Best Spread Betting Platforms In The UK 2025
Spreadex
Spread Betting Score: 4.9/5
65% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
IG
Spread Betting Score: 4.8/5
67% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Pepperstone
Spread Betting Score: 4.6/5
72% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
CMC Markets
Spread Betting Score: 4.4/5
67% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Quick Answer: What is the Best Spread Betting Platform?
In 2025, choosing the best spread betting platform depends on your needs. Spreadex remains a top UK choice, offering diverse markets, competitive spreads, and intuitive web and mobile platforms. It’s designed to suit both beginners and experienced traders, ensuring accessibility and reliability for all levels.
How Do the Top UK Spread Betting Platforms Rank?
| Rank | Broker | Regulation & Safety | Fees & Spreads | Platform Tools | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpreadEX | FCA Licensed | Spreads from 0.6 pts on major indices, 0.9 pips on GBP/USD | Simple, UK-Focused | All traders |
| 2 | IG | FCA, LSE Listed | Spreads from 0.6 pips on Forex, 1 pt on FTSE 100 | Advanced Charts | Multi-market pros |
| 3 | Pepperstone | FCA Regulated | Spreads from 0.0 pips (Razor Account), 1 pip (Standard) | MT4/5, cTrader | Tech-driven traders |
| 4 | CMC Markets | FCA Regulated | Spreads from 0.7 pips on Forex, 1 pt on FTSE 100 | Award-winning tools | Active traders |
| 5 | Capital.com | FCA + AI Tools | Average spread 0.6 pips EUR/USD, 0.9 pts major indices | AI Insights | Data-focused users |
| 6 | Trade Nation | FCA Protection | Fixed spreads – 1 pip EUR/USD, 0.4 pts FTSE 100 | Simple Interface | New traders |
| 7 | City Index | FCA Oversight | Spreads from 0.5 pips EUR/USD, 1 pt on FTSE 100 | Robust Tools | Experienced traders |
Top 7 Spread Betting Brokers in the UK Reviewed
SpreadEX – Best overall, intuitive, low-fee, secure, UK
Authors Comments
Pros & Cons
- Extremely user-friendly interface
- Low minimum stakes with tight spreads
- Excellent UK customer service
- Fully FCA regulated, ensuring client fund protection
- Fewer international markets than larger multi-asset brokers
- Limited advanced charting or technical tools
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What Are the Fees & Costs?
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What Platforms & Features Are Available?
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Is It Safe & FCA Regulated?
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Who Is It Best For?
SpreadEX keeps costs low with no additional commissions on standard spread bets. Spreads are competitive, and financing fees apply for overnight positions. There are no deposit or inactivity fees, making it a straightforward, budget-friendly choice for frequent and smaller-scale UK traders.
SpreadEX offers a simple web platform and mobile app, providing live pricing, basic charting, watchlists, and standard risk management tools. While it lacks deep technical analysis features, it’s designed for ease of use and quick execution — perfect for straightforward spread betting.
Yes. SpreadEX is fully authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Client funds are held in segregated accounts, providing strong protection under UK financial laws. This ensures your money is safeguarded and the broker operates transparently under strict oversight.
SpreadEX is best for UK traders who value simplicity, competitive costs, and reliable support. It suits beginners wanting a clear platform without complicated features, and experienced spread bettors seeking a secure, tax-efficient broker regulated locally by the FCA.
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.
IG – Market leader, vast range, robust tech, tools
Authors Comments
Pros & Cons
- Huge range of markets across forex, indices, shares, commodities
- Excellent ProRealTime and IG proprietary platforms
- Strong educational and market analysis resources
- Fully FCA regulated and listed on the London Stock Exchange
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Charges overnight financing and higher fees on less liquid markets
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What Are the Fees & Costs?
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What Platforms & Features Are Available?
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Is It Safe & FCA Regulated?
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Who Is It Best For?
