Brokers With No Inactivity Fees

Brokers with no inactivity fees don’t charge investors for periods of zero trading activity. Many online brokerages and trading platforms charge a monthly fee if no trades are placed for a certain period, typically six months. However, this penalty charge can catch out beginners in particular, while also affecting a trader’s bottom line.

This guide lists the best UK brokers with no inactivity fees or charges. We also explain how to check if a trading platform charges a dormancy fee.

Brokers With No Inactivity Fee

  1. Pepperstone Pepperstone

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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.

    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)

  2. XTB XTB

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    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.

    Instruments Regulator Platforms
    CFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFs FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC, SCA, Bappebti xStation
    Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage
    $0 0.01 Lots 1:30

  3. IC Markets IC Markets

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    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.

    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)

  4. Eightcap Eightcap

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    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.

    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

  5. Fusion Markets Fusion Markets

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    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.

    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

  6. Trade Nation Trade Nation

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    Trade Nation is a leading FX and CFD broker regulated in the UK and Australia, among other places. The company provides competitively priced fixed and variable spreads on over 1,000 assets. Traders benefit from advanced platforms and comprehensive training materials. Additionally, the Signal Centre offers valuable trade ideas.

    Instruments Regulator Platforms
    Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Spread Betting, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA MT4
    Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage
    $0 0.1 Lots 1:500 (entity dependent)

  7. BlackBull Markets BlackBull Markets

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    BlackBull, a New Zealand-based CFD broker, offers a wide range of trading options across more than 26,000 instruments. Following a 2023 rebrand, it boasts a contemporary design and provides advanced trading tools along with ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging 20ms.

    Instruments Regulator Platforms
    CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Crypto FMA, FSA BlackBull Invest, BlackBull CopyTrader, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist
    Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage
    $0 0.01 Lots 1:500

  8. Vantage FX Vantage FX

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    Established in 2009, Vantage provides trading on more than 1,000 short-term CFD products to over 900,000 clients. Forex CFDs are available from 0.0 pips on the RAW account via TradingView, MT4, or MT5. Regulated by ASIC, Vantage ensures that client funds are kept in separate accounts. Traders looking to copy strategies will benefit from a wide array of social trading tools.

    Instruments Regulator Platforms
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Spread betting FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
    Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage
    $50 0.01 Lots 1:30

  9. UnitedPips UnitedPips

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    Established in 2016 and headquartered in Saint Lucia, UnitedPips operates as a non-dealing desk broker. Catering to clients in more than 137 countries, the firm excels in CFD trading. Offering a portfolio of over 80 assets, it provides high leverage up to 1:1000.

    Instruments Regulator Platforms
    CFDs, Forex, Precious Metals, Crypto IFSA UniTrader
    Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage
    $10 0.01 Lots 1:1000

  10. Pocket Option Pocket Option

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    Founded in 2017, Pocket Option is a binary options broker providing high/low contracts for forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Attracting more than 100,000 active users worldwide, the platform remains a favourite among emerging traders.

    Instruments Regulator Platforms
    Binary Options, Currencies, Commodities, Stocks, Indices, Cryptos MISA Web, MT4, MT5
    Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage
    $50 $1

Safety Comparison

Compare how safe the Brokers With No Inactivity Fees are and what features they offer to protect traders.

Safety Comparison
Broker Trust Rating FCA Regulated Negative Balance Protection Guaranteed Stop Loss Segregated Accounts
Pepperstone 4.6 ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔
XTB 4.6 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
IC Markets 4.6 ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔
Eightcap 4.3 ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔
Fusion Markets 3.5 ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔
Trade Nation 4.3 ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔
BlackBull Markets 3.8 ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔
Vantage FX 4.6 ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔
UnitedPips 2 ✘ ✔ ✘ ✔
Pocket Option 2 ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

Payments Comparison

Compare which popular payment methods the Brokers With No Inactivity Fees support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).

Payments Comparison
Broker GBP Account Debit Card Credit Card Neteller Skrill Apple Pay
Pepperstone ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
XTB ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘
IC Markets ✔ ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘
Eightcap ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘
Fusion Markets ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘
Trade Nation ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘
BlackBull Markets ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘
Vantage FX ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✘
UnitedPips ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘
Pocket Option ✘ ✔ ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘

Mobile Trading Comparison

How good are the Brokers With No Inactivity Fees at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.

