted by a professional, competent representative named Jennifer.
She was more than happy to answer all our questions, so don’t be afraid to reach out!
Digitalworktools.com is compensated if you access certain of the products or services offered by eToro USA LLC and/or eToro USA Securities Inc., as applicable. This compensation incentivizes Digitalworktools.com to describe those products and services in favorable terms. Any testimonials contained in this communication may not be representative of the experience of other eToro customers and such testimonials are not guarantees of future performance or success.”
Your capital is at risk. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
2. Avatrade – Fantastic, All-Around Trading Platform
Usain Bolt stays winning on and off the racetrack with AvaTrade. If you’re on the fence, jump into the action with tons of educational resources and nearly 1,300 tradable symbols.
Pros
Heavily regulated and insured platform
Tons of educational resources
44 currency pairs
1,260 tradable symbols
Trade BTC, ETH, LTC, and BCH
Cons
Higher-than-average spread fees
Forex Market Variety: 4.6/5
Having been on the Forex scene since 2006; it’s safe to say that Avatrade packs a powerful market punch.
We came across 44 currency pairs that let everyday investors profit from the fluctuating value of global markets. Their 1,260 tradable symbols cover 700+ stocks, 250 ETFs, 6 indices, 4 cryptocurrencies, European & Japanese bonds, and numerous commodities.
You can also invest in the value of gold, corn, wheat, heating oil, and platinum.
As you decide where to invest, you’ll have access to educational resources that’ll save you from making poorly planned trades. For those who like to ride the wave, you’ll find a list of the most popular investments from nearly 200,000 clients in 150 countries.
Their mobile app is free-to-download, and you’ll enjoy the same efficient trading experience their desktop website is known to provide.
Commissions & Pricing: 4.7/5
Like eToro, Avatrade doesn’t charge commission fees on stock trades.
However; their spread fees are slightly higher-than-average (0.9 pips) in comparison to other stock trading platforms (0.8 pips).
That said; this is a negligible difference, and you won’t notice much of a ding in your pockets over time.
Initially, you’ll need to fund your brokerage account with £100 or more to start trading stocks, ETFs, and indices. While this minimum deposit requirement could be considered “high”, all deposits and withdrawals are 100% free of charge.
Customer Support: 4.8/5
Unlike eToro, Avatrade makes it easy for everyday investors to get in touch by phone, email, or WhatsApp chat.
Whether you have £100 or £100,000 in your brokerage account, you’ll have the opportunity to speak to a representative over the phone. Brokers are available to help you 24/5, but they’re out-of-office from Friday to Sunday.
If you’re looking for the quickest route, we’d recommend sending them a WhatsApp chat.
We got an immediate reply from one of their team members, and we came away impressed with their dedication to providing top-tier customer service.
Your capital is at risk. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
3. Hellostake – Top Online Brokerage for Free Trades
Although Hellostake doesn’t yet support cryptocurrency trading; retail investors will enjoy 100% commission-free transactions across nearly 10,000 stocks and ETFs. The only “catch” here is their £2 withdrawal fee, but we hardly think you’ll mind.
Pros
Free stock, ETF, and Forex trades
8,000+ stocks and ETFs
Get £10 when you sign up
Easy-to-use but powerful mobile app
Minimal, £2 withdrawal fee
Cons
No cryptocurrency support
No live chat or phone contacts
Forex Market Variety: 4/5
Over the last 5 years, Hellostake has gained a widely known reputation for hosting 100% commission-free trades. Thanks to their easily accessible yet powerful mobile app, you’ll have 8,000+ U.S. stocks and ETFs at the tap of a screen.
If you’d prefer to trade on desktop; their website offers (link to https://fastest.link/recommends/hellostake-uk/ a detailed picture that encapsulates the biggest “winners” and “losers” of the day. You’ll never be left without pertinent information that could feed your brokerage account with extra cash.
Hellostake doesn’t yet support crypto trading or purchases, which knocks them down a few pegs on our list.
That said; they’re gearing up to launch Stake Crypto, which is poised to make this trading platform a true front-runner in the Forex industry.
Commissions & Pricing: 5/5
When you sign up today; you’ll get £10 from Stake. Their account funding minimum is listed at £50; so you’ll have £60 to start off with.
Unlike the majority of stock trading platforms; Hellostake offers commission-free trading across their entire library of financial markets.
