Based on our analysis, the best CFD trading platforms in the UK are:

1. Pepperstone - Best CFD Broker in the UK Overall
2. OANDA - Most Trusted Broker for CFD Trading in the UK
3. eToro - Great Social Trading For UK Traders
4. AvaTrade - Good Forex Options Broker
5. IG Group - Best Range of Trading Products in the World
6. CMC Markets - Top CFD Trading Platform for Beginners
7. Plus500 - Good CFD App with Risk Management
8. City Index - Great Research and Education
9. Admirals - Top CFD Forex Broker with MT4
10. XTB - Good No Minimum Deposit Account

Our reviews focused exclusively on online brokers licensed by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Britain’s primary financial services regulator. Charged with overseeing the conduct of all financial services firms, including forex brokers, CFD brokers and spread betting brokers, the FCA works to ensure market transparency and ethical conduct by major players in the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives space.

The brokers we profiled are also members of the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). In the case of malfeasance oversight by a broker participating in the scheme, affected traders may be entitled to reimbursements or damages payments to recoup any losses.

1. Pepperstone - Best CFD Broker In The UK Overall

With an outstanding selection of trading platforms, lightning-quick execution speeds and competitive trading costs, Pepperstone tops our list as the best CFD broker for British traders.

Founded in 2010, Pepperstone claims 400,000 traders worldwide and a daily trading volume of US $12.55 billion. These numbers make Pepperstone one of the largest brokers in the world. 

Fast Execution and Low Latency

We tested broker execution speeds ourselves by opening real-money trading accounts with each broker profiled in this article and using an Expert Adviser (EA) to place limit and market orders. Each broker was evaluated based on its execution for limit and market orders on the popular MetaTrader 4 trading platform.

In our tests, Pepperstone executed limit orders in around 77 ms and market orders in around 100 ms on average.  Compare Pepperstone to the industry averages of 132.5 ms and 139.5 ms, and it’s clear this broker delivers when it comes to speed.

The extent to which Pepperstone outperforms the competition becomes even clearer when you compare it to the second and third-fastest brokers. Pepperstone executes market orders 21% faster than FXCM and 27% faster than City Index. Similarly, it fills limit orders 35% faster than FXCM and 21% faster than City Index.

Trading Platforms and Tools

Beyond execution speed, Pepperstone also stood out to our analysts for the selection of trading platforms available. This broker offers the widest selection of the brokers included in our round-up.

• TradingView. A ‘social charting platform’ that includes sophisticated drawing tools and additional specialised indicators.
• cTrader. A platform designed for complex algorithmic trading.
• MetaTrader 4. The world’s most popular platform for trading forex, available with additional indicators and trading tools if you opt for Pepperstone’s Smart Trader Tools package.
• MetaTrader 5. The next generation of MetaQuotes platforms. MT5 is a more powerful version of MT4, with most of the same features plus more advanced trading tools.

 

While Pepperstone likes to tout its status as a premier MetaTrader 4 broker, we were equally impressed by its TradingView offering, which combines powerful charting with a social trading-style interface. Basic charting packages start from five indicators, but premium subscriptions allow you to add up to 20 indicators to a single chart.

All of Pepperstone’s platforms are available in desktop, web and mobile app formats - a rarity amongst top brokers. Its mobile app is also compatible with both major operating systems: iOS and Android.

Trading Costs and Markets

With Pepperstone, CFD traders can choose between two classic account types: a commission-free, spread-only Standard account and a low-spread, commission-based Razor account.

• Standard. Offers posted minimum spreads of 1.0 pips for most major currency pairs. Typical spreads for the EUR/USD currency pair over a 24-hour period average 1.12 pips, according to our team’s tests.

 

• Razor. Offers tighter minimum spreads starting from 0.0 pips for major currency pairs. Over the same 24-hour period, we tested the broker's standard account, the Razor account averaged 0.10 pips for the EUR/USD pair. 

