Many investors are putting up their money in stock investments. This has brought the need for the best online stock brokers in the UK. If you have been learning how the stock market works, you probably know that investing with the best stock broker will maximise your trading experience and increase your chances of success. But, how do you identify the best broker among hundreds of options out there?
As professionals with years of experience, we are not only going to recommend the best stock brokers in the UK. We will also state ways in which you can identify them and how to perform a UK stock broker comparison. This is so that you can be well-equipped with enough information when going about your trading ventures.
Essence
- The best stock broker should offer a diverse range of trading instruments and access to different markets, enabling a broad spectrum of investment opportunities.
- Ensure your chosen stockbroker aligns with your trading preferences, offering trading tools, charts, and functionalities that match your trading style and goals for a satisfying trading experience.
- Prioritise platforms regulated by respected financial authorities to ensure compliance, security, and transparent trading operations.
- The best stock trading platforms should be integrated with mobile apps, allowing traders to execute trades, track portfolios, and access crucial market data conveniently from anywhere.
- Acknowledge the inherent risks in stock trading and undertake thorough research to comprehend the potential rewards and pitfalls before engaging in trading activities.
- Employ fundamental strategies suitable for novice investors to manage risk, such as dollar-cost averaging or diversification, as foundational approaches to stock trading.
List of the Best Stock Brokers
- Admiral Markets – Best for Low-Budget Traders
- IG Markets – Top Broker with the Most Investment Options
- Spreadex – Best With AIM Stocks
- Plus500 – One of the Best* for CFD** Stock Trading
- XTB – Top Option With Excellent Support Service
- eToro – Best for Beginners Stock Traders
- AvaTrade – Suitable For MetaTrader Users
- Interactive Brokers – Top Broker for Advanced Traders
- XM – Best Multi-Asset Stock Broker
- Hargreaves Lansdown – Best Overall
*Investment Trends 2022
**80% of CFD retail accounts lose money
How We Choose Stock Brokers
Choosing the right stock broker is a critical decision for any investor, and at TradingGuide, we understand the importance of thorough research to make informed recommendations. Our methodology for selecting the best stock brokers in the UK is comprehensive and rigorous.
During our research process, we dedicate countless hours to testing as many stock brokers as possible. This hands-on approach allows us to gain firsthand trading experience with each platform’s features and functionality. We make use of brokers’ demo accounts to further evaluate their performance in a risk-free environment.
But our assessment doesn’t stop there. We also sample user testimonials on reputable platforms such as Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. By analysing real user experiences, we gain valuable insights into each broker’s strengths and weaknesses.
Despite the time-consuming nature of our research process, we believe it’s essential to leave no stone unturned. We aim to recommend only those brokers that meet our stringent criteria for reliability, performance, and customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, our team of researchers continuously monitors the UK stock market to provide you with the latest insights and analysis. So, trust TradingGuide to provide you with the best recommendations and investment guidance in the market.
In this guide
Best Stock Brokers in the UK
- List of the Best Stock Brokers
- Compare The Best Stock Brokers in the UK
- Brief Overview of Our Recommended Stock Brokers’ Fees and Assets
- What Do Other Traders Say?
- How To Choose the Right Stock Broker in the UK
- Getting Started with an Online Stockbroker
- What Do Stock Brokers Do?
- Where to Buy Stocks in the UK?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Compare The Best Stock Brokers in the UK
You need the best stock broker in the UK to effectively trade or invest in various company stocks. Sadly, there are plenty of options to choose from, thus making it challenging for investors to identify the best for their needs. In this regard, our professional researchers took it upon themselves to conduct UK stock broker comparisons and tests so you can have the best options to choose from. The following are the factors that we based our UK brokers’ comparison on.
Note that our recommendations below are not only based on UK broker comparison and tests. To ensure we have unbiased recommendations, we combined our findings from the broker comparison UK process with user reviews on Google Play, Trustpilot, and the App Store. Here are the stock trading brokers based on these two processes.
Compare brokers
Brief Overview of Our Recommended Stock Brokers’ Fees and Assets
Navigating the world of stock trading necessitates the right broker aligning with your investment goals. Our tables below show the essential details on fees and assets across our recommended stock brokerage platforms in 2024. Compare and analyse these insights to make informed decisions tailored to your stock trading strategies and financial aspirations.
