Margin Trading

Margin trading enhances gains and losses with investors borrowing funds from their broker to make trades. However, the level of margin and leverage available varies in line with UK rules and requirements. This guide to trading on margin unpacks examples, interest rates and fees, plus risk management strategies. Our team also list the best margin trading accounts and platforms in 2024:

Margin Trading Brokers UK

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    AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for trading, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.

  2. XTB

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    Founded in 2002 in Poland, XTB now serves more than 935,000 clients. The forex and CFD broker combines a heavily regulated trading environment with an extensive selection of 5,600+ assets and a commitment to trader satisfaction, featuring an intuitive in-house platform with superb tools to support aspiring traders.

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    Established in 1989, CMC Markets is a respected broker listed on the London Stock Exchange and authorized by several tier-one regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CIRO. More than 1 million traders from around the world have signed up with the multi-award winning brokerage.

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    Eightcap is an award-winning, FCA-regulated broker offering industry-low trading fees. They are also the highest-rated brand by TradingView’s 50 million-strong users, who can trade directly on the platform. UK traders can sign up for a live account with an accessible £100 minimum deposit.

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    FXCC is an established broker that’s been offering low-cost online trading since 2010. Registered in Nevis and regulated by the CySEC, it stands out for its ECN trading conditions, no minimum deposit and smooth account opening that takes less than 5 minutes.

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    Spreadex is an FCA-regulated broker that offers spread betting opportunities on an impressive 10,000+ CFD instruments including 60 forex pairs. Traders can also take short-term positions on sporting events. The brand has been around for over 20 years and has won multiple awards.

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    Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for traders at all levels.

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    Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.

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    IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.

  10. XM

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    XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.

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    City Index is an established and award-winning forex, CFD and spread betting broker with top-tier global regulation, including in the UK (FCA) and Australia (ASIC). With 30+ years in the industry, 13,500+ instruments and 24/5 customer support, City Index is a solid pick for aspiring traders.

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    DNA Markets is a forex and CFD broker established in 2020. The broker operates two entities in Australia and the offshore jurisdiction, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Traders can access 250+ markets, with a Standard account for beginners and a Raw account for experienced traders. The reliable MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are available, alongside Signal Start.

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    Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.

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    eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 76% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

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    RoboForex is an online broker, established in 2009 and registered with the IFSC in Belize. Traders can choose from five accounts (Prime, ECN, R StocksTrader, ProCent, Pro) catering to different needs with trades from 0.01 lots and spreads from 0 pips. RoboForex has also enhanced its offering over the years, adding CFD instruments and launching its stock trading platform, plus the CopyFX system.

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    InstaForex is a forex and CFD broker founded in 2010. The broker offers diverse market coverage to millions of clients, spanning traditional assets like currencies and shares, as well as other interesting opportunities such as IPOs.

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    OANDA is an award-winning global broker, established in 1996. The hugely respected brand offers competitive trading accounts and serves clients from 196 countries. It remains a popular option with both beginners and experienced traders thanks to its user-friendly and sophisticated web platform, no minimum deposit and premium currency products and services. The company is also overseen by reputable regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CIRO.

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    LQDFX is a straight-through processing (STP) broker based in the Marshall Islands. The offshore trading firm offers competitive spreads from 0.0 pips, free deposits, 24/5 support and access to the hugely popular MetaTrader 4 platform. LQDFX also runs a competitive bonus program for short-term traders.

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    Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.

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    Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.

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    BlackBull is a New Zealand-based CFD broker with trading opportunities on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos. The broker supports the MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms as well as TradingView, cTrader and a proprietary mobile app. Clients can trade with high leverage and tight spreads from 0 pips on the broker's ECN accounts.

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    Founded in 2009, Vantage offers trading on 1000+ short-term CFD products to over 900,000 clients. You can trade Forex CFDs from 0.0 pips on the RAW account through TradingView, MT4 or MT5. Vantage is ASIC-regulated and client funds are segregated. Copy traders will also appreciate the range of social trading tools.

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    Founded in 2006, FxPro is an established forex, CFD and spread betting broker offering 2100+ assets to over 2 million clients worldwide. The broker is regulated in 4 jurisdictions and offers reliable 24/5 customer support, earning it a high trust and safety score. FxPro has also picked up more than 100 industry accolades for its competitive trading conditions, including fast execution and deep liquidity.

