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You can trade and manage your positions from anywhere and at any time, whether you are lounging on your couch after a stressful day, commuting to work, taking a trip, etc. All you need is a reliable trading app. But that’s where the problem is. So many trading apps are available in the UK. And that makes finding a perfect fit a challenging task.
But fear not. Invezty is here to save the day. We’ve gone through the trading apps available in the UK and cherry-picked the top 5 just to make your work easier. We want you to spend more time perfecting your skills and trading, not sifting through hundreds of apps.
Our list of the best trading apps in the UK consists of platforms we tested and picked based on our experience. This guide does not have biased or ungrounded opinions.
In a Nutshell
- Hundreds of UK brokers have trading apps, making picking a good platform a nightmare.
- Choosing the right trading app is the key to success, so you can’t skip this process.
- While looking for the ideal trading app, you must consider factors like regulation, fees, product offerings, and supported platforms.
- Our experts used these factors to compare trading apps in the UK and identify the most outstanding platforms.
- We prepared this guide after spending many days researching UK trading brokers and testing their apps. Use this unbiased and informative content to find a trading app that will help you achieve your trading and investment goals.
List of the Best Trading Apps
- Pepperstone – Best App for UK Forex Traders
- eToro – Best Overall Trading App UK
- AvaTrade – Best Trading App for Beginners
- FP Markets – Best app for CFD Trading
- Spreadex – Best App for Spread Betting
In This Guide
Compare Trading Apps UK
Innumerable trading apps are available for download in the UK. That made picking the best platforms arduous, but we tackled it expertly. Our seasoned pros put the most popular apps to the text and vetted them extensively. We weeded out sub-par service providers and isolated the most outstanding based on several factors, including licensing and security, fees and commissions, and customer support.
We’ve compared the best trading apps UK based on the vital elements below.
| Best Trading App UK | Licence & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, DFSA, CySEC, CMA, SCB, BaFin | 24/7 | TradingView, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Pepperstone Trading Platform, Social trading | Visa, Mastercard, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes |
| eToro | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, ASIC, SFSA ADGM, MFSA, FSAS, GFSC, SEC | 24/5 | eToro investing platform and app, Multi-asset platform, Social Trading, Copy Trader, Smart Portfolios | Credit/debit cards, Bank transfer, Klarna, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Yes |
| AvaTrade | FCA, FSCA, CBI, CySEC, PFSA, ASIC, B.V.I FSC, FSA, ADGM, ISA | 24/5 | WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaTrade App, Mac Trading, MT4, MT5, Automated Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Wire transfer, WebMoney | Yes |
| FP Markets | FCA, FSCA, ASIC, CMA, CySEC, FSA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, WebTrader, Mobile App, Copy Trading | Credit/debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes |
| Spreadex | FCA | 24/5 | Online platform, Mobile trading, Charting package, TradingView | Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Bank transfer | No |
Apps Overview
We didn’t consider the factors in the table above exclusively. As experts in our field, we understand that trading with a cost-friendly app that has all the assets you need is crucial. After all, raking in returns can be challenging when trading with a platform that doesn’t have your desired instruments. Moreover, interacting with a costly service provider is detrimental to your earnings.
The tables below have outlined the fees and assets we discovered while reviewing the best trading apps in the UK.
Fees
| Best Trading App UK | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/ Spreads | Deposits/ Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
| eToro | £100 | From 0% | £5 withdrawal fee | £10 monthly |
| AvaTrade | £100 | From 0.13 pips | Free | £50 after every 3 consecutive months of inactivity |
| FP Markets | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £0 |
| Spreadex | £0 | £3.50 per lot | Free | £0 |
Assets
| Best Trading App UK | Stocks | Forex | Cryptocurrencies | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FP Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spreadex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our Opinion about Trading Apps
We consider the trading platforms outlined here the best in the UK because they possess numerous admirable qualities. For starters, they give users access to a wide variety of popular financial instruments and trading instruments. Many also have reasonable minimum deposit requirements, fees, and commissions.