Fees
| Best Stock Brokers | Fees | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Transaction | Inactivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admiral Markets | From 0.0 pips | £250 | Free | €10 monthly |
| IG Markets | From 0.6 pips | £0 | Free | £12 monthly |
| Spreadex | From 0.6 pips | £0 | Free | None |
| Plus500 | From 0.0 pips | £100 | Free | £10 monthly |
| XTB | From 0.1 pips | £0 | Free | £10 monthly |
| eToro | 2 pips | $100 | $5 withdrawal | $10 monthly |
| AvaTrade | 0.03 pips | £100 | Free | £50 quarterly |
| Interactive Brokers | From $0.01 commission on US stocks | £0 | Free | None |
| XM | From 0.6 pips | £5 | Free | $15 one-off maintenance fee |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | From 1% | £1 | £0 | £0 |
Assets
| Best Stock Brokers | Forex | Stocks | Commodities | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admiral Markets | Yes | Yes | CFDs on commodities | Yes | No |
| IG Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spreadex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plus500 (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XTB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interactive Brokers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| XM | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
1. Admiral Markets – Best for Low-Budget Traders
UK stock traders and investors who are cautious about their money spending can consider Admiral Markets. Although you may find this broker’s £250 minimum deposit requirement to be high, it allows you to start stock investing with as little as £1. From our exploration and test findings, Admiral Markets also features fractional investing, which can help you design a balanced portfolio with a little capital. We invested in more than 4,500 company stocks listed across 15+ exchanges. On top of that, the broker supports stock CFD trading on its Trade.MT4/5 and Zero.MT4/5 accounts.
When it comes to stock trading conditions, the main question traders and investors ask is about costs. Admiral Markets’ is quite attractive in this regard. Please check it out for more details on how to do your proper budget calculations: https://admiralmarkets.com/start-trading/contract-specifications. The broker also has a virtually funded demo account, which should be tried by newbies to start their trading journey. The account allows you to explore Admiral Markets UK offerings in a risk-free environment. We discovered plenty of learning materials and advanced market analysis tools like Trading Central, Dow Jones News, Expert Advisors, and Acuity Trading.
✔ Advanced trading tools
- Supports fractional share investing with as little as £1
- Numerous advanced market analysis tools on its MT5 and MT4 platforms
- Reliable and supportive support service operating round the clock
- Operates seamlessly on desktop and mobile devices
- It has a £250 minimum deposit requirement for UK clients, which we find high for low-budget stock investors
- Once activated, the demo account expires after only 30 days
| Type | Fee |
| Minimum deposit | £250 |
| Deposit fee | $0 |
| Withdrawal fee | 1 free withdrawal request every month, after – 1% |
| Inactivity fee | Monthly €10 |
| Overnight fee | Yes |
Investments involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
2. IG Markets – Top Broker with the Most Investment Options
IG Markets is a pioneer investment platform that continuously tops our list of UK stock brokers. Based on our findings and experience, it lists more than 17,000 markets, most of which are shares and ETFs for buying and trading. This makes it a preferred stock broker with the most investment and trading options in the UK. IG Markets is regulated by tier-one financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Rest assured that your investment funds are in an independent trust account where the broker cannot access them. We also like that it hosts additional securities, such as forex, commodities, indices, and more, for portfolio diversification.
We had an amazing trading experience at this broker’s flexible desktop and mobile platforms. Investors can easily use and customise it to suit their trading requirements. With platforms like ProRealTime, MetaTrader 4, and L2 Dealer, you can create your own technical indicators and manage your stock trades as you see fit. Its Direct Market Access (DMA) trading feature also allows you to deal directly with the order books of available stock exchanges. Unfortunately, we find its stock investment costs a bit higher than those of its peers we tested. Therefore, to invest with this stock broker, make sure that you can afford it.
✔ Leading broker with low fees
- More than 17,000 markets to invest in
- No deposit and withdrawal fees
- Its fully digital trading platform offers customisable features
- Various educational tools, such as webinars and video tutorials
- No minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
- High trading fees
| Type | Fee |
| Minimum account | £0 |
| Opening an account | £0 |
| Overnight funding | yes (depends on market) |
| Withdrawal fee | £0 |
| Inactivity fee | £12 per month after 2 years of inactivity |
| Advanced graphs (ProRealTime) | £30 per months |
3. Spreadex – Best With AIM Stocks
Spreadex stands as the best online stock broker for AIM (Alternative Investment Market) stocks in the UK. From our experience, the broker is one of the most user-friendly and has a modern design. It is also customisable, making it a suitable option for stock investors looking for a broker for a long-term commitment. With a history dating back to 1999, Spreadex has garnered a reputation for providing seamless access to some of the top AIM-listed stocks, enabling traders to diversify their portfolios and explore emerging companies. We invested in a range of AIM stocks with a market capitalisation of £5m+.
Besides stocks, we noticed that this online broker lists additional securities. These include forex, commodities, ETFs, and more, which we believe you can utilise for your portfolio diversification. While stocks are available to share trade as CFDs and spread betting only, we like the fact that the broker charges low fees. Plus, Spreadex’s minimum deposit requirement is £0 and users get to transact free of charge. There is also a dedicated, reliable, and responsive support service at your disposal in case of any challenges.