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    Established in 2008 and headquartered in Israel, Plus500 is a prominent brokerage that boasts over 25 million registered traders in over 50 countries. Specializing in CFD trading, the company offers an intuitive, proprietary platform and mobile app. It maintains competitive spreads and does not charge commissions or deposit or withdrawal fees. Plus500 also continues to shine as one of the most trusted brokers with licenses from reputable regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CySEC.

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    Fusion Markets is an online broker established in 2017 and regulated by the ASIC, VFSC and FSA. It is best known for its low-cost forex and CFD trading, although its multiple account types and copy trading solutions cater to a range of traders. New clients can sign up and start trading in 3 easy steps.

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    Founded in 2001, easyMarkets is a multi-regulated forex broker offering leveraged trading opportunities on forex, stocks, indices, commodities and crypto. With fixed spreads, an affordable initial deposit, regulation from several reputable bodies and a diverse selection of account currencies, this broker provides simple and straightforward trading solutions to a diverse range of traders.

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    GO Markets is an established forex and CFD broker with multiple industry awards and accolades. The ECN/STP broker is popular with budding traders, offering competitive accounts in multiple base currencies and a range of flexible payment methods. With top-tier regulation from CySEC and ASIC, GO Markets is a trusted broker.

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    Founded in 2008, NordFX is an offshore CFD broker offering forex, stock, commodities, indices and crypto trading to over 1.7 million clients in 190 countries. Traders access markets through the MT4 and MT5 platforms and benefit from low commissions, spreads from zero and decent extra features. Minimum deposits start from just $10 and very high leverage is available up to 1:1000.

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    IQCent is an offshore binary options and CFD broker based in the Marshall Islands. The brand continues to offer a range of unique account types with bonuses and perks, including payout boosts, TradeBacks and free rollovers. With 100+ assets, around-the-clock trading and 98% payouts, the firm is popular with aspiring short-term traders.

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    Markets.com is a respected broker, offering multi-asset trading opportunities through CFDs or spread betting (UK only). Established in 2008, the brand has an impressive 4.3 million registered customers and is overseen by trusted regulators, including the FCA, ASIC and CySEC. 79.1% of retail accounts lose money.

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    NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.

  32. Axi

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    Axi is a global forex and CFD trading firm, founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Highly leveraged trading opportunities plus a $0 minimum deposit make it a popular choice among 60,000+ traders worldwide. Axi also stands out for its resources, including copy trading and Autochartist.

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    EagleFX is a forex and CFD broker, established in 2019. The broker uses STP execution on the MT4 platform, offering tight spreads and low commissions. With leverage up to 1:500 and no restrictions on hedging or scalping, EagleFX is an attractive option for short-term traders.

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    Founded in 2015, VT Markets maintains its position as a top Australian multi-asset CFD broker. With 1000+ tradeable instruments and support for the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, this broker delivers a wide range of trading opportunities to over 200,000 clients worldwide. VT Markets is regulated by the ASIC, FSCA, and SVGFSA.

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    Tradeview is an offshore forex and CFD broker based in the Cayman Islands and regulated by CIMA. Traders can access over 5000 instruments with a minimum deposit of $100. There are several third-party platforms on offer, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and cTrader.

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    PrimeXBT is a multi-asset platform offering highly leveraged trading in forex, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. The company launched in 2018 and now has over 1 million users from more than 150 countries. With no minimum deposit, copy trading features and low commissions, the broker remains a popular option among crypto trading novices.

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    FXDD is an established forex and CFD broker founded in 2002. Regulated in Malta, Mauritius, Peru and Malaysia, the broker provides secure trading platforms, competitive ECN spreads and reliable 24/7 customer support. Competitive pricing and ultra-low latency is also offered via the broker's Direct Market Access execution model and tier 1 aggregated liquidity.

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    FXTrading.com is global broker offering highly leveraged CFDs on 10,000+ assets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. Competitive prices with raw spreads and low to zero commissions are available. Traders can use the popular MetaTrader 4 platform and will have access to a suite of additional analytical tools and other resources. The multi-regulated brokerage is authorized by the ASIC and VFSC.

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    Founded in 2010, ThinkMarkets is a reputable CFD and forex broker with regulation from several top-tier bodies including the FCA and ASIC. The broker provides services to over 450,000 accounts from 11 global offices. Traders can use a bespoke platform, MT4 or MT5 to access a wide variety of assets including 3500+ stocks and ETFs, 46 forex pairs and over 20 cryptocurrencies.

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    M4Markets is an award-winning broker regulated by the CySEC, FSA and DFSA. Although relatively new, the broker continues to improve its offering with a range of innovative tools, platforms and accounts. Beginners can start with just $5, whilst experienced investors can access leverage up to 1:5000.

