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Top 7 Best Investment Platforms in the UK: 2024

Authored by:
Thomas Drury
Thomas Drury

Thomas Drury

Co-Founder

Seasoned finance professional with 10+ years' experience. Chartered status holder. Proficient in CFDs, ISAs, and crypto investing. Passionate about helping others achieve financial goals.

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Reviewed by:
Dom Farnell
Dom Farnell

Dom Farnell

Co-Founder

An investor and blogger with a focus on financial markets and wealth management. He’s dedicated to helping others make informed investment choices through straightforward and engaging content.

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Last Updated 09/11/2024

Discover our handpicked selection of trustworthy, regulated Investment Platforms, each thoroughly tested with real capital. All brokers are available to traders in the United Kingdom.

Quick Answer: The Best Investment Platform is...

The best investment platform in the UK is IG. Known for its user-friendly interface and diverse range of investment options, IG offers stocks, ETFs, and more. Its competitive fees and robust research tools make it a top choice for both beginners and experienced investors.

Here are the Top 7 Platforms for Investing:

  1. IG – Best Overall Investment Platform, Rated Highest
  2. eToro – Best for Beginners & Social Trading
  3. Interactive Brokers – Best for Global Market Access
  4. Saxo – Best for Professional Investors
  5. Trading 212 – Sign-Up Bonus, Best for Commission-Free Investing
  6. Admiral Markets – Good for Forex and CFD Trading, MT4 Available
  7. Interactive Investor – Best for Large Portfolios and Flat Fees

Featured Brokers

eToro

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How Do These Investment Platforms Compare?

PlatformRegulatorPlatform ScoreVariety of AssetsISA AvailableMin DepositTrust Pilot ScoreFee ScoreOverall Review Score
IGFCA5.0/518,000+ markets, stocks, ETFs, commodities, currencies, bonds, fundsYes£504.1/54.5/54.75/5
eToroFCA5.0/5Stocks, cryptocurrencies, CFDsYes (in conjunction with Moneyfarm)£504.3/54.5/54.7/5
SaxoFCA5.0/5Forex, Stocks (including fractional shares), ETFs, Options, Futures, Bonds, CommoditiesNo£14.6/54.0/54.5/5
Trading 212FCA4.5/512,000+ global stocks & ETFs, commodities, forexYes£14.6/54.5/54.5/5
Interactive BrokersFCA4.5/5Forex (Spot Currencies), Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures/FOPs, CFDs, Metals, Bonds, Mutual FundsYes£13.3/54.0/54.5/5
Admiral MarketsFCA4.5/5Stocks, 3,000+ ETFs, Forex, Commodities, IndicesNo£1003.8/53.5/54.2/5
Interactive InvestorFCA4.5/51,000+ ETFs, Stocks (UK & International), Bonds, Ethical InvestmentsYes£1003.9/54.0/54.5/5

What are the Best Investment Platforms for UK Investors?

IG Logo

IG - Wide Market Range, Best Overall Investment Platform, Rated Highest

Pros & Cons

IG stands out for experienced traders due to its advanced trading features, including real-time market data, customisable charts, and a wide selection of analytical tools. Its ProRealTime charting software, direct market access, and ability to trade on margin make it a go-to choice for those looking to execute complex strategies across multiple markets.

Fee TypeCost
Share dealing fee (UK)£8 per trade, reduced to £3 if 3+ trades per month
Platform fee£96 per year (waived with 3+ trades per quarter)
Forex trading0.6 pip spread
International shares£10 per trade
  • 17,000+ global markets
  • 80+ currency pairs for forex trading
  • 13,000+ shares and ETFs
  • Commodities, including gold, oil, and silver
  • Indices, including FTSE 100, Dow Jones, and S&P 500

Despite its complex tools, IG’s platform is user-friendly. Both the web and mobile interfaces are well-designed, allowing traders to quickly access market data, place trades, and customise their trading environment. The platform is well-suited for traders who need powerful tools but don’t want a steep learning curve.

