Best Award-Winning Brokers in the UK 2025
Online trading can feel like a minefield, with an ever-growing list of brokers to choose from. That’s why narrowing your search to award-winning brokers in 2025 could help you get it right first time. Forex, CFD and crypto platforms with accolades for their UK customer service, mobile apps, or bonuses, can all help set you up for success.
We’ve explained what to look for in an award-winning broker below, as well as highlighting the most prestigious industry accolades alongside the brands claiming the top prizes.
Top UK Brokers with Awards
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Founded in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a highly regarded broker specialising in forex and CFDs. Serving more than 400,000 clients globally, it provides access to over 1,300 financial instruments through popular platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. Its fee structure is both low and transparent. With regulation by reputable bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, Pepperstone guarantees a safe trading environment for traders at every level.
Awards- Best Overall Broker - DayTrading.com 2025
- Best Forex Broker Runner Up - DayTrading.com 2025
- Best Trading App Runner Up - DayTrading.com 2025
- Best MT4/MT5 Broker Runner Up - DayTrading.com 2025
- Best TradingView Broker Runner Up - DayTrading.com 2025
- Best Forex Broker - DayTrading.com 2024
- Best Overall Broker - DayTrading.com 2023
- Best Trading App - DayTrading.com 2022
- Best Forex Broker - DayTrading.com 2021
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto (only Pro clients), Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) -
Established in Poland in 2002, XTB caters to over a million clients worldwide. This forex and CFD broker offers a robust regulatory framework, a diverse range of assets, and prioritises trader satisfaction. It provides an intuitive proprietary platform equipped with excellent tools to support aspiring traders.
Awards- Best Forex Broker for Beginners 2022
- Best Customer Service 2021
- Best Forex Broker for Low Costs 2021
- Best Mobile App for Investing 2020
- #1 EMEA Bloomberg spot for FX accuracy in Q2 of 2020 and Q3 of 2018
- Best Polish Forex Broker 2019
- Best Execution Broker 2019
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFs FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC xStation Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
FXCC, a well-established brokerage since 2010, offers cost-effective online trading. Registered in Nevis and regulated by CySEC, it is distinguished by its ECN conditions and absence of a minimum deposit requirement. The account opening process is efficient, taking under five minutes.
Awards- Best STP Broker 2019 - World Finance Magazine Awards
- Best Trading Account (XL Account) 2019 - World Finance Magazine Awards
- Best Trading Account (XL Account) Europe 2018 - Global Banking & Finance Awards
- Best STP Broker Europe 2018 - Global Banking & Finance Awards
- Best Trading Account (XL Account) 2018 - JFEX Awards
- Best MT4 Broker 2018 - JFEX Awards
- Best Islamic Forex Broker (XL Account) 2018 - MENA Forex Show Awards
- Best STP/ECN Forex Broker 2018 - MENA Forex Show Awards
- Best Forex Trading Account 2017 - UK Forex Awards
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto CySEC MT4, MT5 Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:500 -
IC Markets is an internationally acclaimed forex and CFD broker, admired for its competitive pricing, diverse trading instruments, and superior technology. Established in 2007 and based in Australia, the firm is under the regulation of ASIC, CySEC, and FSA. It has successfully drawn over 180,000 clients from more than 200 nations.
Awards- Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2025 - DayTrading.com
- Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
- Best Forex Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com
- Best Overall Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
- Best Trading App 2020 - DayTrading.com
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $200 0.01 Lots 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) -
Interactive Brokers (IBKR), a leading brokerage, offers access to 150 markets across 33 countries and provides extensive investment services. With more than 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed company complies with strict regulations from the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It is among the most reliable brokers worldwide for traders.
Awards- Best US Broker 2025 - DayTrading.com
Instruments Regulator Platforms Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 $100 1:50 -
Eightcap, an acclaimed broker regulated by the FCA, offers exceptionally low trading costs. Recognised as the top-rated brand by TradingView's vast user base of 100 million, traders can directly access the platform. UK traders can open a live account with a minimum deposit of just £100.
Awards- Best TradingView Broker 2025 - DayTrading.com
- Best Cryptocurrency Broker 2025 - DayTrading.com
- Best Overall Broker 2024 - DayTrading.com
- Best Cryptocurrency Broker 2024 - DayTrading.com
- Best Forex Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
- Best Cryptocurrency Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
- Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB MT4, MT5, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage £100 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
Fusion Markets, an online broker since 2017, operates under the regulation of ASIC, VFSC, and FSA. Renowned for offering cost-effective forex and CFD trading, it provides various account options and copy trading solutions to suit diverse trading needs. New clients can begin trading with a simple three-step registration process.