But we didn’t limit ourselves to testing these apps and gathering first-hand experience. Our team also selected them after reading hundreds of reviews and user feedback on Trustpilot, the App Store, and the Google Play Store.
At Invezty, our primary mission is to provide accurate and unbiased information to our readers. We are here to help you find a trading app that will cater to all your needs and fuel your success. With that in mind, here is all you need to know regarding the best trading apps in the UK.
1. Pepperstone – Best App for UK Forex Traders
If you are one of the 10 million+ people who trade forex, get the Pepperstone app. With it, you’ll have uncapped access to over 90 currency pairs. What’s more, it will give you the opportunity to diversify with 1200+ CFDs on different instruments, including shares, commodities, and ETFs.
The Pepperstone app is available to iOS and Android users. With it, you can enjoy spreads as low as 0.0 pips while trading popular pairs like GBP/USD, AUD/USD, and EUR/USD. The best is that you can start trading forex with whatever your budget allows since Pepperstone doesn’t have minimum deposit requirements. The app’s users also get to enjoy free deposits and withdrawals.
As a Pepperstone app user, you also get access to knowledgeable support technicians available 24/5 and a host of in-app features, from one-click trading to customisable watchlists.
Pepperstone
✔800+ instruments
✔No minimum deposit requirement
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- 90+ tradable currency pairs available
- User-friendly and customisable interface
- Instant and free deposits and withdrawals
- No inactivity fees
- Amazing features like one-click trading
- Supports advanced platforms like MT4 and TradingView
Cons
- Limited asset offerings compared to its peers
- Only FX pairs and CFD assets are available
We identified numerous fees and costs on Pepperstone. First, from our exploration, we discovered that Pepperstone users are subjected to spreads and commissions that vary depending on market conditions and account type. This platform has two accounts: Standard and Razor. Both are associated with different charges and conditions. For instance, Razor accounts only attract commissions when users trade CFDs on Forex.
Pepperstone also charges overnight funding, which kicks in when a trader holds a position in commodities, equities, indices, metals, or cryptocurrencies overnight after 5 p.m. New York Time. This broker’s overnight funding charges vary depending on different factors, including underlying TomNext rate changes.
But here’s the best thing you can derive from our Pepperstone broker review, especially where fees are involved. Pepperstone doesn’t charge account inactivity fees. Moreover, this platform doesn’t charge a single dime for deposits and withdrawals. Furthermore, this broker has no minimum deposit requirements.
3. eToro – Best Overall Trading App
The eToro app is nothing short of phenomenal, which is why it’s our overall best trading app in the UK. We love it because, first, it comes with over 5,000 assets. If you are a fan of contract-for-differences, you can use this app to trade CFD on currencies, commodities, indices, and more. Moreover, you get to elevate your experience with advanced charts, real-time price quotes, and flexible leverages.
And here’s the best part: eToro also embraces investors. Besides trading with this app, you can invest in shares from top-range companies like Apple as well as a broad range of 300+ ETFs. The eToro app is perfect for traders and investors who prioritise diversifying with different assets.
We can’t forget that eToro supports social and copy trading. You can use this terrific platform with an Android or iOS device.
eToro
✔ 5,000+ instruments
✔ Features social and copy trading
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- User-friendly app with fantastic features and capabilities
- Supports portfolio diversification with real stocks and ETFs
- Responsive and knowledgeable customer support
- It comes with a demo app with £100,000 in virtual funds
- Zero commission for trading and investing in stocks and ETFs
Cons
- Does not support third-party platforms like the MT4
- Withdrawal fee applies
eToro doesn’t charge any account registration or deposit fees. We signed up and funded our account without incurring any costs. Of course, we had to adhere to eToro’s minimum deposit requirements, which vary depending on geographical location. For instance, the minimum amount you can deposit in your eToro account is $100 in the US or the UK. On the other hand, people in countries like Germany and Greece can deposit as little as $50. Visit eToro’s minimum deposit page to find out more.