 

In addition to over 1,000 share CFDs and 25 hard and soft commodities, Pepperstone offers exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and indices as CFD trading products. The broker also has a respectable selection of 62 currency pairs to trade, including majors, minors and exotic crosses.

Our Verdict on Pepperstone

Pepperstone is a great all-around CFD broker suitable for new and experienced traders alike. It offers a great selection of Forex trading platforms for UK Traders and add-ons, as well as fast execution and low spreads, making for an excellent—cost-effective—trading experience.

2. OANDA - Most Trusted Broker For CFD Trading In The UK

Toronto-based broker OANDA has spent nearly three decades building a reputation as one of the most trustworthy and transparent brokers in the forex and CFD trading industry. Only IG Group can claim more experience.

OANDA also enjoys the distinction of holding the most licenses overall of any top-tier global broker. In addition to licenses from the FCA, CIRO, CFTC, MAS and ASIC, OANDA is also authorised by regulators in the British Virgin Islands, Seychelles, Malta and Poland.

Excellent Global Reputation

As the winner of TradingView’s ‘Broker of the Year’ award for 2023 and ‘Best Broker for Client Satisfaction’ from Investment Trends UK, OANDA can rightly claim to enjoy a stellar reputation throughout the derivatives trading industry.

OANDA also holds licenses from five Tier-1 regulators around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Singapore. As one of the most heavily regulated brokers in the world, OANDA puts its literal money where its figurative mouth is when it comes to transparency and trust.

Trading Platforms and Tools

If you plan to focus on forex trading or want access to more advanced charting tools, OANDA offers access to the MetaTrader 4 and TradingView platforms. In our opinion,  TradingView is the best chart trading platform since it comes with 130 indicators, 12 chart types, 50 drawing tools, and custom alerts that can significantly increase your analytical capacities.

For beginners and others in search of a more straightforward trading experience, there’s the broker’s own trading platform: OANDATrade. Thanks to a thoughtful layout, those new to trading from charts won’t struggle to configure custom layouts or locate important market information. As a bonus, OANDATrade comes with a guaranteed stop-loss order (GSLO), a useful risk management tool to ensure you don’t make losses due to slippage.

OANDA account holders can trade hard and soft commodity CFDs, along with indices. The broker doesn’t offer ETF or share CFDs, however, which makes for a much more limited product offering than other top CFD brokers. It does, however, boast 69 forex pairs.

Trading costs and Markets

OANDA simplifies account selection by offering retail traders a single option: a Standard account. While more experienced traders in search of tight spreads might balk, they can take comfort in the fact that OANDA consistently outperforms other brokers in terms of trading fees.

When we monitored spreads for the top five currency pairs over 24 hours, OANDA averaged 0.7 pips across the major pairs—74% lower than the industry average and the lowest of any FCA-regulated broker.

You don’t need to make a minimum deposit to begin trading with OANDA, and the broker also keeps other indirect trading costs low. There are no fees to deposit or withdraw funds from your trading account, even with a credit card. OANDA does, however, charge an inactivity fee after one year of dormancy and like with just about all brokers, there will be swap fees.

Our Verdict on OANDA

OANDA is well suited to new and intermediate traders who appreciate the peace of mind that comes with extensive oversight. It’s a trusted broker with excellent risk management tools and a straightforward pricing structure.

3. eToro - Great Social Trading For UK Traders

Founded in 2007, eToro quickly made a name for itself as the best broker for casual or time-pressed traders interested in social and copy trading more than technical analysis. eToro is licensed by the FCA, ASIC and CySEC, three of the most important Tier-1 regulators.

Excellent Social Trading Tools

eToro is widely recognised for introducing a fresh, game-ified approach to retail investing. With a stated goal to make CFD trading more accessible to casual or time-pressed investors, the broker has developed a suite of innovative copy and social trading tools designed to make trading easier for those who prefer not to immerse themselves in chart types and indicators. 

The aptly named CopyTrader tool allows you to choose a high-performing trader, typically a professional investor, and then follow their positions. You can screen potential traders to follow based on their preferred assets, trading style, years of experience and, of course, track record. eToro also allows you to hedge your copy trading by following multiple traders at the same time.