✔Helpful customer service
- No minimum deposit requirement
- The broker offers an opportunity to explore small-cap stocks, including those in the AIM category with a market cap of £5m+
- Free transactions and no inactivity fee
- Thousands of shares to trade as CFDs and spread betting
- No buying and taking ownership of listed stocks
- No demo account
| Type | Fee |
| Minimum deposit | Free |
| Overnight fee | Yes |
| Deposit fee | Free |
| Withdrawal fee | Free |
| Inactivity fee | Free |
4. Plus500 – One of the Best for CFD Stock Trading
*Illustrative prices
After testing and comparing hundreds of stock brokers, we find Plus500 to be one of the top choices for CFD stock trading. You can explore stock CFD on its trading platform at a low cost, making it a go-to broker for investors with a low budget. Although it spreads, you will notice that the fee is also low compared to most UK stock brokers. Other costs we incurred at Plus500 include overnight funding, currency conversion fees, and guaranteed stop-order charges. When it comes to creating an account, you only need to deposit at least £100 to get started. Overall, non-trading and trading costs at Plus500 are low, and we also recommend it to low-budget sock traders.
While there are no third-party platforms at Plus500, we like the broker’s proprietary platform, which is supported on all devices. The platforms do not limit your trading activities, as there are unique resources for all types of stock traders. As experts, we like its “Professional Trading” platform with advanced resources and higher leverage limits. Newbies also have the demo account at their disposal, which we advise you to take advantage of and test the broker before considering creating a live trading account. Besides CFD stocks, Plus500 is home to additional CFD assets like forex, cryptos, commodities, ETFs, and more.
✔ Regulated in many countries
- Zero commission on stock trades
- Wide range of more than 2,000 trading instruments
- Easy-to-use and customisable trading platform
- Supported on all devices
- Limited educational tools
- Charges inactivity fees only after three months
| Type | Fee |
| Overnight Funding | yes |
| Currency Conversion Fee | 0.7% |
| Guaranteed Stop Order | spread applies |
| Inactivity Fee | $10 per month |
| Withdrawls/Deposits | $0 |
Note: 80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
5. XTB – Top Option With Excellent Support Service
Among the 2024 stock brokers we tested in the UK, XTB emerged as the leader in reliable support services. Despite being available five days a week, the team’s responsiveness and provision of pertinent solutions to raised concerns set them apart. Note that XTB’s support service conducts follow-ups to ensure clients are comfortable and satisfied with their trading services, accessible via email, live chat, and phone.
In addition to its stellar support service, XTB hosts over 3,000 shares available for investing and trading as CFDs. Noteworthy is the absence of commissions on stock investments, with spreads being the primary cost. Furthermore, we noticed that XTB has no minimum deposit requirement and features quality learning tools for research and skills development. Another impressive feature is XTB’s competitive interest rates on uninvested funds. Traders will potentially earn up to 5% for GBP, 2.0% for EUR, and 2.0% for USD funds annually. These rates offer an additional avenue for passive income while actively investing in stocks through XTB’s platform.
✔ Wide range of global markets
- Responsive support service team with relevant solutions
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Over 3,000 stock CFD assets to choose from
- Commission-free stock trading
- Stock trading spreads can be high for low-budget traders
- Charges a £10 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months
| Type | Fee |
| Opening an account | $0 |
| Account type: Standard: spread | 0.5 |
| Account type: Swap Free: spread | 0.7 |
| Forex | From 0.1 pips |
| Stock CFDs commission | 0% |
| ETF CFDs | 0% |
| Crypto commission | From 0.22% |
| Monthly Fee for maintaining an Account | Free of charge or up to 10 EUR |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 |
| Deposit fee | $0 |
6. eToro – Best for Beginner Stock Traders
eToro stands out as a top trading platform for beginners due to its easy-to-use features. Besides having streamlined desktop and mobile trading platforms, We like that it is customisable, and newbies can use it long-term even after advancing their skills. When it comes to stock investing, we discovered over 4,500 stocks from 20+ exchanges to explore. These include popular companies like Tesla, Netflix, Microsoft, and more. And the best part is that fractional share investing is supported at eToro. This allows you to explore any shares with amounts you can afford.
eToro has a fast trade execution speed, and its learning materials are impressive. Another factor setting eToro above other stock brokers we tested is the copy and social trading features. It allows you to interact and socialise with other traders in a chatting group. With this advantage, it will be easier for you to learn and improve your trading skills quickly. The copy trading feature entails the CopyTrader and CopyPortfolios tools, allowing you to copy trades from the most experienced traders on the platform. With a low minimum deposit requirement of $100 and no deposit fees, eToro is worth exploring. However, ensure you test it first via its £100,000 virtually funded demo account before making a commitment.
