Best Futures Brokers in the UK February 2025

Thadeus Geodfrey

Meet Thadeus, a trading guru, brilliant writer, and financial fanatic with years of expertise in the industry. Get ready to learn from his wealth of knowledge.

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Article was updated: February 19, 2025

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

As the financial landscape in the UK continues to evolve, futures trading has emerged as a promising avenue for savvy investors. But with so many broker firms vying for your attention, finding the perfect fit can seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got your back! Our guide showcases the crème de la crème of futures contract brokers, ensuring you set sail on your trading journey with confidence and clarity. Whether you are a seasoned trader or dipping your toes into the market for the first time, we are here to shed more light on futures contracts and arm you with the knowledge you need to thrive.

List of the Best Futures Trading Brokers

• Pepperstone – Best With Multiple Platforms
• eToro – Beginner-Friendly
• Spreadex – Best For Commodity Futures
• FxPro – Leading Multi-Asset Futures Broker
• XTB – One of The Cheapest Options

Compare Best Futures Trading Brokers in the UK

As mentioned above, we test and compare hundreds of futures brokers UK to recommend the best. During our comparison process, we factor in various features, including regulatory status, fees, support service reliability, and more. We also visit Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot to analyse user testimonials and combine the results from the two processes for unbiased recommendations. 

See the table below showing our futures brokers’ features. We hope this will help you streamline your broker selection process and kickstart your trading venture on a good note.

Regulation

Minimum Deposit

Demo Account

Money Insurance

Payment & Withdraw Options

Software

Brief Overview of Our Recommended Futures Brokers’ Fees and Assets

As a beginner futures trader, you should consider various elements when selecting a broker in the UK. Among the elements to prioritise are fees and available charges for effective planning and budgeting. We share the tables below showing summaries of the fee structures and assets offered by our best futures brokers.

Fees

Assets

Our Opinion & Overview of the Best Futures Trading Platforms in the UK

As professional researchers and futures traders with decades of experience, we want to share accurate information and reviews on the best futures brokers. For this reason, we tested all the platforms in the UK shared on this page. We analysed their elements before including them in our list of recommendations. Here is our opinion and overview based on our hands-on experience.

1. Pepperstone – Best With Multiple Platforms

Pepperstone has made a name for itself in the financial space by offering quality services to UK traders. We tested and compared it with its peers and discovered that it has a user-friendly and intuitive design platform. The broker supports futures traders with CFD and spread betting forwards across various asset classes, including commodities and indices. Note that CFD forwards work as futures. The only difference is that forwards are traded over-the-counter (OTC) directly between the two parties involved in the contract.

Besides futures, Pepperstone lists an additional 1200+ CFD instruments, including forex, shares, cryptos, indices, and more. You can take advantage of these offerings to diversify your portfolio on a single platform. We also like that this broker allows CFD forwards trading on its MT5 and cTrader platforms. These platforms are known for featuring quality services, including copy and algorithmic trading. There is no minimum deposit requirement at Pepperstone and no transaction charges. 

1

Pepperstone Review

TradingGuides Rating:

✔ Top tier liquidity
✔ No dealing desk intervention

Visit site Read Review

2,933  User Reviews

4.41K User Reviews

137 User Reviews

Our Rating

Total Rating:

7,480 User Reviews

2. eToro – Beginner-Friendly

Beginner traders looking for a reliable futures broker in the UK should consider eToro. Based on our experience, it is one of the most secure. We noticed that it is licensed and regulated by multiple global authorities and employs high encryption measures. This, combined with its user-friendly and modern design platform, makes it easier for beginner traders to explore the financial landscape. On top of that, eToro has a low minimum deposit requirement of $100 for UK clients.

Futures trading on this broker is available using thousands of assets. While we find the broker’s trading charges relatively higher than some of its peers, rest assured of quality resources for futures market analysis. Moreover, eToro lists an additional 6,000+ instruments, including shares, commodities, ETFs, and more, for portfolio diversification. To ensure you efficiently advance your skills, the broker offers quality learning resources on its eToro Academy platform. On top of that, there is a CopyTrader trading platform for social and copy trading.

