Best International Online Brokers in the United Kingdom 2025

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We Invested Our Own Money to Test the UK’s Top Brokers - See Which Brokers Passed the Test!

Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers
4.9/5
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Interactive Brokers
Saxo
4.8/5
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Interactive Brokers
eToro
4.7/5
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Interactive Brokers
XTB
4.7/5
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Interactive Brokers
Charles Schwab
4.6/5
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Interactive Brokers
Lightyear
4.6/5
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Interactive Brokers
Oanda
4.6/5
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Interactive Brokers
TradeStation Global
4.5/5
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Interactive Brokers
Swissquote
4.4/5
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Interactive Brokers
Trading 212
4.4/5
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Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers
4.9/5
Interactive Brokers
Saxo
4.8/5
Interactive Brokers
eToro
4.7/5
Interactive Brokers
XTB
4.7/5
Interactive Brokers
Charles Schwab
4.6/5
Interactive Brokers
Lightyear
4.6/5
Interactive Brokers
Oanda
4.6/5
Interactive Brokers
TradeStation Global
4.5/5
Interactive Brokers
Swissquote
4.4/5
Interactive Brokers
Trading 212
4.4/5

Best International Brokers in the United Kingdom 2025 - Find Your Perfect Match Now

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. 

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.

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International Online Brokers Key Features

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!

Best Online Brokers in the UK 2025

BrokerOverall RatingMinimum DepositISA AvailabilitySIPP Availability
Interactive Brokers4.9/5$01-3 dayscheck markcheck mark
Saxo4.8/5$01 daycheck markcheck mark
eToro4.7/5$101 daycheck markx mark
XTB4.7/5$01 daycheck markx mark
Charles Schwab4.6/5$01 dayx markx mark
Lightyear4.6/5$01 dayx markx mark
Oanda4.6/5$01-3 daysx markx mark
TradeStation Global4.5/5$01 dayx markx mark
Swissquote4.4/5$01 dayx markx mark
Trading 2124.4/5$11 daycheck markx mark

Top International Online Brokers in the United Kingdom - Users Data

Thinking about choosing an online broker in the UK? User data reveals the most popular platforms and why they’re trusted by traders.

interactive-brokers-review
Interactive Brokers
288,341
saxo
Saxo
65,530
etoro-review
eToro
56,549
XTB
XTB
75,014
charles-schwab
Charles Schwab
12,404
Lightyear
Lightyear
9,743
oanda
Oanda
25,249
tradestation global
TradeStation Global
11,536
swissquote
Swissquote
4970
trading 212
Trading 212
33,298

Which Broker Offers the Best Value - Fee Comparison​

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.

BrokerUS StockUK StockMutual FundUS Stock Index Options
Interactive Brokers$1$3.80.1$15$6.5
Saxo$1.6$3.80.9$0$20
eToro$0$01.0Not AvailableNot Available
XTB$0$00.6Not AvailableNot Available
Charles Schwab$0Not Available1.4$25$6.5
Lightyear$1$1.3Not AvailableNot AvailableNot Available
Oanda$0$01.0Not AvailableNot Available
TradeStation Global$1.5$20.1$25$15
Swissquote$10$12.61.6$9$19.9
Trading 212$0$01.0Not AvailableNot Available

Non-trading Fees (Other Fees)

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.

BrokerAccount FeeInactivity FeeDeposit Fee
Interactive Brokersx markx mark$0$0
Saxox markx mark$0$0
eTorox markcheck mark$5$0
XTBx markcheck mark$0$0
Charles Schwabx markx mark$0$0
Lightyearx markx mark$0$0
Oandax markcheck mark$0$0
TradeStation Globalx markx mark$0$0
Swissquotex markx mark$10$0
Trading 212x markx mark$0$0

Regulations and Safety Measures in the United Kingdom

When it comes to choosing an online broker, safety and regulation should be at the top of your checklist. 

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!

mobile trading

Understanding Taxation for Traders in the UK

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.

Comparing the Best Online Brokers in the United Kingdom

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.

interactive-brokers-review

Interactive Brokers

Best for advanced traders and beginners, provides low fees, global market access, and powerful trading tools.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$0
Deposit MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal Fee$0
Account Opening Time1-3 Days
Inactivity Feex mark
ReviewRead Here
saxo

Saxo

Best for traders seeking for advanced tools, extensive market access, and a platform for a high-end trading experience.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$5000 - $10,000
Deposit MethodBank Transfer, Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal Fee$0
Account Opening Time1 Day
Inactivity Feex mark
ReviewRead Here
etoro-review

eToro

Best for social trading, combines zero-commission stocks with an innovative platform for copying top investors’ strategies.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$50
Deposit MethodBank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards, eToro Money, Neteller, Skrill, Klarna, Giropay, Trustly, iDEAL, RapidTransfer, Przelewy 24 
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards, eToro Money, Neteller, Skrill, Klarna, Giropay, Trustly, iDEAL, RapidTransfer, Przelewy 24 
Withdrawal Fee$5
Account Opening Time1 Day
Inactivity Feecheck mark
ReviewRead Here
XTB

XTB

Best for forex and CFD trading, offers a user-friendly platform, competitive spreads, and excellent educational resources.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$0
Deposit MethodBank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, PayU, Ecommpay
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal Fee$0
Account Opening Time1 Day
Inactivity Feecheck mark
ReviewRead Here
charles-schwab

Charles Schwab

Best for long-term investors, provides low-cost trading, robust research tools, and a wide range of investment options.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$0
Deposit MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal Fee$0
Account Opening Time1 Day
Inactivity Feex mark
ReviewRead Here
Lightyear

Lightyear

Best for commission-free investing, offers easy access to global markets with transparent pricing and a simple, user-friendly platform.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$0
Deposit MethodBank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, iDeal
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal Fee$0
Account Opening Time1 Day
Inactivity Feex mark
ReviewRead Here
oanda

Oanda

Best for forex traders, delivers competitive spreads, powerful charting tools, and a reliable platform for currency trading.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$0
Deposit MethodBank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Withdrawal Fee$0
Account Opening Time1-3 Days
Inactivity Feecheck mark
ReviewRead Here
tradestation global

TradeStation Global

Best for advanced traders, provides powerful trading tools, low fees, and access to international markets.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$0
Deposit MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal Fee$0
Account Opening Time1 Day
Inactivity Feex mark
ReviewRead Here
swissquote

Swissquote

Best for secure investing, robust trading tools, diverse asset options, and strong regulatory protection for global traders.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$0
Deposit MethodBank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer
Withdrawal Fee$10
Account Opening Time1 Day
Inactivity Feex mark
ReviewRead Here
trading 212

Trading 212

Best for beginners and budget-conscious traders, commission-free investing, a user-friendly app, and access to global markets.

Interactive Brokers OverviewInteractive Brokers Data
Minimum Deposit$1
Deposit MethodBank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, OnlineBankingPL, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Giropay, Direct eBanking, , iDEAL, Carte Bleue, Blik
Withdrawal MethodBank Transfer, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, OnlineBankingPL, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Giropay, Direct eBanking, , iDEAL, Carte Bleue, Blik
Withdrawal Fee$0
Account Opening Time1 Day
Inactivity Feex mark
ReviewRead Here

How We Evaluated and Ranked the Best Online Brokers in the UK

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.

FAQ

How do I choose a broker in the UK?

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.

What is the best online trading platform in the UK?

The best platform depends on your needs—eToro is great for beginners, Interactive Brokers suits advanced traders, and Saxo offers premium features for professionals.

Do I need to pay taxes on trading profits?

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.