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    Established in 2013, SuperForex is an offshore CFD and forex broker offering highly leveraged trades on 400+ instruments via the popular MetaTrader 4 platform. The broker has gained clients in over 150 countries and is regulated by the Belize IFSC. With a range of STP/ECN account types, including swap-free, micro and zero spread, this broker continues to suit traders with different styles and setups. SuperForex also offers a range of welcome bonuses and trading contests.

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    Webull is a multi-regulated trading app that offers stocks, options, forex, cryptos, ETFs, fractional shares and more. The firm is authorized by the SEC, FINRA and FCA and continues to uphold a strong trust rating. Low fees, no minimum investment and generous welcome bonuses have made the discount broker popular with online investors.

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    Trade.com is a trustworthy online broker with a global presence. The broker offers 2,100+ CFDs in major markets, as well as futures, options and more. The broker offers best-in-class platforms and superior analysis tools for experienced traders. The broker is also regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA and CySEC.

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    Grand Capital is a MetaTrader broker with welcome bonuses, trading competitions and an intuitive copy trading service. Several account types and 400+ assets provide trading opportunities for various types of investors and strategies. New users can also open an account and start trading in a matter of minutes.

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    IronFX is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker founded in 2010. This award-winning firm offers 500+ markets to over 1.5 million clients across 180 countries. Traders can access various account types with competitive pricing on the MT4 platform, as well as 24/5 customer support in 30 languages.

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    Ingot Brokers is a multi-regulated brokerage established in 2006. The broker offers CFD trading opportunities on 1000+ instruments including forex, stocks, indices, commodities and cryptocurrencies. The broker supports the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms and offers both raw spreads and commission-free account options.

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    FXCM is a respected forex and CFD broker, established since 1999. The British-headquartered broker has won multiple awards and operates in various jurisdictions, including the UK and Australia. With zero commissions, over 400 assets, and a range of analysis tools, FXCM remains a popular choice for traders. The broker is also regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA and ASIC.

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    Scope Markets offers trading and investing in multiple spot and CFD instruments. The group of brokers is regulated in several locations, including Belize, Kenya and South Africa. Users get competitive trading conditions, a range of payment methods, strong support and can get started in a few straightforward steps.

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    Dukascopy is an online broker operated by a Swiss-regulated banking group. It offers a good selection of 500+ markets, with forex, stocks, gold, ETFs, indices, bonds and cryptocurrencies available. It also offers flexible trading opportunities through the choice of CFDs or binary options. Traders will use MetaTrader 4 or a proprietary platform that is well-suited to automated trading.

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    FinPros is an offshore broker that provides CFD trading on 400+ instruments with high leverage up to 1:500. This is a reliable bet for traders seeking offshore options, with strong security measures, negative balance protection and segregated client funds. The extra features including trading tools and commission-free stocks make this a good choice for beginners, and experienced traders will appreciate tight spreads.

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    4xCube is an online forex and CFD broker registered and licensed in the Cook Islands. Clients can trade on popular financial markets and choose between three accounts based on their capital and trading strategy.

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    AZAforex is a multi-asset broker founded in 2016. The brand offers a sophisticated proprietary platform, ECN trading and 40+ deposit methods. The brokerage has 120,000+ registered customers with copy trading and a VPS.

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    Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.

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    RockGlobal is a New Zealand based and regulated CFD broker. They offer competitive spreads from 0.1 pips and a large range of trading assets, trading platforms and educational services, with up to 1:500 leverage. Operating in a Tier 1 regulated environment, RockGlobal offers peace of mind and excellent customer support.

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    FXTM is a top-rated forex and CFD broker established in 2011 and operating across 4 continents. The company is secure and regulated by leading authorities, including the FCA and CySEC. Offering 1000+ trading markets and three account types, they cater to all levels of trader.

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    ForexChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.

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    Kwakol Markets is a Nigerian headquartered broker with strong regulatory oversight in Australia and Canada. A great selection of trading assets are available, including synthetic products that simulate realistic market activity. Clients can trade on the MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms, as well as a copy trading solution whereby a fee is only paid on profitable trades.

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    GoFX is an unregulated CFD and forex broker that covers instruments from currency, stock, index, commodity and crypto markets. Traders can sign up to a variety of account types with deposits as low as $1 and will trade using the popular MetaTrader 4 platform. Exceptionally high leverage up to 1:3000 is offered on the standard account, while traders with the low-spread account can access leverage up to 1:1000.

