Best Day Trading Platforms In The UK 2025
Thomas Drury
Co-Founder
Thomas is an experienced financial trader in leverage instruments, crypto and general investing. He has over a decade experience in finance and holds Chartered Status in the financial industry, Thomas’s speciality is trading CFDs, Forex and Day Trading. His crypto portfolio is heavily weighted towards BTC and Eth, but enjoys trading low cap crypto’s with higher volatility. Thomas’s favourite trading strategy is break out Trading.
“Our commitment at The Investors Centre is unwavering. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to achieve financial success. Our vision is a future where anyone can invest confidently and wisely.”
Dom Farnell
Co-Founder
Dom is an experienced retail investor, learning his craft in what he likes to call the “hard way”. Through many of these lesson’s he has crafted himself a sound investment strategy that has enabled him to make investing into a business not just a hobby. He wanted to create The Investors Centre to be able to use these lessons and help other people establish them selves in the world of investing.
“Financial clarity and integrity are the cornerstones of everything we do. We’re here to ensure that your investment journey is built on a solid financial understanding and a sound strategic foundation.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
IG
Day Trading Score: 4.9/5
71% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Spreadex
Day Trading Score: 4.8/5
65% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
XTB
Day Trading Score: 4.7/5
73% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
eToro
Day Trading Score: 4.5/5
51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Quick Answer: What is the best platform for day trading in the UK?
IG and Spreadex remain top choices for day trading in the UK in 2025. IG offers advanced tools, competitive fees, and a user-friendly interface, while Spreadex stands out for its excellent spread betting options and smooth trading experience, making it ideal for active traders.
Featured Exchange – eToro
eToro stands out as a leading crypto exchange in the UK, offering a beginner-friendly platform that combines real crypto asset ownership with social trading features. Users can buy, sell, and hold popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, alongside traditional assets like stocks and ETFs—all in one place. Its clean interface, strong regulatory standing, and built-in CopyTrader™ functionality make it especially appealing to new and casual investors exploring crypto for the first time.
- Minimum Deposit: £1 (via UK bank transfer)
- Trade and hold real crypto assets (not just CFDs)
- FCA regulated and compliant with UK crypto marketing rules
- User-friendly platform with social trading and mobile app support
- Ideal for beginners and casual investors entering the crypto space
CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s 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.
How do the Bes UK Day Trading Platforms Rank?
| Rank | Broker | Min Deposit | FCA Regulated? | Platforms | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IG | £0 | Yes | Web, desktop, mobile | Advanced tools & wide market access |
| 2 | SpreadEX | £0 | Yes | Web, TradingView | All‑round CFD/spread betting |
| 3 | XTB | £0 | Yes | xStation, mobile | Low‑cost for active traders |
| 4 | eToro | £40 | Yes | Web, mobile | Social/copy trading beginners |
| 5 | Interactive Brokers | £0 | Yes | TWS, Client Portal, mobile | Pro traders needing global access |
| 6 | Pepperstone | £200 | Yes | MT4/5, cTrader, proprietary | Low‑spread forex & CFDs |
| 7 | CMC Markets | £100 | Yes | Web, mobile, MT4 | Deep tools with massive assets |
Top 7 Day Trading Brokers in the UK Reviewed
- IG – By far the Best Platform for Trading
- SpreadEX – Best Choice for Intermediate Traders
- XTB – Unique Trading Platform features
- eToro – Most easy to use platform
- Interactive Brokers – Great for Experienced Traders
- Pepperstone – Best for a range of platforms
- CMC Markets – Access to great trading assets
IG - Our Top Choice Platform for Day Trading
Pros & Cons
Excellent charting and advanced trading tools
Regulated by the FCA with long-standing UK reputation
Wide market access: stocks, forex, indices, options
Award-winning mobile and desktop platforms
No MetaTrader 4 or 5 support
Inactivity fees after 12 months
Learning curve for complete beginners
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What Are the Fees and Costs?
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Which Platforms and Trading Tools Are Available?
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Is the Broker FCA Regulated and Safe to Use?
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Who Is This Broker Best Suited For?
