British have hundreds of forex brokers to choose from! But making an informed choice is key to successful trading. That’s where we come in.
We’ve reviewed and ranked the best forex brokers in the UK based on essential criteria – trading platforms, competitive spreads, regulatory compliance, withdrawal efficiency, and responsive customer support.
Avatrade secured the top spot on our list with its transparent fee structure and user-friendly platform. But stay tuned for the complete lineup of the top 10 forex brokers UK for 2024.
Ready to explore Forex brokers accepting UK clients? Let’s get started!
The Best Forex Brokers in the UK
List of Top UK Forex Brokers & Trading Platforms
- AvaTrade – Diverse trading platforms are available for different trading styles, including day trading and social trading. Spreads are fixed but commission rates are a bit high. Certified by 6 major regulatory bodies.
- FP Markets – Efficient and beginner-friendly trading platforms. Advanced trading tools are available for more experienced traders. Highly trusted with low trading costs.
- EasyMarkets – Highly trusted with licenses from 4 international regulatory bodies. Advanced technical and analysis tools for professional traders.
- Fusion Markets – Competitive spreads on more than 90 currency pairs. Commissions are average and non-trading fees are low. No minimum deposit is required.
- IFC Markets – Charges zero commission and gets profit from fixed or floating spreads. Wide range of tradable assets. Exemplary trading platforms for a variety of account types.
- BlackBull Markets – Large range of investment selections, including over 70 currency pairs. Copy trading is available on the newly launched BlackBull CopyTrader. Superb integration of MetaTrader Suite with TradingView platform.
- Vantage Markets – Strongly recommended for social trading. Excellent tools for beginners and veteran traders. Licensed by both FCA and ASIC, plus three other regulatory bodies.
- IG Markets – Highly trusted broker, licensed under 11 international regulatory bodies. A rich selection of currency pairs and other tradable instruments. Zero commission and low spreads.
- Fortrade – Regulated by the UK’s FCA. Fast execution, secure transactions and abundant educational tools for traders. Plenty of tradable symbols, including more than 60 currency pairs.
Compare the Top Forex Brokers in the United Kingdom
|
Forex Broker |
Regulation |
Average Spread (EUR/USD) |
Commission (per Lot per Trade) |
Minimum Deposit |
Trading Platform |
Tradable Instruments |
Currency Pairs |
|
Fusion Markets |
ASIC, FSA, VFSC, |
0.0 |
$2.25 |
$0 |
MT4 |
Forex, CFD, crypto |
90 |
|
FP Markets |
ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA |
0.1 |
$3.00 |
$50 |
MT4, cTrader, IRESS |
Forex, CFD, crypto, stock |
71 |
|
Vantage Markets |
ASIC, FCA, FSCA, VFSC |
0.1 |
$3.00 |
$50 |
MT4, MT5, WebTrader, ZuluTrade |
Forex, metals, CFD, indices, stock |
49 |
|
IG Markets |
FCA, BaFin, CySec, FINMA, DFSA, FSCA, MAS, JFSA, ASIC, NFA, BMA |
0.6 |
$0 |
$0 |
MT4, IG, L2 Dealer |
Forex, ETF, options, stock, commodities, crypto |
97 |
|
IFC Markets |
CySEC, BVI FSC, LFSA |
0.4 |
$0 |
$1 |
MT4, MT5, NetTradeX |
Forex, crypto CFDs, stock, commodities, synthetic instruments |
48 |
|
BlackBull Markets |
FMA, FSA |
0.2 |
$3.00 |
$0 |
MT4, MT5 |
Forex, stock, CFDs |
72 |
|
AvaTrade |
CBI, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, FFAJ, BVI FSC |
0.9 |
$4 |
$100 |
MT4, WebTrader, Zulu Trader, Mirror Trader, AvaTrader |
Forex, crypto, commodities, indices, stock, bonds, vanilla options, ETFs |
60 |
|
EasyMarkets |
CySEC, ASIC, BVI FSC, FSA |
0.03 |
$1.13 |
$25 |
MT4 |
Forex, metals, indices, crypto, stock, commodities |
18 |
|
ForTrade |
FCA, ASIC, CySEC |
2 |
$0 |
$100 |
MT4, ForTrader |
Forex, crypto, CFDs, ETFs, US treasuries |
60 |
How We Rate UK Forex Trading Platforms
When it comes to finding the perfect forex broker, a careful consideration of various factors can make all the difference in your trading journey. At Forex EU, our approach to broker reviews is meticulous and thorough. Here’s a glimpse into our criteria:
10 Best Forex Brokers in the United Kingdom Reviewed
The number of forex brokers serving UK traders has been growing constantly over the years. Picking out the cream of the crop has been a challenge. We have chosen the following companies for their exemplary performance in the various criteria and for the outstanding service they can offer to different types of traders in the UK.
