brokerguide
Looking for the perfect partner to grow your investments this year? These brokers are available in the United Kingdom and can help you achieve your financial goals with personalized strategies, cutting-edge tools, and expert guidance.Â
Most offer low fees, advanced platforms, and unmatched support to make your investment journey smooth and rewarding. Explore our guide now to find your ideal broker and take the first step toward securing your financial future!
1. Interactive Brokers – Still the leading online brokerage firm offering low fees, a wide range of investment options, and advanced trading platforms, making it a top choice for both professional and individual investors.
2. Saxo – Regulated by the FCA in the UK, offers investors access to over 71,000 instruments across various asset classes via advanced platforms like SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO, though its fee structure, including custody fees, may be less competitive for smaller accounts and it lacks spread betting options.
3. eToro – Known for its user-friendly interface and social trading features like CopyTrader, eToro offers UK investors commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs and a diverse asset selection, but users should be aware of currency conversion and withdrawal fees.
4. XTB – Provides UK traders with a wide array of instruments, including forex, stocks, ETFs, and CFDs, through its advanced xStation 5 platform, featuring commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs up to €100,000 monthly and competitive forex spreads, but also includes inactivity and withdrawal fees and lacks certain account types such as SIPPs.
5. Charles Schwab – For UK investors focused on U.S. markets, Charles Schwab provides commission-free trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs, fractional share investing through “Stock Slices,” and robust research resources. However, it primarily offers access to U.S. securities, incurring currency conversion fees for GBP deposits and withdrawals and lacking UK tax-advantaged accounts like ISAs or SIPPs.
6. Lightyear – A UK-based investment platform which offers a user-friendly interface, commission-free ETF trading, competitive stock fees, multi-currency accounts, and interest on uninvested cash. However, it offers a limited range of investment options beyond stocks and ETFs, and charges a 0.35% currency conversion fee.
7. Oanda – It offers user-friendly platforms like fxTrade and MT4, competitive spreads starting from 0.5 pips on EUR/USD, and no minimum deposit, but also charges inactivity and certain withdrawal fees.
8. TradeStation Global – TradeStation Global, a partnership between TradeStation International and Interactive Brokers, offers investors a wide range of instruments via advanced platforms like TradeStation and IBKR’s TWS, competitive fees, and FCA regulation, but features a complex account opening process, a $1,000 minimum deposit for the desktop platform, and limited deposit/withdrawal options (bank transfers only).
9. Swissquote – A reputable Swiss-based and FCA-regulated financial services provider, offers traders a diverse range of instruments and advanced platforms like Advanced Trader, MT4, and MT5, along with comprehensive research, but requires a $1,000 minimum deposit, charges inactivity fees after six months, and has a complex fee structure.
10. Trading 212 – With its commission-free trading, user-friendly interface, and access to fractional shares and diverse investment options, Trading 212 is a popular choice for UK investors, though it provides limited research tools and charges an inactivity fee.
Picking the right online broker boils down to a few key things: trust, tools, variety, and support. You want a broker that’s regulated—think FCA or SEC—to keep your money safe and compliant.
Then there’s the platform itself; it should be easy to use but packed with features like advanced charts and mobile apps for trading on the go. The variety of assets matters too—stocks, ETFs, forex, even crypto—so you can mix it up and diversify your portfolio.
Don’t forget about costs. Brokers with transparent fees and low commissions let you keep more of your profits. And whether you’re a newbie or a pro, good customer support and educational tools, like demo accounts and webinars, make all the difference.
Now, why go international? Simple: the perks are unbeatable. You get access to global markets, opening up opportunities you won’t find locally.
Many international brokers also offer commission-free trading, saving you money. Their platforms? Packed with cutting-edge tech like AI tools and automation to give you an edge.
Add in risk management tools and multilingual support, and international brokers start to look like a clear winner. They’re your gateway to smarter, more flexible trading in 2025!
