Below, we rounded up the Best Trading Apps in The UK. Our research of the best stock trading platform apps is based on various factors such as fees, commissions, ease of use, trading tools, security, regulation, and more.
Table of Contents
- List of the Top Trading Apps UK 2024
- 1. eToro – Best Stock Trading App In the UK Overall
- 2. AvaTrade – Best Forex Trading App UK
- 3. Pepperstone – Best Low Spread Trading App UK
- 4. Interactive Brokers – Best Market Access Trading App UK
- 5. IG – Great CFD Trading App UK
- 6. Trading 212
- 7. Fineco Bank
- 8. Interactive Investor
- 9. Fidelity
- 10. XTB
- 11. CMC Markets
- 12. Forex.com
- 13. FXTM
- 14. Hargreaves Lansdown
- Compare Trading Apps in the UK
- How To Pick a Mobile Trading App in The UK?
- 1. Markets Available
- 2. Day Trading or Investing – What is the difference between stock trading and long-term investing?
- 3. Regulation
- 4. Fees & Commissions
- 5. Account Opening Process
- 6. Functions
- 7. Education & Research for Traders
- 8. Order Execution Speeds
- 9. Leverage Available
- 10. Order Types
- 11. Account Minimums
- 12. Demo Accounts
- 13. Deposit Methods
- 14. Customer Support
- 15. Ease Of Use
- 16. Do They Offer Copy Trading?
- What is the Best App for Trading Stocks in the UK?
- Which Trading App is best for Beginners in the UK?
- What is the Best Day Trading App in the UK
- What is the Best Trading App in the UK for Forex?
- What Is the Best Trading App For Copy Trading in the UK
- FAQ
List of the Top Trading Apps UK 2024
Here is an overview of the top-rated trading apps in the UK. Each trading app offers unique advantages for different types of investors.
This is our selection of the best stock trading apps UK:
- eToro – Best Trading App UK Overall
- AvaTrade – Best Trading App UK for Forex
- Pepperstone – Best Trading App UK for Low Spreads
- Interactive Brokers – Best Trading App for Market Access
- IG – UK Trading App with over 12,000 Stocks
- Trading 212 – Best ETF Investment App UK
- XTB – Best CFD Trading App in the UK
- CMC Markets – Forex Trading App UK with Low Fees
- Fineco Bank
- Interactive Investor
- Fidelity
- Forex.com
- FXTM
- Hargreaves Lansdown
1. eToro – Best Stock Trading App In the UK Overall
eToro is our top pick as the best UK stock trading app overall. Their trading app is easy to use, offers copy trading and is well-suited for beginner traders. eToro does not offer ISA or SIPP accounts.
They offer 0% commission on selected U.S. stocks. eToro gives traders access to shares from the top stock exchanges like the NASDAQ, New York Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, Euronext, etc.
Read the Full Review of eToro.
eToro is our top pick as the best copy trading app. Opening an account is easy and completely digital. We suggest you use the demo trading account with $100,000 in virtual funds. With a demo account, you can practice trading until you are ready to invest in a real money account.
UK customers get access to the eToro money app, which clients can use to convert GBP to USD and reduce currency conversion fees.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Social, community-driven trading platform | Very minimal research and analyst tools/reports |
Social/copy trading is available | Not many charts or technical indicators are available |
0% commission fees on stocks and competitive trading |
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. {etoroCFDrisk}% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
2. AvaTrade – Best Forex Trading App UK
AvaTrade is a popular online trading platform that offers three different apps. These are AvaTrade GO, AvaTrade Options, and AvaTrade Social. Each of these is specifically geared towards certain traders and markets.
With the different choices available, AvaTrade can appeal to all kinds of traders and investment strategies based around trading forex options through CFDs. You get loads of technical tools and expert advice available through AvaTrade.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Offers excellent research tools | Only suitable for trading CFDs |
A choice of specific app options is available | |
Easy to open an account and start trading | |
Excellent support available |
3. Pepperstone – Best Low Spread Trading App UK
If you are interested in forex trading in the UK, then Pepperstone comes highly recommended. This is a CFD focused trading platform with excellent investment opportunities around forex.
It is very user-friendly, efficient, and a good choice for beginners. there is also a risk-free demo mode for getting started.
74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Active traders can get daily cash rebates | Investor protection is not offered for non-EU users |
Very low equity index CFD and forex fees | CFD only platform |
The app includes a VIP access feature |
4. Interactive Brokers – Best Market Access Trading App UK
Interactive Brokers was founded in 1978 and is a trusted online broker. They offer access to 150 markets in 133 markets. Top-tier authorities regulate interactive Brokers like SEC, CFTC, FCA, NFA, MAS, CBI, IIROC, ASIC, and CSSF.