IG offers competitive spreads on popular instruments, often starting from 0.6 points on major forex. While there’s no direct commission on spread betting, financing fees apply for leveraged overnight positions. Additional costs may arise on smaller or less liquid assets.
IG supports multiple platforms, including its advanced web trading suite, mobile app, MetaTrader 4, and ProRealTime for in-depth charting. Traders get access to powerful analysis tools, automated strategies, and integrated news, making IG a strong pick for those who want technical depth.
Yes. IG is authorised and regulated by the FCA and publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange. It keeps client funds in segregated accounts, providing high transparency and financial protection — crucial safeguards for anyone trading on margin.
IG is best for experienced or ambitious traders seeking access to thousands of global markets, deep research tools, and professional-grade platforms. It’s also suitable for UK investors who want the added trust of a long-standing, publicly traded, FCA-supervised firm.
Spread bets and 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 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.
Pepperstone – Dedicated platform, fast execution, FCA regulated
Authors Comments
Pros & Cons
- Ultra-fast execution with low latency
- Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader platforms
- Tight forex and index spreads
- Fully FCA regulated with client fund segregation
- No proprietary trading platform
- Smaller share of non-forex markets than bigger UK firms
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What Are the Fees & Costs?
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What Platforms & Features Are Available?
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Is It Safe & FCA Regulated?
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Who Is It Best For?
Pepperstone offers very tight spreads on forex pairs, often from 0.6 pips, and zero commissions on standard spread bets. Overnight financing applies, typical of leveraged products. Its transparent fee structure appeals to cost-focused traders wanting clear, competitive pricing.
Pepperstone stands out by offering MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader — platforms renowned for algorithmic trading, advanced charting, and custom indicators. These suit traders who value flexibility, EAs, and the ability to tailor setups for specific strategies.
Yes. Pepperstone is authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, ensuring high protection under UK law. This robust regulation adds essential security for anyone trading leveraged spread betting products.
Pepperstone is best for traders who want institutional-grade platforms, fast execution, and tight spreads, particularly in forex. It’s also suited to algorithmic or scalping strategies, thanks to its MT4, MT5, and cTrader integration, all under strong FCA oversight.
72% 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 – Award-winning charts, education, tight spreads
Authors Comments
Pros & Cons
- Extremely tight spreads, especially on forex and indices
- Advanced charting with over 80 technical indicators
- Comprehensive educational resources and market analysis
- Fully FCA regulated with a strong UK reputation
- Financing fees on leveraged overnight trades
- Platform complexity can be daunting for beginners
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What Are the Fees & Costs?
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What Platforms & Features Are Available?
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Is It Safe & FCA Regulated?
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Who Is It Best For?
CMC Markets stands out for low spreads, often 0.7 points on major indices. There are no extra commissions on spread betting. Like others, overnight financing applies to leveraged trades, but overall costs are very competitive, ideal for active traders seeking minimal pricing.
Traders get access to CMC’s Next Generation platform and mobile app, featuring advanced charts, pattern recognition, and integrated news. The platform also supports thousands of instruments, powerful order types, and client sentiment tools, making it a top choice for technical-focused traders.
Yes. CMC Markets is authorised by the FCA, with client funds kept in segregated accounts under strict UK regulatory rules. As an established broker with decades in the market, it offers strong safeguards and transparent operations for UK investors.
CMC Markets suits active traders who want tight spreads, in-depth charting, and extensive market education. It’s also ideal for those who trade technical strategies or value rich analysis tools in a secure, FCA-regulated environment.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67% of retail CFD accounts lose money. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Capital.com – AI insights, low spreads, transparent pricing
Authors Comments
Pros & Cons
- AI-driven analysis helps identify trading opportunities
- Tight spreads and no hidden fees
- Excellent mobile app with intuitive interface
- Fully FCA regulated with client fund protections
- Lacks advanced platforms like MT4 or cTrader
- Overnight financing applies on leveraged positions
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What Are the Fees & Costs?
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What Platforms & Features Are Available?
