Best Forex Brokers In The UK
The best forex brokers in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing a secure environment for Brits to trade currencies like the Great British Pound (GBP).
Explore our pick of the top forex brokers accepting UK traders. Our British testers have evaluated each platform, verified their FCA regulation, and awarded them a high overall rating after considering 100+ data points.
Top 6 UK Forex Brokers
After reviewing 224 platforms, these 6 brokers stand out as the best for forex trading in the UK:
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2025:
- Pepperstone - Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.
- XTB - XTB provides access to 70+ currency pairs with low spreads averaging around 1 pip on majors. The xStation platform offers an intuitive environment for forex traders with an excellent charting package encompassing 30+ indicators, plus a range of order types, catering to various strategies and risk management techniques.
- Vantage - Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.
- FxPro - FxPro offers 70+ currency pairs but no minors and stands out with its ultra-fast execution speeds and tight spreads averaging 0.45 pips on EUR/USD. Forex traders can also build test and deploy short-term trading strategies on the industry-leading MT4 software, with expert advisors (EAs) for algo trading.
- IG - IG offers an above-average suite of 80+ currency pairs on its proprietary web platform, mobile app or MetaTrader 4, with more advanced charts and forex analysis tools available on the ProRealTime software. Forex spreads are competitive based on tests, starting from 0.1 pips on majors like the EUR/USD.
- FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
Best Forex Brokers In The UK Comparison
| Broker | Forex Assets | EUR/USD Spread | Forex App Rating | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | 100+ | 0.1 | / 5 | $0 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
| XTB | 70+ | 1.0 | / 5 | $0 | FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC, SCA, Bappebti |
| Vantage | 55+ | 0.0 | / 5 | $50 | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC |
| FxPro | 70+ | 0.45 | / 5 | $100 | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSA |
| IG | 80+ | 0.8 | / 5 | $0 | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
| FOREX.com | 80+ | 1.2 | / 5 | $100 | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
Pepperstone
"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Pepperstone Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.1 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.4 |
| Total Assets | 100+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
- Pepperstone has scooped multiple DayTrading.com annual awards over the years, most recently 'Best Overall Broker' in 2025 and 'Best Forex Broker' runner up in 2025.
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
Cons
- Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
- Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
- Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
XTB
"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. "
XTB Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.4 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.0 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.4 |
| Total Assets | 70+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Platforms | xStation |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, PLN |
Pros
- With an excellent range of educational materials, including training videos and articles integrated into the platform, XTB supports traders at all levels.
- XTB has boosted its interest rate on uninvested balances and added zero-fee ISAs for UK clients with 3,000 stocks and 700 ETFs for diverse opportunities.
- First-class 24/5 customer support is available, including a friendly live chat with response times of under two minutes during testing.
Cons
- XTB discontinued support for MT4, limiting traders to its proprietary platform, xStation, potentially deterring advanced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader suite.
- 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.
- The demo account expires after just four weeks, a serious limitation for traders who wish to thoroughly test the xStation platform and practice short-term strategies before committing real funds.
Vantage
"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."
Vantage Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.5 |
| Total Assets | 55+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Platforms | ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN |
Pros
- The broker has recently made efforts to expand its suite of CFDs providing further trading opportunities
- Vantage caters to hands-off investors with beginner-friendly social trading via ZuluTrade & Myfxbook
- There’s an excellent suite of day trading software, including the award-winning platforms MT4 and MT5
Cons
- Unfortunately, cryptos are only available for Australian clients
- A steep $10,000 deposit is needed for the best trading conditions, which include the $1.50 commission per side
- It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
FxPro
"FxPro is a stellar option for day traders, sporting exceptionally fast execution speeds under 12ms, competitive fees that were lowered in 2022, and terrific charting platforms in MT4, MT5, cTrader and FxPro Edge."