1. FP Markets – The Best Forex Broker For Beginners
FP Markets is one of the best forex brokers for beginners in terms of low trading costs. The spreads are incredibly small on their RAW ECN accounts. These are available in the MetaTrader and cTrader platforms, which deal exclusively with CFDs and currency pairs. Investors looking to trade other instruments can find something much more extensive on the Iress platform, but fees there can be higher.
Operating for nearly a decade now, FP Markets began in 2005 and is now regulated by ASIC and CySEC, plus two other regulatory bodies. They offer more than 1000 tradable symbols, as well as 71 currency pairs. Account opening is fast and easy, taking less than a day to complete. For forex traders looking for security, FP Markets offers negative balance protection, as well as a generous investor protection feature.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| ASIC, FSA, VFSC, | 0.0 | $2.25 | $0 | MT4 | Forex, CFD, crypto | 90 |
Top Features:
- Competitive pricing with tight spreads.
- Multiple trading platforms including MetaTrader and cTrader.
- Extensive range of tradable symbols across forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
- Negative balance protection and investor protection.
- Low trading costs.
- Fully transparent pricing.
- Wide range of trading instruments and markets.
- Fast and easy account opening process.
- Strong regulatory oversight by ASIC and CySEC.
- Setting up their Forex VPS is difficult.
- Limited educational resources.
2. AvaTrade – A Great Mobile Trading Experience
AvaTrade is a versatile forex broker that offers an ideal balance of low trading fees, user-friendly trading platforms, and diverse products. Both newbies and long-time traders find this broker to be appealing because they offer plenty of options for all the different types of traders.
In addition to the MT4 and MT5 platforms, which they have nicely equipped with more than adequate trading tools, they also have the WebTrader and the AvaTradeGO, as well as the AvaOptions designed for mobile trading. Copy traders would definitely appreciate the AvaSocial platform, or they can use the ZuluTrade or DupliTrade platforms that are also offered.
There is no question as to the safety and security of AvaTrade since it is licensed under three tier-1 regulatory bodies, plus six more international regulations. It has been a highly trusted forex broker since 2006.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| CBI, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, FFAJ, BVI FSC | 0.9 | $4 | $100 | MT4, WebTrader, Zulu Trader, Mirror Trader, AvaTrader | Forex, crypto, commodities, indices, stock, bonds, vanilla options, ETFs | 60 |
Top Features:
- Easy-to-use mobile interface.
- Offerings across diverse markets.
- Copy trading platforms for social trading.
- Live 24/5 customer support.
- Easy-to-use platform suitable for all traders.
- Access to MT4 anf MT5.
- Excellent customer support
- Multiple deposit and withdrawal options.
- No Forex VPS support.
- High spreads on minor fx pairs.
3. Fusion Markets – The Best Low Commission Forex Broker
Fusion Markets prides itself on being a low-cost forex broker, which makes it very appealing to a wide range of traders. Specializing primarily in forex and CFD trading, this broker charges very low commissions and non-trading fees. Additionally, there is no minimum deposit, and its spreads are some of the lowest in the industry. Fusion Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, and there is no inactivity fee either.
On Fusion Markets, users are safe from negative balances. This is because Fusion Markets is regulated by ASIC, which ensures negative balance protection for traders. Its regulatory body prioritizes trader protection and safety, guaranteeing a secure trading environment. MetaTrader 4 and 5 are the trading platforms of choice, both for desktop and mobile trading. Fusion Markets has been operating for over seven years and is a safe and reputable broker.
A combination of low-cost trading, strong regulatory oversight, and commitment to trader protection makes Fusion Markets a preferred choice for traders in the UK. With its user-friendly platform and comprehensive support, Fusion Markets empowers traders to achieve their financial goals efficiently.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| CySEC, VFSC | 0.1 | $1.1 | $100 | MT4 | Forex, crypto, stock, metals, CFD, indices, ETF, commodities, energies | 30 |
Top Features:
- Low-cost trading platform.
- No minimum deposit requirement.
- MT4 & MT5 for desktop and mobile trading.
- Strong regulatory compliance.
- Negative balance protection.
- Low forex trading fees.
- No deposit & withdrawal fees.
- Live 24/7 customer support.
- Strong regulatory oversight.