If you feel confident enough to make some trading decisions on your own but prefer to avoid technical analysis, eToro’s SmartPortfolios give you more control over your investing without the heavy lifting. Formerly known as CopyPortfolios, the ‘smart’ portfolios are themed collections of investments (stock indices) chosen to complement one another. Professional investors decide what goes into each SmartPortfolio, and you choose where to allocate your resources.

The selection of SmartPortfolios can and does change depending on the broker’s understanding of client needs. Popular portfolios focus on hot trends like artificial intelligence in tech, but you can also opt to mimic more traditional investment funds, like Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway.

Trading Platforms and Tools

Once you move away from social and copy trading into more traditional

Aside from its novel social and copy trading tools, eToro’s selection of trading tools may leave experienced traders wanting. While it does incorporate advanced charting from TradingView, with over 100 technical indicators and 55 drawing tools, the platform has only three order types. For this reason, traders might find they are limited in risk management options,  which are helpful for more complex strategies.

The mobile app likewise offers an easy-to-use interface with sophisticated charting. The focus, however, remains on the broker’s proprietary social trading and copy trading tools.

Trading Costs and Markets

If you choose to trade with eToro, you’ll do so using a commission-free Standard account. Variable spreads start from 1.0 pips. However, our tests found that the broker averaged 1.30 pips across the major currency pairs. eToro’s number did beat the industry average of 1.52 pips, but its important to take into account the individual currency pairs. The industry average for the GBP/USD pair is 1.57 pips. eToro averaged 2.0.

eToro traders will also face indirect trading costs in the form of a US $5 withdrawal fee to remove money from your account and swap fees to hold overnight positons. The broker does not charge a minimum deposit, however.

Our Verdict on eToro

eToro’s collection of 5,000 assets to trade has a little of everything, but not a lot of anything. The broker made a name for itself as a crypto specialist, but FCA rules against trading cryptocurrency or crypto CFDs mean UK traders will need to content themselves with share CFDs, ETFs, indices and forex.

4. AvaTrade - Good Forex Options Broker

While its headquarters may be in Dublin, Ireland, AvaTrade has a truly international presence, with offices in the UAE, Milan, Tokyo and Sydney. It’s also one of the few brokers we have reviewed to offer options trading for forex. AvaTrade holds licenses from ASIC, CIRO and CySEC.

Forex Options Trading in the UK

Something of a hybrid between traditional trading and CFDs, vanilla options give you the right to buy or sell an asset at a pre-determined price before or after the expiration date of your contract with your broker. If you decide to buy, you’ll end up owning the underlying asset, and if you sell, that means you owned it in the first place. (That’s the difference between options and CFDs.)

Forex options come with a number of advantages, including a high degree of risk management, flexibility and the potential to profit in ‘flat’ markets. When buying options, the maximum loss is the premium paid for the option, regardless of how much the market moves against the position.

The AvaOptions trading app is designed specifically for options trading. You can trade 42 Forex pairs as options, along with gold and silver. This app is available with Android and iOS operating systems. AvaTrade is one of the few CFD brokers we have reviewed that allow clients to trade vanilla forex options across its entire range of currency pairs.

Trading Platforms and Tools

AvaTrade offers a choice of trading platforms, from MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 to its own home-grown platforms. Both the AvaTrade web trader app and the AvaGo mobile app provide a solid trading experience, albeit a very basic one. It certainly does the job if you don’t care much about customising your views and interface, but it may feel limited or constraining if you’re used to more control.

If social trading is more your thing,  you can choose between AvaSocial and Duplitrade. AvaSocial has no minimum deposit requirements and is designed to help you engage with other traders. Duplitrade does come with a hefty minimum deposit but has a rigorous qualification process to ensure traders you copy are likely to perform well.