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    Axofa is a forex and CFD broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The broker offers three account types with access to forex, commodities and indices. With ECN processing, low minimum deposits and no commissions, Axofa remains an attractive option, although the broker does not hold a reputable license.

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    Focus Option is an offshore broker that specializes in binary options as well as CFDs. Binary options trading on forex, cryptos and three commodities is done through the broker's simple web-based platform with average payouts between 70% and 95%. The broker also offers a mobile app for trading CFDs, with 300+ tradeable instruments.

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    SageFX is an offshore, unregulated CFD broker that offers highly leveraged trading on forex, stocks, commodities, indices and crypto via the TradeLocker platform. Traders can access commission-free trading or an ECN account with tight spreads. While the broker's regulatory status is weak, it does provide segregated accounts and two-factor authentication.

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    MultiBank FX is an established broker offering forex and CFD products since 2005. With 20,000+ instruments, plenty of local payment methods and 24/7 multilingual customer support, the broker is a popular choice among traders globally. New clients can also access a variety of bonus offers and access the hugely popular MT4 and MT5 trading platforms.

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    Pacific Union Prime is an FSCA and offshore-regulated multi-asset broker offering competitive fees and direct market access on forex, commodities, stocks, bonds and indices. The broker supports the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms and a proprietary mobile app. Fees vary by account type with no commission and spreads from 1.9 pips on the Standard account and $7 commission per lot and spreads from 0.4 pips on the Prime account.

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    SimpleFX is an online broker specializing in CFD and cryptocurrency trading, with multi-currency accounts, STP execution, low pricing and no minimum deposit. Bringing innovation and gaining recognition at numerous industry events since 2014, SimpleFX now caters to retail traders from over 190 countries, boasting a client base exceeding 200,000 active users.

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    Errante is a Cyprus-based and regulated forex and CFD broker with leveraged trading on multiple assets, tiered accounts including a zero-spread option, and copy trading support. The broker offers leveraged trading up to 1:30 under its CySEC-regulated branch and 1:500 from an offshore branch, and supports the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. Errante's asset list is relatively limited but it does offer fast execution and low latency, and it is a trustworthy brand.

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    ActivTrades is a UK-headquartered CFD and forex broker established in 2001. The brokerage is heavily regulated with licenses from the FCA, SCB, CSSF, BACEN & CVM and CMVM. Over 1000 CFDs are available spanning 7 asset classes. Over 93.60% of orders are executed at the requested price. ActivTraders also offers a selection of leading trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, TradingView and ActivTrader platforms.

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    Swissquote is a Switzerland-based bank and broker that offers online trading and investing. The company has a high safety score and is listed on the Swiss stock exchange. The firm offers a huge range of products, from stocks, ETFs, bonds and futures to 400+ forex and CFD assets. Hundreds of thousands of traders have opened an account with the multi-regulated brokerage. Clients can get started in three easy steps while 24/7 customer support is available to assist new users.

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    FXPrimus is an award-winning CySEC-regulated brokerage offering CFD trading on 200+ instruments via the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader platforms. The choice between a competitive commission-free account and two affordable raw spread options make this an accessible broker for anyone seeking forex, stocks, indices and commodities with high leverage.

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    Established in 2005 in Australia, FP Markets is an ASIC- and CySEC-regulated broker boasting an extensive suite of tradable assets. Its Standard and Raw accounts cater to traders at every level, while it packs a punch in the tooling department, from the MetaTrader suite and intuitive TradingView to actionable trading ideas from Trading Central and AutoChartist.

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    Core Spreads is an FCA-licensed broker offering CFD and spread betting opportunities on a proprietary platform or MetaTrader 4. Traders can access more than 1000 instruments, including company shares, commodities, indices and forex. Spread bets have fixed spreads that start from 0.4 with no commission, while CFDs start from 1 pip plus a $1.50 charge per lot.

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    Anzo Capital is an offshore broker that offers leveraged CFDs on 100+ instruments including forex, stocks, indices and metals. The MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms are supported, and traders can choose between an STP account with spreads starting from 1.4 pips and zero commission, or an ECN account with a $4 round-turn commission and spreads from zero. A decent range of payment methods are accepted, including crypto deposits.

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    HYCM is an online broker with authorization from four international bodies including the FCA and CySEC. The broker offers short-term CFD trading on forex, shares, commodities, indices, ETFs and Bitcoin, and supports the MT4 and MT5 platforms, as well as Trading Central analysis.