That said, we encountered several eToro fees and expenses during our exploration, including:
- A $5 fixed withdrawal fee: According to eToro, this fee is indispensable in covering international money transfer costs.
- Currency conversion fees: All eToro accounts are USD-centered. If you fund your account or withdraw money using any other currency, expect to pay conversion fees. The charges vary depending on PIPs and payment methods. Luckily, traders can join the eToro club and enjoy significant discounts.
- A $10 monthly inactivity fee: If you fail to log into your account for 12 or more months, you will incur a monthly $10 fee.
- Crypto fees: eToro requires crypto investors to pay a 1% buy/sell fee. As an investor, you must also cover market spreads, which vary depending on market conditions. Transferring crypto to your eToro Money digital wallet also attracts a 2% fee. The crypto asset transfer fees are capped at 1$ minimum and a $100 maximum.
- CFD spreads: Like many other brokers, eToro has CFD spreads that vary depending on assets and instruments.
3. AvaTrade – Best Trading App for Beginners
Founded in 2006, AvaTrade boasts hundreds of thousands of customers. We urge every beginner in the UK to start their trading journey with this platform. It has a beginner-friendly app that comes with a free demo account loaded with £100,000 in virtual money. The demo account allows users to gauge their skills with advanced platforms, including MT4, MT5, and AvaTrade’s WebTrader.
We also recommend this app to novices since it’s associated with one of the best free training programs today: Ava Academy. It’s chock full of quizzes, courses, and interactive lessons tailored to help you unleash your full trading potential.
As an AvaTrade app user, you will get the opportunity to trade CFDs on different financial instruments, including FX, crypto, options, and stocks. This app is iOS and Android-friendly.
AvaTrade
✔Low minimum deposit requirement
✔Features automated trading on its copy trading platform
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Offers a feature-rich demo account with virtual money worth £100,000 virtual
- Associated with Ava Academy, an outstanding education program for novice and professionals
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Equipped with unique features like customisable watchlists
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Limited financial instruments
- High minimum deposit requirement of £2,000 to access the DupliTrade platform
AvaTrade charges low fees for trading and non-trading services. When we started with the broker, we found the first deposit requirement of $100 or its equivalent to be low. Plus, all deposits and withdrawals at AvaTrade are free.
Commissions and spreads at AvaTrade are also low in our opinion. For instance, trading forex attracts low fees from 0.9 pips on major currency pairs. We also tried trading stocks and incurred low charges from 0.2 pips.
On the downside, AvaTrade charges a high inactivity fee of $50/£50/€50. This depends on your account currency. The fee applies should your account remain inactive for over three months. Plus, there is an annual administration fee of $100/€100/£100 after 12 months of inactivity. Other fee to expect with this broker is overnight charges for positions left overnight. Its margin rates are also low, from 3.33%, depending on your jurisdiction.
It is important to note that while AvaTrade offers social trading, accessing this feature via the DupliTrade and ZuluTrade platforms can be costly for low-budget traders. You are required to deposit at least $2,000 for DupliTrade and $200 for ZuluTrade platforms.
4. FP Markets – Best app for CFD Trading
FP Markets that boasts 10,000+ CFD instruments. While interacting with this platform, we discovered CFDs on cryptocurrencies, forex pairs, indices, commodities, and more. If you are a dedicated CFD trader, checking out this platform should be on your bucket list.
Most importantly, FP Markets has a downloaded app that works with almost all iOS and Android devices. Several of this app’s qualities left an impression on us. First, it allows users to build a favorites menu and streamline navigation. Additionally, it comes with crucial features, including take-profit and stop-loss limits. Before committing financially, you can test the FP Markets platform with a demo account.
FP Markets
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
✔No inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Allows users to pick their favorite instruments from a list of 10,000+ CFD assets
- Its multilingual team is available 24/7 and very responsive
- Hosts a broad range of trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5
- The app is intuitive and easy to use
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Zero account inactivity charges
Cons
- Only forex and CFD trading supported
- Its social trading feature can only be accessed via the MT4 platform
The outstanding perks of using FP Markets include free deposits or withdrawals. This broker goes above and beyond by covering all internal bank fees arising from international transfers. Moreover, you can start your journey with a free demo account before switching to a live account. Keep in mind that FP Markets’ minimum deposit requirement is $100.