The AvaTrade approach to technical analysis leans heavily on market sentiment as the primary tool. Neither the web trader nor the trading app include advanced charting or automated trading. For that, you’ll need to trade with MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5. AvaTrade doesn’t offer exchange-traded assets like real stocks, so the decision of which MetaQuotes platform will hinge on features. MT4 has more EAs, and MT5 has more technical indicators, for example.

Trading Costs and Markets

AvaTrade makes opening a retail investor account as efficient as possible by limiting all traders to a single account type that follows the commission-free, spread-only standard model. Variable minimum spreads start from 1.0 pips, and its tested EUR/USD spread of 9.0 pips compares well with other top brokers.

That said, AvaTrade does come with some indirect trading costs. In addition to overnight swap fees and an inactivity fee, you’ll need to make a minimum deposit in order to start trading. Specifically, you’ll need to add ￡100 to your account, and only British pounds will do. AvaTrade does not allow UK traders to denominate their accounts in other currencies.

Beyond forex options, AvaTrade claims an impressive collection of commodities CFDs. You can trade ten ‘soft’ agricultural commodities, nine energies and eight metals - the most of any broker in this roundup. Share CFDs, indices and spot forex are also available.

Our Verdict on AvaTrade

If you’re interested in expanding your forex trading to include vanilla options, AvaTrade has a lot to like. If you’re a more wide-ranging CFD trader, however, the broker’s mid-range trading costs and limited platform selection might not align with your needs.

5. IG Group - Best Range Of Trading Products In The World

London-headquartered IG Group has been a pioneering force in retail investing since 1974. Widely credited with introducing spread betting to non-professional traders, it also stands out for the breadth of its product offering: over 13,000 CFDs to trade. IG Group holds licenses from eight Tier-1 regulators, including the FCA, ASIC, CFTC and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

The Most Trading Products of Any Broker

Whether you have an interest in esoteric currency pairs, hedge extensively against risk or just like to experiment across derivatives markets while you find your niche, IG Group almost certainly has a product (or three) to help you meet your trading goals.

IG Group claims over 18,000 tradable assets, including:

• 17,000 global stock CFDs representing some of the largest publicly traded companies on the FTSE and the NASDAQ.
• 80 stock indices covering economies from the UK to Hong Kong to Germany.
• 98 forex pairs.
• 5,400 ETFs across stocks, currencies, industries and sectors.

Trading Platforms and Tools

While some brokers like Pepperstone compete for clients with an almost dizzying array of trading platforms and tools, IG Group takes the opposite approach. Other than a limited MetaTrader 4 offering, the broker has gone all in on its own IG Trading platform.

This is no white-labeled MetaTrader offering, however. It’s a top-of-the-line trading environment built to IG Group’s specifications based on decades of experience. The platform can be customised down to the most granular details, and includes an impressive array of analytical tools: five chart types, 19 drawing tools, 17 timeframes and 33 technical indicators.

For advanced traders, the broker provides the option to trade via L2 Dealer, a direct market access tool that offers exceptionally deep liquidity via direct connections to international exchange order books. For more sophisticated technical analysis, there’s ProRealTime with an additional 100 indicators and even automated capability.

Trading Costs

IG Group’s CFD Trading account functions like a standard account with commission-free trading and low fixed spreads. When we tested average spreads for the five major currency pairs across 24 hours, IG Group posted solid, if not impressive, results. Its 1.38 pip average beat the industry average of 1.52, but not by a significant margin.

If you plan to use a guaranteed stop-loss order to manage your risk, be aware that IG Group charges a small premium for the service.

You won’t pay to add funds or withdraw from your IG Group account, though the broker does charge swap fees. To begin trading, however, you must make a £250 minimum deposit, which is quite high compared to other brokers.

Our Verdict on IG Group

As one of the pre-eminent forex and CFD brokers in the world, IG Group offers a state-of-the-art platform, competitive trading costs and a truly expansive collection of symbols to trade.

6. CMC Markets - Top CFD Trading Platform For Beginners

Another British brokerage of note, CMC Markets, has 34 years of experience in the retail investing space, covering forex trading, CFD trading, and spread betting. This makes it a great choice for new traders who need an established broker. This broker holds licenses from the FCA, ASIC, Germany’s BaFIN, New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA), CIRO, and MAS.