FxPro Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.6 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.45 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.73 |
| Total Assets | 70+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Platforms | FxPro Edge, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- FxPro's Wallet is a standout feature that allows traders to manage funds securely. By segregating unused funds from active trading accounts, the Wallet provides additional protection and convenience.
- FxPro offers four reliable charting platforms, notably the intuitive FxPro Edge, with over 50 indicators, 7 chart types and 15 chart timeframes.
- FxPro operates under a 'No Dealing Desk' (NDD) model, ensuring fast and transparent order execution, often under 12 milliseconds, ideal for short-term trading strategies.
Cons
- While FxPro provides 24/5 customer support through multiple channels that performed well during testing, it lacks 24/7 availability, which can disadvantage traders needing assistance outside traditional market hours.
- There are no passive investment tools like copy trading or interest paid on cash. While active traders may not miss these, competitors like eToro catering to active and passive investors have more comprehensive offerings.
- Despite a growing Knowledge Hub and a $10M funded demo account, FxPro is geared towards advanced traders, with beginners potentially finding the account and fee structure complex.
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform, best-in-class education for beginners, advanced charting tools bolstered by its recent TradingView integration, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
IG Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.9 |
| Total Assets | 80+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform is free as long as certain modest monthly trading activity requirements are met.
- IG offers an extensive collection of professional and engaging educational resources, including webinars, articles, and analysis.
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust.
Cons
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors.
- Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges.
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders.
FOREX.com
"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 1.2 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.4 |
| Total Assets | 80+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
- The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
Cons
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
What Is A Forex Broker?
Forex brokers provide British investors with access to the foreign exchange market through platforms for buying and selling currencies, such as the Great British Pound (GBP).
Transactions in the forex market are presented as a pair of two currencies, for example, GBP/USD or EUR/GBP. Both of these pairs allow you to speculate on the value of GBP in relation to other currencies – the USD and EUR, respectively.
Forex’s popularity among UK investors can be attributed to its liquidity and its global availability, which allows trading 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.
FCA Oversight
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s financial regulator and is considered ‘green tier’ in line with DayTrading.com’s Regulation & Trust Rating.
The FCA oversees financial services activities within the United Kingdom, including online forex trading platforms. All firms offering currency trading to Brits must be authorised by the FCA, with the regulator maintaining a Warning List of unauthorised companies.
The organisation aims to maintain competitive and fair financial markets. This includes protecting British investors against firms acting unlawfully or without their customers’ interests in mind.
Regulated forex brokers in the UK must meet several requirements, including limiting leverage to 1:30 for major currency pairs like GBP/USD and 1:20 for non-major currency pairs like GBP/CAD.
Firms must also segregate client funds to prevent misuse, provide negative balance protection so you cannot lose more than your balance, and not offer misleading financial incentives and bonuses.
Choosing an FCA-regulated forex broker is non-negotiable.It will give you access to the Financial Ombudsman Service to resolve disputes and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) which pays out up to £85,000 per client should the company run into solvency issues.
Additionally, it provides peace of mind against forex scams, which continue to plague the industry.
How Forex Brokers In The UK Make Money
There are several ways through which forex brokers in the UK make money:
Spreads
The spread of an instrument is the difference between the bid and ask price, where the bid price is the quoted price for selling a currency pair, while the ask price is the quoted price for buying the currency pair.
For example, if the broker displays the GBP/USD price as 1.1000/1.1001, then the spread would be 0.0001, or 1 pip.
Spreads can be either fixed or variable. Fixed spreads, often popular with aspiring traders looking for increased price certainty, mean that the price displayed on the platform is the price at which your order should be executed. Market makers tend to offer fixed spreads.
Variable spreads, popular with active, experienced traders, mean that the price will change depending on market conditions. For example, the market liquidity of GBP pairs generally increases when the London session times open, which can facilitate tight spreads.
ECN and STP forex brokers in the UK generally offer variable spreads.
