Best Stock Brokers 2025
The best online stock brokers in the UK offer a range of equities and stock indices with low fees, a reliable platform and FCA oversight. Here we compare stock brokers and list our top picks for UK stock traders in 2025:
Top UK Stock Brokers
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FxPro provides a robust range of stock CFDs with access to over 2,000 equities from major US and European exchanges, featuring companies such as Tesla and Apple. Additionally, the broker is expanding its offerings through BnkPro's e-money and investment products.
Stock Exchanges Fractional Shares Leverage Euronext, Hang Seng, FTSE UK Index, DAX GER 40 Index, CAC 40 Index France, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, IBEX 35, S&P 500 No 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) Stocks Spread Share Baskets Platforms Variable No FxPro Edge, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower -
FOREX.com offers a variety of US, EU, and UK stock CFDs with spreads as tight as 1 point. Traders can explore both established brands and new IPOs, enhancing portfolio diversification opportunities. US stocks are available starting at 1.8 cents per share.
Stock Exchanges Fractional Shares Leverage Nasdaq, S&P 500, DAX GER 40 Index, FTSE UK Index, Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Euronext, Hang Seng, CAC 40 Index France, Borsa Italiana, Japan Exchange Group, IBEX 35, SIX Swiss Exchange, Dow Jones, Hong Kong Stock Exchange No 1:30 Stocks Spread Share Baskets Platforms 0.14 No WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView -
IG provides access to over 13,000 shares for trading and investment, surpassing most rivals in the number of listed firms. The broker stands out with its zero commission policy on US shares. Additionally, out-of-hours trading unlocks more than 70 shares, alongside popular ETFs and trusts, even when markets are shut. They have also introduced an AI Index, highlighting opportunities in leading US firms specialising in artificial intelligence and machine learning, like Nvidia.
Stock Exchanges Fractional Shares Leverage SIX Swiss Exchange, Taiwan Stock Exchange, Toronto Stock Exchange, Tadawul, Deutsche Boerse, Japan Exchange Group, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Euronext, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange Of India, Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Bombay Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, Dow Jones, S&P 500, IBEX 35, Borsa Italiana, Russell 2000, Korean Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange No 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) Stocks Spread Share Baskets Platforms 0.02 Yes Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime -
Eightcap provides over 590 shares from the US, Australia, and Europe alongside a select range of indices, such as the Dow Jones and FTSE. Their Labs include first-rate educational resources, especially the ‘Navigating Stock Market Volatility’ guide. However, they do not yet offer fractional shares for budget traders, unlike brokers like XTB.
Stock Exchanges Fractional Shares Leverage New York Stock Exchange, CAC 40 Index France, DAX GER 40 Index, London Stock Exchange, Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Euronext, FTSE UK Index, Japan Exchange Group, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Hang Seng, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, S&P 500, Russell 2000, Toronto Stock Exchange, SIX Swiss Exchange No 1:30 Stocks Spread Share Baskets Platforms 0.03 (Apple Inc) No MT4, MT5, TradingView -
eToro provides access to a vast range of shares from Europe, the US, and more, including Dubai's leading stocks from 2024. Traders can either operate independently or engage with eToro's vibrant community of millions. Long-term investors might explore the broker's Smart Portfolios, featuring thematic collections such as Big Tech.
Stock Exchanges Fractional Shares Leverage SIX Swiss Exchange, Euronext, Deutsche Boerse, Japan Exchange Group, Shanghai Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Korean Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, FTSE UK Index, S&P 500, DAX GER 40 Index, Dow Jones, CAC 40 Index France, National Stock Exchange Of India, Tokyo Commodity Exchange, IBEX 35, Hang Seng, Russell 2000, Borsa Italiana, Taiwan Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, Nasdaq Nordic & Baltics, Dubai Financial Market Yes 1:30 Stocks Spread Share Baskets Platforms 0.57 (Apple) Yes eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral -
City Index provides access to over 4,700 shares from major stock exchanges through CFDs and spread betting, featuring prominent companies such as Tesla and Apple. Traders can also engage in pre-market and after-hours trading on more than 70 US stocks. Additionally, the platform excels in offering indices aligned with emerging consumer interests, like AI, NFTs, and ESG criteria.