Awards- Best Aus Broker Runner Up 2025 - DayTrading.com
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto ASIC, VFSC, FSA MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, DupliTrade Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:500
Pepperstone
XTB
FXCC
IC Markets
Interactive Brokers
Eightcap
Fusion MarketsSafety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best Award-Winning Brokers in the UK 2025 are and what features they offer to protect traders.
| Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| FXCC | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| IC Markets | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Fusion Markets | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the Best Award-Winning Brokers in the UK 2025 support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
| Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| FXCC | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IC Markets | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Fusion Markets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the Best Award-Winning Brokers in the UK 2025 at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
| Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| XTB | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| FXCC | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| IC Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Interactive Brokers | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| Eightcap | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Fusion Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the Best Award-Winning Brokers in the UK 2025 good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?
| Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Support Rating | Education Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| XTB | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| FXCC | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| IC Markets | ✔ | $200 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Interactive Brokers | ✔ | $0 | $100 | ||
| Eightcap | ✔ | £100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Fusion Markets | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the Best Award-Winning Brokers in the UK 2025 offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
| Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| XTB | - | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| FXCC | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | 1:500 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IC Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade | ✘ | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Interactive Brokers | Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✘ | 1:50 | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Eightcap | TradingView Bots | ✘ | 1:30 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Fusion Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader | ✘ | 1:500 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Best Award-Winning Brokers in the UK 2025.
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | |||||||||
| XTB | |||||||||
| FXCC | |||||||||
| IC Markets | |||||||||
| Interactive Brokers | |||||||||
| Eightcap | |||||||||
| Fusion Markets |
Our Take On Pepperstone
"Pepperstone is a premier trading platform, providing tight spreads, swift execution, and sophisticated charting tools for seasoned traders. Beginners benefit from no minimum deposit, comprehensive learning materials, and outstanding 24/7 support."
Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- In recent years, Pepperstone has significantly enhanced the deposit and withdrawal process. By 2025, clients can use Apple Pay and Google Pay, while 2024 saw the introduction of PIX and SPEI for customers in Brazil and Mexico.
- Pepperstone presents itself as an economical choice for traders, offering spreads as low as 0.0 in its Razor account. The Active Trader programme provides rebates up to 30% on indices and commodities, plus $3 per lot on forex.
- Support for top-tier charting platforms such as MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader. These tools accommodate different short-term trading methods, including algorithmic trading.
Cons
- Although its market range has improved, its crypto offerings remain limited compared to brokers specialising in this sector, lacking real coin investment options.
- Pepperstone's demo accounts expire after 30 days, which may not provide sufficient time to explore various platforms and evaluate trading strategies.
- Pepperstone doesn't offer cTrader Copy, a favoured feature for copying trades found in the cTrader platform, which is available on other platforms such as IC Markets. However, Pepperstone has launched its own user-friendly copy trading app.
Our Take On XTB
"XTB emerges as an ideal option for novice traders, offering the impressive xStation platform, zero commission pricing, no required minimum deposit, and outstanding educational resources, many of which are conveniently integrated into the platform."
Pros
- Setting up an XTB account is straightforward and fully online, requiring only a few minutes. This simplicity eases new traders into the world of trading.
- XTB has raised its interest rate on uninvested funds and introduced zero-fee ISAs for UK clients, offering access to 3,000 stocks and 700 ETFs for diverse investment opportunities.
- XTB offers over 10,000 instruments, including CFDs on shares, indices, ETFs, raw materials, forex, crypto, real shares, real ETFs, share dealing, and investment plans. This range serves both short-term traders and long-term investors.
Cons
- XTB has stopped supporting MT4, restricting traders to its own platform, xStation. This decision may discourage experienced traders accustomed to using the MetaTrader suite.
- The research tools at XTB are commendable but have the potential to excel further. Enhancing them with access to top-tier third-party services like Autochartist, Trading Central, and TipRanks would significantly elevate their offering.
- Trading fees are competitive, with average EUR/USD spreads of about 1 pip. However, they are not as low as the most affordable brokers, such as IC Markets. Additionally, an inactivity fee applies after a year.
Our Take On FXCC
"FXCC remains a top choice for forex traders, offering over 70 currency pairs, very tight spreads from 0.0 pips in tests, and high leverage up to 1:500 with the ECN XL account."
Pros
- FXCC offers competitive and transparent ECN spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with no commissions. This makes it one of the most cost-effective forex brokers available.