Mobile Trading Comparison
Broker Mobile Apps iOS Rating Android Rating Smart Watch App
Pepperstone iOS & Android 4.4 4.1 ✘
XTB iOS & Android 4.7 4.1 ✔
IC Markets iOS & Android 3.1 4.2 ✘
Eightcap iOS & Android 4.8 4.4 ✘
Fusion Markets iOS & Android 4.8 4.4 ✘
Trade Nation iOS & Android 4.1 3.5 ✘
BlackBull Markets iOS & Android 3.7 3.7 ✘
Vantage FX iOS & Android 3.6 3.9 ✘
UnitedPips Web Access Only 3 3 ✘
Pocket Option iOS & Android 4 4.2 ✘

Beginners Comparison

Are the Brokers With No Inactivity Fees good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?

Beginners Comparison
Broker Demo Account Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Support Rating Education Rating
Pepperstone ✔ $0 0.01 Lots 4.6 4
XTB ✔ $0 0.01 Lots 4.3 3.8
IC Markets ✔ $200 0.01 Lots 4.5 3.5
Eightcap ✔ £100 0.01 Lots 4 3.5
Fusion Markets ✔ $0 0.01 Lots 4.5 1.3
Trade Nation ✔ $0 0.1 Lots 4.5 3.8
BlackBull Markets ✔ $0 0.01 Lots 4 4.3
Vantage FX ✔ $50 0.01 Lots 4.4 4
UnitedPips ✔ $10 0.01 Lots 3.5 2.5
Pocket Option ✔ $50 $1 3.3 3.5

Advanced Trading Comparison

Do the Brokers With No Inactivity Fees offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?

Advanced Trading Comparison
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 Open API ✔ 1:30 ✘ ✘ ✔ ✘
IC Markets Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade ✘ 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘
Eightcap TradingView Bots ✘ 1:30 ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘
Fusion Markets Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader ✘ 1:500 ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘
Trade Nation Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader ✘ 1:500 (entity dependent) ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘
BlackBull Markets Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cTrader Automate ✘ 1:500 ✔ ✘ ✔ ✘
Vantage FX Myfxbook AutoTrade, Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader ✘ 1:30 ✔ ✘ ✘ ✘
UnitedPips - ✘ 1:1000 ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘
Pocket Option ✔ ✘ - ✘ ✔ ✘ ✘

Detailed Rating Comparison

Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Brokers With No Inactivity Fees.

Detailed Rating Comparison
Broker Trust Platforms Mobile Assets Fees Accounts Support Research Education
Pepperstone 4.6 4.4 4.3 3.8 4.4 4 4.6 4.3 4
XTB 4.6 4 4.4 4 4.3 4 4.3 4.1 3.8
IC Markets 4.6 4 3.7 3.5 4.6 4 4.5 4 3.5
Eightcap 4.3 4.3 4.6 3.6 3.8 4 4 3.5 3.5
Fusion Markets 3.5 4 4.6 3.3 4.4 4 4.5 3.5 1.3
Trade Nation 4.3 4.3 3.8 3.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 3.8 3.8
BlackBull Markets 3.8 4.5 3.7 4 3.8 4.3 4 4 4.3
Vantage FX 4.6 4.3 3.8 4.5 4.4 4.5 4.4 4 4
UnitedPips 2 3.5 3 3 3.8 3.5 3.5 2.8 2.5
Pocket Option 2 3.3 4.1 2.5 3.5 3.5 3.3 3 3.5

What Is An Inactivity Fee?

As the name suggests, an inactivity fee is a charge levied on trading accounts that haven’t been active for a period. The length of that period and the size of the fee varies between online brokers. The penalty charge usually kicks in after six months of inactivity, though some platforms wait 12 months. The fee itself is normally charged monthly and can range from $5 to $50+.

The terms and conditions of account inactivity fees also vary. For example, some brokers charge if you haven’t placed a trade while others will take a fee if you haven’t logged in to your account. This means you can avoid inactivity fees at some brokers by simply logging in to your online account, even if you don’t make a trade.

Inactivity fees are typically charged to cover a broker’s overheads for activating and keeping open live trading accounts. And a penalty charge is particularly commonplace at commission-free trading brokers which make limited revenue when no trades are placed.

Ultimately, for part-time investors and beginners, brokers with no inactivity fees are a sensible way to avoid hidden charges and non-trading costs.