Whether you’re biting into AAPL or investing in Lockheed Martin, you’ll get to keep 100% of what you earn.
There is a minimal withdrawal fee you should know about; but most brokerage firms take more in commission per trade than £2.
Customer Support: 3.8/5
This is arguably the area in which Hellostake suffers most. Regrettably, they don’t offer phone or live chat support.
If you want to get in touch; you’ll have to send them an email or create a support ticket on their website.
To their credit; their customer service team responded to our email within an hour. Regardless, we’ll be back to give them a better ranking once they implement faster means of contact.
Your capital is at risk. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
4. Plus500 – Top UK Trading Platform for Quality Customer Support
Even taking their lack of a dedicated phone line into account; Plus500 reigns supreme when it comes to getting the instant, professional assistance you deserve.
Pros
Live chat, WhatsApp, and email support
Minimal stock trading fees
1,800+ stocks, ETFs, and indices
16 foreign currency pairs
Easy-to-use desktop and mobile site
Cons
Fast traders are prohibited
No regular cryptocurrency trades
Forex Market Variety: 3.9/5
Plus500 brings 1,800+ individual shares, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrency CFDs to the table.
That said, you won’t have the ability to buy, sell, or trade any physical cryptocurrencies here. However, you can speculate on the value of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash for the purpose of turning a profit.
For the more traditional-minded, we came across 16 foreign currency pairs that range from EUR to JPY and everything in between.
With all this in mind; fast traders are prohibited from using Plus500’s services. If they detect that you close a position before 2 minutes of active trading have elapsed, they’ll permanently ban your account.
In this scenario, it might be worth setting a timer for 2:01.
Commissions & Pricing: 4.2/5
Unlike many other share dealing companies; Plus500 proudly offers 100% fee-free deposits and withdrawals for retail investors to capitalize on.
To compensate; stock trades have nominal fees attached.
You’ll be charged £0.006 per trade for all U.S. stocks; while trades across the London Stock Exchange come with a 0.045% surcharge.
At their highest, fees can go up to 0.075% for stock trades made within Portuguese, Austrian, Norwegian, and Amsterdam-centered financial markets.
However, for the largest go-to-options, you’ll only be paying 1-2 pence on the pound for each transaction.
Customer Support: 5/5
Investors who refuse to settle for less than professional, instantaneous customer support will feel at home with Plus500’s competent representatives.
While they don’t have an actual phone line to call; they’re available 24/7 via live chat, WhatsApp, and email contact options.
We received an email response from their team within 15 minutes, which blew their competition out of the water almost completely.
We were also taken aback by the speed and quality of their WhatsApp support line. Before we could finish typing our message; we were greeted by one of Plus500’s courteous representatives.
Your capital is at risk. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
5. IG Bank – Excellent Trading Platform for Crypto & Stock CFDs
Pros
CFDs across 17,000+ markets
Range of customer support options
Automated trading strategies
Downloadable, high-powered app
0.5% stock/ETF commission
Cons
£250 account minimum
5% CFD transaction fee
Long before Google got their footing, IG came about in 1974 as the first legitimate spread betting platform.
As the advent of the Internet made it easy for everybody to access currency trading options; IG evolved in turn. Today, they serve nearly 200,000 clients and host CFDs across 17,000+ financial markets.
You can also trade 17,000+ stocks and ETFs and benefit from a very minimal 0.5% commission fee.
Listed at 5%, their CFD commission rate isn’t so forgiving. Although their commission is somewhat steep, IG’s marketplace presents thousands of profitable opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
To get started with this advanced platform, you’ll need to fund your account with £250 or more.
Your capital is at risk. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
6. Interactive Brokers – Great UK Trading Platform for Beginners
Pros
£0 deposit minimum
User-friendly trading platform
Great phone support for newbies
Regular stock investments are free
Cons
Monthly account fees
Interactive Investors will let you wade your way into the pool, rather than jumping right in. To open a brokerage account and start trading; you’ll have to fork over exactly £0.00.
You can purchase fractional stock shares with just £1, and you’ll have access to a broad range of educational resources that can get your trading journey started on the right foot.
Their platform is user-friendly to the extreme – their website layout feels easily digestible, and you won’t have to worry about navigating through a complicated interface to buy, sell, or trade.
In addition to thousands of U.S. stocks, you’ll find mutual funds and bonds that cover the UK financial markets.
