Brokers We
Actually Use.
Every broker on this page is one we've personally traded with. No hype, no fake reviews. We may earn a referral fee — but that never influences our honest feedback.
DISCLOSURE: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67-84% of retail investor accounts lose money.
IG Markets
The gold standard for UK spread betting and CFDs
Min Deposit
£0
Spreads From
0.6 pips
Platforms
4
Category
Stocks
Core Strengths
- • Founded in 1974 (London)
- • FCA regulated & FTSE 250 listed
- • Massive range of 17,000+ markets
Trade-offs
- • Share dealing fees can be higher
- • Interface takes time to master
Supported Software
Interactive Brokers
The gold standard for serious multi-asset traders
Min Deposit
£0
Spreads From
0.1 pips
Platforms
3
Category
Institutional
Core Strengths
- • Lowest commissions
- • Near-infinite asset list
- • Institutional tools
Trade-offs
- • Very complex software
- • Inactive account fees may apply
Supported Software
Trading 212
Best commission-free platform for UK investors
Min Deposit
£1
Spreads From
Dynamic
Platforms
2
Category
Beginner
Core Strengths
- • Zero commission
- • Cleanest UI in the industry
- • Easy ISA accounts
Trade-offs
- • Limited technical tools
- • Customer support can be slow
Supported Software
Pepperstone
Our top pick for dedicated Forex traders
Min Deposit
£200
Spreads From
0.0 pips (Razor)
Platforms
4
Category
Forex
Core Strengths
- • Ultra-low spreads
- • Superior cTrader support
- • Lightning-fast execution
Trade-offs
- • Forex/CFD focused only
- • No direct share ownership
Supported Software
eToro
Best for social trading and copy trading
Min Deposit
$100
Spreads From
1.0 pips
Platforms
2
Category
Beginner
Core Strengths
- • Social trading community
- • Zero commission stocks
- • User-friendly
Trade-offs
- • Higher spreads on forex
- • Withdrawal fees apply
Supported Software
XTB
Solid all-rounder with a powerful proprietary platform
Min Deposit
£0
Spreads From
0.5 pips
Platforms
2
Category
Global
Core Strengths
- • Superior platform (xStation)
- • No commission on stocks
- • Excellent support
Trade-offs
- • No MT4/MT5 support
- • Limited crypto range for UK
Supported Software
CMC Markets
UK pioneer with professional-grade charting
Min Deposit
£0
Spreads From
0.7 pips
Platforms
2
Category
Stocks
Core Strengths
- • Incredible charting
- • Thousands of markets
- • UK listed company
Trade-offs
- • Platform can be overwhelming
- • Higher costs for small accounts
Supported Software
Plus500
Clean, simple mobile-first CFD trading
Min Deposit
£100
Spreads From
Dynamic
Platforms
2
Category
Beginner
Core Strengths
- • Easiest UI for mobile
- • Fast onboarding
- • Publicly listed company
Trade-offs
- • CFD only (no dividends)
- • Limited technical indicators
Supported Software
Complete Matrix.
Full feature comparison of institutional gateways.
| Broker Name | Regulation | Min Deposit | Spread (avg) | Category | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Markets | 🇬🇧 FCA Authorised | £0 | 0.6 pips | Stocks | Visit → |
| Interactive Brokers | 🇬🇧 FCA Authorised | £0 | 0.1 pips | Institutional | Visit → |
| Trading 212 | 🇬🇧 FCA Authorised | £1 | Dynamic | Beginner | Visit → |
| Pepperstone | 🇬🇧 FCA Authorised | £200 | 0.0 pips (Razor) | Forex | Visit → |
| eToro | 🇬🇧 FCA Authorised | $100 | 1.0 pips | Beginner | Visit → |
| XTB | 🇬🇧 FCA Authorised | £0 | 0.5 pips | Global | Visit → |
| CMC Markets | 🇬🇧 FCA Authorised | £0 | 0.7 pips | Stocks | Visit → |
| Plus500 | 🇬🇧 FCA Authorised | £100 | Dynamic | Beginner | Visit → |