The Best Trading Platforms in the UK in 2024

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Whether you’re curious about how online trading works or planning to look for an excellent method to earn capital for a small business, it’s fitting to partner with an excellent platform. Technological advancements have introduced the best trading platforms UK has to offer. They’re flexible and provide guides and tutorials to get all online traders started. Before you dive into online trading, it’s essential to do some research. This is to ensure you understand how the industry works, its potential risks, rewards, and trading opportunities.

Our Best UK Trading Platforms

1
Top Offer Avatrade Review
Up to 20% Bonus + Free Demo Account. Minimum Deposit: $100
2
FP Markets EU
Free $100,000 Demo + Low Commissions. Minimum Deposit: $50
3
New IFC Markets
Up to 50% Bonus + $10,000 Demo Account. Minimum Deposit: $100
4
Fusion Markets Broker
Free $10,000 Demo + $2.25 commission. Minimum Deposit: $100
Up to 50% Bonus + Forex Demo Account
4.7

List of Top Trading Platforms Ranked

  • FP Markets – Offering competitive spreads and versatile trading options.
  • Fusion Markets – Simplifying trading with low-cost solutions.
  • AvaTrade – Accessing global markets with extensive trading instruments.
  • IFC Markets – Expanding trading horizons with diverse assets.
  • easyMarkets – Best trading platform for beginners with user-friendly features.
  • Vantage Markets – Facilitating rapid trade execution and interbank-grade spreads.
  • BlackBull Markets – Empower traders with educational resources and low entry thresholds.
  • Fortrade – Platform for accessing forex and CFD trading with ease and efficiency.

The Best Trading Platforms Reviewed

1. FP Markets – Offering competitive spreads and versatile trading options

FP Markets is an Australian trading platform which is known for its competitive spreads, which can enhance cost-effectiveness when trading across different asset classes. This is significantly beneficial for traders through reducing the transaction fees while optimizing profitability. There are about 10,000 tradable symbols users can maximize on the platform. CFD and Forex traders will enjoy an affordable and versatile cTrader and MetaTrader offering from this platform. As you know, online trading can be tricky so security is important. With FP Markets, it holds multiple licenses from renowned financial authorities worldwide. They guard the financial market’s integrity and provide traders with a sense of security. 

Overall, FP Markets is a trusted trading platform which beginner and experienced traders can look into. Some of its key features are seen below. You can familiarize yourself with them before registering an account with FP Markets. 

Licenses

ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSCA, MiFID

Minimum Deposit

$100

Fees on GBP/USD

0.0 pips

Payment methods

Debit/Credit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Jeton Wallet, Fasapay, Perfect Money, Doku, Online Naira, Bank Wire Transfer, Cryptocurrencies

Inactivity fee

None

Trading platform

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView

2. Fusion Markets – Simplifying trading with low-cost solutions

A hassle-free trading experience is what Fusion Markets wants for its users. This is why it’s one of the best trading platforms the United Kingdom has. Fusion Markets is popular among beginners and experienced traders for its low-cost offers. For one, the platform has lower trading fees and does not require a minimum deposit. Essential tools like market analysis, Analyst View, and Market Buzz are available on the platform for users to maximize. Besides the demo account for new traders on the platform, Fusion Markets has a fast and user-friendly interface, making navigating the platform more manageable, even for those with little to no experience. Forex, CFD, copy, crypto, and stock trading are what you can invest in at Fusion Markets. 

A little overview of the platform’s essential details and features is available in the table below. 

Licenses

ASIC, VFSC, FSA-S

Minimum Deposit

$0

Fees on GBP/USD

0.9 pips

Payment methods

Debit/Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Neteller, Perfect Money, Skrill, AstroPay, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum

Inactivity fee

None

Trading platform

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, MAM, MetaTrader 4 Mobile, Webtrader for MT4

3. Avatrade – Accessing global markets with extensive trading instruments

A global trading platform for providing an extensive catalog of trading options for forex and CFD traders is what Avatrade is known for. With its sixteen years of experience in the industry, Avatrade has become one of the reliable platforms for your trading options. Registering an account with Avatrade allows you access to more than 250 trading instruments. You can maximize fast execution speeds and tight spreads when trading famous currency pairs and assets. Most importantly, Avatrade optimizes its online trading infrastructure with security and transparency. 

It’s an Irish-based company duly licensed by reputable authorities, so exploring your trading options on the platform is safe. After all, you’re using the platform to invest your money, so the more secure the site, the better. 

The following information is essential to remember in your online trading journey with Avatrade.

Licenses

ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, FMA, FSCA, MAS, MiFID

Minimum Deposit

$100

Fees on GBP/USD

0.9 pips

Payment methods

Debit/Credit cards, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Skrill, PayPal

Inactivity fee

$50

Trading platform

WebTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaOptions, AvaTradeGo

4. IFC Markets – Top platform expanding trading horizons with diverse assets

There’s portfolio quoting, a proprietary trading platform, and continuous stock derivatives and indices at IFC Markets. These are some of the platform’s online trading features, along with 600 trading assets of various classes, including synthetic instruments. This Australian-based broker with several licenses, like ASIC, also has developed the ECN technology, which gives direct access to liquidity providers without any dealer intervention. Furthermore, it executes orders via the best price for a particular asset. 