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    Global Prime is a multi-regulated trading broker offering 150+ markets. Traders can get started with a $200 minimum deposit and trade with leverage up to 1:100. The firm also has a high trust score and a good reputation with a license from the ASIC.

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    Fortrade is a multi-asset, multi-regulated broker with branches regulated by the FCA, CySEC and ASIC among others. The brand offers trading opportunities on a wide range of instruments including stocks, bonds, commodities, forex, indices, cryptocurrencies and ETFs, with competitive fees and support for MetaTrader 4 and a proprietary platform.

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    Hantec Markets was established in Hong Kong in 1990. Initially, the company concentrated solely on the Chinese and Taiwanese markets. In 2008, the broker rebranded and expanded its presence in the UK, Australia, Japan, and various other countries, before enhancing its footprint in Latin America in 2022. Hantec now stands as a multinational brokerage with 18 offices across Europe and Asia.

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    FXOpen is a multi-asset broker with regulation from several trustworthy bodies including the UK's FCA. The broker offers CFD trading on forex, stocks, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies and ETFs via the MetaTrader 4 & 5 and TradingView platforms.

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    Libertex is a well-known broker, established in 2012. The regulated brand has served numerous clients and is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission with license number 164/12. Libertex offers CFD trading on 250+ underlying assets, including through an innovative and user-friendly proprietary web trader platform. Choose between CFDs on forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, stocks, indices and ETFs, which are available with tight spreads and low commissions.

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    Admirals is an FCA- and ASIC-regulated broker with an excellent range of leveraged instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, cryptos and more. The broker supports the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingCentral platforms. With both spread betting and CFDs available and thousands of instruments, this broker provides more flexibility than most rivals.

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    TMGM is an ASIC-regulated forex and CFD broker with a vast range of tradeable assets covering forex, stock, index, crypto and commodity markets. The account types on offer provide a flexible choice between no commission or zero spreads, with competitive pricing all-round.

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    Infinox is a UK-based and FCA-regulated broker that offers diverse trading products thanks to its STP and ECN account types and support for MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and a proprietary platform. Clients can also benefit from a free VPS that can support automated strategies and a social trading platform, catering to both beginner and seasoned traders.

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    Baxia Markets is an offshore CFD broker that offers trading on forex, commodities and indices with tight spreads on a straight-through processing model with ultra-low latency. Trade on MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 with leverage up to 1:500 and no restrictions to scalping or hedging strategies. Users also benefit from third-party copy trading services.

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    OspreyFX is an ECN broker headquartered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Established in 2019, the firm offers 120+ forex and CFD assets with high leverage up to 1:500, tight spreads from 0.1 pips and round-the-clock customer support. OspreyFX also stands out for its funded trading accounts where traders can keep up to 70% of profits.

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    LonghornFX is a forex and CFD broker offering over 150 instruments with leverage up to 1:500. The firm is registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and was launched in 2020. Clients can access a strong selection of cryptos, alongside forex, indices, commodities and stocks. With ECN/STP processing, this offshore broker promises tight spreads and fast execution.

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    RoboMarkets is a Cyprus-based forex, CFD and stock broker aimed at traders from Europe. The broker offers thousands of instruments across six asset classes and provides access to four leading platforms, including MetaTrader 4. With ECN pricing, Cent accounts and algorithmic trading tools, RoboMarkets caters to a range of trading strategies and investing styles.

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    AdroFx is an offshore ECN/STP broker that has offered CFD trading since 2018. The firm supports 100+ tradable assets on the popular MetaTrader 4 platform as well as a web trader, Allpips. Eight live accounts are available with no restrictions on trading strategies.

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    Coinexx is an unregulated broker that provides leverage up to 1:500 on forex, commodities, indices and cryptocurrencies with deep liquidity, pure ECN spreads and negative balance protection. The broker uses crypto as base currencies and has low minimum deposit requirements of 0.001 BTC.

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    EZ Invest is a CySEC-licensed broker, launched in 2008, that offers trading on popular financial markets through leveraged CFDs. Traders can choose between multiple respected platforms, including MetaTrader software and a user-friendly in-house app. The reliable multilingual customer support team are also on-hand to support new users.

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    Saxo Markets is a multi-award-winning trading brokerage, investment firm and regulated bank. With a huge 72,000+ trading instruments, plus investment products and managed portfolios, clients have no shortage of opportunities. The trusted brand also offers transparent pricing and top-tier regulatory protection from 10+ agencies including FINMA, FCA & ASIC.