- Only 30+ forex pairs offered.
- Few educational resources.
4. EasyMarkets – Safest Trading Platform with No Slippage
Another popular trading platform in the UK is EasyMarkets. The broker was established in 2001 at easy-forex, back when they primarily offered forex trading. As you can imagine, the company has expanded since and now offers a rich assortment of products, including crypto, metals, indices, and many commodities and in 2016, they formally became known as easyMarkets. It is a safe platform regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission).
True to its name, easyMarkets is very easy to use, from creating an account to making trades. There are plenty of ways to deposit and withdraw, and there is also no shortage of trading features and tools that a trader can use for market analysis, risk management, and so on.
When it comes to trading platforms, easyMarkets has its own proprietary platform, as well as the familiar MetaTrader 4. On easyMarkets, users’ trades are executed at the price they intended to trade. That’s because there’s no slippage on easyMarkets platform. As a result, we think EasyMarkets is one of the top no slippage forex brokers in the United Kingdom.
Investing with easyMarkets is convenient and flexible. Choose from various payment options including debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and popular e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. With a retail account, you can get started with a minimum deposit of just £25. Unlock greater potential with leverage of up to 200x on selected trades, after completing a simple KYC form.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| CySEC, ASIC, BVI FSC, FSA | 0.03 | $1.13 | $25 | MT4 | Forex, metals, indices, crypto, stock, commodities | 18 |
Top Features:
- No slippage.
- All expert advisors allowed on MT4.
- Guaranteed stop loss.
- Managed Islamic account.
- Easy-to-setup stop loss.
- Low margin requirements.
- Generous sign-up bonus.
- Low fixed spreads.
- Lack of advanced trading features.
- Lack of Metatrader 5 platform.
5. IFC Markets – Get Low Fixed Spreads on 650+ FX Pairs & CFDs
The next forex broker is IFC Markets, which offers both online CFD and Forex trading. Established in 2006, the FX provider is now considered a versatile forex trader that caters to both beginners and experienced traders in the industry. They offer a range of accounts that traders can choose from, using either the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or the NetTradex platform. Spreads can be fixed or floating, and this is where the broker earns, since they do not charge a commission per trade.
This forex broker holds licenses from the British Virgin Islands FSC and the LFSA in Malaysia. Fund transfers are quite easy with diverse payment options, and there are only minimal fees associated with these transactions, which are charged by the payment service and not the broker.
On IFC Markets, users can access more than 650 CFDs and forex instruments. A diverse range of tradable instruments allows for greater flexibility and opportunities for profit. Whether you’re trading forex, metals, stocks, or commodities, IFC Markets provides the necessary tools and support to navigate the markets with confidence.
A combination of versatile trading platforms, transparent pricing, and a wide range of market offerings makes IFC Markets a preferred choice for traders. With its focus on customer satisfaction and safety, IFC Markets empowers traders to achieve their financial goals efficiently.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| CySEC, BVI FSC, LFSA | 0.4 | $0 | $1 | MT4, MT5, NetTradeX | Forex, crypto CFDs, stock, commodities, synthetic instruments | 48 |
Top Features:
- NetTradeX (NTTX) trading platform.
- Global STP broker.
- Educational resources.
- Over 100 FX pairs
- No hidden fees.
- Demo accounts do not expire.
- Low-cost fixed spreads.
- Leverage up to 1:400.
- High commissions than competitors.
- No support for VPS.
6. BlackBull Markets – The leading multi-asset broker
BlackBull Markets is a NZ-based online broker that accept UK clients. The offer shares, forex, CFDs and commodities on their advanced trading platforms.
In a nutshell, the BlackBull Markets is in our list of best forex brokers in UK because of their competitive forex fees, fast executions, exemplary educational tools, and extensive selection of tradable products. They take a commission of $3 per lot traded, and the spreads on their currency pairs are minimal as well. Traders need not to deposit a large amount to start trading either because there is no minimum deposit required. Executions are notably fast, which maximizes gains and minimizes the risk of losses.
BlackBull Markets does have plenty of CFD products for trading but being primarily a forex broker, their focus is more on currency pairs, of which they have 72 major, minor and exotic pairs available. On top of this, they also provide countless educational tools for traders, including a rich selection of texts and videos. New investors can also use their demo accounts to get a feel of the trading environment. Furthermore, they have recently launched the BlackBull CopyTrader, which is the company’s dedicated platform for increasingly popular copy trading.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| FMA, FSA | 0.2 | $3.00 | $0 | MT4, MT5 | Forex, stock, CFDs | 72 |
Top Features:
- MT4 and TradingView.