While regular stock trades, investments, deposits, and withdrawals are free; they charge investors £9.99 to keep their accounts open every month.
Your capital is at risk. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
7. Skilling – Top Online Broker for Trading Tools & Strategies
Pros
Easy-to-navigate website
Comprehensive trading tools
Streamlined mobile app
900+ tradable symbols
Cons
Not many educational resources for beginners
Over the last 6 years, Skilling has become a panacea for experienced UK traders to capitalize upon. However, they don’t offer many educational resources for beginners, so you should have at least a few months’ experience before opening a brokerage account here.
In combination with their slew of comprehensive trading tools, their easily navigable website makes it simple to open and close positions in tune with market fluctuations.
Their high-quality, streamlined mobile app brings all the functionality of 70+ drawing tools and 80+ indicators to your back pocket.
We came across 900+ tradable symbols that account for 700+ U.S. and European stocks. Of course, 73 currency pairs, 55 cryptocurrencies, and 18 global indices make the cut here.
Your capital is at risk. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
8. VantageFX – Safest Trading Platform for Everyday investors
Pros
Supports social investing
Maintains 3 licenses
Negative balance protection
Cons
Market volume doesn’t impress
VantageFX maintains regulatory status in the UK, Cayman Islands, and Australia. They’re licensed to operate by the FCA, CIMA, and APRA; which means they offer a set of global stocks not hosted by some brokers.
They’re ranked as a “high-trust” platform, so you’ll be 100% protected every step of the way.
Although their market volume isn’t dressed to impress; you’ll notice a great deal of variety packed into 257+ tradable symbols. We counted 44 currency pairs, 200+ global stocks, and CFDs that span over 4 cryptocurrencies.
Much like eToro, VantageFX supports social investing policies. If you’re willing to trust your favorite investor’s judgment; you can leave your money in their hands.
That said; VantageFX also offers negative balance protection. If you’re in the red; you won’t owe any money out of pocket – you can only lose what you invest.
Your capital is at risk. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
How We Chose the Best Trading Platforms for Everyday Investors
Forex Market Variety
Active traders should never have to settle for less. To that end, we prioritized online brokers that support thousands of tradable symbols.
Whether you’re looking to buy fractional shares, trade ETH, or speculate on the value of AAPL, our trading platforms give you the widest range of financial markets to choose among.
Commissions & Pricing
The best online trading platforms offer commission-free trading across your favorite stocks, ETFs, and foreign currencies.
Our top-ranked marketplaces don’t charge an arm and a leg to start investing. In other words, you’ll get to keep more of your profits.
Customer Support
Should anything software or trading-related go wrong, you’ll appreciate having direct access to a dedicated customer support team.
The safest online broker platforms make it quick, easy, and convenient to get in touch by phone or email.
How To Get Started With UK Trading Platforms
Create an online brokerage account with eToro.
On eToro’s homepage, you’ll see a bright green “Start Investing” button. Click on it, then create a unique username and password combination.
Next, enter your preferred email address and accept both checkboxes before clicking “Create Account”.
Alternatively, you can begin trading under your existing Google or Facebook account.
Verify your email address.
Check your primary inbox for a new email. If you don’t see it within a few minutes, be sure to check your “spam” or “promotions” folder.
Once you find their verification email, click on “Verify Now” to continue.
Complete your profile.
Before you access eToro’s global markets, you’ll have to complete your profile.
To do this, click on the blue “Complete Profile” button. Then, fill out any requested personal information. eToro will ask for your birthday, gender, full name, home address, and banking details.
Make your first deposit.
From eToro’s homepage, navigate to the upper-left-corner of your screen. Click on their menu icon, and then click on the blue “Deposit Funds” button.
Next, type in however much you’d like to deposit initially. Finally, select your preferred payment method from their drop-down banner.
After linking your bank account or filling out your card details, click on “Deposit”.
Now, you’ll have direct market access to eToro’s range of currencies, stocks, and ETFs!
Top Brokerage Firms & Best Trading Platforms: FAQs
What Are the Top 10 Trading Platforms?
What is the Best Trading Platform UK?
The best online trading platform for UK retail investors is eToro. They offer access to more than 30 cryptocurrencies, 3,000 tradable stocks & ETFs, and minimal deposit limits.
Retail investors can start trading with as little as £10 or master their craft with £100,000 in “play” money before diving into the real thing.
Their unique copy trading program allows UK traders to mirror the market moves of well-recognized investing gurus, so you’ll never be left without guidance.