✔Low minimum to fund an account and begin investing
- Advanced trading platform with an attractive user interface design
- Social trading features to copy and interact with experts
- Licensed and regulated by various top-tier authorities, such as the FCA and the ASIC
- Commission-free stock investing
- Over 4,500 shares to explore
- No third-party platforms like the MT4/5
| Types | Fee |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Conversion Fee | depends on your payment method, currency, and eToro Club level. |
| Overnight Fee | vary according to the value and direction (BUY or SELL) of your position |
| Withdrawal Fee | all withdrawal requests are subject to a $5 USD fee |
| Inactivity Fee | monthly inactivity fee of $10 USD (charged after 12 months) |
7. AvaTrade – Suitable For MetaTrader Users
UK traders looking for a reliable stock broker featuring MT4 and MT5 platforms should consider AvaTrade. We tested this broker and discovered advanced features and a wide range of financial instruments. With it, you will explore over 1,000 global stocks, including Netflix, Google, Zoom, Amazon, and more. You can also trade additional assets such as forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, bonds, etc. We noticed that AvaTrade is a popular choice among traders, thanks to its user-friendly platforms, competitive spreads, and a vast array of trading instruments.
AvaTrade’s MetaTrader platforms are designed to cater to the needs of both novice and experienced traders. The platforms offer a range of technical analysis tools, such as charts, indicators, and graphical objects, which allow traders to analyse the markets and identify potential trading opportunities. To get started with AvaTrade, you must open a trading account and deposit at least £100. You can also explore its demo account to fully understand how stock trading works before using real money.
✔ Quick deposits and withdrawals
- Low minimum deposit requirement
- Features global stocks to trade and diversify your portfolio with
- Its user-friendly trading platform offers an excellent collection of learning resources for newbies
- A virtually funded demo account for testing the broker with
- You can only trade stocks as CFDs
- A £50 inactivity fee applies after only three months of non-use
| Type | Fee |
| Minimum Deposit | £100 |
| Inactivity Fee | USD Account: $50 EUR Account: €50 GBP Account: £50 |
| Administration Fee | USD Account: $100 EUR Account: €100 GBP Account: £100 |
| Deposit Fee | $0 |
| Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
8. Interactive Brokers – Top Broker for Advanced Traders
If you are an advanced investor, you need to find a broker providing unlimited stock market access. From our broker comparison and tests, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) will serve you best as it allows access to more than 70 stock global exchanges. Rest assured that this broker is safe to share trade with since it is regulated by top-tier jurisdictions. We also find this broker to be a suitable choice for low-budget investors. This is because it charges low fees on shares and ETFs. There is also no minimum deposit requirement with this broker. However, should you wish to trade on margin, a minimum deposit of £2,000 will be required.
IBKR’s trading platforms are easy to use, even for beginners in the UK. It has two account types: IBKR Lite and IBKR Pro. IBKR Lite best suits novice investors who are still familiarising themselves with trading activities. On the other hand, IBKR Pro offers various market instruments that are perfect for expert traders. When it comes to learning materials, there are plenty of options at Interactive Brokers. These include webinars, an in-house academy, video courses, and even a free trial account.
✔ Top trading platform for advanced
- Regulated by top-tier authorities, including the FCA and the SEC
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Unlimited educational tools
- A wide range of market assets
- The trading platform is not customisable
- High inactivity fees
| Type | Fee |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Deposit Fee | Free |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free |
| Inactivity Fee | $0 |
9. XM – Best Multi-Asset Stock Broker
XM is a forex and CFD stock broker with a varied selection of hundreds of stocks from across the globe. When trading stocks with XM, we like its user-friendly and customisable platform. Our stock trading experience was also streamlined on its Metatrader 5 and the XM WebTrader platforms. There is also the MT4 trading platform with advanced resources for all types of traders. Overall, XM hosts some of the best resources for market analysis. These include 90+ indicators that help you analyse any and all markets in detail before opening a position.
We like that XM continues to advance with technology to ensure users have the best experience. For instance, it has worked hard to optimise the spread on its equity instruments, making this an affordable option for trading stocks and other CFD assets. Over 600 company stocks are available at XM. Portfolio diversification is also streamlined as you can choose other securities such as forex, commodities, indices, and more.
Read about the UK forex trading apps in our other guide.