As you can see on the key features below, IFC Markets requires a lower minimum deposit, which is a plus for new traders still exploring their online trading opportunities. More of IFC Markets’ features are seen below. 

Licenses

CySEC, FSC, LFSA, BaFin, FINMA, ASIC

Minimum Deposit

$1

Fees on GBP/USD

0.4 pips

Payment methods

Bank Wire Transfer, Debit/Credit cards, Skrill, WebMoney, TC Pay, Bitcoin, Western Union

Inactivity fee

None

Trading platform

NetTradeX, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5

5. easyMarkets – Best trading platform for beginners with user-friendly features

Different tools, which range from cryptocurrencies to currency pairs, indices, CFDs, commodities, and more, are available at easyMarkets. Experience in trading is not a requirement on the platform as it ensures even beginners will get the hang of online trading quickly. Some other functions on the platform include comprehensive market analysis, financial calendar, news, and risk management. Of course, one must be guided to not opportunities on the platform. This is why easyMarkets offers tutorials with courses and materials to help new users understand the basics of online trading. Besides these features, traders can use various payment methods they’re comfortable with. 

You can familiarize yourself with easyMarkets by looking into some of the important details about the platform. 

Licenses

ASIC, CySEC

Minimum Deposit

$25

Fees on GBP/USD

0.7 pips

Payment methods

Bank Wire, Debit/Credit cards, AstroPay, WebMoney, UnionPay, Neteller, Skrill, BPAY, WeChatPay

Inactivity fee

None

Trading platform

MetaTrader 4

6. Vantage Markets – Facilitating rapid trade execution and interbank-grade spreads

Vantage Markets promotes rapid trade execution, a diverse range of trading instruments, and interbank-grade spreads, which cater to both new and professional traders. It offers ECN accounts with highly competitive features like spreads, which start from 0.0 pips and a reasonable $1.50 commission per side. If you’re new to online trading, you must be delighted that Vantage Markets has an unlimited demo account feature that provides full market access and backtesting functionality. 

As you can see, Vantage Markets is duly licensed by trusted financial institutions so traders can guarantee a safe online trading experience. Learn more about Vantage Markets from the table below. 

Licenses

AFSL, ASIC, FCA, CIMA, VFSC

Minimum Deposit

$50

Fees on GBP/USD

0.0 pips

Payment methods

Debit/Credit cards, Neteller, Skrill, AstroPay, FasaPay, China Union Pay, JCB

Inactivity fee

None

Trading platform

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5

7. Blackbull Markets – Best platform empowering traders with educational resources and low entry thresholds

There are thousands of assets, low trading commissions, tight spreads, multiple account options, and moderate leverage available at Blackbull Markets. One significant feature of the platform is the comprehensive educational resource materials for beginners and a low entry threshold, even requiring zero minimum deposit for standard accounts. New traders can maximize the demo account if they want to explore the platform before seriously investing through the trading platform. Blackbull Markets allows hedging, the use of expert advisors, and scalping. 

Look closely at some of the other features of Blackbull Markets to set proper expectations of the platform. 

Licenses

FMA, FSPR, FSA

Minimum Deposit

$0

Fees on GBP/USD

0.1 pips

Payment methods

Bank Wire Transfer, Debit/Credit cards, Cryptocurrencies, FasaPay, Neteller, Skrill, UnionPay

Inactivity fee

None

Trading platform

WebTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView

8. Fortrade – A leading platform for accessing forex and CFD trading with ease and efficiency

Forex and CFD trading are two of the most popular services at Fortrade. This UK-based platform offers an excellent online trading environment through easy and direct access to various asset classes. Like all other platforms on this list, Fortrade offers competitive and tight spreads, which can vary depending on the trading instrument. The pips start from 4 for foreign exchange via different leverage ratios and various promotions. 

Moreover, Fortrade has more sophisticated features for professional traders and an efficient beginning environment for beginners. The following are important facts about Fortrade that you must be familiar with. 

Licenses

FCA, ASIC, IIROC, CySEC, FSC

Minimum Deposit

$100

Fees on GBP/USD

4 pips

Payment methods

Debit/Credit cards, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, Moneygram, bank transfers

Inactivity fee

$10

Trading platform

MetaTrader 4

How do Best Trading Platforms in the UK work?

Trading platforms in the United Kingdom and all other parts of the world work relatively the same. Using a desktop or smartphone, they let you buy, sell, or trade assets like bonds, funds, or stocks. Brokers are financial institutions that release these platforms. They act as intermediaries between traders like you and securities exchanges like the London Stock Exchange. In most cases, exchanges only are accepted among members. This is why traders need the help of brokers to perform the trades. 

