Best 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
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1
IGSpread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread BettingWeb, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentralPayPal, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, Visa, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, ZAR, SEK, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD -
2
XTBCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% -83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSCCFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFsxStationPayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Paysafecard, Skrill, Credit Card, Debit Card, Maestro, NetellerUSD, EUR, PLN -
3
CMC MarketsSpread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when spread betting and/or trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Treasuries, Custom Indices, Spread BettingWeb, MT4Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPalUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SEK, NOK, SGD, PLN -
4
CityIndexCFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction.ASIC, FCA, MASCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, BondsMT4, TradingView, TradingCentralPayNow, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, BPAY, Credit Card, PayID, Debit Card, Visa, PayPalUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CZK -
5
PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto(only Pro clients), Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, SkrillUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
6
Eightcap
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
£1000.01 Lots1:30ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMVCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, CommoditiesMT4, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
7
eToro51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100$101:30FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMFCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTseToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentralVisa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Swift, Debit Card, iDeal, Klarna, Sofort, Trustly, Przelewy24USD, EUR, GBP -
8
FOREX.com
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$1000.01 Lots1:30NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMAForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
9
Trade Nation67.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$00.1 Lots1:500 (entity dependent)FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSAForex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)MT4Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Skrill, PayPal, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK -
10
Vantage
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$500.01 Lots1:500FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Spread bettingProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTradeSkrill, BPAY, JCB Card, AstroPay, Visa, Swift, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, UnionPay, FasaPayUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- IG - IG offers a huge selection of 17,000+ CFDs, providing more trading opportunities than most CFD brokers. Traders can go long or short on popular markets like stocks, currencies, commodities and cryptos, while custom price alerts and the IG Academy continue to enhance the trading experience.
- 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.
- 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.
- CityIndex - Trade 5,000+ CFDs from a single account with no hidden fees and free live market data. The suite of markets is impressive vs alternatives, including access to shares, indices, commodities and bonds.
- Pepperstone - Pepperstone maintains its position as one of the fastest and most dependable CFD brokers during our latest round of testing. With execution speeds averaging around 30ms and an outstanding fill rate of 99.90%, the broker ensures a seamless trading experience without requotes or dealing desk interference. It also provides ample trading opportunities across over 1,300 assets.
- 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.
- eToro - You can trade CFDs on over 3,000 assets and access rich market data through the integrated TradingView charts. There are also comprehensive free learning tools available for beginners via the eToro Academy, including dedicated CFD trading courses and guides.
- FOREX.com - With the ability to take both long and short positions on 5,500+ CFDs across forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, FOREX.com excels. Its exclusive Web Trader platform offers an excellent trading experience, equipped with over 80 technical indicators and average execution speeds of just 20 milliseconds, ensuring an optimal environment for serious day traders.
- Trade Nation - Trade leveraged CFDs on over 1000 assets with low-cost spreads. You can also take advantage of the broker's integrated signals to help you determine when to enter and exit positions.
- Vantage - Traders can speculate on 1000+ financial markets with high leverage up to 1:500. You can bet on rising and falling prices in currencies, commodities, indices, shares, and more without owning the underlying asset. With the comprehensive choice of CFD trading platforms, users can also switch between desktop, web and mobile for a seamless trading experience.
Best CFD Brokers In The UK Comparison
| Broker | CFD Leverage | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Regulators |
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1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) | $0 | 0.01 Lots | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
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1:30 | $0 | 0.01 Lots | FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC |
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1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | $0 | 0.01 Lots | FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA |
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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 |
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1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | $0 | 0.01 Lots | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
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1:30 | £100 | 0.01 Lots | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV |
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1:30 | $100 | $10 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF |
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1:30 | $100 | 0.01 Lots | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
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1:500 (entity dependent) | $0 | 0.1 Lots | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA |
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1:500 | $50 | 0.01 Lots | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC |
IG
"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
IG Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.9 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM |
| Platforms | Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| 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
- The proprietary web-based platform continues to caters to traders of all levels, with advanced charting tools and real-time market data useful for day trading
- As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust
Cons
- IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders
- IG applies an inactivity fee of $12 per month after 2 years, deterring casual investors
- While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients
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
| FTSE Spread | 1.8 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.4 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.2% |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Regulator | FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC |
| Platforms | xStation |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, PLN |
Pros
- With over 6,400 instruments across CFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex
- The xStation platform continues to impress with its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, including customizable news feeds, sentiment heatmaps, and trader calculator, reducing the learning curve for newer traders.
- currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFs, share dealing and more recently
Cons
- 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.
- Trading fees are competitive with average spreads of around 1 pip on the EUR/USD but still trail the cheapest brokers like IC Markets, plus there's an inactivity fee after 12 months.
CMC Markets
"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. "
CMC Markets Quick Facts
| 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 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SEK, NOK, SGD, PLN |
Pros
- CMC Markets offers a rich investment offering with over 12,000 CFDs and more recently options trading, providing opportunities to trade market volatility and hedge existing positions.
- The brokerage continues to stand out with its wide range of value-add resources, including pattern recognition scanners, webinars, tutorials, news feeds, and research from respected sources like Morningstar.
- CMC Markets is heavily regulated by reputable financial authorities and maintains its stellar reputation, helping to ensure a secure and trustworthy trading environment.
Cons
- The CMC Markets app offers the complete trading package but the design and user experience trails category leaders like eToro.
- While CMC offers an above-average suite of assets, there is no support for trading real stocks and UK clients can’t trade cryptocurrencies.
- Despite improvements, the web platform still requires enhancements to make it as intuitive to trade on as software from rivals like IG.
CityIndex
"City Index is best for new and intermediate traders looking for a wide selection of assets on user-friendly platforms. The broker is also great for UK traders looking to spread bet on 8,500 instruments with no tax on profits."
CityIndex Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1 pt |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 pips |
| Stocks Spread | Variable |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:50 (Accredited Investor), 1:200 (Sophisticated Investor), 1:300 (Wholesale Investor), 1:400 (Professional Trader). Varies with jurisdiction. |
| Regulator | ASIC, FCA, MAS |
| Platforms | MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CZK |
Pros
- A free demo account with unrestricted access to all markets and trading tools
- Thousands of instruments including thematic indices and interest rates that are not available at many alternatives
- Industry-leading platforms including MT4, plus access to cutting-edge third-party tools like TradingView
Cons
- US traders not accepted
- Cryptocurrency trading not available in all locations
- No Islamic account for Muslim traders
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."
Pepperstone Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.02 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
- There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
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.
Eightcap
"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."
Eightcap Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.2 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.1 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.03 (Apple Inc) |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
Cons
- 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.
- Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
- 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.
eToro
"eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers."
eToro Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.9 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.57 (Apple) |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF |
| Platforms | eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- Exciting investment portfolios are available covering traditional market trends as well as tech, crypto and more
- eToro has bolstered its investment offering, most recently with new crypto assets, now offering over 90 digital currencies
- Charts are powered by TradingView and offer strong technical analysis features, including 9 chart types and over 100 indicators
Cons
- There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners
- Traders will face currency conversion fees for account denominations other than USD
- There are limited contact methods aside from the in-platform live chat
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
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.14 |
| Leverage | 1:30 |
| Regulator | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.
- 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.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
Cons
- Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
Trade Nation
"Trade Nation is a good choice for newer traders looking for a wide range of financial markets on a user-friendly platform. There is no minimum deposit, free funding options and strong education."
Trade Nation Quick Facts
| FTSE Spread | From 0.4 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | From 0.6 |
| Stocks Spread | Variable |
| Leverage | 1:500 (entity dependent) |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA |
| Platforms | MT4 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK |
Pros
- There is a low minimum deposit for beginners
- The trading firm offers tight spreads and a transparent pricing schedule
- Full range of investments via leveraged CFDs for long and short opportunities
Cons
- Fewer legal protections with offshore entity
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
| FTSE Spread | 1.0 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
| Stocks Spread | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Regulator | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC |
| Platforms | ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN |
Pros
- Vantage caters to hands-off investors with beginner-friendly social trading via ZuluTrade & Myfxbook
- The ECN accounts are very competitive with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $1.50 commission per side
- It’s quick and easy to open a live account – taking less than 5 minutes
Cons
- 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
- The average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower than alternatives based on tests
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 providers 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 providers 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 providers 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 providers 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
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.