- FXCC is a trusted and licensed broker under the regulation of CySEC, a leading European authority ensuring excellent safeguarding standards.
- FXCC has introduced MT5, which in our evaluations, mirrored the trading conditions of MT4 by offering swift execution, improved charting, and market depth tools.
Cons
- Unaware traders might face steep withdrawal fees, such as a notable $45 for bank transfers.
- The range of research tools, such as Trading Central and Autochartist, is quite limited. Leading platforms in this category, like IG, offer more advanced features.
- While the MetaTrader suite excels in technical analysis, its outdated design detracts from the overall trading experience, particularly when contrasted with contemporary platforms such as TradingView.
Our Take On IC Markets
"IC Markets provides excellent pricing, swift execution, and easy deposits. With cutting-edge charting tools like TradingView and the Raw Trader Plus account, it continues to be a preferred option for intermediate and advanced traders."
Pros
- IC Markets provides some of the industry's narrowest spreads, offering 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs. This makes it an extremely cost-effective choice for traders.
- In 2025, IC Markets earned DayTrading.com's accolade for 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' due to its top-tier MetaTrader integration. This achievement highlights the broker's continuous refinement over the years to enhance the platform experience.
- Access over 2,250 CFDs across diverse markets like forex, commodities, indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. This variety enables traders to employ diversified strategies.
Cons
- Certain withdrawal methods incur fees, including a $20 charge for wire transfers. These costs can reduce profits, particularly with frequent withdrawals.
- Interest is not paid on idle cash, a feature gaining popularity with alternatives such as Interactive Brokers.
- Although there are four top-tier third-party platforms available, the absence of in-house software or a trading app tailored for novice traders is notable.
Our Take On Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers ranks highly for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, live data, and bespoke layouts via the new IBKR Desktop app. Its competitive pricing and sophisticated order choices appeal to traders, and its wide equity options are industry-leading."
Pros
- The TWS platform is tailored for intermediate and advanced traders, featuring over 100 order types and a dependable real-time market data feed with exceptional uptime.
- The new IBKR Desktop platform combines the top features of TWS with customised tools such as Option Lattice and MultiSort Screeners, providing an impressive trading experience for traders of all skill levels.
- A wide range of third-party research subscriptions, both free and paid, are available for traders. Additionally, by subscribing to Toggle AI, traders can receive commission rebates from IBKR.
Cons
- The learning curve for TWS is quite steep, making it tough for novice traders to navigate and grasp all its features. In contrast, Plus500's web platform is far more accessible for those new to trading.
- IBKR offers a variety of research tools, but their inconsistent placement across trading platforms and the 'Account Management' webpage creates a confusing experience for users.
- You are limited to a single active session per account, meaning you cannot use both your desktop programme and mobile app at the same time. This restriction can occasionally lead to a frustrating experience for traders.
Our Take On Eightcap
"Eightcap excels for traders, offering diverse charting platforms, educational Labs, and AI tools. With over 120 crypto CFDs, it stands out in crypto trading and has won our 'Best Crypto Broker' award twice consecutively."
Pros
- In 2021, Eightcap enhanced its lineup, now providing an extensive range of cryptocurrency CFDs. It offers crypto/fiat and crypto/crypto pairs, along with crypto indices for comprehensive market exposure.
- Eightcap excels with a suite of advanced trading tools, such as MT4 and MT5, and has recently joined the 100-million-user social trading network, TradingView.
- With spreads starting at 0 pips, minimal commission charges, and leverage up to 1:500 for select clients, Eightcap delivers affordable and flexible trading opportunities. These conditions suit various strategies, such as trading and scalping.
Cons
- Despite the growing range of tools available, Eightcap lacks popular industry resources such as Autochartist and Trading Central. These provide advanced charting analytics, live news, and essential market insights for traders focused on short-term strategies.
- The demo account is available for 30 days, after which it requires a request for extension. This is less convenient than XM's offering, which provides an unlimited demo mode.
- Despite a helpful array of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap lags behind IG's extensive resources for aspiring traders. IG boasts a dedicated Academy app and features 18 diverse course categories.
Our Take On Fusion Markets
"Fusion Markets offers forex traders competitive pricing with minimal spreads, low commissions, and new TradingView integration. It is an excellent choice, especially for Australian traders, given its base and regulation by ASIC."
Pros
- Fusion Markets provides exceptional support, characterised by rapid, friendly, and efficient responses. Unlike other platforms, it doesn't utilise automated chatbots, ensuring traders experience a seamless interaction.