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Is It Safe & FCA Regulated?
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Who Is It Best For?
Capital.com offers competitive spreads on key markets without extra commissions on spread bets. It prides itself on zero hidden fees. Traders should note overnight financing costs still apply, standard for leveraged products, making it important to manage positions carefully.
The broker provides a sleek web and mobile platform featuring AI trade ideas, integrated news, and educational content. While it doesn’t support MT4 or advanced automation, its built-in tools make it ideal for discretionary traders who value smart, guided insights.
Yes. Capital.com is authorised and regulated by the FCA, meaning it must meet strict UK financial standards. Client money is held in segregated accounts, adding an extra layer of protection and transparency for your trading funds.
Capital.com is ideal for traders who appreciate intuitive design, AI-assisted insights, and tight pricing. It’s especially attractive to newer traders who want clear data-driven support without getting lost in complex professional platforms.
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
Trade Nation – Simple interface, transparent pricing, low stakes
Authors Comments
Pros & Cons
- Simple, intuitive web and mobile platforms
- Fixed spreads offer clear cost certainty
- Low minimum deposit and trade sizes
- Fully FCA regulated, with client money protections
- Limited advanced analysis tools
- Fewer total markets than bigger brokers
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What Are the Fees & Costs?
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What Platforms & Features Are Available?
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Is It Safe & FCA Regulated?
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Who Is It Best For?
Trade Nation uses fixed spreads, meaning costs stay predictable even in volatile markets. There are no commissions on spread bets. Like most brokers, overnight financing applies on leveraged positions, but overall, it’s highly transparent with no surprise hidden charges.
The broker offers a proprietary web platform and mobile app designed for simplicity. It features watchlists, price alerts, and straightforward order management, though it lacks the advanced charting of MT4-style systems. Ideal for straightforward spread betting without technical clutter.
Yes. Trade Nation is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. It keeps client funds in segregated accounts, ensuring your capital is protected under strict UK financial safeguards and well-established compliance standards.
Trade Nation is best for new or cautious traders who value simple interfaces, fixed spreads, and clear costs. It’s also well-suited for those starting with small stakes who want strong regulatory protection without getting lost in complex professional tools.
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
City Index – Advanced tools, tight spreads, trusted broker
Authors Comments
Pros & Cons
- Tight spreads on forex, indices, and commodities
- Advanced platforms with powerful charting and analytics
- Comprehensive market research and educational tools
- Fully FCA regulated, long track record in the UK
- Overnight funding fees on leveraged positions
- Platform may feel complex for absolute beginners
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What Are the Fees & Costs?
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What Platforms & Features Are Available?
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Is It Safe & FCA Regulated?
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Who Is It Best For?
City Index offers competitive spreads, starting from 0.5 points on major indices. There are no extra commissions on spread betting. Overnight financing applies for trades held past market close, typical of leveraged accounts, with overall pricing well suited to active traders.
Traders can use the City Index proprietary platform, MetaTrader 4, or AT Pro — an advanced desktop platform with custom indicators and backtesting. These options cater to everyone from casual traders to those who want fully customised technical setups.
Yes. City Index is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. It segregates client funds in accordance with FCA rules, offering strong financial protections and transparency for spread bettors and leveraged traders alike.
City Index is ideal for traders who want tight spreads, advanced platform options, and in-depth market research. It suits experienced users seeking comprehensive tools under the security of a trusted, well-regulated UK broker.
Trading and investing involve risk. The value of your investments can go up or down, and you may lose all or part of your capital. These products may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.
How Does Spread Betting Work & Is It Right for You?
Spread betting lets you speculate on market price movements without owning the underlying asset. It offers leverage, tax efficiencies, and flexibility across thousands of instruments. It’s essential to understand how profits, losses, and risks work before deciding if it fits your trading goals.
What Is Spread Betting and How Does It Make Money?