Great Tools for Beginners

CMC Markets certainly deserves its reputation as a sophisticated broker suitable for advanced traders. As a broker suited for beginners, however, it merits more attention. The educational materials, in particular, stand out as an ideal springboard for newer and intermediate traders to develop their skills and begin building a strategy.

CMC Markets structures its educational offering around a centralised learning hub, which progressively moves traders through lessons and modules focusing on bite-sized skills. A person new to trading CFDs might begin with a nested list of articles, followed by an e-book on trading strategies. After the trader opens an account and begins actively trading, the learning centre adjusts to feature more advanced or interactive content like webinars and skills tutorials.

Trading Platforms and Tools

In addition to MetaTrader 4, CMC Markets account holders can trade via the broker’s own platform, called NexGeneration or NGEN. NGEN’s standout features include a pattern recognition scanner that tracks over 120 individual financial instruments to spot market trends and identify lucrative opportunities, along with sophisticated order types. Beyond stop-loss orders for risk management, NGEN traders can benefit from boundary orders and price ladder trading for bulk orders.

For trading via mobile, CMC Markets offers its own app, featuring 25 charts optimised for mobile devices and an intuitive, customisable interface. The app also incorporates sentiment analysis, an uncommon tool in mobile trading platforms.

Trading Costs and Markets

Similar to other brokers in this roundup, CMC Markets offers two account types: the CFD trading account and the FX active account. Unlike other brokers, it distinguishes between these accounts based on trading product, in addition to pricing structure.

With the CFD trading account, you can spot trade forex, indices, commodities and other assets at spread-only prices. Our independent tests found an average of 0.8 pips for the EUR/USD pair over a 24-hour period, just a slight increase from the broker’s posted minimum of 0.5 pips.

The FX Active account may be the better option, however, if you’re interested in trading forex exclusively and want a commission-based pricing model. Variable minimum spreads for the major currency pairs start at 0.6 pips, and CMC Markets will give you a spread discount of 25% on all other pairs. You will pay a commission of £2.50 per side to execute your trades, but that’s middling for top CFD brokers.

CMC Markets does not require a minimum deposit, nor will you pay to fund your account or withdraw money. If you hold a position overnight, you’ll need to pay a swap fee, and the broker will charge a small fee to place a guaranteed stop-loss order. 

Our Verdict on CMC Markets

CMC Markets, a premium broker known for its extensive product range and competitive spreads, is ideally suited for CFD traders in the UK who want to access diverse markets.

7. Plus500 - Good CFD App With Risk Management 

Founded in 2008, London-based Plus500 offers a user-friendly platform and sophisticated mobile app with advanced charting and risk management features beyond the typical offering. Licensed by the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS, and New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA), comprehensive oversight counterbalances Plus500’s newcomer status.

Trading Platforms and Tools

Described by satisfied users as “well-rounded” and “user-friendly”, Plus500’s in-house WebTrader trading platform caters more to casual and beginner traders, but still delivers a quality experience that will appeal to those at an intermediate level. One of its standout features: a guaranteed stop-loss order available for a small extra fee.

WebTrader also includes advanced charting tools, like a customisable multi-chart view that allows you to toggle between multiple markets. The charts themselves feature 11 timeframes, over 100 technical indicators, and drawing tools.

Where Plus500 really shines, however, is the mobile app. Not only does the charting rival that of the WebTrader web app, with 199 indicators, 13 chart types and 21 drawing tools, it also offers similarly powerful risk protection. Mobile traders can switch to “demo mode” to trial new strategies without risking capital and have access to an economic calendar. Real-time alerts sent as SMS messages, emails and push notifications keep traders informed.

A significant drawback? Plus500’s WebTrader does not include one-click trading. "Without one-click trading, scalpers are really at a disadvantage. It slows everything down, making those quick, in-and-out trades much less efficient and a lot more frustrating," explains CompareForexBrokers.com’s Justin Grossbard.