1

eToro Review

TradingGuides Rating:

✔Copy/Social trading
✔Low minimum to fund an account and begin investing

Visit site Read Review

{etoroCFDrisk}% of retail CFD accounts lose money

26,127  User Reviews

141K User Reviews

9.9K User Reviews

Our Rating

Total Rating:

177,027 User Reviews

3. Spreadex – Best For Commodity Futures

Spreadex shines as our top choice for commodity futures trading in the UK due to its user-friendly and intuitive design interface. Based on our analysis, the broker is among the most affordable, with no minimum deposit requirement. This makes it easier for low-budget traders to explore the commodity market using futures contracts. Note that Spreadex has honed its expertise in providing traders with access to various commodity futures contracts, ranging from precious metals like gold and silver to energy commodities like crude oil and natural gas. 

Besides commodity futures contracts, we discovered additional securities for portfolio diversification. These include shares, forex, ETFs, indices, bonds, and more. These assets are available to trade as CFDs or spread betting, meaning that there is no buying and taking ownership of an underlying asset. You can trade commodity futures on its single proprietary or the TradingView platform, which is compatible with desktop and mobile devices. 

1

Spreadex Review

TradingGuides Rating:

✔Low forex fees
✔Helpful customer service

Visit site Read Review

120  User Reviews

97 User Reviews

167 User Reviews

Our Rating

Total Rating:

384 User Reviews

4. FxPro – Leading Multi-Asset Futures Broker

Having extensively tested various futures brokers in the UK, FxPro stands out as our top broker with multiple assets for futures trading. While trying it, we were welcomed with a minimum deposit requirement of £100, which, in our opinion, sets an inclusive tone. Futures trading is available across diverse instruments. These include commodity futures, index futures, and more. You also have an opportunity to diversify your portfolio with an additional 2,100+ CFD assets.

We like FxPro’s commitment to user preferences since it offers the MT4 and MT5 platforms for futures trading. Additionally, the broker’s support service stood out for its remarkable responsiveness and reliability, assuring traders of continuous assistance. When it comes to leverage limits, professional traders get to enjoy rates up to 1:500. The platform’s incorporation of automation for trading strategies enhances efficiency, catering to the sophisticated requirements of seasoned traders.

1

FxPro Review 2025

TradingGuides Rating:

✔ Unique trading tools
✔ Trustworthy broker

Visit site Read Review

778  User Reviews

12,730 User Reviews

20 User Reviews

Our Rating

Total Rating:

13,528 User Reviews

5. XTB – One of The Cheapest Options

Expert UK traders looking for reliable futures trading brokers should consider XTB. From our findings, the broker lists some of the best market analysis tools for research and strategy development. Moreover, XTB has an automated trading feature on its xStation 5 and xStation Mobile platforms, which we believe is an element to maximise users’ experience. You can trade commodity futures on XTB with no minimum deposit requirement and low spreads.

Besides futures, we were able to trade an additional 5,500+ securities across various asset classes, including forex, commodities, shares, indices, and more. And although the broker’s support service team is available on weekdays, they are very responsive and offer relevant solutions to help you throughout your activities. You can apply for professional status in XTB’s “Professional Trader” section if you meet its requirements.

1

XTB Review

TradingGuides Rating:

✔ Constantly improving trading platforms
✔ Wide range of global markets

Visit site Read Review

1,507  User Reviews

72.2K User Reviews

1K User Reviews

Our Rating

Total Rating:

74,707 User Reviews

What do Other Traders Say?

We don’t just rely on our analysis. We also tap into user testimonials on platforms like Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. By combining these insights with our research, we gain a deeper understanding of each broker’s strengths and weaknesses. See below some of the positive samples we gathered for deeper understanding.

Pepperstone

Pepperstone receives acclaim for its efficient spread betting infrastructure and low-latency execution. Users value the availability of multiple trading platforms and competitive spreads offered by the broker.

eToro

eToro users are enthusiastic about the broker’s social trading features and the ease of copying trades. The majority highlight its user-friendly interface and the opportunity to learn from other traders. This makes eToro a beginner-friendly option. 