IG offers its proprietary web platform, mobile apps, and ProRealTime for advanced charting. It supports direct market access (DMA), sentiment indicators, and economic calendars. No MT4 or MT5, but it’s built for precision and speed.
Yes — IG is fully FCA-regulated (FRN: 195355), publicly listed, and backed by decades of experience. Client funds are held in segregated UK bank accounts under FSCS protection (up to £85,000). Strong track record of financial stability.
IG is ideal for intermediate to advanced UK traders seeking a regulated, feature-rich platform. It suits those who value technical analysis tools, broad market access, and professional-grade features across desktop and mobile.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
SpreadEX - Best Choice for Intermediate Traders
Pros & Cons
FCA-regulated and UK-based
Commission-free spread betting available
Tax-free trading for UK residents
User-friendly web and mobile platforms
Supports TradingView integration
No MetaTrader support
Limited to UK and Ireland residents
Fewer advanced tools for pro traders
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What Are the Fees and Costs?
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Which Platforms and Trading Tools Are Available?
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Is the Broker FCA Regulated and Safe to Use?
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Who Is This Broker Best Suited For?
SpreadEX offers commission-free CFD trading and spread betting. Spreads vary by asset and market volatility. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, and no inactivity fees. Overnight financing charges may apply to leveraged positions.
SpreadEX runs on a proprietary platform available via web and mobile. It features TradingView integration, price alerts, and market analysis. While not as advanced as IG or XTB, it provides a clean and responsive trading interface.
Yes — SpreadEX is FCA-authorised (FRN: 190941) and headquartered in the UK. Client funds are kept in segregated accounts and are eligible for FSCS protection. It has been serving UK traders since 1999 with a strong compliance record.
SpreadEX is best for intermediate UK traders who want simple, low-cost access to CFDs or tax-free spread betting. It’s ideal for those seeking a UK-focused platform without unnecessary complexity or high minimum deposit requirements.
65% 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.
XTB - Unique Trading Platform features
Pros & Cons
Ultra-low spreads from 0.1 pips (pro account)
Award-winning xStation 5 platform
FCA regulated with strong global reputation
No deposit or withdrawal fees
Fast execution and strong educational tools
No MetaTrader 4/5 support
Inactivity fee after 12 months
Limited asset types compared to IG
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What Are the Fees and Costs?
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Which Platforms and Trading Tools Are Available?
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Is the Broker FCA Regulated and Safe to Use?
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Who Is This Broker Best Suited For?
XTB offers tight spreads (from 0.1 pips on Pro), zero commissions on Standard accounts for most markets, and no deposit or withdrawal fees. An inactivity fee of £10/month applies after 12 months of no trading activity.
XTB uses its proprietary xStation 5 platform, which is fast, clean, and equipped with advanced tools like real-time heatmaps, sentiment analysis, and built-in education. It’s accessible via desktop, browser, and mobile.
Yes — XTB is fully FCA regulated (FRN: 522157), with a strong global presence and years of operational trust. Client funds are protected under FSCS, and accounts are held in segregated, Tier-1 bank accounts.
XTB is ideal for active traders and intermediate users seeking low-cost trades, fast execution, and modern tools. Its easy-to-use platform and competitive pricing make it perfect for those moving beyond beginner status.
73% 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.
eToro - Most easy to use platform
Pros & Cons
CopyTrader™ lets users mirror pro investors
Intuitive, beginner-friendly platform
FCA regulated and trusted globally
Multi-asset access (crypto, stocks, ETFs, CFDs)
Low minimum deposit (£50 in the UK)
$5 withdrawal fee
1% crypto trading fee
Limited advanced charting tools
Inactivity fee after 12 months
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What Are the Fees and Costs?
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Which Platforms and Trading Tools Are Available?
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Is the Broker FCA Regulated and Safe to Use?
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Who Is This Broker Best Suited For?
eToro charges no commission on stocks and ETFs but has a 1% fee for crypto trades and spreads on CFDs. There’s a $5 withdrawal fee, and an inactivity fee applies after 12 months without login.
eToro offers a proprietary web and mobile platform focused on simplicity. Key features include CopyTrader™, social trading feeds, custom watchlists, and real-time price alerts. It’s tailored for beginners and social investors, not advanced chartists.