Trading Costs and Markets

Plus 500’s Standard account uses a spread-only pricing model and charges no commissions. Minimum variable spreads start at a respectable, though not extraordinary 0.6 pips.

On the other hand, you won’t need to make a minimum deposit, nor will you pay a fee to add money to or withdraw money from your trading account. You will, however, need to ensure that your transfer adds up to £100 in the case of digital wallets and payment methods, and £500 in the case of a bank transfer.

In terms of financial markets, Plus500 covers all the expected bases. The broker offers 71 forex pairs, ETFs, indices, hard and soft commodities, and 10 agricultural products.

Our Verdict on Plus500

A solid broker with a surprisingly powerful mobile trading app with offers great charting and risk management.

8. City Index - Great Research And Education

Founded in London in 1983, City Index is one of the leading British online brokerages and boasts an esteemed reputation. It holds licenses from the FCA, ASIC, and MAS in Singapore, making it a trustworthy choice for British traders.

Trading Platforms and Tools

In an inherently high-risk activity like CFD trading, access to market analysis and research tools can make all the difference between early success and months of struggle. Most UK CFD brokers offer at least a nod in the direction of market research and education, but few go the extra mile to provide real insights into price movements and market trends that allow traders to build sensitive, responsive strategies.

In addition to a dedicated training academy, complete with video walk-thoughs, modules and quizzes designed to help new traders acclimate, City Index also offers real-time market news and analysis compiled by active, professional traders. If you opt for the brokers own trading platform, you’ll benefit from live updates direct from Reuters.

City Index offers a choice between MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and its proprietary platform.

Trading Costs and Markets

City Index provides two account options,; Standard and MetaTrader 4, with identical pricing for both. This ensures that UK CFD traders enjoy consistent trading conditions, whether trading on the broker's platform or MT4.

The accounts feature spread-only pricing, starting from 0.6. For the EUR/USD pair, spreads begin at 0.7 pips, with an advertised average of 1.24 pips for major pairs tested. Our testing showed EUR/USD spreads at approximately 1.16 pips and an overall average of 1.79 pips, marking a 44% increase.

City Index offers a comprehensive selection of financial instruments across global markets. Its range of CFD products totals over 13,000 tradeable symbols in forex, indices, shares, and commodities. However, share CFDs are not available to MT4 traders.

Our Verdict on City Index

A great broker for fundamental market analysts and new traders still learning the ins and outs of the market.

9. Admirals -  Top CFD Forex Broker With MT4

Established in 2001, Estonian broker Admirals has expanded its presence in the online trading industry to become a popular choice for MT4 traders. Admirals hold licenses from four top-tier regulators - ASIC, CySEC, and CIRO - making them reliable financial services providers with a strong performance history.

Trading Platforms and Tools

While Admirals does have a proprietary mobile trading app, Admirals Mobile, and recently launched its own web trader, the broker’s primary platform offering centers on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. The broker’s product offering varies significantly by platform, something to be aware of when opening an account.

Both the Admirals app and web trader offer a very beginner-friendly trading experience with a pared-down interface and minimal bells and whistles. Some might say it's too pared down, as the app lacks popular features like price alerts and one-tap trading.

Trading Costs and Markets

Similar to CMC Markets, Admirals distinguishes its trading accounts by platform as well as pricing model. The Trade.MT4 and Trade.MT5 accounts use a spread-only pricing model in line with standard account types at other brokers. The Zero.MT4 and Zero.MT5 accounts have the same tight spreads and commission-based pricing you would expect from a raw spread broker.

Minimum spreads with the Trade accounts starts at 0.5 pips. As you might expect from the name, you’ll benefit from spreads as low as 0.0 with the Zero account. You will, however, pay a commission of £2.40 per side to execute your trade.

No matter your account type, you’ll make a minimum deposit of £250 to start trading. Only IG Group charges a similar rate.