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    Amega is an offshore STP broker offering CFD trading on forex, stocks, indices and commodities with very high leverage up to 1:1000 and a zero-commission pricing structure. Traders access markets through the MT5 platform and can test the broker's services through a demo account.

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    Just2Trade is a reliable multi-regulated broker registered with FINRA, NFA and CySEC. The company has 155,000 clients from 130 countries and stands out for its huge suite of instruments and additional features, including a social network, robo advisors and a funded trader programme.

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    BinaryCent is an unregulated binary options broker that offers 24/7 trading on forex, cryptos and stocks with payouts up to 95%. Despite its lack of regulation, this broker takes client security seriously and stores client funds in European banks. The broker also offers CFDs with very high leverage up to 1:500.

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Margin Trading Explained

Margin trading lets you buy securities using funds borrowed from a brokerage. Platforms typically express leverage either as a ratio or percentage to indicate the required margin you must stake. For example, a 1:10 or 10% leverage says that your exposure is equal to 10x your initial investment. In this instance, you would only need to stake £100 to open a £1000 position.

This means you can make significant profits even from small, short-term price movements. If you opened a position with £100 and the price moved in your favour by 1%, you would earn a profit of £1 (£100 x 0.1%). If you opened the same position with 1:10 leverage, you would earn £10 in profit (£1000 x 0.1%), minus any fees.

However, the same features also make it risky as losses are magnified. Returning to the example, the reverse is true if the price moved against you – your losses would be £1 and £10, respectively. As a result, the amount of leverage available varies depending on the volatility of the asset and your status as a retail or pro trader.

Several top-rated UK brokers offer margin trading calculators. Use the margin calculator at XM to determine the margin needed to open and maintain positions.

FCA Rules

For retail investors in the UK, there are restrictions placed on the maximum leverage available when trading on margin. These are limits imposed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that all registered brokers must abide by.

  • Major forex pairs: 1:30 / 3.33% / 30x
  • Minor and exotic currency pairs, major stock market indices and gold: 1:20 / 5% / 20x
  • Minor stock market indices and non-gold commodities: 1:10 / 10% / 10x
  • Stocks and government bonds: 1:5 / 20% / 5x

Note, the FCA placed a ban on cryptocurrency derivatives in 2021, meaning that crypto margin trading is not possible at brokers authorised in the UK. With that said, British traders can turn to offshore platforms, though they may lose the protections afforded by the FCA.

Also, traders that qualify for a professional account may be able to access higher rates up to 1:500.

Negative Balance Protection

In 2015, the Swiss National Bank surprised investors by taking the decision to rescind a cap on the Swiss Franc (CHF) that had held it to a rate of 1.20 CHF to 1 Euro (EUR). The move shocked the markets, and as CHF prices rapidly soared, many traders with leveraged positions found themselves indebted to their brokers as the price moved beyond expectations.

The FCA introduced negative balance protection for all retail clients in response to the CHF debacle. This protective measure states that clients cannot make losses exceeding the funds that have been deposited into their brokerage account.

Note that this does not include other investments and unrealised profits – it is limited to the cash in the client’s account only. Also, while all FCA-regulated brokers must implement negative balance protection, brokers that aren’t regulated by the FCA may not.

Margin Call

There are limits to the amount you can lose when margin trading before the broker takes action and potentially closes your positions. The mechanism that happens in this situation is called a margin call.

A margin call occurs when the margin level across your open positions declines past a minimum maintenance requirement. This will happen if your losses grow to such a degree that your broker believes them to be too large in proportion to your account equity.

Equity is equal to the funds deposited in the account plus securities as well as the profits and losses from currently leveraged positions. Note that brokers have different margin requirements. For instance, Pepperstone has a maintenance margin level of 90%, whereas CMC Markets set their maintenance level at 80%.

Importantly, a margin call is a notification or warning. You will be asked by your broker to either deposit additional funds or sell other assets to increase the margin level. If that does not happen, the broker will close open positions until your margin level comes back within the maintenance requirement.

Margin trading on MetaTrader 5

Margin Levels on MT5

Stop-Out Level

Stop out is the process by which a broker closes positions if a trader is unable to sustain the margin. This happens after a margin call if you are unable to add funds to reach the minimum requirement. Typically, the broker will begin the liquidation process by closing your worst positions.

The margin stop-out level is usually set to 50%.