Yes — eToro (UK) Ltd is FCA-regulated (FRN: 583263) and fully compliant with UK retail investor protections. Client funds are segregated, and the platform uses encryption and 2FA for security.
eToro is perfect for beginners and casual traders who want easy market access and the ability to learn by copying others. It’s best for those exploring both traditional and crypto assets in one place.
CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s 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.
Interactive Brokers - Great for Experienced Traders
Pros & Cons
Access to 150+ global markets
Ultra-low spreads (EUR/USD from 0.1 pips)
No deposit or standard withdrawal fees
Advanced trading tools and real-time analytics
FCA regulated with strong global oversight
Steep learning curve for new traders
$10/month inactivity fee if minimums not met
Complex platform may overwhelm beginners
No MetaTrader 4 or 5 support
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What Are the Fees and Costs?
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Which Platforms and Trading Tools Are Available?
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Is the Broker FCA Regulated and Safe to Use?
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Who Is This Broker Best Suited For?
Interactive Brokers offers tight spreads and transparent, low-cost pricing. Many markets are commission-free, but standard CFD trades may involve small per-trade charges. Inactivity fees apply for less active users, and overnight financing fees vary by position size.
62.5% 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.
Pepperstone - Best for a range of platforms
Pros & Cons
Ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips on Razor accounts
Supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
No deposit or withdrawal fees
Fast execution and minimal slippage
FCA regulated and FSCS protected
Limited educational resources
$10/month inactivity fee after 12 months
No proprietary trading platform
Not ideal for long-term investing or passive traders
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What Are the Fees and Costs?
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Which Platforms and Trading Tools Are Available?
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Is the Broker FCA Regulated and Safe to Use?
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Who Is This Broker Best Suited For?
Pepperstone offers ultra-low spreads, especially on forex, with commission-based or spread-only account types. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, but inactivity fees apply after 12 months. Competitive pricing makes it attractive for frequent day traders.
Pepperstone supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView — all popular among active traders. Features include advanced charting, fast execution, algorithmic trading support, and depth-of-market data, giving traders a professional-grade toolkit.
Yes — Pepperstone is FCA regulated (FRN: 684312) and client funds are held in segregated accounts. It also provides negative balance protection and adheres to strict security protocols across its platforms.
Ideal for forex day traders who want fast execution, low spreads, and flexibility across multiple platforms. It’s particularly well-suited for experienced traders who value speed and cost-efficiency over hand-holding.
81.7% 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.
CMC Markets -Access to great trading assets
Pros & Cons
Access to 12,000+ instruments across global markets
Powerful proprietary platform with advanced charting
FCA regulated with over 30 years of operational history
Strong educational tools and market insights
Tight spreads from 0.6 pips on major pairs
No MetaTrader or cTrader support
£10 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months
Some premium tools incur additional charges
May feel overwhelming for total beginners
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What Are the Fees and Costs?
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Which Platforms and Trading Tools Are Available?
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Is the Broker FCA Regulated and Safe to Use?
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Who Is This Broker Best Suited For?
CMC Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips, with no commissions on forex. CFD shares incur variable charges. There’s a £10 monthly inactivity fee after a year of no use, but no deposit or standard withdrawal fees.
CMC’s Next Generation platform offers top-tier charting, price projection tools, pattern recognition, and sentiment analysis. It’s browser-based with mobile support and designed for active, self-directed traders seeking detailed data and control.
Yes — CMC Markets is FCA regulated (FRN: 173730), publicly listed on the LSE, and client funds are segregated. It offers negative balance protection and has an extensive UK track record dating back to 1989.
CMC is best for experienced or intermediate traders who want wide asset exposure and deep trading tools. It’s ideal for those who value platform sophistication and want to actively manage diverse portfolios.
70% 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.
How Does Day Trading Work and Is It Right for You?
What Is Day Trading and How Does It Make Money?
