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Starting a trading career in Europe can be both exciting and daunting. The daunting part arises from the multitude of European trading platforms available in this region. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can find an exceptional broker easily by following the tips outlined in our expert guide to the best trading platforms in Europe.
Our experts dedicated many days to researching and testing European trading platforms. We used factors like security, reputation, and fees to pick 5 exceptional service providers. This guide is factual and unbiased. Its primary objective is to inform and help you make decisions that will benefit your trading career.
In a Nutshell
- Online trading can be a lucrative full-time job or a side hustle. But you need a reliable and trustworthy platform.
- Many brokers are operating in this region. Consider indispensable factors like licensing, online reputation, and fees while searching for a good service provider.
- If you find trading on the go appealing, you need to look for a broker with reliable mobile apps.
- To avoid unfair practices and fraudulent activities, prioritize trading with a platform licensed and regulated by respected NCAs in Europe, including the FCA, the FMA, BaFin, and CySEC.
- We vetted countless trading platforms and hand-picked 5 that possess all the right qualities, including proper licensing and affordable fees. We’ve reviewed them in this guide, alongside their pros and cons.
List of the Best Trading Platforms in Europe
- Pepperstone – Overall Best Trading Platform in Europe
- eToro – Best Trading Platform for Investors in Europe
- Plus500* – Best Platform for CFD Traders in Europe
- AvaTrade – Best Platform for Beginners in Europe
- FP Markets – Best Platform for Forex Trading in Europe
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
In This Guide
Compare Online Trading Platforms Europe
Compiling a list of 5 of the best European trading platforms wasn’t easy. Our team had to research and vet hundreds of brokers and their offerings. But we are experts at this, so it wasn’t a problem. After dedicating days to studying and evaluating different service providers, we picked well-balanced, reputable, and reliable platforms.
While selecting the best trading platform for European traders, our team considered various vital aspects. They include licensing, security, and support services. We also prioritized service providers that offer exemplary trading platforms and supported popular payment methods. We’ve included some of these elements in the table below. Use it to pick a fitting trading platform.
| Best Trading Platform Europe | License & 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 | 24/7 | eToro investing platform and app, Multi-asset platform, Social Trading, Copy Trader, Smart Portfolios | Credit/debit card, Bank transfer, Klarna, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Yes |
| Plus500* 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | FSCA, CySEC (#250/14), FCA, ASIC, FMA, MAS | 24/7 | Plus500 Invest, Plus500 CFD, Plus500 Futures | Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, Bank transfer | 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 | Debit/credit card, Neteller, Skrill, Bank transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes |
Platforms Overview
Our team didn’t forget to factor in every trading platform’s fees and assets. We have been trading long enough to know that excessive charges are a trader’s worst enemy. They inflate costs and reduce returns. On the other hand, traders must interact with familiar assets for the best results.
The tables below will introduce you to some of the assets and fees offered by the best European trading platforms. Pay close attention.
Fees
| Best Trading Platform Europe | 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 |
| Plus500* | €100 | From 0% | Free | €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 |
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Assets
| Best Trading Platform in Europe | Stocks | Forex | Crypto | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plus500* (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FP Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Our Opinion about European Trading Platforms
The best trading platforms are licensed and regulated by respected authorities like the FCA in UK. They are also transparent with their fees and charges. Additionally, these entities allow traders to get the most out of outstanding trading software solutions and elevate their experiences with exceptional tools.
With that in mind, here are 5 service providers that deserve to be called the best in Europe. Again, we’ve picked them after extensive tests, evaluations, and comparisons.
1. Pepperstone – Overall Best Trading Platform in Europe
Based on the outcomes of our exploration, Pepperstone is the overall best trading platform in Europe. Launched in 2010, Pepperstone gives hundreds of thousands of traders uncapped access to 1200+ tradable instruments, including over 90 currency pairs and countless CFDs on commodities, currency indices, and more.