- The market analysis tools, Market Buzz and Analyst Views, are excellent for identifying opportunities and are seamlessly incorporated into the client dashboard.
- The selection of charting platforms and social trading features is outstanding. Options like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and the newer TradingView meet diverse trader preferences.
Cons
- The broker stands out with its extensive selection of currency pairs, surpassing most competitors. However, its alternative investment options are merely average, lacking stock CFDs outside the US.
- Unlike AvaTrade, there is no specialised trading platform or app tailored for beginners, which is a significant disadvantage.
- Traders from outside Australia need to register with loosely regulated international firms that offer limited protection, lacking both safeguards and negative balance protection.
How To Chose An Award-Winning Broker
The retail trading space is an increasingly competitive environment, with high demand encouraging brokers to reduce fees and refine products to capture the growing market.
But whilst better trading conditions is good news for investors, it can make identifying the best brokers challenging. That’s why opting for award-winning brokers is a quick and easy way to home in on the best options. Picking from a list of the top brokers that have already been vetted and praised for their innovation or FX trading services, for example, is a good way to get started on the right foot.
Year after year, we find that the top awards go to brokers that perform well in these areas:
Trust
The best brokers go out of their way to prove their credentials to investors, and we’ve found that firms that maintain strong regulatory oversight year on year tend to also maintain high standards across the board.
Several of the award-winning brokers on our list hold licenses from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other trusted global regulators.
- IG Index has proven itself as a reliable broker over decades serving clients since it was founded in 1974. Today it’s one of the UK’s most trusted brokers and regularly picks up awards including the Online Money Awards’ top prize for spread betting brokers.
Fees
The highest-rated brokers don’t necessarily charge premium fees – in fact, we’ve found that many award-winning brokers also lead the way with the most competitive pricing.
The most important fees I usually look for are the average spread plus any commissions on the specific assets you want to trade – remember that brokers tend to quote the minimum spread on popular instruments like the EUR/USD forex pair, but niche assets like exotic forex pairs or crypto tokens will often have big variations in pricing among different brokers.
- FXCC remains a leading low-cost broker thanks to an STP and ECN execution model that allows for razor-thin spreads from 0.0 pips and commission-free trading – a model that’s netted it awards from MENA Forex Show Awards, World Finance Magazine and the Global Finance & Banking Awards.
Charting Platforms & Tools
Access to strong charting platforms is one of our top criteria for a solid broker, and we also highly recommend those that provide access to high-quality trading tools for no extra fee.
FxPro’s award-winning browser-based platform, FxPro Edge
- FxPro‘s proprietary platform continues to impress industry influencers like Investors Chronicle & Financial Times, which awarded it as the ‘Broker With The Best Trading Platform’. It also supports classic third-party options including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader, giving traders a huge amount of flexibility.
Customer Service
It’s easy to overlook the importance of customer service until run into a problem while trading and you realise how crucial fast, knowledgeable and professional assistance can be.
That’s why we highly rate brokers that invest in their customer service departments, and we’re not alone – many of the most influential industry awards include categories for customer service.
- XTB has regularly topped our charts in several areas including customer service, and its high-quality 24/6 customer service via phone, email and live chat netted it DayTrading.com’s ‘Best Customer Service’ award.
Account Options
Our top award-winning brokers usually have account options that suit a wide range of traders – for example, we like brokers that have a low barrier of entry with a low or no minimum deposit, and we also highly rate those that accommodate Muslim traders via swap-free accounts.
- Pepperstone remains one of our most prolific award-winning brokers, netting awards year after year and not least for its inclusive account options with no minimum deposit and swap-free trading allowing almost anyone to dive in and start trading.
Trusted Industry Awards
DayTrading.com
DayTrading.com is a leading international guide that offers comprehensive reviews of brokers from all over the world. They have their finger on the pulse when it comes to what makes traders tick and with years of experience in the financial markets, they’re one of the most trusted trading resources online.
DayTrading.com’s annual broker awards are an excellent place to find the number one options in several categories, from the best forex and crypto brokers in 2025 to the best trading apps and the top providers for MT4 & MT5 traders.
Global Forex Awards
For UK FX traders, the Global Forex Awards is another reputable source of credible brokers. Traders vote on award-winning brokers in the forex trading space with prizes handed out each year across several categories, from the best technology to leading education and low-cost investing.
Because voting is public, it’s an excellent way to get recommendations from fellow investors.
World Finance
World Finance is another trusted resource that hands out awards to the best brokers across multiple categories. They regularly rank the best CFD providers, the brokerages offering the most competitive conditions, and the platforms with high trust ratings.