Pros Of Margin Trading

  • More buying power to speculate on popular financial markets
  • The best brokers offer competitive margin rates and fees
  • Many brokers and platforms facilitate margin trading
  • Opportunities to generate larger profits

Cons Of Margin Trading

  • Increases risk exposure
  • Limits on the maximum leverage you can access with FCA-regulated brokers
  • Margin trading with brokers that do not offer negative balance protection can lead to losses that exceed your capital

Risk Management

Because of the potential to accumulate significant losses in heavily leveraged positions, practising good risk management is key while margin trading.

Stop loss and take profit orders are two ways to reduce your risk exposure. Some traders also use wallet-management strategies such as the 1% method to avoid staking too much of their capital on a single position.

Stop Loss

Stop loss orders will automatically close a trade once losses reach a certain level. The trader decides the amount of loss they will tolerate before the stop loss is triggered. The aim is to prevent losses from becoming unmanageable, potentially leading to a margin call.

Stop loss strike prices are determined either using a percentage or number of points away from the current price. To demonstrate how a stop loss order works, here is an example on AstraZeneca…

Assume that you open a long CFD position on AZN stock at 12:10pm on 15 February 2023. At this time, AZN is priced at 11,455 GBx and you place a stop loss 55 GBx lower at 11,400 GBx. In this example, the order is triggered at 10:00am the following day, causing a loss of 55 GBx. In this case, the stop loss saved the trader further losses, as over the next few hours the price of AZN continued to decline.

Margin Trading Risk Management Stop Loss

One popular variant often used in margin trading is a trailing stop loss. This order will make an adjustment to the strike price if the market moves favourably.

Let’s take the previous example and the original strike price with a gap of 55 GBx. After the order is opened, the price of AZN increases and reaches a peak value of 11,605 GBx just after the market opens on 16 February.

The trailing stop loss trigger could have followed this trend and increased to a value of 11,550 GBx. As this is higher than the price of AZN at contract open, you would secure a profit a few minutes later when the stock’s value drops. The difference between using a trailing stop loss and a normal stop loss in this example is a profit of 95GBx rather than a loss of 55 GBx.

Margin trading risk management with trailing stop loss

Take Profit

A take profit order will secure returns from a winning position. If the market moves favourably, your position will be automatically closed, in part or in full, if the asset’s price reaches a certain amount.

The chart below is a graph of Lloyds stock (LLOY) traded on the London Stock Exchange. Assume you open a long CFD trade at the beginning of the trading day on 10 February 2023 at 08:00 when LLOY is valued at 53.2 GBx with a take profit order set at 53.9 GBx. Soon after this, the market trends upwards and LLOY increases until it reaches the 53.9 strike price around 08:30. At this point, your platform would automatically close the trade and secure the profit, protecting you against the bearish trend that reverses LLOY’s stock, bringing its price to 53.0 GBx by 11:00.

Margin Trading Risk Management With Trailing Stop Loss

Note that while stop loss orders work under normal market conditions, they are not guaranteed. If the market lacks liquidity, it may not be possible to fill your order at the price you set.

One Percent System

A trader who practices the 1% money management strategy will only ever stake a maximum of 1% of their total capital on a single trade. This limits the amount of capital at risk in any one position, with the tradeoff that it will also limit the profit potential of each position. Nonetheless, it can help reduces the risk involved when trading frequently and with high volatility.

How To Compare Margin Trading Brokers

Markets

Before you start margin trading, determine the markets that you want to invest in. For instance, if you know you want to trade cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin on margin, you could use dedicated DeFi exchanges such as ByBit or OKX. Alternatively, look for crypto brokers such as IC Markets that offer margin trading on a range of popular cryptocurrencies with various safeguarding measures and a better track record than exchanges.

On the other hand, if you are unsure what markets are best suited to your trading style and strategy, find a brokerage that offers a wide range of assets. For example, AvaTrade supports margin trading on stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities and bonds.

Trading Vehicles

Some of the most popular derivative products that retail investors use for margin trading include:

  • CFDsContracts for difference, or CFDs, are one of the most popular leveraged trading vehicles available on the retail market. They allow traders to go long or short on assets without actually buying or selling them.
  • Spread BettingA similar trading vehicle to CFDs, spread betting also involves speculating on assets’ price movements without directly buying and selling them. A benefit of spread betting for UK traders is that profits from this derivative are usually tax-exempt.
  • FuturesOnline brokers such as Interactive Brokers offer futures contracts. Futures are the original type of derivative, giving the trader the right to buy or sell an asset at a specified price on a future date.

Trading Platform

Your online trading experience will be greatly influenced by the platform you use. This is where you analyse assets’ price movements on charts, set up and execute trades, and monitor your open positions. You should therefore aim to choose a platform that comes with various indicators, tools and charting options so you can conduct analysis and make informed trading decisions.