Spread betting involves placing a stake per point of movement on an asset’s price. If the market moves in your favour, you profit by the number of points times your stake. If it moves against you, losses work the same way, magnifying both outcomes.
How Does Spread Betting Compare to Buying Stocks or Forex?
Unlike buying stocks outright, spread betting is a leveraged bet on price direction, without ownership. It also differs from traditional forex accounts by being tax-free in the UK. However, higher leverage means risks and potential losses can exceed deposits, requiring strict money management.
Is Spread Betting Tax-Free in the UK?
Yes. Profits from spread betting are generally free from UK capital gains tax and stamp duty because it’s classified as gambling. However, tax laws can change. Always check the latest HMRC guidance or consult a professional if you’re trading substantial sums.
What Should You Look for in a Spread Betting Broker?
Choosing the right broker is crucial for safe, cost-effective spread betting. Key factors include the platform’s tools, fee structure, and regulatory safeguards. Here’s what to consider so you can trade confidently, minimise costs, and protect your funds in the UK market.
What Trading Features Matter Most?
Look for platforms offering reliable execution, customisable charts, risk management tools, and fast order placement. Mobile access, alerts, and integrated news also help you react quickly. The best brokers combine simplicity with advanced features, supporting both beginners and experienced technical traders.
How Important Are Spreads, Fees, and Commissions?
Costs directly impact your profits. Low spreads mean cheaper entries and exits, while transparent overnight financing helps manage leveraged positions. Since UK spread betting avoids stamp duty and capital gains tax, ensuring your broker has competitive pricing is key to long-term success.
How Can You Tell If a Broker Is Safe and FCA Regulated?
Always check FCA registration on the Financial Services Register. This ensures your broker segregates client funds and follows strict UK compliance. Reputable brokers clearly list their license details and offer secure deposit protections, safeguarding your money if the firm faces trouble.
How Can You Manage Risk with Spread Betting?
Spread betting offers flexibility but also amplifies losses through leverage. Effective risk management protects your capital and ensures you trade within your comfort zone. Here’s what you should know about leverage dangers and the essential tools brokers provide to help minimise potential losses.
What Are the Risks of Leverage?
Leverage lets you control large positions with a small deposit, increasing both profits and losses. Markets can move quickly against you, leading to losses exceeding your initial margin. That’s why it’s critical to understand position sizing and never risk more than you can afford.
How Can You Limit Losses with Risk Tools?
Use stop-loss and guaranteed stop orders to cap downside risk automatically. Many platforms also offer margin alerts and close-out protections to help manage exposure. Combining these tools with disciplined trade sizes helps preserve your capital and prevents emotional, reckless decisions.
Final Thoughts: Is Spread Betting the Right Strategy for You?
Spread betting can be a powerful, tax-efficient way to speculate on global markets. However, it’s best suited to disciplined traders who understand leverage and risk controls. Always start small, use demo accounts if available, and ensure your broker is fully FCA regulated.
FAQs
Can I lose more than my deposit with spread betting?
Yes, because spread betting is leveraged, losses can exceed your initial deposit if the market moves sharply against you. This is why it’s critical to use stop-loss orders and understand margin requirements before opening any position.
What’s the minimum I can start spread betting with?
Many UK brokers let you start with as little as £100 or even less. However, always fund your account with money you can afford to lose, and start small to get comfortable with how spread betting works.
Do I need to download software to spread bet?
Not necessarily. Most brokers offer web platforms and mobile apps, so you can trade directly from your browser or phone without downloading anything. Advanced traders might still prefer downloadable platforms like MetaTrader 4 for extra tools.
Is spread betting allowed for UK residents after Brexit?
Yes. Spread betting remains fully legal and regulated in the UK under the FCA. Brexit did not impact UK residents’ ability to spread bet on financial markets with FCA-authorised brokers.
Can you hold spread bets long-term?
While technically possible, spread betting is generally designed for short to medium-term speculation due to overnight financing charges. Holding positions for weeks or months could become costly, so it’s best suited to active traders.