Stock Exchanges Fractional Shares Leverage London Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Euronext, Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Borsa Italiana, SIX Swiss Exchange, FTSE UK Index, DAX GER 40 Index, Dow Jones, CAC 40 Index France, Hang Seng, IBEX 35, Russell 2000, S&P 500 No 1:30 Stocks Spread Share Baskets Platforms Variable Yes Web Trader, MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral -
Plus500 provides a comprehensive selection of shares through CFDs across UK, US, and European markets. In 2025, this includes new offerings in quantum computing and AI sectors, featuring companies like IonQ, Rigetti, Duolingo, and Carvana. Unique prospects in the ESG and cannabis sectors set Plus500 apart from other platforms. Traders also have access to over 30 indices, with leverage options reaching up to 1:20.
Stock Exchanges Fractional Shares Leverage SIX Swiss Exchange, Euronext, Deutsche Boerse, Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), London Stock Exchange, Borsa Italiana, FTSE UK Index, CAC 40 Index France, DAX GER 40 Index, IBEX 35, Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq, Hang Seng No 1:30 Stocks Spread Share Baskets Platforms Dynamic No WebTrader, App
FXPro
Forex.com
IG Index
Eightcap
eToro
City Index
Plus500Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best Stock Brokers 2025 are and what features they offer to protect traders.
| Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FXPro | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Forex.com | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | |
| IG Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| eToro | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| City Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Plus500 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the Best Stock Brokers 2025 support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
| Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FXPro | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Forex.com | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IG Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| eToro | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| City Index | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Plus500 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the Best Stock Brokers 2025 at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
| Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FXPro | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Forex.com | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| IG Index | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| Eightcap | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| eToro | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| City Index | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Plus500 | iOS, Android & Windows | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the Best Stock Brokers 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FXPro | ✔ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Forex.com | ✔ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| IG Index | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Eightcap | ✔ | £100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| eToro | ✔ | $50 | $10 | ||
| City Index | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Plus500 | ✔ | $100 | Variable |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the Best Stock Brokers 2025 offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
| Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FXPro | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Forex.com | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | 1:30 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| IG Index | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Eightcap | TradingView Bots | ✘ | 1:30 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| eToro | Automate your trades via CopyTrader - follow profitable traders. Open and close trades automatically when they do. | ✘ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| City Index | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plus500 | ✘ | ✘ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Best Stock Brokers 2025.
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FXPro | |||||||||
| Forex.com | |||||||||
| IG Index | |||||||||
| Eightcap | |||||||||
| eToro | |||||||||
| City Index | |||||||||
| Plus500 |
Our Take On FXPro
"FxPro is an excellent choice for traders, offering swift execution speeds under 12ms, reduced fees since 2022, and outstanding charting platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and FxPro Edge."
Pros
- FxPro's Wallet is a notable feature enabling traders to securely manage their funds. It ensures additional protection and ease by separating unused funds from active trading accounts.
- FxPro provides four dependable charting platforms, including the user-friendly FxPro Edge. It features more than 50 indicators, 7 types of charts, and 15 different timeframes.
- FxPro uses a 'No Dealing Desk' (NDD) model for swift and transparent order execution, usually within 12 milliseconds, making it well-suited for short-term trading strategies.
Cons
- There are no passive investment options such as copy trading or interest on cash. While traders might not find these essential, competitors like eToro, which accommodate both active and passive investors, offer more extensive services.
- FxPro offers customer support five days a week around the clock, accessible via various platforms, and the service quality is reliable based on tests. However, the absence of weekend support can be a drawback for traders requiring help beyond standard market times.
- FxPro, with its $10M funded demo account and expanding Knowledge Hub, mainly caters to experienced traders. Beginners might find its account and fee structure challenging to understand.
Our Take On Forex.com
"FOREX.com excels in serving traders of all levels, offering more than 80 currency pairs, spreads starting at 0.0 pips, and competitive commissions. Its robust charting platforms provide over 100 technical indicators and comprehensive research tools."
Pros
- FOREX.com provides top-tier forex rates beginning at 0.0 pips, along with attractive cashback rebates up to 15% for dedicated traders.
- The in-house Web Trader remains a standout platform, excellently crafted for budding traders. It features a sleek design and offers more than 80 technical indicators for thorough market analysis.
- With more than two decades of expertise, strong regulatory governance, and numerous accolades, including a second-place finish in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com is globally renowned as a reliable trading platform.