Besides its impressive product offering, Pepperstone offers its users sharp spreads as low as 0.0 pips and free transactions. This broker also has a host of outstanding trading platforms, including TradingView, cTrader, and MT4/MT5.
Pepperstone is also a splendid trading platform because it does not require a minimum deposit and has a 24/7 customer support team.
Pepperstone
✔800+ instruments
✔No minimum deposit requirement
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Stylish and user-friendly interface
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Razor accounts have low spreads starting from 0.0 pips
- Third-party trading platforms like MT4 and MT5 are available
- 24/7 customer support is provided
- No inactivity fees
Cons
- Higher spreads for Standard account holders
- Limited educational tools and materials
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.
2. eToro – Best Trading Platform for Investors in Europe
As trading experts with years of experience, we encourage all traders to diversify their portfolios. You should never focus your resources on a single asset or market since, if things go south, you will incur significant losses.
With that in mind, when it comes to diversification, eToro is king. Unlike many of its peers, this trading platform caters to both traders and investors. While trading with it, you can diversify your portfolio with real shares, digital currencies, and ETFs. The best is that this broker allows its customers to invest in popular stocks without paying any commission.
We can’t forget to mention eToro’s crypto offering. With an eToro account, you can buy, sell, and trade 100+ cryptoassets. You can also stake crypto for rewards. eToro will only take a small percentage of your yield, so don’t worry about upfront staking fees.
eToro
✔ 5,000+ instruments
✔ Features social and copy trading
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Extensive asset category with 5,000+ securities
- Unique investment options with commissions as low as 0%
- Supports copy trading
- Vibrant community of traders for social trading
- 24/7 customer support
- World-class academy and educational materials
Cons
- €10 monthly inactivity fee
- Joining the eToro club requires a minimum balance of €5,000
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. Plus500 – Best Platform for CFD Traders in Europe
Plus500 is the best CFD trading platform in our books. We’ve traded with countless brokers, but when it comes to CFD trading, Plus500 is undeniably the pacesetter. This platform boasts 2800+ CFDs on popular instruments, including cryptocurrencies, indices, and currency pairs. That is a significantly higher number compared to what other leading brokers offer.
If you are a CFD trading novice, you can start your journey at Plus500’s trading academy and practice with a free demo account before diving in with real funds. On the other hand, if you are seasoned, you can open a professional Plus500 account and use it to trade CFDs. A professional account comes with diverse perks, from higher leverages of up to 1:300 to negative balance protection and cash rebates.
We also recommend Plus500 to CFD traders because this platform offers 24/7 customer support, tight spreads and free transactions. Plus500CY Ltd authorized & regulated by CySEC (#250/14).
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Plus500
✔Available in 50+ countries
✔Easy account registration and setup
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Helpful support representatives are available 24/7
- A professional account with additional perks available
- Guaranteed Stop Loss supported
Cons
- €10 monthly inactivity fees
- Higher currency conversion fees compared to its peers
One thing we love about Plus500 is that the platform offers most of its services without charging a dime. Moreover, the company practices optimum transparency regarding any costs or charges. While trading on Plus500, we enjoy free deposits and zero internal withdrawal fees.
However, we had to incur reasonable charges, courtesy of the buy/sell spreads. The good thing is this broker lets you choose between dynamic and fixed spreads. We preferred fixed spreads since they allowed us to minimize risk during high volatility periods, especially when we were trading with smaller stakes. But, if you are a fan of swing trading and often deal with higher balances, you can check Plus500’s variable spreads. And don’t worry about paying commissions because Plus500 supports commission-free trades.
Depending on your trading activities on Plus500, you may also incur the following fees and costs:
- Overnight funding: If you open a position and fail to close after a specific cut-off time, otherwise known as the Overnight Funding Time, Plus500 may add or subtract a certain amount of overnight funding from your account. Plus500 uses this formula to determine the exact amount of overnight funding to charge you: Trade Size x Position Opening Rate x Point Value x Daily Overnight Funding %.
