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CFD Brokers In The UK

CFD brokers in the UK are popular with British traders. Low fees, high leverage rates and robust regulation attract both beginners and experienced investors. As well as a list of the best UK CFD brokers, we explain how to make your own comparison, considering spreads, FCA licensing, minimum deposits and more.

UK CFD Brokers

1. AvaTrade - AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. You can speculate on underlying assets in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help discover opportunities.
2. XTB - XTB offers a huge selection of more than 2,100 CFDs spanning forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptos (location-dependant). Leverage up to 1:30 is available in the EU and UK, while global clients and pro traders can access up to 1:500. XTB stands out for its CFD trading resources and tutorials to assist traders in developing short-term trading strategies.
3. CMC Markets - CMC lets you trade CFDs on 12,000+ assets across currencies, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs and treasuries. Spreads are relatively tight, there are no hidden fees and the industry-leading MetaTrader 4 platform is also supported for leveraged trading. Year after year, CMC shines as one of the best CFD brokers in the market.
4. Eightcap - Eightcap offers a wide range of trading options with 800+ CFDs across stocks, indices, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (depending on location), with leverage up to 1:30/1:500. It excels in its tools, notably the AI-enabled economic calendar covering 25+ countries with impact filters (high, medium, low). However, its commodities offering, particularly in softs like cotton and wheat, as well as the limited precious metal and energy assets, is its weakest area.
5. FXCC - FXCC offers a narrow range of CFDs beyond forex with a limited selection of metals, energies, indices and cryptos. However, it stands out with its high leverage up to 1:500, which will serve experienced day traders looking to maximize their buying power while speculating on rising and falling prices.

CFD Brokers In The UK Comparison

CFD Brokers In The UK Comparison

Broker	CFD Leverage	Minimum Deposit	Minimum Trade	Regulators	Visit
	1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)	$100	0.01 Lots	ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM	Visit
	1:30	$0	0.01 Lots	FCA, CySEC, KNF, CNMV, DFSA, FSC	Visit
	1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)	$0	0.01 Lots	FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA	Visit
	1:30	$100	0.01 Lots	ASIC, FCA, xCySEC, SCB	Visit
	1:500	$0	0.01 Lots	CySEC	Visit
	1:30	£0	£0.01	FCA	Visit
	1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)	$0	0.01 Lots	FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB	Visit
	1:50	$0	$100	FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB	Visit
	1:30	$5	0.01 Lots	ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA	Visit
	1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)	$200	0.01 Lots	ASIC, CySEC, FSA	Visit
	1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction.	$0	0.01 Lots	ASIC, FCA, MAS	Visit
	1:500	$100	0.01 Lots	ASIC	Visit
	1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)	$100	0.01 Lots	NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA	Visit
	1:30	$50	$10	FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA	Visit
	1:30 for retail clients, 1:500 for professional	$1	0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica)	BVI FSC	Visit

#1 - AvaTrade

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Review

Why We Chose AvaTrade

AvaTrade's 1250+ leveraged CFD products span a wide range of asset classes including stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto, and ETFs. You can speculate on underlying assets in the broker’s feature-rich web and mobile platforms with market-leading research tools to help discover opportunities.

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

- DayTrading Review Team

• FTSE Spread: 0.5
• GBPUSD Spread: 1.5
• Stocks Spread: 0.13
• Leverage: 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
• Regulator: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBol, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM
• Platforms: WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade

About AvaTrade

AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.

Pros

• Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
• WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
• AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more

Cons

• There is no ECN account with raw spreads
• There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
• It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here

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#2 - XTB

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Review

Why We Chose XTB

XTB offers a huge selection of more than 2,100 CFDs spanning forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptos (location-dependant). Leverage up to 1:30 is available in the EU and UK, while global clients and pro traders can access up to 1:500. XTB stands out for its CFD trading resources and tutorials to assist traders in developing short-term trading strategies.