Broker | Overall Rating | Minimum Deposit | Account Opening Time | ISA Availability | SIPP Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Interactive Brokers | 4.9/5 | $0 | 1-3 days | ![]() | ![]() |
Saxo | 4.8/5 | $0 | 1 day | ![]() | ![]() |
eToro | 4.7/5 | $10 | 1 day | ![]() | ![]() |
XTB | 4.7/5 | $0 | 1 day | ![]() | ![]() |
Charles Schwab | 4.6/5 | $0 | 1 day | ![]() | ![]() |
Lightyear | 4.6/5 | $0 | 1 day | ![]() | ![]() |
Oanda | 4.6/5 | $0 | 1-3 days | ![]() | ![]() |
TradeStation Global | 4.5/5 | $0 | 1 day | ![]() | ![]() |
Swissquote | 4.4/5 | $0 | 1 day | ![]() | ![]() |
Trading 212 | 4.4/5 | $1 | 1 day | ![]() | ![]() |
Thinking about choosing an online broker in the UK? User data reveals the most popular platforms and why they’re trusted by traders.
When choosing an online broker, fees can significantly impact your overall returns. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve researched and compared the fee structures of the top international brokers in the UK. Below, you’ll find a table breaking down the most important fees to highlight which broker offers the best value for traders.
Broker | US Stock | UK Stock | EURUSD Spread | Mutual Fund | US Stock Index Options |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Interactive Brokers | $1 | $3.8 | 0.1 | $15 | $6.5 |
Saxo | $1.6 | $3.8 | 0.9 | $0 | $20 |
eToro | $0 | $0 | 1.0 | Not Available | Not Available |
XTB | $0 | $0 | 0.6 | Not Available | Not Available |
Charles Schwab | $0 | Not Available | 1.4 | $25 | $6.5 |
Lightyear | $1 | $1.3 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
Oanda | $0 | $0 | 1.0 | Not Available | Not Available |
TradeStation Global | $1.5 | $2 | 0.1 | $25 | $15 |
Swissquote | $10 | $12.6 | 1.6 | $9 | $19.9 |
Trading 212 | $0 | $0 | 1.0 | Not Available | Not Available |
In addition to trading fees, international online brokers may charge various other fees that can affect your overall costs. These include account maintenance fees, withdrawal charges, inactivity fees, currency conversion costs, and more. Understanding these additional fees is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses and choose the broker that aligns best with your trading habits.
Broker | Account Fee | Inactivity Fee | Withdrawal Fee | Deposit Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
Interactive Brokers | ![]() | ![]() | $0 | $0 |
Saxo | ![]() | ![]() | $0 | $0 |
eToro | ![]() | ![]() | $5 | $0 |
XTB | ![]() | ![]() | $0 | $0 |
Charles Schwab | ![]() | ![]() | $0 | $0 |
Lightyear | ![]() | ![]() | $0 | $0 |
Oanda | ![]() | ![]() | $0 | $0 |
TradeStation Global | ![]() | ![]() | $0 | $0 |
Swissquote | ![]() | ![]() | $10 | $0 |
Trading 212 | ![]() | ![]() | $0 | $0 |
When it comes to choosing an online broker, safety and regulation should be at the top of your checklist.Â
Why FCA Regulation Matters for UK Traders
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the primary regulatory body ensuring that brokers operating in the UK adhere to strict standards of transparency, fairness, and security.
If a broker is FCA-regulated, you can rest assured they’re playing by the rules. This means your funds are managed ethically, and the platform is required to operate transparently. For traders, this level of oversight offers peace of mind and ensures your investments are in safe hands.
The Perks of Segregated Accounts and Compensation Schemes
Imagine your broker suddenly goes out of business. It’s a scary thought, right? But with FCA-regulated brokers, your funds are held in segregated accounts—completely separate from the broker’s own money. Plus, many of these brokers are part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which could reimburse you up to £85,000 if things go south.
Staying Safe with Two-Factor Authentication
Cybersecurity is no joke, especially when your money is involved. That’s why many brokers use two-factor authentication (2FA). It’s like having a double lock on your account—you’ll need both your password and a code sent to your phone to log in. Combined with other measures like encryption, this keeps your personal data and funds secure from online threats.
Choosing a broker with strong regulations and safety measures isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential for trading with confidence. After all, your peace of mind is worth it!
In the United Kingdom, taxation on trading depends on the type of trading activity and the assets being traded. For most traders, profits from trading stocks, forex, or other financial instruments may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). The annual CGT allowance allows a certain amount of profit to be tax-free, but gains exceeding this threshold are taxed at rates of 10% or 20%, depending on your income level.