Spreadex

Spreadex earns high marks for its fast execution and competitive spreads. Many traders find its support service reliable. We also notice that there are some who find Spreadex among the most affordable brokers. 

FxPro

When it comes to FxPro, the majority of users praise its platform’s reliability and a variety of asset classes. Others mention the low fees and the professionalism of the customer support team, ensuring a positive trading experience.

XTB

XTB users rave about the platform’s simplicity and the wealth of educational resources provided. Many appreciate the helpfulness of the customer support team, who are quick to address any concerns or questions.

The Ultimate Guide About Trading Futures

Trading futures UK is not just about having the best broker with features aligning with your trading needs. It is also crucial to learn how futures contract trading works and the procedures to getting started. In the sections below, we will shed light on what futures trading is and additional information about futures trading and brokers. We aim to equip you with adequate information to get started on a good note.

What is a Futures Contract?

A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specified future date. Think of it as locking in the price of an asset today for delivery in the future, regardless of how the market fluctuates.

Note that futures contracts serve several purposes. For starters, they allow traders at all levels to hedge against price fluctuations. Say you are a farmer, and you are worried about the price of wheat dropping before you can sell your harvest. By entering into a futures contract to sell your wheat at a certain price, you protect yourself from potential losses if prices fall.

But futures contracts aren’t just for hedging. They are also used for speculation, allowing traders to profit from price movements without actually owning the underlying asset. This speculative aspect adds liquidity to the market, making it easier for buyers and sellers to find each other and execute trades.

How Futures Brokers Work

Futures contract brokers play a pivotal role in facilitating trades within the futures market. They act as intermediaries between traders and the exchanges where futures contracts are traded. But how exactly do they operate?

Futures brokers provide access to the futures market, allowing traders to buy and sell futures contracts on various underlying assets such as commodities, stocks, indices, and currencies. They typically offer trading platforms that enable traders to place orders, monitor positions, and access market data in real time.

Additionally, futures contract brokers handle the logistics of executing trades on behalf of their clients. When a trader places an order, the broker ensures it is executed promptly and accurately. This is either on the exchange floor or electronically through the broker’s trading platform.

Furthermore, futures brokers offer a range of services to support traders in their trading endeavours. This may include research and analysis tools, educational resources, and personalised customer support to assist traders in making informed decisions and navigating the complexities of the futures market.

How do Futures Traders Make Money?

Futures trading offers a plethora of opportunities for traders to profit, but it also comes with its own set of risks. So, how exactly do futures contract traders make money in this dynamic market?

One common method is through speculation, where traders buy or sell futures contracts based on their predictions of future price movements. If their predictions turn out to be correct, they can sell the contract at a higher price than they bought it for, pocketing the difference as profit. Conversely, if prices move against their position, they may incur losses.

Another strategy employed by futures contract traders is hedging, which involves using futures contracts to mitigate the risks associated with price fluctuations in other investments. For example, a farmer might use futures contracts to lock in a favourable price for their crops, protecting themselves from potential losses if prices fall.

Arbitrage is yet another technique used by futures traders to profit from price discrepancies between related markets. By simultaneously buying and selling similar assets in different markets, traders can exploit these price differentials to generate profit with minimal risk.

Factors to Note Before Futures Trading

Before you start to trade futures UK, it’s crucial to consider several factors that can impact your success and mitigate potential risks. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

• Understand Market Dynamics – Familiarise yourself with the underlying factors influencing the futures contract market, such as supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, economic indicators, and seasonal trends. This knowledge will help you make informed trading decisions.
• Risk Management – Futures contract trading involves inherent risks, including price volatility and leverage. As a trader, you should establish a risk management strategy that includes setting stop-loss orders, diversifying your portfolio, and only risking capital you can afford to lose.
• Choose the Right Broker UK – Selecting the best futures broker in the UK is crucial for a positive trading experience. Consider factors such as commission fees, trading platform features, customer support quality, regulatory compliance, and more. This guarantees the safety of your funds and an exciting experience. 
• Research and Education – Continuously educate yourself about futures trading strategies, technical analysis tools, and market developments. Stay updated on news and events that could impact the markets you are trading in.
• Start Small and Practice – Start trading with a small capital allocation and practice futures trading with a demo account or paper trading to gain experience without risking real money. Use this time to refine your trading strategy and develop discipline, especially when it comes to trading volume and size.
• Market Liquidity – Pay attention to the liquidity of the futures contracts you are trading. Higher liquidity ensures smoother execution of trades and tighter bid-ask spreads, reducing transaction costs.
• Psychological Preparedness – Trading futures UK can be emotionally draining, especially during periods of market volatility. Prepare yourself mentally to handle the psychological challenges of trading, such as fear, greed, and impatience. Simply put, do not make decisions based on emotions but stick to your futures contract trading plan.