- Swift order executions.
- ECN Forex account.
- BlackBull CopyTrader.
- Low forex fees.
- Fast order executions.
- Wide trading platforms selection.
- Dedicated copy trading platform.
- Not regulated by the FCA.
- Above-average commissions.
7. Vantage Markets – Get a full suite of desktop and web trading platforms
Vantage Markets stands out as a top choice for experienced forex traders who prefer the MetaTrader Suite. It is renowned for its array of charting tools and market analysis features. This broker also excels in social trading, making it particularly popular among UK copy traders. Additionally, they offer a highly efficient mobile trading platform, complete with a 2-step login for enhanced security.
With four top-tier regulations, Vantage Markets is recognized as one of the safest forex brokers available. Established in 2009, it has since become one of the most versatile brokers, offering a wide range of tradable products including CFDs on commodities, indices, shares, and foreign currency. As a low-cost forex broker, they charge commissions of only $3 per lot traded, with spreads starting as low as 0.1 pips.
Another compelling feature of Vantage Markets is its diverse range of account types. With a selection of 10 account types available (excluding the demo account), traders have ample choices. From STP accounts, options include Standard, Swap-Free Standard, and Swap-Free Cent. For ECN accounts, there are Raw, Swap-Free Raw, and CENT accounts. With such versatility, traders of all kinds can find an account that suits their needs.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| ASIC, FCA, FSCA, VFSC | 0.1 | $3.00 | $50 | MT4, MT5, WebTrader, ZuluTrade | Forex, metals, CFD, indices, stock | 49 |
Top Features:
- MetaTrader Suite with advanced tools.
- Very competitive fees.
- STP and ECN accounts.
- MetaTrader 4 and 5.
- Highly trusted broker.
- Low-cost trading conditions.
- Tight spreads.
- Wide range of tradable assets.
- FCA regulated.
- Confusion account types.
- Complex pricing stucture.
8. IG – UK’s Old Forex Broker with Spread Betting and CFDs on 100+ Currency Pairs
IG Markets is not only one of the best forex brokers in the UK today but it is also one of the oldest. Established in 1974 right here in London as IG Index, this top broker has since earned a whopping 11 licenses from regulatory bodies from around the world, including the UK’s own FCA. It is also a leading contender in terms of investments offered, with more than 19000 tradable products in the list. This includes close to 100 currency pairs that forex traders can choose from. Not to mention, they also have abundant educational tools to give traders the best possible trading outcomes.
It is not surprising at all that IG Markets has managed to hold on to the top spot in the forex trading industry in the UK. The spreads are very competitive and yet they do not charge commission for trades. There is also no minimum deposit, nor do they charge for deposits or withdrawals. If you don’t trade for at least two years straight, IG Markets will begin charging you an inactivity fee of $12 per month.
IG offers traders the flexibility to choose between spread betting and trading CFDs, both with leverage options of up to 30:1 for non-professional traders. Spread betting profits are exempt from capital gains taxes, while traders can benefit from lower spreads when trading CFDs with IG.
IG provides a variety of trading platforms and tools to cater to different preferences. Users can utilize IG’s ProRealTime trading platform, renowned as one of the top trading systems in the UK. Alternatively, traders familiar with MetaTrader 4 can opt for that platform.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| FCA, BaFin, CySec, FINMA, DFSA, FSCA, MAS, JFSA, ASIC, NFA, BMA | 0.6 | $0 | $0 | MT4, IG, L2 Dealer | Forex, ETF, options, stock, commodities, crypto | 97 |
Top Features:
- Legacy broker with over four decades.
- Wide range of tradable products.
- Comprehensive educational resources.
- Competitive spreads and no commission.
- CFDs and spread betting.
- Very competitive spreads.
- Transparent pricing on the website.
- No minimum deposit.
- Limited product portfolio.
- Slow execution.
9. ForTrade – Algo Trade 35 Currency Pairs with Spreads from 0.1 Pips
Completing the list of our 10 best forex brokers in the UK today is ForTrade. Licensed by the formidable FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, this forex broker is possibly the most versatile forex broker today. Its MT4 trading platform allows for a variety of trading strategies, including hedging, scalping, arbitrage, and algo trading. They also have their own ForTrader that is primarily built for stock asset trading. As a result, we think ForTrade is one of the best forex brokers for scalping in the United Kindom.