✔ A truly global company
- A solid selection of 600+ international stocks available as CFDs
- 90+ indicators that help you analyse the stock market properly
- Use the world-renowned MT4, MT5 or XM WebTrader platforms
- Commission-free stock trading
- In many ways, XM is better suited for forex trading than stock trading
- Limited asset offerings compared to its peers
| Type | Fee |
| Minimum deposit | 5$ |
| Overnight fee | 0$ |
| Deposit fee | 0$ |
| Withdrawal fee | 0$ |
| Inactivity fee | $15 one-off maintenance fee |
10. Hargreaves Lansdown – Best Overall
Hargreaves Lansdown is one of the pioneer stock brokers in the UK. Founded in 1981, the broker has a long track record, making it safe to invest in. It is listed in the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 index and regulated by tier-one jurisdictions, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). From our analysis, this stock investment broker hosts a world-class trading platform that offers various trading instruments. These include share dealing, spread, CFD, and stock and shares ISA. You do not need to look for any other stock broker because, with Hargreaves Lansdown, you are guaranteed limitless tradable assets.
Additionally, the online broker has no minimum deposit requirement and charges low ETF trading fees for funds and bonds. Comparing it to its peers, we find Its stock and ETF trading charges to be relatively high. This makes it a bit costly for low-budget stock investors. However, we like its many learning resources and reliable customer support. The team is very responsive and available in different communication channels. The support service is also open round the clock to attend to any arising investment issues.
✔ Established market leader
- World-class investment platform
- Reliable customer service
- Wide range of tradable assets to choose from
- Licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- High stock and ETF trading fees
- No live chat
| Type | Fee |
| Minimum Deposit | £1 |
| Deposit Fee | No |
| Withdrawal Fee | No |
| Inactivity Fee | No inactivity fees |
| Annual Fee | 0.45% |
Read about Best Automated Trading Platforms UK and Best Gold Trading Brokers 2024 in our other guides.
What Do Other Traders Say?
Gaining insights from real traders is crucial when considering the right stock broker. For this reason, we visited Google Play, the App Store and Trustpilot, and present below unfiltered user feedback for our recommended stock brokers in the UK. Feel free to compare these comments to identify a suitable broker for your needs.
Plus500
Users commend Plus500 for its intuitive platform and availability of a wide range of stocks for trading. However, there are occasional remarks about customer service and educational resources.
-
“After many years of trading on this platform I had the chance to learn and improve my trading skills. It’s the best app and easy to use. I’ve tried other platforms but this one it’s far better ?” – Ludovic Gyorfi
-
“Very good, no problems with deposits or withdrawals, real time prices, you can make alot of money here.” – ramzyki
-
“What made me happy and relieved in my trading life with plus500 is the withdrawals they so quick it literally never took me more than 6 minutes it was approved. Well guys hope south Africa uses your great platform ??” – Sifiso Lucky Biyela
XTB
Traders appreciate XTB’s educational resources and the comprehensive stock trading platform. The platform’s analytical tools and customer support have been noted as valuable by users.
-
“I have shares in other brokers, but I’m using this app to check prices and charts because it’s simply better. Flawless usability” – Kosciej
-
“Very good app. Customer service is welcoming. Lots of information for new traders available for free. Feel very valued and accepted as a beginner. Best app I have found after trying 10+ others.” – Thomas Ashley
-
“Excellent account managers who keep in touch. Find the app easy to use. Lots of educational content to help me learn. Good use of news and kept up to date with any stock market changes.” – Ross
Spreadex
Spreadex stands out for its simplicity and ease of use in stock trading. Users mention the platform’s accessibility, yet some suggest improvements in expanding its stock offerings.
-
“Easy to use Platform, v friendly staff. Never had any issues” – Matthew Hill
-
“Been with Spreadex more than ten years, great range of markets, particularly among UK smaller caps. Pay up quickly when a short goes to ‘zero’ too, much better experience than I have had with CMC for example.” – TheAceTrader
-
“A very useful financial spread betting app that should cover all your needs. It’s definitely the most useable of the broker apps that I’ve tried. A great platform that lets you analyse the markets, place spread bets & manage your risk and positions all on your phone. They’ve also got a great range of tools and excellent customer service which I found very attractive. 10/10 for my experience with Spreadex thus far” – JakeReadman
eToro
Users praise eToro for its user-friendly platform and unique social trading feature. The ability to copy successful traders and the diverse range of stocks available for trading received positive feedback.
-
“Good reliable platform for investing in various asset classes and also for day trading. The assigned RMs are proactive and available to give guidance as needed. The RM follows up until the query is resolved.” – Ankit
-
“Really I think it is amazing app” – AmirFerdos
AvaTrade
AvaTrade receives praise for its comprehensive stock trading options and educational resources. Users value the platform’s user-friendly interface and the array of available stocks.