The other commendable thing is this broker has reduced non-trading costs and charges. Take inactivity fees as an example. Unlike many of its peers, FP Markets doesn’t penalize dormant accounts. So, you can stay logged out of your account for as long as you like without fretting over accumulating fees.
That said, we encountered numerous other FP Markets fees and costs. Although you can open a Standard account, which comes with 0 commissions, you’ll still face variable spreads, starting from 1.0 pips. On the other hand, IRESS, FP Markets’ sophisticated premium platform, has commissions that vary depending on geographical location. IressTrader/ViewPoint also has a mandated $60 fee. Luckily, there are free alternatives like MT4 and MT5, which have no platform fees.
5. Spreadex – Best App for Spread Betting
Spread betting is a lucrative endeavour that gives you the opportunity to earn returns from falling and rising market prices. As a spread bettor, you can go long or short, enjoy zero commissions, and withdraw profits without worrying about covering stamp duty or paying tax. If you’d like to start betting spreads, Spreadex can help you realise your dream.
The Spreadex app is simple and easy to use. While using it, you can bet on spreads from thousands of global markets. And you don’t have to worry about starting with high stakes. Spreadex has no minimum deposit, so you can start low and grow with time.
You can install and use the Spreadex app on an iOS or Android phone. Your app will come with numerous terrific specs, including advanced charting capabilities, real-time price alerts, and SSL encryption for optimum security.
Spreadex
✔Licensed and regulated by tier-one financial authorities
✔No minimum deposit requirements
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Easy to master and use
- Contains amazing features, including advanced orders and charting tools
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Supports free deposits and withdrawals
- Zero inactivity fees for dormant accounts
Cons
- Card deposits below £50 attract a £1 fee
- Limited asset offerings compared to its peers
From our assessment of Spreadex’s fees, we concluded that this broker offers one of the most cost-friendly platforms. Why? For starters, Spreadex has $0 minimum deposit requirements. That means you can deposit whatever you can afford and start trading immediately. Moreover, while funding your account, you won’t have to pay any deposit fees – it’s free! The same applies to withdrawals.
That is exceptional news since Spreadex supports myriad payment methods, from debit and credit cards to Apple Pay and Easy Bank Transfer. You can use these options without fretting over any charges undermining your profits.
We also recommend Spreadex because this broker doesn’t penalize dormant accounts. Your Spreadex trading account can remain inactive for an extended period without attracting inactivity fees, which separates this company from its peers.
Spreadex offers exceptional rates on spreads. This broker’s spreads start from 0.6 pips for CFD trading. This trading broker should be your go-to if you want lower overall trading costs and improved profit margins.
That said, Spreadex charges overnight funding for shares rolling positions. If you keep a position open through the close of the relevant exchange, Spreadex will keep it open for the following day’s trading. But that will attract a funding adjustment. The fees you’ll incur at any given time will be a combination of the Adjusted ARR and Spreadex’s charges. However, holding futures overnight won’t attract any charges.
Mobile Trading in the UK
Online trading is legal and governed by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). According to FCA rules, anyone 18 or older can engage in online trading. This authority requires all brokers to verify the age and identity of all traders.
All of the apps that we encourage you to use are provided by FCA-licensed brokers. That means they’re safe and secure. Also, while trading with them, you are protected by the Financial Services Commission (FSCS) and have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Many of these platforms have also gone above and beyond by seeking authorisation from multiple authorities, including ASIC, CySEC, and FSAS.
Not to forget, UK laws allow you to use the local fiat currency to trade online. You can also trade your currency for another. But note that, depending on your proceeds, you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax. That applies to most securities, including FX pairs, shares, and commodities. The only activity that’s tax-free in the UK is spread betting. Visit the HMRC official site or talk to a professional account for more information.