"XTB stands out as a top choice for new day traders with the terrific xStation platform, commission-free pricing, no minimum deposit, and excellent educational tools, many of which are seamlessly integrated into the platform. "

- DayTrading Review Team

• FTSE Spread: 1.8
• GBPUSD Spread: 1.4
• Stocks Spread: 0.2%
• Leverage: 1:30
• Regulator: FCA, CySEC, KNF, CNMV, DFSA, FSC
• Platforms: xStation

About XTB

Founded in 2002 in Poland, XTB now serves more than 935,000 clients. The forex and CFD broker combines a heavily regulated trading environment with an extensive selection of 5,600+ assets and a commitment to trader satisfaction, featuring an intuitive in-house platform with superb tools to support aspiring day traders.

Pros

• Opening an XTB account is a hassle-free, entirely online process that takes just a few minutes, making the entry into day trading smooth for new traders.
• With over 5,600 instruments across forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, including CFDs, share dealing and more recently Investment Plans, XTB caters to both short-term traders and longer-term investors.
• XTB offers fast withdrawals with same-day payments if requested before 1 pm, ensuring day traders have quick access to their funds.

Cons

• Not being able to adjust the default leverage level of XTB products is frustrating, as manual adjustment can significantly mitigate trade risk, especially in forex and CFD trading.
• XTB does not offer a raw spread account, which is becoming increasingly common among competitors like Pepperstone, and may disappoint day traders looking for the tightest spreads.
• XTB discontinued support for MT4, limiting traders to its proprietary platform, xStation, potentially deterring advanced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader suite.

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#3 - CMC Markets

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Review

Why We Chose CMC Markets

CMC lets you trade CFDs on 12,000+ assets across currencies, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs and treasuries. Spreads are relatively tight, there are no hidden fees and the industry-leading MetaTrader 4 platform is also supported for leveraged trading. Year after year, CMC shines as one of the best CFD brokers in the market.

"With advanced charting tools and an extensive range of tradable CFDs, including an almost unrivalled selection of currencies and custom indices, CMC Markets provides a fantastic online platform for traders of all levels. "

- DayTrading Review Team

• FTSE Spread: 1 pt
• GBPUSD Spread: 0.9
• Stocks Spread: 0.02
• Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
• Regulator: FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA
• Platforms: Web, MT4

About CMC Markets

Established in 1989, CMC Markets is a respected broker listed on the London Stock Exchange and authorized by several tier-one regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CIRO. More than 1 million traders from around the world have signed up with the multi-award winning brokerage.

Pros

• CMC offers excellent pricing, including tight spreads and low trading fees for all but stock CFDs. The Alpha and Price+ schemes also offer perks for active traders with up to 40% discounts on spreads.
• The web platform delivers a fantastic user experience with advanced charting tools for day trading and customizable features, catering to both beginners and experienced traders. MT4 (but not MT5) is also supported.
• CMC Markets is heavily regulated by reputable financial authorities and maintains its stellar reputation, helping to ensure a secure and trustworthy trading environment.

Cons

• While CMC offers an above-average suite of assets, there is no support for trading real stocks and UK clients can’t trade cryptocurrencies.
• The CMC Markets app offers the complete trading package but the design and user experience trails category leaders like eToro.
• An inactivity fee of $10 per month is applied after 12 months of inactivity, which may deter casual investors.

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#4 - Eightcap

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Review

Why We Chose Eightcap

Eightcap offers a wide range of trading options with 800+ CFDs across stocks, indices, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies (depending on location), with leverage up to 1:30/1:500. It excels in its tools, notably the AI-enabled economic calendar covering 25+ countries with impact filters (high, medium, low). However, its commodities offering, particularly in softs like cotton and wheat, as well as the limited precious metal and energy assets, is its weakest area.

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 250+ crypto CFDs and the Crypto Crusher market scanner, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

- DayTrading Review Team

• FTSE Spread: 1.2
• GBPUSD Spread: 0.1
• Stocks Spread: 0.03 (Apple Inc)
• Leverage: 1:30
• Regulator: ASIC, FCA, xCySEC, SCB
• Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView

About Eightcap

Eightcap is an award-winning, FCA-regulated broker offering industry-low day trading fees. They are also the highest-rated brand by TradingView’s 50 million-strong users, who can trade directly on the platform. UK traders can sign up for a live account with an accessible £100 minimum deposit.