Many brokers with margin trading provide access to leading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Others, such as eToro, only offer their own platform. CMC Markets is among the margin trading brokers that allow clients to choose whether they use the broker’s proprietary platform or trade using MT4 through their computer or as mobile apps.

Demo Account

Margin trading is a high-risk activity so it is important to be confident in your strategy before you stake real money. A useful way to develop a strategy is through gaining practical experience, which can be done through demo accounts. These act as a simulator to replicate live trading sessions, allowing you to practise trading on margin risk-free while also getting used to the platform.

Fees

Find a broker with a fee structure that suits your margin trading strategy or investment style. Charges typically include commissions, bid-ask spreads, deposit and withdrawal fees and inactivity penalties.

Importantly, you should also be aware of swap rates, which are interest rates paid on positions that are held overnight. The amount you are charged will be impacted by the asset you are trading, how many days you are trading for and your side (long vs short). Depending on your strategy, this may not be important. For example, if you plan to close positions the same day they are opened, you will not be subjected to overnight holding fees.

Regulation

The best margin trading brokers in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The UK regulator mandates various measures designed to protect investors, from limits on leverage to negative balance protection, investor compensation schemes and restrictions on misleading promotions.

If you want features that are not available through an FCA-regulated broker, such as higher leverage, it may be possible to find a firm that is regulated by a foreign regulator. Some of the best-known are FINRA in the US, ASIC in Australia, and CySEC in Cyprus.

Bottom Line On Margin Trading

Margin trading can be profitable, but it also carries risks. For this reason, make sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages of trading on margin before you start. Register for a demo account with your chosen broker to test out different strategies, whether you are investing in crypto, stocks or any other market. Many brokers also provide free liquidation, profit and margin calculators.

FAQ

How Much Can I Borrow When Trading On Margin?

If you are a retail trader using FCA-regulated brokers then the maximum leverage you can typically access is 1:30, which is limited to major forex pairs only. Other markets and instruments, however, have different limits. For example, if you are interested in margin trading on the stock market, the maximum leverage is normally 1:5.

Note, professional accounts often provide higher leverage up to 1:400 and 1:500 but without the protection of negative balance protection.

Is Margin Trading A Good Or Bad Idea?

To determine if margin trading is a good or bad idea for you, you need to ensure that you properly understand the risks as well as the benefits. Use our guide to find out how margin trading works, the taxation rules (income vs capital gains tax) and potential strategies. Then sign up for a demo account so you can practise margin trading to help see if it is right for you.

Can You Use Trading Bots With Margin Trading?

Yes, you can use an expert advisor trading robot system to enhance the margin trading experience. Keep in mind that introducing an EA will not necessarily change the gains and losses you experience as it will only execute a given strategy. You can find EAs from various providers and integrate them onto popular platforms like MT4 and MT5.

Which Is The Best Broker For Margin Trading?

There are many top brokers that offer margin trading in the UK, including Pepperstone, XTB and Interactive Brokers. For long-term trading on margin, you can also enable leverage with brokers such as Vanguard, Charles Schwab and Fidelity. To determine which is the best, consider factors such as fees, trading platforms, interest rates for overnight positions, margin requirements and payment methods.

Is Margin Trading Worth It?

Whether margin trading is right for you is something you need to evaluate yourself. To do so, you should weigh up the risks vs the rewards and consider the differences between margin trading and other ways of investing such as spot trading and cash trading without leverage.

Where Can I Learn About Margin Trading?

Our full guide to understanding margin explains the basics and different types of margin trading available. Additionally, the Binance tutorial has definitions of different terms and information on new rules that you need to know before you start investing. Other resources include books such as the ‘For Dummies’ series, PDF guides offering tips and tricks as well as videos and online classes for beginners.

What Is Free Margin In Trading?

Free margin in trading relates to the available funds you have deposited into the brokerage account that you can use for trading. For this, you need to add up the money in your account, also taking into account any paper profits and losses from currently open positions.

What Is Your Required Margin In Trading?

The required margin is the minimum margin level you must maintain. This is the margin level for your account across all open positions. If your margin level drops below this minimum maintenance level, you may be at risk of a margin call.

Is Margin Trading Halal Or Haram?

According to some Muslim scholars, margin trading is haram and therefore not in accordance with Sharia Law. However, some margin trading brokers offer Islamic-friendly accounts. You can also consult a local religious leader for guidance.