How to Choose the Right Trading App UK
Picking a trading app isn’t easy, no doubt. Hundreds of platforms are available today, and brokers keep releasing more. Moreover, all these apps claim to be the best, but that’s not true. Only a select few deserve this title, and you can isolate from the masqueraders by vetting them based on the following:
Licensing and regulation
Reputation
Fees and commissions
Trading platforms
Customer support
We can’t overemphasise this. Pick trading apps licensed and regulated by influential organisations like the FCA. A regulated platform is more likely to be fair, transparent, and secure. Avoid apps from unlicensed brokers since they won’t adhere to any regulatory standards and will likely expose your funds and data to bad actors.
You can tell what an app is and isn’t from past user reviews and testimonials. Browse platforms like Trustpilot, Google Play, and the App Store. Read all reviews and feedback. Try to single out any issues reported by numerous people. Also, if you know any popular trading forum or community, ask members for their opinions on a specific app before using it.
If you don’t pay close attention to a trading app’s fees and commissions, you may spend too much and compromise your returns. Do your math and determine what fees and commissions you’re comfortable with. Then, find an app that matches your spending goals and preferences.
Don’t register on any app before checking which trading platforms it supports. Assess everything, from proprietary to third-party software. Then, find a platform that aligns with your preferences and test its performance. Most brokers allow traders to gauge their platforms with demo accounts, so don’t worry about risking your hard-earned money.
As a trader, you should be ready to face common issues like account log-in problems and unexpected transaction delays. Most traders encounter such challenges at least once. But here’s something that can get you out of any fix you’re in: a knowledgeable and responsive customer support team. Pick an app with excellent support services for the best assistance and prompt problem resolution.
How To Register an Account with a Trading App UK
The account registration process can sound arduous, especially to newbies. And that’s understandable since trading brokers keep throwing around jargon like KYC. But don’t worry; it’s not that hard. We opened different accounts while testing the best trading apps in the UK and had an easy time doing it. But, of course, we avoided unnecessary headaches by providing what was asked of us, including valid information and documents. You should do the same.
You can start the account registration process today by following this procedure:
Step 1: Visit your broker’s website
Step 2: Download the app
Step 3: Create your account
Step 4: Submit verification documents
Step 5: Deposit money into your account
Step 6: Trade
After choosing a broker, visit its official website. Read the privacy policy and terms of use. If you don’t understand anything, contact support and seek clarification. If the terms and conditions are to your satisfaction, proceed to the next step.
Find the trading app on the official site and download it. For your safety and security, get your app from the App Store or Google Play. Avoid downloading apps from third-party sites since some are full of malware. Once the download process is complete, install and open the app.
To register with legit trading apps, you must share personal information, including your name and birth date, as they appear on your ID. You must also choose an email or phone number to use and set a strong password. Follow every instruction to the letter and share valid details because the broker will verify everything.
Share documents that your service provider needs to verify your identity and address. They may include a government ID and a copy of your bank statement. Try to make clear copies of every document. The details must be visible. If not, the broker will ask you to share the documents again.
After completing step 4, wait for your application to be evaluated and approved. Then, use the correct payment methods to send money to your trading account. Pay heed to your broker’s minimum deposit requirement and factor in any fees you may have to cover. Try to use payment methods that are either free or attract the least expenses.
With money in your account, you can pick an instrument and open a position. But, since trading is risky, you should use risk management tools should be used as often as possible. Most importantly, ensure that the funds you’re trading with are expendable. You don’t want to lose money that’s supposed to cover crucial aspects like rent or food. Don’t forget to limit risk exposure with the best position-sizing strategies.
For more insights, check out our article on the best budgeting apps in the UK.
Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with 5 of the best trading platforms in the UK, you can pick a suitable platform today. But remember to choose an app based on the factors discussed here, including supported trading platforms, product offerings, and fees and commissions.
Not to forget, trading goes hand in hand with profits and losses. But your goal as a trader is to make more profits than losses. Therefore, practice risk management and maintain unmatched disciplines.
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