Cons
- US clients are not protected against negative balances, which means you could end up owing more than your initial deposit.
- Although FOREX.com has expanded its range of instruments, its product offering is confined to forex and CFDs. Consequently, there are no investment options for actual stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies.
- Funding choices are restricted when compared to top options such as IC Markets. Many popular e-wallets, including UnionPay and POLi, are noticeably absent.
Our Take On IG Index
"IG offers a complete package with an intuitive online platform, top-tier beginner education, advanced charting tools through its TradingView integration, real-time data, and swift execution for seasoned traders."
Pros
- The IG app provides an excellent mobile trading experience with an intuitive design, earning it the Runner Up position in our 'Best Trading App' award.
- IG stands out with its extensive range of instruments, offering stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it has recently introduced US-listed futures and options, along with an AI Index. These options enhance opportunities for diversification in trading.
- The web-based platform supports traders at every level, offering advanced charting tools and real-time market data vital for trading. Additionally, IG now includes TradingView integration.
Cons
- Based on tests, stock and CFD spreads remain less competitive than the lowest-cost brokers, such as CMC Markets.
- Beginners may find IG's fees complicated, as they vary depending on the trades or services. This could cause confusion and unexpected costs.
- In the UK and EU, negative balance protection is available. However, US clients lack account protection and guaranteed stop losses.
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 has excelled in all essential trading areas, surpassing all rivals to clinch our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024. It also earned the titles of 'Best Crypto Broker' and 'Best TradingView Broker' for 2025.
- 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
- Eightcap must enhance its range of over 800 instruments to rival top competitors like Blackbull Markets, which offers 26,000+ assets, especially improving its limited commodities selection.
- 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.
- 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.
Our Take On eToro
"eToro's social trading platform excels with its outstanding user experience and lively community chat, aiding beginners in spotting opportunities. It offers competitive fees on numerous CFDs and real stocks, alongside exceptional rewards for seasoned strategists."
Pros
- eToro secured second place in DayTrading.com's 'Best Crypto Broker' for 2025, offering a vast selection of tokens, dependable service, and competitive fees.
- The web platform and mobile app receive higher user reviews and app rankings compared to leading competitors like AvaTrade.
- eToro is a globally recognised brand, operating under top-tier international regulations. It boasts a community of over 25 million users.
Cons
- The only significant contact option, besides the in-platform live chat, is limited.
- The absence of extra charting platforms such as MT4 may deter experienced traders who rely on external software.
- There are no assured stop-loss orders, which could be a valuable risk management tool for novice traders.
Our Take On City Index
"City Index suits active traders perfectly, offering rapid execution speeds averaging 20ms and a customisable web platform with over 90 technical indicators. Its educational resources are exceptional. For UK traders interested in spread betting on 8,500+ instruments tax-free, City Index is an excellent option."
Pros
- City Index offers adaptable trading platforms suited to every expertise level. For newcomers, the Web Trader platform is straightforward and user-friendly. For more in-depth analysis and automated features, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView are supported, providing a comprehensive trading experience for all traders.
- City Index is under the regulation of leading authorities, such as the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, and MAS in Singapore. Its parent company, StoneX Group Inc., is publicly listed, which enhances its credibility.
- City Index offers access to over 13,500 markets, including forex, indices, shares, commodities, bonds, ETFs, and interest rates. The platform's inclusion of niche markets such as interest rates provides traders with unique opportunities not commonly available on other platforms.
Cons
- Unlike brokers like AvaTrade and BlackBull, City Index lacks options for passive trading, such as social copy trading or real ownership of stocks and ETFs. This limitation may reduce its appeal to traders seeking a more hands-off approach.
- City Index does not offer an Islamic account with swap-free conditions, making it less attractive to Muslim traders than brokers such as Eightcap and Pepperstone.
- Although many brokers, such as eToro, have broadened their crypto offerings, City Index restricts its clients to crypto CFDs. This limited selection may not meet the needs of traders seeking a wider variety of altcoins.
Our Take On Plus500
"Plus500 provides a seamless experience for traders with its CFD platform, featuring a sleek design and interactive charting. However, its research tools are basic, fees are higher than the most economical brokers, and its educational resources could be improved."
Pros
- The customer support team consistently delivers reliable support around the clock through email, live chat, and WhatsApp.