-
“Alev Nazli was really nice and concise in helping me through the processes. He even helped me a lot when I had trouble paying by calling me and explaining to me why my payment was not going through. Thank you so much!” – Jun Leng
-
“Very smooth and clean, educational videos to support your understanding of the system and trading in general. Interactive customer service that actively try to support you as best they can, very friendly and understanding” – Jaundre Koekemoer
-
“Application is easy to use. The customer services is very helpful. And it’s a great way to learn and trade with professional help alway their to assist” – Stefan Strydom
Interactive Brokers
Traders highlight Interactive Brokers for its advanced stock trading capabilities and vast range of available markets. The platform’s analytical tools and competitive pricing attract experienced traders.
-
“Very good app, I’m using it on regilar basis. There is no such slow login issues for me, login lasts few seconds. Also the login is remembered when using biometric for some days/weeks, so you would need to enter passwords again, which is good security level.” – Vasil Popov
-
“IBKR’s iPhone app is far better for trading and for checking portfolio, browsing options prices, and looking at the market with watch lists, than Robinhood’s or Fidelity’s. They’re what I use for watchlists and to peruse options prices, even if I’ll end up trading on other brokers’ phone apps. It’s miles better. As for the broker, IBKR Pro has easily paid for itself and migrating to it has been objectively profitable for me. This is because of its better access to markets and trading hours allowing me to place certain trades. I’ve also been happy enough with trade execution and commissions costs.” – User4658991
-
“Best broker in the business – I’ve been with them 20 years. Lowest margins, best product range and fast execution.” – John
XM
Users appreciate XM’s user-friendly platform and access to various global stock markets. However, there are occasional remarks about customer service and the need for additional educational materials.
-
“I have never seen a cool app like this, deposits are super fast, withdrawals also the same, verification, it’s super cool, it’s really amazing, thanks to team xm, I really recommend every trader to use this app” – Ahabwe Peter
-
“The service was outstanding. Deposit and withdraw very fast.
Bonus 100% limited to 500 usd, it’s better to increase the amount limited bonus. ?. Overall the trusted broker and legitimate.” – Abdul Baset
Hargreaves Lansdown
Hargreaves Lansdown is recognized for its wide range of available stocks and comprehensive research tools. However, some users mention concerns about high fees for smaller investments.
-
“Been using HL for some years now and just moved a pension over to them – (into a SIPP) so I could have better control and more options.” – David Hartley
-
“Can’t falt the service with H&L. Their broker fees are slightly more than competitors, but I feel you are well looked after for this cost. You also have stocks from around the world at your finger tips.” – Rob
How To Choose the Right Stock Broker in the UK
There are many stock brokers in the UK, most of which are well reputable. Some of the brokers are well known for their wide variety of features—others for their offerings, and so on. We can’t say that one broker is better than the other because each of them is unique in its own way. So, it’s up to you to choose a broker that is compatible with your trading requirements.
Do not agonise about how to go about this because we’ve got you covered. Below, we have stated the significant factors you need to look out for when choosing the right stock broker.
The best stock broker must be safe to invest in. Ensure that they are licensed and regulated by the UK’s financial regulatory body, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In case they are regulated by other top-tier jurisdictions, the better since it proves their credibility even more.
No investor wants to deal with complex trading platforms that will lag your trading activities. For this reason, the right broker for you should have an easy-to-use trading platform that has an intuitive design and is customisable. It should suit investors of all types by hosting quality trading tools and executing stock trades seamlessly on desktop and mobile devices.
This is one factor you should never turn a blind eye to. Check the charges of the stock broker you choose. Whereas some of them have high trading and non-trading charges, others do not. The charges may also come as fixed or variable, so make sure you are aware of the charges before making a commitment. Simply put, choose an online stock broker you can afford.
A good UK stock broker must have a plethora of trading instruments to choose from. This mostly applies to novice investors, where you have to try various offerings and see which one works best for you. You do not want to find a stock broker with limited financial instruments and get bored after a few trades.
Some stock brokers in the UK are still using the traditional payment methods of debit/credit card and bank transfers. Therefore, if you are not comfortable with the traditional payment methods, consider a broker with more advanced methods like Neteller or Skrill.
When looking for a stock broker, you always want to try it out and see if it aligns with your trading requirements. All brokers we recommend here have demo accounts, and this is a factor that you also need to consider. The reason we recommend such brokers is because many UK investors are afraid of running the risk of investing in a broker and realise that they aren’t suitable for them.
It’s not a good feeling to invest in a UK stock broker with poor customer support service. Who will attend to your inquiries when they arise? Therefore, when choosing a stock broker, try reaching out to its customer support and see how responsive they are. Are they available 24 hours a day? What communication channels are available? Choose according to what you prefer.
Read about the top crypto brokers UK in our other article.
Getting Started with an Online Stockbroker
At this point, we have equipped you with all the basic information you need to know about UK stock brokers, how to find the best one, as well as our handpicked list of the best UK stock brokers right now.