- Currency conversion fee: While trading on Plus500, you will incur currency conversion charges every time you dabble with an instrument whose currency denomination differs from your trading account’s currency. During our test, Plus500’s currency conversion fee was up to 0.7% of each trade’s net profit and loss.
- Guaranteed stop order: Plus500 has a unique order type that guarantees the stop loss level even in highly volatile markets. You can use it to minimize losses and maximize returns, but it’ll cost you money. The fee comes in the form of a wider spread.
- Inactivity fee: Suppose your Plus500 trading account stays dormant for over three months. Your company will charge you up to $10 per month. This fee enables Plus500 to cover the costs of maintaining your inactive account.
4. AvaTrade – Best Platform for Beginners in Europe
Are you new to online trading? AvaTrade is here to help you grow into a skilled trader. We consider AvaTrade the best trading platform for beginners Europe since this broker has a program known as Ava Academy. It has free online trading courses that can help you transition from a novice to a knowledgeable trader. All you have to do is sign up with Ava Academy, choose a fitting course, and start learning.
After educating yourself, test yourself with AvaTrade’s demo account, which comes with €100,000 virtual. Then, transition to this broker’s beginner-friendly live trading platform. You can use any software you prefer, including MT4, MT5, and WebTrader. Additionally, you can use your AvaTrade account to trade popular crypto like Bitcoin and Ethereum or CFDs on stocks, commodities, and more.
AvaTrade
✔Low minimum deposit requirement
✔Features automated trading on its copy trading platform
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Offers top-range educational courses and tutorials
- Well-designed, user-friendly platform interface
- Outstanding platforms like MT4 and MT5 are available
- Supports social trading through AvaSocial
- Prompt customer support
Cons
- High inactivity fees
- Wire withdrawals can take up to 10 days to be processed
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.
5. FP Markets – Best Platform for Forex Trading in Europe
Founded in 2005 in Australia, FP Markets is a popular trading platform with over 60+ currency pairs. As a forex trader, you can open a new FP Markets account today and trade everything from majors like GBP/USD to exotics like EUR/TRY. The best part is that the forex market is open 24 hours a day, so you can trade whenever you please.
We also recommend FP Markets to forex traders because this broker has rock-bottom spreads as low as 0.0 pips. Moreover, you can contact this platform’s award-winning support team at any time of the day or night if you face any issues while trading. Its representatives are available 24/7, ready to serve you in any language you prefer, from English and German to French and Greek.
Lastly, you should consider trading forex with FP Markets since the platform doesn’t charge deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees.
FP Markets
✔Free deposits and withdrawals
✔No inactivity fees
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Exquisite, beginner-friendly user interface
- Zero transaction and inactivity fees
- Superb trading platforms like MT4, MT4, and TradingView are available
- Tight spreads from 0.0 pips
- 24/7 multilingual support
Cons
- Fewer FX pairs compared to other industry leaders
- Primarily focused on forex and CFD trading
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.
Online Trading in Europe
The European Commission has crushed most online barriers, making it possible for Europeans to easily access products and services offered by entities like trading brokers. That is why you can easily trade online today. But should you be doing it?
The shortest is yes, provided you’re okay with the associated risks. You won’t be in trouble with the law since online trading is legal in Europe and regulated by NCAs like the FCA, CySEC, and the MFSA. What’s more, you can trade with your country’s local fiat. But you must be at least 18 to trade with a European trading platform.
Also, note that most jurisdictions require online traders to pay taxes. For instance, forex traders are subjected to Capitals Gains Tax in the UK, France, and Germany. Check your country’s local ordinances for exact mandates. You should also consult with an experienced tax advisor if possible.