For day traders or those trading as a business, profits may be considered income and subject to Income Tax instead. Additionally, Stamp Duty applies to UK stock purchases, typically at 0.5% of the transaction value. Cryptocurrency traders must also report their gains, as crypto is treated as property for tax purposes.
To ensure compliance, traders should maintain detailed records of transactions and consult with a tax professional for tailored advice.
Get a side-by-side look at the top online brokers, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them ideal for different types of investors.
Best for advanced traders and beginners, provides low fees, global market access, and powerful trading tools.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
Account Opening Time | 1-3 Days |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for traders seeking for advanced tools, extensive market access, and a platform for a high-end trading experience.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $5000 - $10,000 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer, Credit Cards and Debit Cards |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
Account Opening Time | 1 Day |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for social trading, combines zero-commission stocks with an innovative platform for copying top investors’ strategies.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $50 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards, eToro Money, Neteller, Skrill, Klarna, Giropay, Trustly, iDEAL, RapidTransfer, Przelewy 24Â |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards, eToro Money, Neteller, Skrill, Klarna, Giropay, Trustly, iDEAL, RapidTransfer, Przelewy 24Â |
Withdrawal Fee | $5 |
Account Opening Time | 1 Day |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for forex and CFD trading, offers a user-friendly platform, competitive spreads, and excellent educational resources.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, PayU, Ecommpay |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
Account Opening Time | 1 Day |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for long-term investors, provides low-cost trading, robust research tools, and a wide range of investment options.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
Account Opening Time | 1 Day |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for commission-free investing, offers easy access to global markets with transparent pricing and a simple, user-friendly platform.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, iDeal |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
Account Opening Time | 1 Day |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for forex traders, delivers competitive spreads, powerful charting tools, and a reliable platform for currency trading.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
Account Opening Time | 1-3 Days |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for advanced traders, provides powerful trading tools, low fees, and access to international markets.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
Account Opening Time | 1 Day |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for secure investing, robust trading tools, diverse asset options, and strong regulatory protection for global traders.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer |
Withdrawal Fee | $10 |
Account Opening Time | 1 Day |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Best for beginners and budget-conscious traders, commission-free investing, a user-friendly app, and access to global markets.
Interactive Brokers Overview | Interactive Brokers Data |
---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $1 |
Deposit Method | Bank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, OnlineBankingPL, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Giropay, Direct eBanking, , iDEAL, Carte Bleue, Blik |
Withdrawal Method | Bank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, OnlineBankingPL, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Giropay, Direct eBanking, , iDEAL, Carte Bleue, Blik |
Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
Account Opening Time | 1 Day |
Inactivity Fee | ![]() |
Review | Read Here |
Choosing the best international online brokers in the UK required a detailed evaluation based on factors that matter most to traders. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria we used:
Regulation and Security
We prioritized brokers regulated by trusted authorities, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), to ensure safety and compliance with UK financial laws.
Fees and Pricing Structure
Transparent pricing was a top priority. We analyzed trading commissions, spreads, withdrawal fees, and hidden costs to find brokers that offer great value.
Market Access and Asset Variety
Brokers offering diverse investment options, including stocks, forex, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs, were rated higher for catering to different trading strategies.
Platform Usability and Tools
We tested user-friendly interfaces, mobile app performance, and the availability of advanced trading tools like charting software and automated trading systems.
Educational Resources and Support
For beginners, access to tutorials, webinars, and demo accounts was a major consideration. For advanced traders, we looked for analytical tools and market insights.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
We reviewed payment methods, processing times, and associated fees to ensure brokers support smooth transactions for UK traders.
Customer Service
Reliable customer support, including live chat, email, and phone assistance, was evaluated to ensure traders could get timely help when needed.
By applying these criteria, we identified brokers that combine security, affordability, and usability—making them ideal choices for traders in the UK in 2025.
To choose a broker in the UK, consider key factors such as FCA regulation for security, fees and commissions to ensure cost-effectiveness, market access for diverse trading options, platform usability for ease of use, and customer support for reliable assistance. Additionally, look for educational resources if you’re a beginner and advanced tools if you’re an experienced trader. Always compare brokers based on your trading goals and preferences.
The best platform depends on your needs—eToro is great for beginners, Interactive Brokers suits advanced traders, and Saxo offers premium features for professionals.
es, trading profits may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) or Income Tax, depending on your trading activity. Always keep records and consult a tax professional for guidance.
Aloy