Commissions
Commissions are charges levied when customers open and close orders. These are commonly charged by ECN forex brokers as it is typically their main source of revenue.
Commissions are typically charged as a flat fee (i.e. £2 per round per lot).
Importantly, the best UK brokers should offer low fees on forex pairs with the GBP, including the GBP/USD, EUR/GBP, and GBP/JPY.
How To Compare UK Forex Brokers
Forex trading platforms have their own advantages and disadvantages, each making them more or less competitive for a different set of British investors.
Below are some of the most important factors that should be considered when searching for the best forex broker.
Currency Pairs
Firstly, ensure that the forex brokerage offers the currency pairs you want to trade, such as those containing the British Pound.
While most brokers offer popular forex pairs (like GBP/USD, EUR/GBP and GBP/AUD) exotic pairs (like GBP/SGD, GBP/TRY and GBP/ZAR) are less common.
- CMC Markets is in a league of its own when it comes to the range of currency pairs based on our evaluations. CMC offers 330+ FX pairs and 35+ containing the GBP. It also has 12 currency indices, including a GBP index, providing a holistic view of a currency alongside the currencies of key trading partners.
Spreads & Fees
These conditions are often the most important aspect when looking for a forex broker, as they have a direct and meaningful impact on profits. That said, we don’t recommend choosing a forex trading platform based solely on its fee structure.
Spreads will often differ across each FX pair, though as the GBP is a key currency, you can typically expect tight yet sometimes volatile spreads. Lower spreads or even zero spread brokers can suit high-volume traders, though these brokerages may apply a higher commission rate.
As well as spreads and commissions, forex brokers in the UK may charge transaction fees, inactivity fees and overnight swaps, all of which you should incorporate into your decision and calculations.
The top-rated UK forex trading platforms publish a transparent pricing schedule on their website so you can compare costs before opening an account.
- FOREX.com is a low-cost broker, earning 4.6/5 in DayTrading.com’s Fees & Costs rating. Spreads start from 0.0 on EUR/USD in the RAW Spread account with a $5 commission per $100K, while the Standard account features spreads of 1.0 pips on the EUR/USD during our latest tests.
Payment Options
Another consideration when comparing forex brokers is the available deposit and withdrawal methods.
The best forex brokers in the UK offer a wide range of payment options with low fees. Not only does this demonstrate commitment to user accessibility, but each payment option requires its own set of security checks.
Popular payment methods offered by British FX brokers include Visa & Mastercard debit cards and credit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller.
It is also worth checking that GBP is provided as an account base currency. This will make managing your account and forex trading activity in your local currency easier.
- IG offers free deposits via bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, plus PayPal with a GBP account for convenience. Two of our team have also used IG for real-money trading and haven’t reported any issues with deposits and withdrawals.
Minimum Deposit
When opening a new profile, you will need to fund your account by at least the broker’s minimum deposit amount.
Beginners may find forex brokers with a low minimum deposit more accessible as they require less capital upfront. However, ensure you can access the full catalogue of tools and services, such as forex signals or copy trading if you’re interested in those.
Some UK forex trading platforms increasingly offer a minimum deposit from just £0, while others ask for as much as £1,000 or more for access to advanced features or the best trading conditions.
- AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of £100, though it recommends a starting balance of at least £1,000 to enjoy the full range of products offered. AvaTrade has also come a long way in recent years, picking up DayTrading.com’s ‘Best Trading App’ award.
Platforms
The platforms offered by forex brokers can make or break your experience. The most widely available platform for forex traders is MetaTrader 4 (MT4).
Although it sports an outdated design that I don’t enjoy, this platform offers a wide range of useful tools for market analysis and can be customised to suit your needs.
For FX brokers that offer different platforms, try to find out how many chart types, technical indicators, and additional functionalities are supported by the platform.
Accounts
Forex trading platforms in the UK often offer more than one account option. Each account tends to have different conditions and will be geared towards different experience levels or strategies.