List of top UK brokers with no inactivity fees payments from customers

Below are examples of popular brokers that do charge inactivity fees:

  • Swissquote – $10 monthly fee after 6 months
  • Admiral Markets – $10 monthly fee after 2 years
  • IG Group – $12 monthly fee after 2 years
  • Forex.com – $15 monthly fee after 12 months
  • Rockfort Markets – $20 monthly fee after 6 months (applies to account balances below $100)

Best UK Brokers With No Inactivity Fees

Below is a comparison of the top brokers with no inactivity fees. These brokerages are suitable for beginner investors and offer free demo accounts, platform tutorials and educational materials aimed at novice traders.

Pepperstone

Pepperstone does not charge an inactivity fee.

The broker is regulated by seven trusted financial bodies, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). A choice of trading platforms is provided, spanning MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, and users can trade CFDs and spread bets on popular markets.

Pepperstone also offers 24/7 customer support, making it a good option for beginners and there are no deposit fees.

Two live accounts are offered: the Standard Account and the Razor Account. Spreads average 1.09 pips on the Standard Account which is commission-free, and 0.09 pips on the Razor Account, which charges $7 per round lot.

There is no minimum deposit requirement.

IC Markets

IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee.

Clients can speculate on 300+ CFD instruments, including forex, commodities, stocks, indices, cryptos, bonds and futures. Supported desktop and mobile platforms include MT4, MT5 and cTrader, meaning suitable options for beginners.

IC Markets also has an impressive free education base that covers everything from the basics of forex trading and technical analysis to the psychology of investing and popular trading strategies. There are also videos that show you how to install the firm’s platforms and begin trading.

Customer support operates 24/7 and can be contacted over email, live chat and phone, so beginners can get started any time and request help as needed.

IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account and a Standard account. With the Raw Spread MetaTrader account, spreads start at zero pips with a $3.5 commission per lot per side. With the Standard account, spreads start from 0.6 pips with no commission.

The minimum starting deposit is $200.

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is one of the best UK brokers with no inactivity fees for advanced traders.

Alongside no inactivity fees, the firm does not charge account fees or withdrawal fees. The brokerage also offers broad market access and a professional trading environment in return for a $10,000 starting deposit. The company is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.

Interactive Brokers’ advanced analysis tools and sophisticated trading software provide access to more than one million tradable assets, spanning currencies, stocks, indices, metals, mutual funds and commodities.

Fees are also competitive, with spreads from 0.1 pips alongside commissions from 0.08 to 0.2 basis points (0.00008% to 0.002%)

Bottom Line On Brokers With No Inactivity Fees

Inactivity fees are charged by many popular trading brokers. The monthly charge is usually applied to accounts that have been inactive for several months and typically ranges from $10 to $25. Fortunately, there are many excellent UK brokers with no inactivity fees, ideal for beginners and part-time investors.

Use our list of the top brokers with no inactivity fees to get started.

FAQ

What’s A Trading Inactivity Fee?

An inactivity fee is essentially a penalty charge applied to trading accounts that have been unused for a period. This period is normally at least three months but can be up to two years, for example, at Admiral Markets. Inactivity fees are usually charged monthly and will be taken from the trader’s existing account balance.

How Much Are Trading Inactivity Fees?

The amount charged for inactivity is at the discretion of the broker, and will be stipulated in the policy terms and trading conditions. With that said, the fee is usually between $10 and $25 a month, though it can be higher on some trading platforms. The good news is that there is a long list of brokers with no inactivity fees so aspiring traders can avoid this charge.

Can I Avoid Trading Inactivity Fees?

Yes. The easiest thing to do is to sign up with brokers with zero inactivity fees. Alternatively, you can avoid the charge on some platforms by simply logging into your trading account every couple of months. With that said, it’s worth checking their terms and conditions because some brokers require that you open and close a real-money trade to avoid the charge.

What Are The Best Trading Brokers With No Inactivity Fees?

Two of our top recommended brokers without inactivity fees are Pepperstone and IC Markets. These are all beginner-friendly brands with low minimum deposits, decent market access, plus user-friendly platforms and leading trading apps. For experienced traders, Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers with no inactivity fees. While the starting deposit is high at $10,000, the brokerage offers over one million trading products and powerful market analysis tools.

Yes – it is legal for brokers to charge fees on inactive accounts. The charge is used to cover the costs of maintaining a live account. Yet reputable brokers should make clear any non-trading fees in their pricing schedule. Firms that fail to disclose inactivity fees and other non-trading charges at the registration stage should be avoided. Alternatively, use our list of the top UK brokers with no inactivity fees to find a good provider.