Beyond forex, Admirals allows trading in indices, stocks, bonds, and commodity CFDs. However, the selection of financial instruments you can trade differs based on the type of account you hold. You can also spread bet in the UK using MT5 with Admirals.

The Trade.MT4 account provides access to 37 currency pairs, as well as CFDs on stocks, bonds, energies, and metals. In comparison, the Zero.MT4 account features 45 currency pairs and includes CFDs on metals, cash indices, and energies only.

Our Verdict on Admirals

Admirals is an excellent option for MetaTrader enthusiasts looking for additional tools and functionalities, particularly for those interested in algorithmic trading.

10. XTB - Good No Minimum Deposit Account

Established in Dubai in 2002, XTB has grown to become one of the best-known CFD brokers headquartered outside of Europe and Australia. It holds licenses from the Cypress Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the FCA, however, making it a secure choice for British CFD traders.

Trading Platforms and Tools

xStation5, XTB’s own trading platform, includes all the basics a CFD trader needs, including watchlists, alerts, 1-click trading, and trading directly from the chart. We liked that the 1-click trading doesn’t require secondary confirmation to execute an order, making it a more valuable tool for scalpers and other short-term traders. 

xStation5 allows you to configure custom alerts to receive automatic notifications when the market approaches significant price levels. You can also create a personalised watchlist, complete with live quotes for your favourite instruments. A dedicated dashboard provides comprehensive trading statistics and live insights into your trading performance.

Trading Costs and Markets

XTB’s CFD trading account offers variable spreads starting from 0.3 pips, and the spread-only pricing model means you won’t pay commissions. When we compared average spreads across the five major currency pairs, XTB beat the industry average for standard accounts by 0.16 pips or about 11%.

You won’t pay a minimum deposit to begin trading with XTB; other indirect trading costs are similarly low. The broker doesn’t charge an inactivity fee or a maintenance fee to keep your account alive, and there are no deposit or withdrawal fees.

The broker recently expanded its selection of trading products to include over 3,000 real shares, but CFD traders will likely care more about its selection of 2,300 CFD products. Its 23 hard and soft commodities trail only AvaTrade, and XRB also offers a respectable 54 currency pairs for forex traders.

Our Verdict on XTB

A good choice for budget-conscious traders hoping to save on administrative fees and indirect trading costs, XTB offers a reliable trading platform and a solid collection of assets to trade.

FAQ

Answers to some of the most common questions about trading CFDs in the UK.

What is the best CFD trading platform in the UK?

The best CFD trading platform in the UK depends on the individual trader and his or her priorities. We rate Pepperstone the best overall based on its specific combination of features designed to appeal to a broad audience of traders, such as tight spreads, a wide range of trading platforms such as MetaTrader 5, TradingView and cTrader and is one of the best brokers for MetaTrader 4. The brokers also has a solid selection of markets to trade.

What are CFDs?

Contracts for difference allow traders to speculate on the price movements of particular assets without actually buying them. You agree with your broker to exchange the difference between the price of an asset between when you open the contract and when it closes.  You never actually buy the shares, and you profit if you correctly predict the price movement, even if it’s negative.

Can you trade CFDs in the UK?

Yes, you can trade CFDs in the UK. The Financial Services Markets Act of 2000 authorises British retail investors to buy and sell CFDs, provided that they do so through a broker licensed and regulated by the FCA.

Can you trade crypto CFDs in the UK?

No, the FCA does not allow retail investors to trade cryptocurrency or cryptocurrency CFDs due to the exceptional market volatility. Professional traders however are able to to so.

Do you pay taxes on CFD trading in the UK?

Yes, you will pay taxes on your CFD trading profits in the UK. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) assesses capital gains taxes on your income generated from CFD trading once you surpass the annual tax-free allowance. That said, you can also offset any losses incurred while trading CFDs against your profits.

Can European traders trade with a CFD broker in the UK?

Yes, EU residents can open trading accounts and trade CFDs with FCA-regulated UK brokers. In many cases, however, the UK broker will direct you to its EU entity. Also, be aware that EU regulators will not be able to help you should you have any issues with the broker.