For example, some firms will adopt an STP pricing model while others offer ECN spreads. Alternatively, some UK forex brokers will offer PAMM solutions while others provide an Islamic-friendly profile.
Importantly, the minimum deposit, the range of tradable currency pairs, the quality of the tools, plus the fee structure tend to be the key variants between forex accounts.
Mobile Apps
For those who want to access their account or execute positions on the go, a forex app is a must.
MT4 automatically comes with supported mobile apps, though UK brokers that offer proprietary terminals increasingly provide their own bespoke applications that better integrate with their systems.
- Interactive Broker’s mobile app provides its desktop counterpart’s full functionality. Access advanced quotes and research, plus powerful trading tools such as the Order Entry Wheel. Following obvious investment in recent years, it now delivers the complete mobile forex trading experience.
Customer Support
The best forex brokers in the UK are responsive and reliable.
Ensure there is a range of options to connect with the customer service team, such as telephone, email and live chat.
If your broker doesn’t provide 24-hour support, make sure their contact hours align with the times you normally trade. In the UK, the forex market is at its most active just after 8 am GMT when the London session opens.
- Pepperstone provides 24/7 customer support that we’ve used countless times over the years. Based on our experience, you won’t be kept waiting for help with account queries or questions about forex trading conditions.
Bottom Line
Choosing the best forex brokers in the UK can be a difficult task. However, breaking it down into the features above can be useful to speed up your search and support easier decision-making.
The top-ranked UK brokers will have FCA authorisation alongside a competitive fee structure, a responsive customer service team and convenient deposit and withdrawal methods.
Use our comparison table to kickstart your search.
Regardless of the forex broker you choose, trading currencies is high-risk. Most retail investors lose money.
FAQ
What Are The Best UK Forex Brokers For Beginners?
Beginners will benefit most from the high levels of regulation provided by FCA-regulated brokers, along with user-friendly platforms, low minimum deposits and responsive customer support. Beginners should also make sure to choose a broker that offers a demo forex account.
Based on our reviews, some first-rate beginner-friendly brokers are eToro, Pepperstone, and CMC Markets.
Where Is There A List Of FCA-Regulated Forex Brokers In The UK?
There is a long list of forex brokers in the UK with FCA licenses, including IG, FOREX.com, and Admiral Markets. You can check a broker’s regulatory status on their website or find a list of registered UK FX brokers on the FCA’s Financial Services Register.
We recommend finding a trusted, regulated forex broker in the UK to ensure a secure and legitimate experience.
How Much Leverage Can I Get With Forex Trading Platforms In The UK?
The leverage limits offered to clients depend on whether the broker is FCA-regulated or not. Unregulated forex trading platforms can offer high leverage of 1:100 or more. However, this comes with amplified risks of losses that can extend beyond the balance of your account.
Given the risky nature of leverage trading, the FCA has capped forex leverage to 1:30.
Which Is The Best Forex Broker In The UK?
It is not possible to say that one brokerage or another is the best forex broker in the UK. Many top brokers can compete for that title. You should not try to find the best broker. Instead, you should try to find the right forex broker for you. The best forex platform for one person’s needs is not necessarily the best broker for another trader.
With this said, Pepperstone is a very good broker that was named our forex broker of the year and the FCA-regulated broker Eightcap was named the best overall broker.
Which Forex Brokers In The UK Have 0 Pip Spreads?
Zero pip spread brokers in the UK are beneficial for high-volume traders like scalpers. These types of providers are typically ECN brokers like Pepperstone and Vantage.
However, it’s important to be aware that costs may then be passed on through higher commission charges.
How Much Capital Do I Need To Trade With Forex Trading Platforms In The UK?
This will depend on the minimum deposit requirement permitted by the forex trading platform. Some FX brokers in the UK allow you to open an account and get started with as little as £1, while others require higher minimum deposits like £1,000.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com