IBKR has an excellent mobile app with low trading fees. They offer mobile trading on Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, US Spot Gold, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and Hedge Funds.
Interactive Brokers offers two mobile apps, the IBKR Global Trader and IBKR mobile. The IBKR Global Trader is suited for beginner to intermediate traders, while the IBKR mobile offers more functionalities and is better for advanced traders
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Access to a wide range of investment opportunities | High fees for inactive traders |
Many mutual funds with no transaction fees | |
Excellent tools and research options |
5. IG – Great CFD Trading App UK
IG was established in 1974 in the UK and has since grown into one of the largest CFD brokers in the world. IG is highly regulated in the UK and very safe to trade on.
The IG web-trading platform is very user-friendly and easy to navigate. You get great educational tools and resources on CFD trading. However, the forex and CFD trading fees are pretty high, and the trading options are limited.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
An excellent web-trading platform | The CFD and forex fees are high |
Plenty of withdrawal and deposit options | The product portfolio is limited |
Excellent educational tools available |
6. Trading 212
Trading 212 is one of the UK's best stock apps for beginners. Trading 212 offers excellent global stock and ETF options with no commission fees.
They have a $1 account minimum, a demo account, and an easy-to-use trading platform.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Commission-free trading available | The range of investment opportunities is limited |
Easy to open a Share Account and start trading | |
Simple to use platform that appeals to beginners |
7. Fineco Bank
Fineco Bank offers an appealing trading platform for UK investors with its very low trading fees and user-friendly platform. Fineco Bank is a safe to use listed-broker. This broker only accepts users from Italy and the UK.
Beginner traders will enjoy using Fineco Bank due to the very easy to navigate trading platform. It also offers a good range of investment opportunities for varied trader portfolios.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Low non-trading fees | Charting tools available |
The mobile trading platform is excellent | Educational tools are limited |
Trusted broker |
8. Interactive Investor
Interactive Investor is the second-largest UK stockbroker. It is regulated by the FCA.
Interactive Investor’s mobile app is easy to navigate and offers easy portfolio management, newsfeed, and more. This is great for beginner to intermediate traders, but Interactive Investor falls short for advanced trades. Customer support is excellent, and it's reasonably easy to get started for any traders in the UK. Unfortunately, Interactive Investor offers a fairly limited product portfolio and lacks advanced trading tools.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Covers all the traditional investment products | Monthly account fee |
The web trading platform is easy to use | The investment portfolio is limited to “traditional” products |
Superior customer service | Trading tools |
9. Fidelity
Fidelity is a multinational services corporation that appeals to all kinds of investment strategies with its wide-ranging product portfolio. Fidelity offers commission-free trading, as well as fractional share trading.
The investment products include ETFs, stocks, options, mutual funds, and more.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Good decision-making technology to make trading easier | Not the easiest platform for beginner traders to navigate |
A wide range of investment products available | |
Commission-free trading available |
10. XTB
XTB is a global CFD broker founded in 2002. The parent company is listed on the stock exchange. Their mobile app offers trading on Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, and Cryptocurrencies (not available in the UK).
The minimum deposit at XTB is £0, and there are no deposit fees. For withdrawals under £100, there is a withdrawal fee of £20. Bank Transfers, Credit and Debit Cards, and Skrill are available for deposits and withdrawals.
XTB offers low trading fees, but there is an inactivity fee of £10 after 12 months of inactivity.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Quick and easy to open an account | A limited product portfolio |
Low forex fees | Stock CFD trading has higher fees |
Deposits and withdrawals are free | Lacks educational data |
11. CMC Markets
This CFD and forex broker is regulated by the FCA and has a long track record. This platform offers low forex fees and no charges for deposits and withdrawals.
CMC Markets has top-quality web and mobile platforms for easy trading. They are packed with helpful features and are highly customizable to suit the needs of all kinds of investors.
You also get a wide investment portfolio available, and many great features, research, and educational tools.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Forex fees are low | High stock CFD fees |
The trading platform is wonderful to use | Opening an account is difficult |
You get advanced education and research tools | |
A diverse investment portfolio available |
12. Forex.com
As the name suggests, forex.com is focused on forex trading. The platform is a top choice for high-volume traders, and may not appeal as much to beginners.
The forex fees are very low, and the mobile platform is easy to use. However, other trading options are limited.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Low forex fees | High stock CFD fees through the app |
A wide range of currency pair options | A fairly limited product portfolio |
Excellent research tools | Not ideal for beginners |
13. FXTM
FXTM, or ForexTime, is a global broker for forex and CFD trading. The platform is well-regulated, safe, and appealing to new traders.