Transparency is a high priority for this broker, which is beneficial for traders. Flexible trading terms come with a uniform account, and opening an account takes all of ten minutes. The main drawback for ForTrade would be the higher than average spread of 2 pips on the EUR/USD currency pair. But they charge no commission or fund transfer fees so that balances it out. There are also more than 60 currency pairs available, plus 300 stock CFDs, and also plenty of CFDs for indices and commodities.
| Regulation | Average Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission (per Lot per Trade) | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platform | Tradable Instruments | Currency Pairs |
| FCA, ASIC, CySEC | 2 | $0 | $100 | MT4, ForTrader | Forex, crypto, CFDs, ETFs, US treasuries | 60 |
Top Features:
- Regulated by FCA, ASIC, and CySEC.
- MetaTrader 4 platform with market analysis tools.
- Offers a demo account.
- Algorithmic trading is allowed.
- Highly regulated.
- Access to MetaTrader 4 platform.
- Diverse range of tradable instruments.
- Excellent customer support.
- High spreads for the EUR/USD currency pair.
- Poor mobile interface.
Forex Regulator in the UK – FCA
In the vibrant world of forex trading, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) stands tall as the guardian of integrity and transparency. As the regulatory cornerstone of the UK’s financial landscape, the FCA meticulously oversees forex activities, ensuring fairness and protection for traders.
With the FCA’s vigilant oversight and stringent regulations, traders can navigate the forex market with confidence, knowing their investments are shielded from malpractice and fraud. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just stepping into the realm of forex, the FCA’s presence assures a level playing field and promotes trust among market participants.
How to Choose the Best UK Forex Broker
With so many trading styles and goals, the perfect broker for one trader might not be suitable at all for another. It really is a personal decision but nevertheless, there are a few key considerations one must keep in mind when taking a pick.
-
Licensing & Regulation
The credibility of a forex broker hinges on its regulatory compliance. Before entrusting your funds to any broker, ensure they are licensed by reputable regulatory bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) in Germany, and the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) in France. This ensures a safe and legal trading experience, providing you with peace of mind and legal protection throughout your trading journey.
-
Trading Fees
It’s important for every forex trader to try and minimize expenses as much as possible, but figuring this out is not always so straightforward. Zero spread forex brokers might sound appealing but they might be making up for it with high commissions or non-trading fees. On the contrary, some brokers might attract traders by charging no commissions but their spreads might fluctuate widely.
-
Currency Pairs
The best forex brokers in the UK offer all the major currency pairs for trading. But if you are looking to trade some minor or exotic pairs, you should first check the selection offered by the broker if your pair of interest is on the list.
-
Trading Platform
An efficient, comprehensive, and well-designed trading platform is vital for successful forex trading. The best forex traders typically have two or more trading platforms for investors to choose from. These platforms come with a variety of tools for technical analysis and a mishmash of features that would be useful for different trading strategies.
-
Customer Support
There is no telling when a trader would need support or assistance so it is vital for forex brokers to provide reliable support at all times. It is a huge plus if there are multiple channels through which traders can reach out, including ones where immediate service would be available.
Latest Forex Broker Bonuses
As any forex trader knows, bonuses can significantly impact your trading journey. Hence, we’ve curated a list of top-rated forex broker bonuses to consider during your research.
Most Traded Currency Pairs in the UK
The most traded currency pairs include:
FAQ
What is the best forex broker in the UK?
The “best” forex broker in the UK can vary depending on individual preferences and trading needs. Factors to consider when selecting a forex broker include regulation, trading conditions, customer support, and reputation in the industry. After conducting thorough research and comparing brokers, our team has discovered that Avatrade broker is the best UK FX broker.
Is forex trading legal in the UK?
Yes, forex trading is legal in UK. However, it is advised to select a forex provider that is licensed and regulated.
How Much is Forex Leverage in the UK?
Forex leverage in the UK typically ranges up to 30:1 for retail traders. Professional traders may have access to higher leverage levels.
What is the best trading platform?
The best trading platform is different depending on traders’ preferences and requirements. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are popular choices among many traders.
Best Forex Brokers – Our Verdict
It is no secret that in order to become a successful forex trader, one must have skill, discipline and patience. It also takes a bit of practice to be able to build an efficient trading strategy, together with a lot of vigilance and quick thinking. One crucial thing that would really help, though, is to choose the right forex broker.
Many companies claim to be the best forex brokers in the UK and a lot of them might actually be good. However, not all of them would be a suitable match for your particular trading style or preference. Broker companies offer different types of accounts, for instance, and they vary in terms of leverage, spreads, commissions, and so on. The key is to find the broker that provides the perfect balance of all these features to elevate your own trading experience.