- Plus500 has expanded its range of short-term trading instruments by adding VIX options, which feature increased volatility. Additionally, it has extended trading hours for seven stock CFDs.
- The broker provides commission-free trading across a variety of markets, reducing extra charges and attracting experienced traders.
Cons
- Algorithmic trading and scalping are not available, potentially deterring certain traders.
- Educational resources are not as extensive as leading brokers such as eToro, which affects beginners' ability to learn quickly.
- Compared to competitors like IG, Plus500 offers limited research and analysis tools.
What Is A Stock Broker?
An online stock broker act as the intermediary between buyers and sellers of publicly-traded shares. Trades can be opened via the firm’s digital platform or mobile app and are executed using market prices.
Stock brokerages typically charge a commission or add a spread markup in return for executing positions on your behalf. With that said, some of the best stock brokers offer low to no fees.
The online stock broker industry in the UK has a market size of nearly £2 billion. Among the largest stock investing apps is IG with 350,000+ customers.
How To Compare Online Stock Brokers
Markets & Vehicles
Top-rated stock brokers will offer investment opportunities on popular markets, such as the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This allows UK traders to invest in the largest companies both domestically and abroad, spanning multiple sectors from finance and technology to oil and gas.
Also consider how you want to start stock trading. Do you want to directly buy and sell shares, take on ownership rights and potentially receive dividend payments? Alternatively, many retail investors turn to derivatives like CFDs, whereby you can speculate on the rise or fall in stock prices online without taking ownership of them.
In addition, fractional shares and penny stocks may appeal to beginners or those with limited capital. With fractional stocks, investors can buy a portion of a high-value share, such as one-half or one-third, reducing entry barriers.
Fees
When comparing online stock brokers in the UK, look for a transparent fee schedule. Of course, the cheapest fees can lead to greater profit margins, but this should not come at the detriment of low-quality services and tools.
Generally, you can expect to pay a flat commission for share dealing and/or a spread. Also consider overnight rollover fees, inactivity penalties, deposit and withdrawal rates, plus charges for market data.
An increasing number of discount stock brokers and low-cost trading platforms also advertise low to no fees. eToro, for example, offers thousands of stocks with zero commission. Alternatively, Interactive Brokers offers low commissions of £3 per trade for UK and most European stocks, whilst US stocks start from $0.005 per share.
XM Spreads On UK Stocks
Platforms
The best online stock brokers in the UK provide third-party and/or proprietary terminals, which act as the gateway between investors and global stock markets. FxPro, for example, offers an in-house platform, plus MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader.
Importantly, check for real-time market data, watchlist builders, custom alerts, stock screeners, and multiple order types. Good stock brokers offer limit, market, and stop orders as standard, though the best stock buying platforms in the UK also offer trailing stop, fill-or-kill, and one-cancels-the-other.
Additionally, charts and graphs should be a factor in your internet stock brokers and platforms comparison, as well as access to technical indicators such as RSI, MACD and Bollinger Bands. These should be available on downloadable software or web browsers.
Mobile App
Major online brokers in the UK, such as Saxo Bank and CMC Markets, offer beginner-friendly stock trading apps with live market access and account management features. Also look for stock market analysis from the broker’s experts, push notifications and compatibility with iOS and Android devices.
The best mobile stock investing apps essentially facilitate seamless integration with desktop terminals, meaning you can manage positions and trade on the go.
Regulation
The best online stock brokers in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The FCA restricts the use of misleading bonuses and promotions and limits leverage. It also requires firms to provide negative balance protection and segregate client funds from company money. In addition, British traders will get access to the Financial Ombudsman Service in case of disputes and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) should the brokerage go bankrupt.
Among the top stock investment platforms authorised by the FCA are Plus500 and CMC Markets.
Tools
The best online stock brokers worldwide offer insights from the broker’s analysts, third-party tools like Morningstar, integrated stock screeners, and live news streams. Copy trading is also favoured by beginners, allowing users to mirror the trades of experienced investors.
Interactive Brokers, for example, offers a wealth of market research, commentary, and news articles. Popular solutions include Alliance News Global500 reports for £25 per month, the QuantConnect algorithmic terminal from £48 per month, plus free access to The Motley Fool podcast and news column. Alternatively, eToro’s analysts collate key metrics on large stocks, including a buy/sell rating:
eToro Stock Analysis
Education
Leading stock investing platforms for new traders also provide free educational content. Look for live webinars, ‘how-to’ guides, video tutorials, and keyword glossaries.