However, before you can start day trading and investing in stocks, you need to register a brokerage account. This is not a complicated process, but it has to be done correctly or your account will not be verified, and you will not be able to trade with the said broker. Follow these five steps to get started with your new UK stockbroker.
As discussed extensively in this guide, it is an art to find the best stock broker for your specific needs. That’s why we provide both recommendations of all the top brokers as well as instructions on how to find a stockbroker in the UK on your own.
Once you’re happy with the broker of your choice, you need to visit the broker to open your stock brokerage account. We suggest that you follow our links to the broker to ensure that you get directed directly to the registration process.
Using a process similar to that of social media platforms, banks, and other online services, your stock broker will now ask you to provide basic personal information. This information will serve as the foundation for your trading account and will have to be verified, so please ensure that it’s correct and accurate. They include your name, email, phone number, source of income, and more.
Details that you will be asked to share include full name, address, date of birth, and email address. However, brokers will also ask about your income and test your understanding of basic financial markets and leveraged trading. This is to protect you from unnecessary losses.
Once you’ve completed step 2 (above), you will gain access to a limited trading account that you can use to orient the broker and check out the markets and services. At this point, you will also be able to start using your demo account (if the broker provides one).
However, to gain full access to your account, you have to complete two more steps. The first is a verification process where you provide a copy of your ID (passport, driver’s licence, etc.) and a utility bill that’s no older than 3 months. This is needed to verify your identity and location, which will determine the trading laws that apply to you.
As soon as the broker has verified you (this can take between a couple and 48 hours), you only have to make an initial deposit to get started. All stock brokers in the UK set their own limits, so pick one that you feel comfortable with.
Today, minimum deposit levels range from £0 to well over £300, depending on the broker, your account type, and what you’re planning on trading.
And that is it. As you can see, it is quite easy to register an account with an online stockbroker in the UK. Unfortunately, due to brokers’ processing times, the process can feel time-consuming. Just remember to provide accurate information and have all the needed documents ready to make the process as smooth as possible.
What Do Stock Brokers Do?
Stock brokers are professionals who facilitate the buying and selling of stocks, bonds, and other securities on behalf of their clients via stock exchanges or over the counter. They provide a range of services to investors, including market research, financial planning, and investment advice at a fee. Brokers work with clients to help them develop a trading strategy tailored to their specific needs and goals. They may also offer educational resources and tools to help clients learn more about investing and how to make informed decisions.
Online stock trading UK brokers play a critical role in the financial markets by ensuring that transactions are executed efficiently and at a fair price. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, facilitating transactions and ensuring that both parties receive a reasonable price for the securities being bought and sold. This is particularly important for large institutional investors, who rely on the best investment companies in the UK to help them navigate complex financial markets and execute large trades.
Where to Buy Stocks in the UK?
Buying stocks in the UK is easier than ever before, especially when using an online trading UK broker licensed and regulated by the FCA. Online stock brokers allow you to buy and sell stocks through a user-friendly trading platform. They also charge lower fees and commissions and offer access to various research and analysis tools. We list in our mini-reviews above some popular UK trading stock brokers. All you have to do is compare their features to select the best trading broker that fits your needs.
It’s also possible to buy stocks directly from a company, though this method is not common and is more complicated. Also known as a direct stock purchase plan (DSPP) or a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP), it is mainly offered by large companies as a way to allow investors to purchase stock directly from them. Investors in the UK can also use traditional brokers to buy stocks. These are intermediaries between stock buyers and sellers that have been around before the advancement of technology. They mainly operate in physical locations.
FAQs
First, you need a UK stock broker that is licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Then, open a live trading account and make a deposit. The stock broker will then give you access to various stock markets to invest in.
To start trading, you need to analyze whether you think the value of a stock will increase or decrease within a certain period, and open a position that mirrors that prediction.
With that being said, asking yourself “how do I trade stocks” is a sign that you probably don’t know enough to actually start trading. Instead, you should spend the time needed to learn the basics of trading.
It is possible to invest in stocks without a broker and that applies to both publicly traded and private companies. Although, it can be challenging to contact a company on your own trying to buy stocks from them. Therefore, the only more straightforward way is through a reputable and reliable stock broker that will give you access to multiple stock markets.
Also, to speculate on stocks using CFDs or spread betting, you must use a broker. Since you never own the assets that you speculate on, the broker will provide you with everything you need to trade.
With the help of a reputable stock broker, beginners can easily buy stocks in the UK. Just make sure that before you begin to invest in stock trading, you have surveyed the market and know how many stocks you want to buy and from which company.
Please keep in mind that stock trading is complicated and associated with risk. That’s why we encourage you to practice as much as you possibly can before you start. For example, use a demo account to practice and make use of your broker’s educational material to master the necessary skills.