Your capital is at risk.

eToro – Best for Beginners & Social Trading

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Pros & Cons

eToro is perfect for beginners, thanks to its user-friendly platform and unique social trading features. With the option to copy trades from experienced investors, newcomers can learn by observing seasoned traders. It also offers commission-free stock trading, which is ideal for those just starting their investment journey.

Fee TypeCost
Stock Trading£0 commission
Forex TradingFrom 1 pip
Withdrawal Fee$5 per withdrawal
Inactivity Fee$10 per month

eToro offers a broad array of assets that cater to various investment styles:

  • Stocks & Shares: Users have access to over 4,500 stocks from global exchanges.
  • Cryptocurrencies: Including major ones like Bitcoin and Ethereum among others.
  • ETFs: More than 500 ETFs covering diverse sectors and geographies.
  • Indices: Trade on the world’s leading indices such as NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and more.
  • Commodities: Options include gold, oil, silver, and other popular commodities.

eToro is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean interface that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners. Its standout feature is social trading, allowing users to follow and copy the trades of experienced investors. The mobile app is intuitive, making trading accessible for everyone.

Screenshot of the eToro trading platform

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

IBKR logo

Interactive Brokers - Best for Global Access, Low-Cost Trading

Pros & Cons

Interactive Brokers is best known for providing access to over 135 markets worldwide, making it ideal for investors looking for global diversification. Its professional-grade tools, such as advanced charting and a suite of risk management options, make it a favourite among serious investors. Low trading fees further enhance its appeal for those trading across various markets.

Fee TypeCost
Stock TradingFrom £0.005 per share
Forex TradingFrom 0.08 pips
Account Maintenance£0
Inactivity Fee£0
  • Access to 135+ global markets
  • 13,000+ stocks
  • 8,000+ mutual funds and ETFs
  • Bonds, futures, and options
  • Forex and commodities

Although Interactive Brokers offers a feature-rich platform, it can be overwhelming for beginners. However, advanced traders will appreciate the extensive tools available for global market access. Its Trader Workstation (TWS) is a powerful tool, offering real-time data and complex order types for detailed market analysis.

Interactive Brokers forex trading platform overview highlighting global currency trading with direct access to interbank quotes and professional FX trading tools.

The inclusion of Interactive Brokers’ (IBKR) name, logo or weblinks is present pursuant to an advertising
arrangement only. IBKR is not a contributor, reviewer, provider or sponsor of content published on this site, and
is not responsible for the accuracy of any products or services discussed.

Saxo – Best for Professional Investors

Pros & Cons

Pros and Cons

Saxo Markets is tailored for professional investors seeking advanced trading tools and market research. It provides access to over 22,000 instruments across global markets. With its high-level research and dedicated customer support, Saxo is designed for serious traders looking for premium services and market analysis.

Fee TypeCost
Stock TradingFrom £8 per trade
Forex SpreadsFrom 0.4 pips
Inactivity Fee£25 per quarter
Platform FeeNone
  • 22,000+ global assets
  • 9,000+ stocks and ETFs
  • 50+ forex pairs
  • Commodities and indices
  • Advanced derivatives including options and bonds

SaxoTraderGO is highly sophisticated, yet its intuitive design makes it accessible to both intermediate and advanced traders. Its multi-screen interface allows for custom setups, providing quick access to charts, research, and trading functions. SaxoTraderPRO is available for professional users requiring more advanced tools.

Saxo Screen shot showing different asset classes on home page

Your capital is at risk.

Trading 212 logo

Trading 212 – Sign-Up Bonus, Commission-Free, New Investor Friendly

Pros & Cons

Trading 212 is known for offering commission-free trading, making it one of the most affordable platforms for investors. It also provides access to both UK and US stocks without hidden charges, perfect for beginners or seasoned investors looking to reduce costs. Its simple, clean interface makes trading straightforward.

Fee TypeCost
Stock Trading£0 commission
Forex TradingFrom 0.3 pips
Inactivity FeeNone
Withdrawal FeeNone
  • 10,000+ global stocks and ETFs
  • 40+ forex pairs
  • Commodities (gold, oil, silver)
  • Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  • Indices (S&P 500, FTSE 100)

Trading 212 offers a simple and easy-to-navigate platform, ideal for beginners. The mobile app is highly rated for its functionality and design, enabling users to trade on the go with ease. Its intuitive interface is also well-suited for quick trades.

