Best Brokers in the UK (2026)
Compare top brokers tailored for the UK market. Enjoy strict FCA regulation, mandatory negative balance protection, tight spreads, and FSCS deposit safeguards.
Broker features, fees and regulation compared.
IC Markets
Plus500
AvaTrade
XTB
XM
eToro
Exness
| Rank & Broker | Rating | Trading Fees | Min Deposit | Regulation | Platforms | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1
IC Markets
Raw Spread Pick
|
4.8 / 5 (★★★★★) | $3.50/side Raw | $0 Standard | $200 | ASIC, CySEC, SCB | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | Open Account → |
|
#2
Plus500
CFD Specialist
|
4.7 / 5 (★★★★★) | Zero Commission (Spread-based) | $100 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC | Proprietary Web, Mobile App | Open Account → |
|
#3
AvaTrade
Multi-Regulated
|
4.6 / 5 (★★★★☆) | Zero Commission (Fixed Spreads) | $100 | CBI, ASIC, FSCA | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO | Open Account → |
|
#4
XTB
Top Web Platform
|
4.7 / 5 (★★★★★) | Low Spreads / Zero Commission | $0 | FCA, CySEC, KNF | xStation 5, xStation Mobile | Open Account → |
|
#5
XM
Low Entry
|
4.5 / 5 (★★★★☆) | Low (from 0.6 pips) | $5 | CySEC, ASIC, DFSA | MT4, MT5, XM App | Open Account → |
|
#6
eToro
Social Trading
|
4.5 / 5 (★★★★☆) | Spread-based & Crypto fees | $50 | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | eToro Web, Mobile App | Open Account → |
|
#7
Exness
High Leverage Pick
|
4.5 / 5 (★★★★☆) | Zero / Up to $3.50/side | $10 | FCA, CySEC, FSA | MT4, MT5, Exness Trade App | Open Account → |
Best online brokers in the UK in 2026
The best online broker in the UK depends on what you want to do with your money. Someone building a long-term portfolio of shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) needs different features from someone comparing forex and contracts for difference (CFDs). Comparing these providers as if they offer the same service can lead to choosing an account that does not fit your needs.
For share and ETF investing, the main considerations are dealing commissions, foreign-exchange conversion charges, account fees, available exchanges and whether the provider offers a Stocks and Shares ISA. For forex and CFD platforms, the comparison changes: spreads, overnight financing, execution policies, leverage limits and the legal entity serving UK residents become particularly important.
This guide explains how to compare UK brokerages across these categories, what their advertised fees may leave out, and which regulatory details to verify before opening an account. Availability, pricing and account features can vary by provider and by the type of account offered to a UK resident.
Start with the type of account you need
- Shares and ETFs: Compare investment platforms, dealing costs, custody fees and available account types.
- Forex and CFDs: Compare the applicable spreads, commissions, overnight charges and protections for UK retail clients.
- Multiple markets: Check whether the provider offers direct ownership of investments, derivatives, or both. Similar market names do not necessarily mean you are buying the same product.
How to compare online brokers in the UK
A useful comparison goes beyond a broker's headline commission or advertised spread. The total cost depends on how you use the account, which instruments you choose, how often you transact and whether you hold investments or leveraged positions overnight. Use the criteria below to compare providers on a like-for-like basis.
Check the exact company serving you on the FCA Register. A brand name alone does not establish which entity holds your account or what protections apply.
Compare commissions, platform fees and currency conversion for investments; compare spreads, commissions and overnight financing for CFDs and forex.
Confirm which shares, ETFs, currency pairs, indices and other instruments are actually available to UK clients.
Check whether a Stocks and Shares ISA is available and distinguish direct investments from leveraged derivatives.
Check GBP payment methods, transfer times, withdrawal conditions and possible charges.
Compare order types, charting, alerts, reporting and mobile usability against your actual requirements.
Review available contact channels, support hours and help with payments, verification and technical issues.
How to check whether an online broker is regulated in the UK
Before using a broker, identify the legal company that will provide your account and check its details on the official Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register. Search using the company's name or Financial Services Register reference number (FRN), then confirm that the permissions cover the services being offered.
Do not rely solely on a broker's logo, website claims or the fact that a similarly named company appears on the Register. Check the registered website and contact details, the entity named in the account agreement, and whether the firm is authorised to serve UK retail customers for the specific product you intend to use.
The key point is that regulation and compensation are not interchangeable. Verify the actual provider and account terms, and consult the FSCS website to understand whether a particular product and claim may be covered.
What can you invest in or trade through UK brokers?
The products offered by online brokers are not identical. Some platforms focus on buying and holding investments, while others specialise in leveraged derivatives. These differences affect ownership, costs, risks and the account features available to you.
Shares and ETFs
Investment platforms may let clients buy shares in individual companies or units in exchange-traded funds.
Compare: Exchange coverage, dealing charges, custody fees, FX conversion and available investment accounts.
Forex
Forex services provide access to currency pairs. Depending on the platform, retail access may be offered through leveraged CFDs or other derivative products.
Compare: Typical spreads, commissions, overnight financing, available pairs and the legal entity serving UK clients.
CFDs
Contracts for difference provide exposure to price movements without owning the underlying share, currency or other asset. Leverage can magnify losses as well as gains.
Compare: Spreads, commissions, financing, margin close-out terms and retail-client protections.
Stocks and Shares ISAs
An ISA is a UK tax-advantaged account for eligible investments. Not every broker offers one, and CFD trading is not the same as holding investments within an ISA.
Compare: ISA availability, eligible investments, account charges and the provider's ISA terms.
Why the product distinction matters
Buying a share and trading a CFD based on that share are different transactions. With a direct share purchase, you generally own the share through the relevant custody arrangement. With a CFD, you have a contract with the provider and do not own the underlying asset. Compare each product's costs, terms and risks separately.
Frequently asked questions about UK online brokers
Identify the product you need, compare relevant fees and account features, and check the legal entity serving UK clients.
Search the firm's name or FRN on the FCA Register and verify its permissions and registered details.
Compare dealing, platform and currency-conversion fees for investments, or spreads, commissions and financing for CFDs and forex.
A share CFD provides price exposure without ownership of the underlying share. Confirm whether a provider offers direct share dealing.
Only providers offering an eligible ISA service can provide that account type. A standard trading or CFD account is not an ISA.
Protection depends on the firm, product and eligibility rules. Check the FSCS website; ordinary market losses are not covered.
Requirements vary by provider and product. Check current terms for both account opening and transaction minimums.
How to make a fair broker comparison
Broker comparisons are most useful when providers are assessed against the same criteria. A share-investing platform should not be judged by the same fee structure as a CFD provider, and a firm's overall brand reputation does not replace checking the specific account available in the UK.
When reviewing a provider, distinguish between published account terms and features that may vary by client, instrument or jurisdiction. Fees, minimum deposits, available products and regulatory arrangements can change, so readers should confirm current information directly with the provider and the relevant regulator before making a decision.
TradeRankCompare aims to help readers understand these differences and identify the questions to ask before choosing a platform. Any ranking or recommendation should be supported by clear criteria and current provider-specific information, rather than a general claim that one broker is best for everyone.
Risk notice: Investing involves risk and the value of investments can fall as well as rise. CFDs and other leveraged products are complex instruments and can result in rapid losses. This page is for general informational purposes and is not personal investment, tax or legal advice. Verify current fees, terms, product availability and regulatory status with the relevant provider and official sources.