Yes. Trading stocks is a risky business that can be profitable if you apply the right strategies. Although, as much as the value of a share can increase, it can also drop tremendously, making you lose your investment capital.
There is no way to eradicate all risks in stock trading, but by mastering as many skills as possible, you can lower the risk.
Please note that up to 80% of retail traders lose money in the long run!
Trading online is the act of buying and selling financial securities, including stocks, currencies, commodities, cryptocurrencies and more, through online trading UK brokerage firms. With online brokers, investors can place trades in real-time, monitor their investments, and access various research and analysis tools to help inform their investment decisions.ﾠ
A broker is a general term that refers to an individual or firm that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers in financial transactions. On the other hand, a stock broker is a type of broker that allows investors to put their money on or trade individual company stocks. We list in our mini-reviews above examples of the best stock brokers in the UK.
The three different types of stock brokers are full-service brokers, discount brokers, and online brokers. Full-service brokers provide a range of services, including investment advice, financial planning, and asset management, but tend to have higher fees and commissions. Discount brokers offer lower fees and commissions but typically provide fewer services. Online brokers are similar to discount brokers but operate entirely online, offering a user-friendly broker trading platform and lower fees than traditional brokers.
Conclusion
By now, you must have a grasp of the best stock brokers in the UK and their offerings. Remember, the best stock broker is the one that fits your trading requirements. Ultimately, they must also be regulated by tier-one financial authorities and their trading activities executed seamlessly. And to maximise your chances of success, conduct a thorough market analysis for the best stock selection. Also, apply risk management controls like stop-loss and take-profit orders. For beginners in the UK, invest a capital you are comfortable losing since the share market can be unpredictable, making losses inevitable.
How we test?
Our test process is really based on two different aspects: our independent tests and research, as well as user reviews from Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot, etc.
The first thing we do when testing is to check every detail and test every tool and instrument. Our experts spend more than 200 hours on every article. We pay special attention to the specific function or the criteria that we’re comparing during the comparing stage. This means that we must determine which broker is more suited for beginners, and which is better suited for experts, for example. Find out more about our test process here.
Can I use another trading platform as a beginner? I’ve heard many positive feedbacks about Plus500, is it suitable for newbies?
Plus500 is an excellent trading platform for beginners. The most important factor for beginners is that the broker suits your budget and that you feel comfortable using it.
Please see our broker recommendations for beginners if you need more pointers and recommendations.
Which is the best UK stock broker for beginners?
I started with eToro, they have good support
I recommend
IG Markets!
Every stock trading platform is unique. TD Ameritrade - best overall, best for beginners. it's accessible for all types of customers. This platform is meant for self-directed trading (though they may offer educational tools and materials). It bears noting that trading profits are never guaranteed; for every potential reward there is an equal amount of risk.
An individual tends to look at investment opportunities when they have a certain amount of money that is going unutilized. It is always good to seek investment opportunities when after all the expenses; the individual is able to save a hefty amount of money in their savings accounts. Stocks market is more like a gambling zone where the ups and downs in the stock market tend to either give big profits or small returns altogether.
I have been attracted by the idea of trading and making money on my phone through stock trading. Some of the things I have seen are making me interested in trading. Some of them include:
Freedom of location and time: I like the idea of being able to trade from anywhere in the world if I am in a place with an internet connection. It means that I can continue with my day-to-day activities and still trade without pressure or fear of missing out on opportunities. The stock market also allows traders to trade at convenient times of the day. It is not like the regular 9 to 5 where one has to follow boring routines every day.
There is no need for a degree: before making money from the stock market, there is no need to get a degree. I don't have to go through a 4years learning process like the regular college pattern to make money off the stock market.
No profit limit: there is also no limit to the amount of profit made from the stock market. There are many stocks in the world, and brokers also give people the chance to use leverage. Leveraging allows one to trade with an amount he doesn't have to gain more money. I believe that stock trading is a quick way to gain money.
In stock market investing, practice beats theory. You should be familiar with your trading tools before you start investing in the stock market for your own account. Practice allows you to get used to the market you want to trade. In addition, there are plenty of demo accounts available with real-time lessons at your disposal. Do not hesitate to test them.
Wanna dive into trading? This guide spills the beans on picking the best broker in the UK – crucial for successful investments. It dishes out advice on what to focus on: safety, platform, fees. A straightforward guide to kickstart your journey. Honestly, useful stuff, especially for newbies. Give it a read and you won't regret it!
I was looking for information on how to choose the right broker. The article not only listed key selection factors like safety and fees but also provided a step-by-step guide to opening an account. Now I'm confident that I can start trading stocks with a reliable broker without any issues. Thanks for the useful information!