How to Choose the Right Trading Platform in Europe
Since so many online trading platforms are available, finding and choosing the right one can be problematic. Unfortunately, you can’t risk trading with any broker you come across because there are many sub-standard entities that expose you to significant issues like financial loss, scams, and frequent downtime. That is why you should be extra cautious and vet every service provider based on the following:
Licensing and regulation
Fees and costs
Trading tools and platforms
Customer feedback and testimonials
Financial Instruments
You should consider licensing first while looking for the best trading platform Europe. For your safety and the security of your assets, interact with brokers authorized by reputable national authorities like CySEC and FCA. This authority is dedicated to protecting European traders and investors. You should also prioritize trading platforms regulated by additional authorities like the FCA and CySEC.
High fees and hidden costs are detrimental to your primary objective as a trader- generating profits. Before opening a trading account, you should review a broker’s fee structure and policies. Keep an eye out for expenses associated with trading, account maintenance, transactions, education, etc. You should also ascertain if the broker has hidden costs, like government-imposed fees they pass on to traders.
You may have a selection of trading platforms that you prefer. If that is so, before committing to a specific broker, check if it supports your favourites. That is indispensable, more so where third-party software is involved. Remember, so brokers have proprietary platforms exclusively. Also, determine if your chosen trading platform has the technical and analysis tools you use, like Expert Advisors, oscillators, and strategy testers.
Not all trading platforms are trustworthy. Fortunately, you can easily isolate the good from the bad through online feedback. The best online trading platform Europe should have consistent positive ratings and reviews on different sites, from Google Play to the App Store and Trustpilot. Avoid service providers with multiple repeated complaints.
Since limiting your trading activities to a single instrument is risky, look for a broker who supports diversification with a wide range of assets. You should also check the liquidity of available options since instruments you can sell and buy an asset with high liquidity and vice versa. Most importantly, check if the broker has your preferred securities before opening a new account.
How To Register an Account with a Trading Platform Europe
You can’t trade with a regulated platform without a verified account. Regulations require new traders to sign up and provide crucial information and documentation before they’re allowed to trade. So, this step is mandatory. But it’s not complicated. You just have to follow the process below and, most importantly, submit factual personal details and valid documents.
Step 1: Visit the broker’s website
Step 2: Sign up
Step 3: Verify your identity
Step 4: Make a deposit
Step 5: Trade
Use the tips outlined here to pick the ideal broker. Then, visit your broker’s official site. Once you’re there, recheck everything, from available instruments to supported software, before you start the registration process. Also, read all terms and conditions. After doing all that, you can now proceed to the second step. If you want to trade on the go, look for the mobile app and download it.
Your broker should have an online application form that’ll pop up once you hit the sign-up button. Fill it out with every necessary detail, from your email address to your name, date of birth, and contact details. Use the correct information because your broker will verify it. If anything is off, your application will be rejected. Not to forget, you’ll need to set up a strong password to protect your account and resources. Avoid using typical details like your pet’s name as your password.
Regulated brokers ask for different verification documents. First, they require applicants to verify their identity with a copy of their ID, passport, or driver’s license. They also ask for documents that show where traders live, including card statements and utility bills. Provide accurate and valid verification documents to avoid issues like rejected applications or future account suspension.
Your application should be verified within a few minutes or hours, depending on your broker. Wait for everything to go through, then fund your trading account. Don’t forget to adhere to your service provider’s minimum deposit requirements. Last but not least, use a payment method that your broker supports. If you can find an option with free deposits, use it to reduce costs.
After making a successful deposit, select an asset and start trading. But be warned; this is a risky activity. You should budget carefully and dedicate what you can afford to lose to trading. Also, before risking any funds, assess your financial situation. There are guaranteed profits in trading. If you’re in a bad financial situation, seek stability elsewhere before interacting with any trading platform.
Conclusion
We’ve placed a brief list of the best trading platforms in Europe at your fingertips. The only thing left is picking an option guaranteed to help you shoot for the stars. That said, if you are new to trading, acquire sufficient knowledge and practice with virtual funds in a demo account before interacting with a live account.
Once you start trading with a live account, stick to your strategies, be disciplined, and avoid chasing trades.