This is due to the superior educational tools, live webinars to help you trade, and a risk-free demo account. FXTM is one of the easiest platforms to open an account and get started on.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Suitable for all levels of traders | High CFD fees |
Easy to open an account | Withdrawals, deposits, and inactivity can also result in high fees |
User-friendly app |
14. Hargreaves Lansdown
Hargreaves Lansdown is an FTSE 100 company and one of the largest investment platforms in the UK. They offer three types of investing. You can invest yourself, select ready-mad portfolios or choose a financial adviser.
Hargreaves Lansdown offers access to over 15,000 instruments. They offer funds, UK and international shares, ETFs, ETCs, investment trusts, bonds, etc.
If you are based in the UK, Hargreaves Lansdown is a top option.
Hargreaves Lansdown charges 0.45% (maximum of £45) a year for ISA and 0.45% (maximum of £200) for SIPP accounts.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Excellent educational tools are available | ETFs and stocks have high fees |
User-friendly trading platform | The markets and products available could be improved |
Customer service | |
Geared toward UK traders |
Compare Trading Apps in the UK
Below we compared the top trading apps in the UK based on various factors.
Trading App | eToro | AvaTrade | Pepperstone | Interactive Brokers | XTB | CMC Markets |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Founded | 2007 | 2006 | 2010 | 1978 | 2002 | 1989 |
Regulation | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSAS | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, FRSA, Israel Securities Authority, Financial Services Agency, Financial Futures Association of Japan | ASIC, CySEC, FCA, SCB, DFSA, BaFin, CMA | SEC, CFTC, FCA, NFA, MAS, CBI, IIROC, ASIC, CSSF | FCA, CySEC, Financial Services Commission in Belize | FCA, BaFin, ASIC, IIROC, FMA, MAS |
Offering Of Investments | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities | Forex, Stocks, Commodities, FXOptions, Cryptocurrencies, Indices, ETFs, Bonds | Forex, Shares, Indices, Commodities, and Cryptocurrencies | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, US Spot Gold, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Hedge Funds | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Crypto | Forex, Indices, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Shares, Share Baskets, Treasuries |
Minimum Deposit | $50 – $100 | $100 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Demo Account | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Withdrawal Fee | $5 | $0 | $5 | 1 Free Withdrawal per Month | 20 USD for withdrawals under 100 USD | $0 |
Inactivity Fee | $10/month | $50/month After 3 Months | $0 | No | $10 monthly after 12 months | $15 monthly after 12 months |
Deposit Methods | PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Credit Card, Debit Card, Rapid Transfer, iDEAL, Klarna / Sofort Banking, Bank Transfer, Online Banking – Trustly, POLi | Credit and Debit Cards, Wire Transfer, e-payments | Credit/debit cards, Bank/Wire Transfer, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, UnionPay, BPay, PoLi | Bank Wire, Credit Cards, ACH, Mail a check, Rollover, Online Bill Pay, Trustee-to-Trustee, SEP Contribution | Bank Transfers, Credit and Debit Cards, Skrill | Bank Transfers, Credit and Debit Cards, PayPal |
How To Pick a Mobile Trading App in The UK?
When looking for a trading app in the UK, there are a few essential considerations to make. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Markets Available
Different trading apps offer access to different investment opportunities. You need to choose one that accommodates your investment strategy. For example, a particular investing app might focus on forex, CFDs, stocks, crypto, ETFs, etc.
Always ensure that the app you choose suits your trading requirements.
2. Day Trading or Investing – What is the difference between stock trading and long-term investing?
Stock trading is usually a short-term process. Frequent trading involves opening and closing positions during a single day (day trading). Unless you are a position trader, you will open and close positions over a short period – usually within a day.
Investing, on the other hand, takes a lot of time. You buy and sell stocks over a more extended period.
Are you looking for a long-term investment solution, or are you an active mobile day trader? How long you plan on holding the assets can determine the type that is best for you. Some mobile apps focus on CFDs, while others are more suitable for long-term investing.
3. Regulation
Proper regulation is necessary to ensure that you trade through a safe and secure broker. Well regulated mobile apps offer better transparency and security.
All of the apps listed above are properly monitored and regulated for safe use in the UK.
4. Fees & Commissions
The fees and commissions you pay on your trades can make a huge impact on your overall trading app experience. Some trading app providers offer zero commissions, some have monthly fees, and others have different commission structures based on the assets.
You must ensure that your fee and commission structure aligns with your investment strategy.
Otherwise, you may end up losing a large number of your returns to commissions. It is worth noting that the charges shouldn't be the investment app user's sole focus.
