Stock Brokers
The best online stock brokers in the UK offer a range of equities with low fees, a reliable platform and FCA oversight. This guide will explain how to compare stock brokers and investing apps, from minimum deposits and safety ratings to fractional shares for beginners. Our experts have also reviewed and listed the top-rated stock brokerages and platforms in 2025:
Stock Brokers UK
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At FXCC, traders can access competitive spreads on major indices, including the Dow Jones, NASDAQ, and S&P 500. A notable limitation is the absence of individual stocks, which puts FXCC at a disadvantage compared to competitors like CMC Markets, known for offering thousands of shares.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto CySEC MT4, MT5 Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:500 -
A vast array of global shares and indices are accessible. Depending on your location, trading IPO shares and ETFs on the MT4 platform is also possible. A modest 0.1% commission applies to US shares, with various analytical tools provided to keep you informed on market developments.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures BVI FSC MT4, MT5 Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $1 0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica) 1:30 for retail clients, 1:500 for professional -
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.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Spread Betting FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB, FSA FxPro Edge, MT4, MT5, cTrader, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $100 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) -
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.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $100 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
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.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, CONSOB, AFM Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) -
Eightcap provides access to over 590 shares from the US, Australia, and Europe, alongside key indices like the Dow Jones and FTSE. The platform's Labs feature superb educational resources, such as the guide on managing stock market volatility. Additionally, Capitalise.ai enables traders to automate strategies using clear English commands. However, Eightcap lacks fractional shares for budget-conscious traders, a feature offered by competitors like XTB.
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 -
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.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $50 $10 1:30 -
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.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto, Futures, Options, Bonds, Interest Rates,ETFs,Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, CySEC, MAS Web Trader, MT4, TradingView, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
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.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs on Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, MAS, FSA, FSCA, FMA, EFSA WebTrader, App Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $100 Variable 1:30 -
Axi has broadened its selection of stock CFDs, offering options in key markets such as the US, UK, Europe, and Hong Kong. However, it still does not match the market access available through leading firms. Axi Academy is particularly noteworthy, with its Share CFDs Trading Course 101 serving as an excellent introduction for newcomers.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto FCA, ASIC, FMA, DFSA, SVGFSA Axi Copy Trading, MT4, AutoChartist Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30
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.