Pros

• Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
• After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
• Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed more than 490 competitors to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.

Cons

• Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
• In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
• The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.

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#5 - FXCC

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Review

Why We Chose FXCC

FXCC offers a narrow range of CFDs beyond forex with a limited selection of metals, energies, indices and cryptos. However, it stands out with its high leverage up to 1:500, which will serve experienced day traders looking to maximize their buying power while speculating on rising and falling prices.

"FXCC continues to prove itself an excellent option for forex day traders with an extensive range of 70+ currency pairs, ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips during testing, and high leverage up to 1:500 in the ECN XL account. "

- DayTrading Review Team

• FTSE Spread: Variable
• GBPUSD Spread: 1.0
• Stocks Spread: NA
• Leverage: 1:500
• Regulator: CySEC
• Platforms: MT4

About FXCC

FXCC is an established broker that’s been offering low-cost online trading since 2010. Registered in Nevis and regulated by the CySEC, it stands out for its ECN trading conditions, no minimum deposit and smooth account opening that takes less than 5 minutes.

Pros

• FXCC is trusted and licensed by the CySEC, a top-tier European regulator offering high standards of safeguarding
• Competitive and transparent ECN spreads from 0.0 pips with zero commissions, making FXCC one of the cheapest forex brokers
• There are no restrictions on short-term trading strategies like day trading and scalping

Cons

• While the range of currency pairs exceeds most alternatives, the selection of additional assets is narrow, and notably, there are no stocks
• High withdrawal fees may catch out unsuspecting traders, including a significant $45 charge for bank wire payments
• There is a threadbare selection of research tools like Trading Central and Autochartist, value-add features available at category leaders like IG

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What Is A CFD Broker?

CFD Trading is a very popular way to speculate on price movements of assets, like stocks. A Contract for Difference is an agreement between an investor and a CFD broker to pay the difference between the opening price and closing price of a certain asset, such as a UK stock. Crucially, traders do not own the underlying asset.

Let’s look at an example: You want to open a position on 10 shares with an asking price of £100 each. To own these underlying shares, the cost to an investor would be £1,000. However, with most CFD brokers in the UK, the cost to open a leveraged position is usually between 5% and 20% of the ask price – giving traders exposure to the full value of the asset without putting up the total amount or taking ownership of the shares.

CFD brokers in the UK are particularly popular with day traders offering low costs and straightforward access to major financial markets. With that said, CFDs can also be used by longer-term investors though it’s important to use risk management techniques, such as stop losses.

How UK CFD Brokers Work

CFD brokers in the UK offer a platform where clients can choose from a list of assets, analyse the markets, and take positions. A series of instant and pending orders are usually offered alongside a suite of charts, drawing tools and other analysis features.

Most CFD brokers offer in the UK offer trading on currency pairs with the GBP, equities listed on the FTSE, plus precious metals and energies. Note, the FCA has banned CFD brokers in the UK from offering derivatives on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. As a result, traders from the UK will need to turn to offshore, unregulated platforms to find these instruments.

How To Compare CFD Brokers In The UK

Important areas to consider when choosing CFD brokers in the UK include:

Fees

Your chosen asset will need to increase in value by the spread amount for you to break even. In the UK, spreads on popular FX pairs such as the GBP/USD and GBP/EUR are generally between 1-2 pips. Users should also be aware of other charges such as overnight holding fees, withdrawal fees and commissions.

The best CFD brokers in the UK will charge zero sign-up fees, but there will typically be a minimum deposit requirement – which can be as little as £10 or even £0.

Leverage

Another reason CFD trading is popular in the UK is the access to leverage. Leverage is a temporary loan given to the trader by the broker which offers exposure to greater gains, but also higher losses.

Leverage is limited by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) to between 1:2 and 1:30. With some CFD brokers in the UK, once you have qualified for a professional account, you can access leverage up to 1:500.

Markets

CFD brokers in the UK offer access to different markets. Most platforms offer forex pairs, equities and indices, however, the range of each will vary. For example, the top providers will offer a long list of minor and exotic pairs. The best CFD brokers in the UK will also offer access to both the FTSE 100 and sometimes the FTSE 250.