5. Account Opening Process
The account opening process should be easy. Some apps allow you to open a Share Account entirely digitally, while others can have more lengthy verification processes.
6. Functions
Apps should offer more than just investment opportunities; they should also have various other features and functions. This includes things like alerts, notifications, charts, watch lists, real-time data, news data, portfolio trackers, and more. These functions will help you become a better trader making more informed decisions.
7. Education & Research for Traders
You don’t want to be trading blindly on the app. Some of the best platforms offer great education and research tools to help traders better understand the process and to make wiser choices. This is particularly important for beginners.
8. Order Execution Speeds
Apps should be fast and efficient. You trade at real-time prices, and sometimes need to be very quick when buying and selling. For this reason, execution speeds are essential. This is particularly important for very active traders.
9. Leverage Available
Leverage trading, or margin trading, allows you to open positions larger than the capital you have available. Some traders rely on leverage trading for their strategies, so it might be important that your app supports this.
10. Order Types
Different apps have different order types available. This can include things like market orders, limit orders, trailing stop, and so on. Always check out the order types first to make sure that the app works with your trading strategy.
11. Account Minimums
How much money do you need to start trading and open an account? Some apps have no account minimum, some have very low ones, and others are reserved for larger amounts of capital.
Knowing what you have to invest in is essential before choosing an app because you need to make sure that the app will accommodate your capital needs.
12. Demo Accounts
Demo accounts allow you to trade at real-time market prices as though it was real, but with fake money. This allows you to get a feel for the app in a risk-free setting. Demo accounts are great for beginners.
13. Deposit Methods
How you can deposit and withdraw money is essential to the app you choose. You need to make sure that the deposit methods suit your bank or your preferred methods of payment. Also, take a look at deposit and withdrawal fees.
14. Customer Support
Your broker should offer excellent customer support. This is important, especially when risk and money are involved. The user experience of the app and support will make a big difference.
15. Ease Of Use
The investment platforms should have a mobile app that is easy to navigate and use. You do not want to get lost and stuck, feeling helpless while investing. Some apps are crystal clear and enjoyable, while others can be quite difficult to grasp.
16. Do They Offer Copy Trading?
Some apps, such as eToro, allow you to follow other traders and copy their moves. This can be a really helpful feature for any new user. If you are unsure about online trading, having copy trading available can significantly benefit you.
What is the Best App for Trading Stocks in the UK?
eToro is the best trading app for stocks in the UK. eToro is user-friendly, and it offers a huge range of global shares. You can buy and sell physical shares or trade share CFDs with up to 1:5 leverage.
Which Trading App is best for Beginners in the UK?
Again, eToro is our top choice for beginner traders. This is primarily thanks to the apps copy trading feature that allows you to follow successful traders and learn from their moves.
There is also a demo mode and plenty of helpful tools and resources for beginner traders. The platform is very user-friendly to operate too.
What is the Best Day Trading App in the UK
We would recommend eToro for day traders in the UK. Their app is excellent for trading various instruments, is easy to use, and is among our top picks.
What is the Best Trading App in the UK for Forex?
We recommend AvaTrade for forex traders in the UK. AvaTrade offers great forex fees and plenty of currency options. This app is fast, easy to use, and perfect for keeping up with the foreign exchange market.
What Is the Best Trading App For Copy Trading in the UK
eToro is undoubtedly the go-to app when it comes to copy trading. You can follow any successful trader that you admire and set your profile to copy their movements automatically. This can be an easy technique for success.
FAQ
Are Trading Apps Safe?
Yes, trading apps are safe as long as they are properly regulated. All of the apps listed above are regulated at a high standard. There is always risk involved with trading, but this is something that traders need to understand before getting started.
Do Day Traders Pay Tax In The UK?
There is no specific tax set for day trading in the UK. Taxing here will depend on which specific instrument you are using to trade in the markets.
How Do I Start Trading With an App In The UK?
Pick a trustworthy and regulated broker. Try to choose an app that has a demo account – this is a safe introduction to trading at real market prices without the risk.
Is Day Trading Through Trading Apps Legal in the UK?
Yes, day trading is completely legal. Just make sure that you trade through a registered and properly regulated broker.
Who Regulates Trading Apps in the UK?
The Finacial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the main body regulating brokers in the UK.
How Much Do I Need To Start Trading?
This depends on the trading platform you are using and what you want to buy and sell. Some platforms allow you to start trading at a very low minimum, while others require a significant amount of capital.
What are Funds (Unit Trusts and OEICs)?
Funds are professionally managed investment accounts where many investors buy-in, and the manager pools the money to invest in a range of different investments. This is a safe, good long-term strategy.