The best trading platforms in the UK offers generally have features which help users analyze market data and manage trades better. These features include real-time prices, risk management services, and charting tools. Some platforms integrate more advanced trading software and tools like MetaTrader, which is generally present on all the platforms listed above. Once you have chosen the platform, it’s time to order to buy or sell assets, and the broker executes the process for you.

Essential features to look for from the best trading platforms in the UK

Different platforms cater to various trading needs, so as a trader yourself, it pays to identify what these needs are to choose the best trading platforms the UK offers. Here are some features you must keep in mind.

Reliability

They say online trading can be volatile, and price movements happen in seconds. A reliable trading platform provides traders efficient speed and services to keep up with these changes. If loading times and frequent downtimes occur on the site, it’s glitchy, significantly affecting your ability to trade.

Fees

These charges may include sign-up fees, one-off fees, and other costs on trades, spreads, currency conversions, transactions, and more. The costs might be relatively small, but they can all add up and take a massive chunk of the profits you’ve earned from trading. Ensure that you consider these fees during your research and comparison.

Security

With scams and fraud in the financial environment, it’s best to research the reputation of various trading platforms thoroughly. This includes the measures they impose to secure investments and personal data. That’s where licensing comes in. Ensure platforms hold licenses from reputable authorities. Some even have multiple licenses, which is an excellent indicator of safety.

Accessibility

Almost everyone is out and about now. Using your desktop to make and manage trades can be a handful. This is why mobile online trading platforms will be helpful. It would be best for trading platforms to have accompanying apps you can download on your portable devices.

Functionality

Online trading involves money and investments, so transactions like deposits and withdrawals must be efficient. You don’t want deposit delays when you need to replenish your funds on the platform to buy, sell, or trade assets.

Trading Platforms vs Trading Apps

Traders usually encounter some terms that are assumed to be identical, but in reality, they have some crucial differences. In terms of the user interface, a trading app provides simplicity, while a platform gives a detailed and comprehensive dashboard for an in-depth analysis. There’s a standardized look for trading apps, making them neat. On the other hand, online train platforms usually allow users to personalize their trading accounts. 

A trading platform is associated with the desktop, offering a robust experience for trading sessions, while a trading app is also generally popular because of its portability. The app will provide a platform to do quick trades when you’re out and about. However, as you know, most brokers now have optimized their platforms so traders can use them regardless of their device. 

Why Use the Best Trading Platforms the UK has?

Advanced charting tools are one of the best advantages of trading platforms. Users can explore the countless data through these well-curated tools. The platform can spot patterns, analyze trends, and provide informed decisions. In short, it serves as the trader’s magnifying glass for the vast trading market. You’ll also be at an advantage with trading platforms as they provide detailed research reports, advanced filtering options, and expert analyses. Most importantly, these platforms allow integration with financial software so users can sync various accounting and trading tools and tax software. You can build your trading ecosystem through such tools.

How do Best Trading Platforms in the UK work?

Trading platforms in the UK and all other parts of the world work relatively the same. Using a desktop or smartphone, they let you buy, sell, or trade assets like bonds, funds, or stocks. Brokers are financial institutions that release these platforms. They act as intermediaries between traders like you and securities exchanges like the London Stock Exchange. In most cases, exchanges only are accepted among members. This is why traders need the help of brokers to perform the trades. 

Our Verdict – Best Trading Platform the UK

The best UK trading platforms offers generally have features which help users analyze market data and manage trades better. These features include real-time prices, risk management services, and charting tools. Some platforms integrate more advanced trading software and tools like MetaTrader, which is generally present on all the platforms listed above. Once you have chosen the platform, it’s time to order to buy or sell assets, and the broker executes the process for you.

FAQs

How to choose the best trading platform in the UK?

The best trading platforms UK has offers Forex trading. You can first choose a platform authorized and regulated by trusted authorities like the Financial Conduct Authority or FCA. After registration, you must fund your account with an amount of capital you can afford to risk.

Do UK traders earn big?

The amount of money traders earn depends on several factors, including the traders’ capital and risk management strategies. As an estimate, a trader can earn as much as £40,000 each year. However, expect you may also lose the same amount as online trading, which has risks.

Can I use online trading platforms on all my devices?

In most cases, yes. Today, online trading platforms create mobile apps for convenience, as most traders have portable devices they bring when they’re outside. However, one must remember that not all platforms support all features and tools found on the web platform. Also, there are online platforms that are compatible with specific operating systems.

Which broker is recommended for beginners in Ireland?

AvaTrade stands out as an excellent choice for beginners in Ireland due to its comprehensive educational resources available in the AvaTrade Academy.

Can I learn online trading for free?

Yes. As mentioned, the best trading platforms the UK offers have free lessons and resource materials so beginners can learn the fundamentals and understand the features, processes, and services online trading has. Remember to take your time in trading if you’re already convinced with the market analysis you have.