Be wary of platforms offering CFDs on cryptos as these are banned in the UK and may be an indication that the brokerage isn’t licensed.

UK Regulation

The financial regulatory body in the UK is the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). When choosing CFD brokers in the UK, be sure to opt for one that is fully compliant with FCA regulations.

The FCA protects retail investors with measures such as the separation of investor’s money from the broker’s capital and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Bonuses

Some CFD brokers in the UK offer rewards such as deposit bonuses and promo codes for new users. Be wary of gimmicks designed to lure in new investors. The FCA has also clamped down on misleading promotions so finding platforms with generous offers is getting harder.

Accounts

Most CFD brokers in the UK offer a variety of live accounts. Traders that can prove their experience or have a certain amount of capital can open more competitive accounts with tighter spreads, higher leverage ratios and additional analysis tools. The top CFD brokers in the UK may also offer dedicated account managers for those with a professional investing account.

Platforms

CFD brokers in the UK typically offer a choice of platforms, with the most popular options including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader.

Finding an intuitive and user-friendly platform will make speculating on the markets an enjoyable experience. Depending on the frequency and style of your trading, different platforms will also suit your needs better. Compare features such as signals, charts and automated trading options before deciding which platform is best for you.

Mobile Apps

One of the easiest ways to keep your eyes on the markets at crucial times is by using a mobile app. Many CFD brokers in the UK have designed their own applications which give traders the same functionality as traditional desktop platforms in the palm of their hand. These apps are typically available for Android from the Google Play Store and for Apple devices from the App Store. Alternatively, MT4 and MT5 mobile apps are offered alongside proprietary software.

Tools

Many CFD brokers in the UK offer an extensive range of tutorials, seminars and workshops aimed at improving your investing skills and market knowledge. For beginners, in particular, these are worth looking out for when choosing between providers.

Customer Support

It’s important to find CFD brokers in the UK with reliable customer support. Platforms with 24/5 live chat and responsive telephone support will help you resolve technical issues or withdrawal problems promptly. It’s worth checking user reviews for ratings on the quality of customer support before signing up.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Most CFD brokers in the UK allow traders to pay fees and deposit using a range of payment options. Typical options include credit/debit card, bank transfer, PayPal and e-wallets such as Skrill. When deciding which broker is best suited to your needs, decide first how you intend to pay and make a comparison with this in mind.

Final Word On UK CFD Brokers

CFD brokers in the UK offer a range of options in terms of fees, market access, leverage and more. There is a lot of competition, so ensure you take the time to make a thorough comparison of the platforms available and decide which is best for you. Also note that many CFD brokers in the UK offer demo accounts, which are a great way for beginners to get to grips with the services on offer before committing capital.

FAQs

What Is The Best CFD Broker In UK?

When comparing the best CFD brokers in the UK, you should consider fees and deposits, leverage, tradable assets, regulatory status, accounts, and tools. Check out our list of the top CFD brokers in the UK in 2024 for our recommendations.

What Are The Advantages Of CFD Brokers In The UK?

For traders in the UK, a brokerage based or licensed to operate in the United Kingdom can offer straightforward access to British stocks and indices, plus currency pairs with the GBP. Investors will also be able to open GBP accounts and pay fees in their local currency.

Can I Trade Cryptos With CFD Broker In The UK?

The FCA has banned UK retail investors from trading cryptocurrencies through derivatives like CFDs. You’ll only be able to trade CFDs on cryptocurrencies if you’re classed as a professional trader or if you open an account with an unregulated, offshore broker.

Do I Pay Taxes Trading With CFD Brokers In The UK?

Any profits from CFD trading in the UK may be subject to capital gains tax if they exceed £12,500. It could be worth speaking to a professional tax advisor before you open a live account.

Is Investing With UK CFD Brokers Safe?

Investing in CFDs is a risky business. Traders can accumulate large losses, especially when using leverage. As a result, it’s important to sign up with a good UK CFD broker that is regulated by the FCA and offer risk management tools.

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