Finally, their easy-to-use iOS/Android app ensures that you’ll never have to miss a trade.
Which Kind of Trading in UK is Best for Everyday Investors?
If you’re new to playing the financial markets; you should probably buy and sell stocks.
Many online UK trading platforms offer commission-free stock trading; so you’ll get to keep everything you earn. Additionally, stock trading is much less (ahem) volatile than foreign and cryptocurrency trading.
Although there’s less reward to be had, there’s much less risk involved.
That being said, ETF, indice, and stock trading are more beginner-friendly than CFD trading.
Is Forex Trading Legal in the UK?
Yes, Forex trading is 100% legal in the UK.
So long as the trading platform you choose is licensed to operate by the FCA; you can legally sell stocks and exchange foreign currencies within UK borders.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is a government agency that regulates UK trading platforms and protects you from shady online stock brokers.
All our top-reviewed trading platforms are regulated, licensed, and monitored by the FCA.
What is Stock Trading?
Retail investors who buy and sell stock shares frequently are known as “stock traders”.
The goal here is to buy low and sell high. You should look to purchase stock shares when they’re at their least valuable point, and sell them for a higher price.
Those who trade stocks are able to turn a profit by timing the stock market.
Which Trading Platform Has The Lowest Fees in the UK?
eToro offers the lowest fees in the UK.
Cryptocurrency transactions are accompanied by a 1% surcharge, while CFD trades come attached to a 5% commission rate.
However, you’ll enjoy free stock & ETF trading. So long as you’re not buying CFDs, you can trade across international stock markets without incurring commission fees.
There is also a £5 withdrawal fee you should know about. However, this fee is negligible in comparison to other online brokers.
Where Should I Invest With Little Money?
If you don’t have much money to play the markets, you should get started with Interactive Investors.
This platform doesn’t require any trading account minimums, so you can start trading mutual funds with as little (or as much) as you’d like.
Unlike most online brokers, Interactive Investors gives you the ability to enjoy low-cost trading across fractional shares.
Can Retail Investor Accounts Lose Money?
Yes, they can. If you’re playing the market, the market can play you.
Advanced traders possess enough skill, knowledge, experience, and luck to keep them in the green. You should always do your research and cut your losses if you find yourself losing money rapidly.
There’s significant risk involved with day trading Forex and CFDs. If you speculate on the value of a particular currency, you are essentially betting against the broker.
If your prediction is correct, the broker will owe you money. If your prediction is incorrect, you may owe the broker money from your account.
Stock trading is much less risky, especially if you’re investing in big-name brands that are all but guaranteed to climb in value.
What is A Self-Select ISA?
A self-select individual savings account (ISA) gives you a tax-free return on your investments.
With a self-select ISA, you can pick and choose which mutual funds, stocks, currencies, and financial instruments you’d like to hold.
In contrast to a cash ISA, you won’t have full-service brokers making your investment decisions for you.
However, you are assuming full responsibility for your capital by choosing a self-select ISA.
Comparison of the Top 5 UK Trading Platforms
3,000+ tradable symbols
40 cryptocurrency options
Commission-free stock trades
£10 account funding minimum
Cutting-edge iOS & Android app
Heavily regulated and insured platform
Tons of educational resources
44 currency pairs
1,260 tradable symbols
Trade BTC, ETH, LTC, and BCH
Free stock, ETF, and Forex trades
8,000+ stocks and ETFs
Get £10 when you sign up
Easy-to-use but powerful mobile app
Minimal, £2 withdrawal fee
Live chat, WhatsApp, and email support
.05% stock trading fees
1,800+ stocks, ETFs, and indices
16 foreign currency pairs
Easy-to-use desktop and mobile site
CFDs across 17,000+ markets
Range of customer support options
Automated trading strategies
Downloadable, high-powered app
0.5% stock/ETF commission
Our Final Thoughts on the Best UK Trading Platforms
Prior to the early 2000’s, Forex trading was a luxury reserved for those with connections. As more and more information has flooded the market; the best UK trading platforms are here to accommodate growing demand.
Although some retail investor accounts lose money in the wake of trades gone wrong; there are just as many success stories to focus on.
In this review, we’ve done the grunt work necessary to separate the sugar from the salt. Our top trading platforms offer a clear picture of your current investments, and they host well-designed mobile apps that make it easy to time the market.