The eToro Academy, for instance, is a best-in-class resource offering a wealth of courses, guides, podcasts, and videos, organised into beginner and advanced experience levels.
Demo Account
The top stock brokers for beginners offer demo accounts. These can be used to practise investing risk-free before committing to a live account. Paper investing accounts come with virtual money and access to live pricing. As such, you can simulate various stock strategies without risking real funds.
CMC Markets, for example, provides £10,000 in virtual funds to trade CFDs on stocks, indices, forex, and commodities. Prospective users can get familiar with platform tools alongside the full product library.
Deposits & Withdrawals
The largest online stock brokers that accept various payment methods, including debit cards, wire transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal, are big brands like Pepperstone and IC Markets.
Also check for any fees. Leading stock exchange platforms offer commission-free deposits and low to zero charges on withdrawals. In addition, make sure processing times are fast. IG Index, for example, offers instant processing of card and PayPal payments, whilst bank wire transfers can take up to three days.
Note that most UK stock brokers have a minimum deposit requirement, which can range anywhere from £1 to £1000. There are also some stock broking platforms and apps with no minimum deposit, including XTB.
Promotions
Welcome bonuses and financial incentives can be a major draw for new traders. However, the FCA does not permit authorised stock brokerages to offer joining promotions. This is because they can encourage excessive risk-taking. Some bonuses also come with tough conditions, such as high volume requirements before withdrawals can be requested.
With that said, some leading stock brokers offer legitimate fee rebates to high-volume traders. This can be a good way for active traders to reduce their costs.
Customer Support
Customer service is a key source of information for platform guidance and account questions. There will often be several contact methods available, including live chat, email, and telephone. Also check that the stock broker’s support team is available during market opening hours at the minimum.
Pepperstone is a good example of a top-rated stock broker with strong support. They offer a UK telephone number, available 24/7.
Opening Hours
Online stock brokers should provide investment opportunities during market opening hours. The UK stock market, for example, is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (GMT) Monday to Friday.
Some stock brokers also offer extended hours, meaning you can trade before or after the market opens. Note, stock markets may be particularly volatile when fewer investors are participating.
Bottom Line On Comparing Stock Brokers
Shortlisting the best online stock platforms is an important first step in your investment journey. Whether it’s brokers with free stock investing platforms, fractional shares, instant deposit capabilities, good reviews, cryptos and options, or companies with no minimum balance requirements, there is a lot to consider.
Use our guide to compare stock investing apps across key metrics. Alternatively, see our list of the best online stock brokers. Rankings are based on the highest-rated and most popular platforms in the UK.
FAQ
What Are Online Stock Brokers?
Online stock brokers act as the middleman between buyers and sellers of shares. Clients can start purchasing stocks, indices, ETFs and other assets through the firm’s platform or app. Traders can also manage their accounts and pay any share dealing fees.
How Do Stock Brokers Work?
Typically, a retail investor will submit a buy or sell order, which is then sent to the stockbroker. On behalf of the investor, the broker would then transfer the order request to the relevant market or liquidity provider. Online stock brokers usually take a small fee in return for the service.
How Do Online Stock Brokers Make Money?
Online stock brokers typically make money through commissions and spreads. Platforms generally apply a markup on the price they get from their liquidity providers. Stock platforms and apps may also charge for deposits and withdrawals, holding positions overnight, and for access to additional tools like a VPS or exchange data.
How Do You Switch Between Online Stock Brokers?
The majority of stock brokers process transfer requests online. You will need to submit a request with your existing provider and complete a transfer form with your new stockbroker. The transfer will then be completed on your behalf.
Are Online Stock Brokers Safe?
The most reputable online stock brokers hold a license with the UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority. Authorised firms will offer negative balance protection, display risk warnings, limit leverage on derivatives, and restrict firms from offering misleading promotions.
With that said, there is always a risk to capital when investing in stocks online. The worst platforms also operate scams online targeting beginners, though they will not hold a license with the FCA.
Which Is The Best Online Stock Broker In The UK?
The best online stock brokers in the UK will depend on your investing style and financial goals. With that said, compare the range of stocks and indices available, share dealing fees, supported payment methods, FCA oversight, plus tools like demo accounts and copy trading.