How to Choose the Right UK Futures Trading Platform

Selecting the best futures trading platform is crucial for your success as a trader. With the multitude of options available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, especially for beginners. However, making an informed decision can make all the difference in your trading journey. That is why we have shared a few elements below to ensure you make the best choice.

Futures Trading Risk Management

Effective risk management is paramount in futures contract trading to protect your capital and ensure long-term success. With the potential for significant profits comes inherent risks, including market volatility, leverage, and unforeseen events. Here are some key strategies to mitigate risks.

1. Investing What You Are Willing to Lose – Before entering the futures market, only invest funds you are willing to lose. Futures contract trading involves inherent risks, and there is always a possibility of losing your entire investment. By investing only in disposable income, you can avoid financial distress in case of losses.
2. Position Sizing – Determine the appropriate position size for each trade based on your risk tolerance and account size. Avoid overleveraging by only risking a small percentage of your capital on each trade.
3. Stop-loss Orders – Set stop-loss orders to automatically exit losing positions at predetermined price levels. This helps limit potential losses and prevents emotional decision-making.
4. Take-profit Orders – Utilise take-profit orders to automatically exit winning positions at predetermined profit levels. This ensures that you lock in profits and avoid the temptation to hold onto winning trades for too long.
5. Diversification – Spread your trading capital across different asset classes, markets, and trading strategies to spread risk. Avoid putting all your capital into one trade or asset.
6. Risk-reward Ratio – Assess the risk-reward ratio of each trade before entering. Aim for trades with a favourable risk-reward ratio, where the potential reward outweighs the risk.
7. Continuous Monitoring – Regularly monitor your trades and the overall market conditions. Stay informed about news, events, and economic indicators that could impact your positions.

Futures vs CFD: What is the Difference?

As mentioned earlier, futures are standardised contracts obligating the buyer to purchase a specific asset at a predetermined price and date in the future. Traded on exchanges, futures offer transparency, liquidity, and standard contract terms.

Conversely, CFDs are contracts between traders and brokers, allowing speculation on asset price movements without owning the underlying asset. Traders can take long or short positions, and profit or loss is based on price differences at trade close. CFDs, traded over the counter, lack a central marketplace, leading to variable contract terms.

Moreover, futures contracts have expiration dates with settlement determined by asset costs and executed via physical delivery or cash. CFDs lack expiration, settling through cash payments between trader and broker.

Both futures contract and CFDs carry high risks. Futures may result in counterparty default, while CFDs pose risks of default and high leverage, magnifying gains and losses. Understanding these differences is crucial for informed trading decisions.

FAQs

Conclusion

Futures trading is rapidly gaining traction in the UK, presenting lucrative opportunities. As a trader, you should start this venture by choosing the best futures broker like the ones we recommend above. For beginners, utilise demo accounts to gain familiarity with futures trading before transitioning to live accounts. Most importantly, implement robust risk management strategies to safeguard your investments against potential losses. And for those who are always on the move, install your broker’s trading app on your mobile device to conveniently track your activities and make timely decisions. With diligence, education, and the right tools, you can easily navigate the futures contract market and aim for profitable outcomes.

Thadeus Geodfrey

Is a regular dad trying to be smart about how we play and win in this big game of life. He has worked within the very best of the financial industry producing numerous training resources. He is an experienced copywriter with immense financial background. Now earns a full time living as a Trader, and as our writer.

His articles help everyday families build sustainable wealth, stop stressing about their financial security, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.
If he is not trading or writing, he is at the gym.

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