Day trading involves buying and selling financial instruments like stocks or forex within the same day to profit from short-term price movements. Traders aim to capitalise on small fluctuations using technical analysis, news events, and real-time strategies to lock in fast gains.
What Skills or Tools Do You Need to Start?
Successful day traders need market knowledge, fast decision-making, strong risk management, and discipline. Tools include a reliable trading platform, technical charting tools, economic calendars, and often access to real-time news and market data for quick execution.
Is Day Trading Profitable — or Too Risky?
What Should You Look for in a Day Trading Platform?
What Are the Most Important Trading Features?
Look for fast trade execution, advanced charting tools, and customisable interfaces. For active traders, tools like one-click trading, stop-loss/take-profit options, and market depth data are essential to act quickly and confidently during volatile sessions.
How Much Do Fees and Spreads Really Matter?
Fees and spreads directly affect your bottom line. Frequent traders should prioritise platforms with low spreads, no hidden charges, and competitive commissions—especially on forex or CFDs. Even small differences can significantly impact your profits over time.
How Safe and Regulated Is the Platform?
Always choose an FCA-regulated broker for UK traders. Regulation ensures your funds are protected, client money is segregated, and the platform operates transparently. Features like 2FA, SSL encryption, and withdrawal security are vital for peace of mind.
Which Markets and Strategies Are Best for Day Traders?
What Are the Most Popular Markets for UK Day Traders?
Forex and UK stocks are top choices due to high liquidity and volatility. Some traders also explore indices, commodities, and even crypto CFDs. Start with one market and master its behaviour before branching out to others.
Which Day Trading Strategies Actually Work?
Effective strategies include momentum trading, news trading, and swing trading. Each requires a clear entry/exit plan and strict risk management. No one-size-fits-all strategy exists — success depends on matching the approach to your personality and schedule.
How Can You Manage Risk While Trading Daily?
Use stop-loss orders, only risk a small percentage of capital per trade, and avoid emotional decision-making. Tools like demo accounts, proper leverage settings, and consistent journaling help new traders build experience safely.
Final Thoughts: Is Day Trading for You?
Day trading in the UK offers flexibility, fast-paced opportunities, and the potential for quick profits—but it also carries significant risks. Success depends on choosing an FCA-regulated broker, using the right platform and tools, and following a disciplined strategy. Whether you’re trading stocks, forex, or indices, always start with a clear plan and never risk more than you can afford to lose. With the right mindset and preparation, day trading can be both challenging and rewarding.
FAQs
What’s the best trading platform for beginners in the UK?
From my experience, platforms like eToro and IG are great for beginners. They’re intuitive, easy to navigate, and come with loads of educational resources. I started out on a more complex platform and honestly wish I’d used something more beginner-friendly at the start—it would’ve saved me a few headaches.
Is day trading legal in the UK?
Yes, absolutely. Day trading is 100% legal in the UK—as long as you’re using a regulated broker. I always stick to platforms authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It’s just not worth the risk trading on an unregulated site.
Do I need a lot of money to start day trading?
Not at all. I started small—just a few hundred pounds. Many platforms offer low minimum deposits and even demo accounts where you can practice with virtual funds. The key is learning and managing risk, not throwing a ton of cash at the market from day one.
What’s the tax situation for UK day traders?
Here in the UK, your trading profits might be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT)—especially if you’re trading shares. If you’re using spread betting accounts, though, profits are typically tax-free (but there are caveats). I’d recommend chatting with an accountant if you’re making consistent gains—it’s worth getting proper tax advice early on.
Can I trade on my phone, or do I need a desktop computer?
You can absolutely trade on your phone—I do it all the time. Most of the platforms I use have mobile apps that are just as functional as their desktop versions. That said, I still prefer a computer for charting and making detailed trade plans, especially if I’m scalping or reacting to news.
References
- 7 Best Indicators for Day Trading – City Index
- Stock Market Trading Hours – CMC Markets
- Restricting Contract For Difference Products Sold To Retail Clients – FCA
- Top Financial Markets To Trade In 2024 – Admirals
- Glossary of trading terms – IG