Trading 212 promo highlighting 5.2% interest rate on GBP cash for commission-free investing

Your capital is at risk.

Use code TIC to get a free share worth up to £100

ADMIRAL MARKETS LOGO BLUE

Admiral Markets - Good for Forex and CFD Trading, MT4 Available

Pros & Cons

Admiral Markets is highly regarded for its expertise in forex and CFD trading, offering a wide range of currency pairs, indices, and commodities. The platform’s competitive spreads and access to global financial markets make it ideal for traders focused on forex and CFDs. With advanced charting tools and educational resources, Admiral Markets appeals to both intermediate and professional traders.

Fee TypeCost
Forex TradingFrom 0.5 pips
CFD TradingFrom 0.1%
Inactivity Fee£10 per month
Withdrawal FeeNone
  • 40+ currency pairs for forex
  • 4,000+ CFDs on stocks, indices, and ETFs
  • 100+ commodities (gold, oil, silver)
  • Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple)
  • Indices (DAX, NASDAQ, FTSE 100)

Admiral Markets offers a robust MetaTrader platform, suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Its customisable layout, combined with powerful charting tools, ensures a smooth trading experience. Mobile and desktop versions are well integrated, ensuring seamless transitions for traders on the go.

Your capital is at risk.

interactive investor logo linking with homepage

Interactive Investor – Best for Large Portfolios and Flat Fees

Pros & Cons

Interactive Investor is known for its flat-fee pricing structure, making it ideal for investors with larger portfolios. Instead of percentage-based fees, Interactive Investor charges a fixed monthly fee, providing cost predictability. With access to a wide range of investment options, including stocks, funds, and ETFs, it’s a popular choice for long-term investors looking to manage sizable portfolios.

Fee TypeCost
Monthly Fee£4.99 to £19.99
Stock Trading£3.99 per trade
Forex TradingNot available
Fund Trading£0
  • 40,000+ global stocks and ETFs
  • 3,000+ funds
  • 500+ investment trusts
  • Commodities (gold, oil, silver)
  • Bonds and gilts

Interactive Investor’s platform is straightforward and easy to navigate, with a clean design that allows users to manage portfolios efficiently. It offers customisable tools for portfolio tracking and investment insights, making it well-suited for both new and seasoned investors.

Interactive investor Review desktop screenshot Choosing Investments

Your capital is at risk.

How to Start Investing Online

Starting your online investment journey has never been more straightforward. First, choose a platform based on factors like fees, asset availability, and ease of use. Once you’ve picked a platform, select an account type that fits your goals—whether it’s an ISA for tax-efficient investing, a GIA for flexibility, or a SIPP for retirement planning. After setting up the account, fund it via bank transfer or debit card, and you can begin exploring your investment options, such as stocks, ETFs, or funds.

Many platforms also provide educational resources and tools that guide you through your first trades, making the process even easier.

How Do You Open an Account with a Trading Platform?

Opening an online investment account is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. After selecting your preferred platform, choose between an ISA, GIA, or SIPP based on your needs. The setup involves filling in basic personal details like your name, address, and National Insurance number. Next, you’ll be asked to verify your identity by uploading documents such as a passport or driving license. Funding the account can be done through a bank transfer, debit card, or sometimes PayPal. Some platforms have minimum deposit requirements, while others allow you to start with as little as £1.

How Do You Open an Account with a Trading Platform?

Investing fees can significantly impact your overall returns, especially if you’re an active trader or have a large portfolio. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common fees:

Fee TypeDescriptionTypical Range
Trading FeesCharged per trade when buying or selling stocks£0 to £10 per trade
Platform FeesAnnual fee for using the platform0.2% to 1% of portfolio value
Currency Conversion FeesApplies when trading foreign stocks0.5% to 1.5% of transaction
Inactivity FeesCharged if you don’t trade for a set period£0 to £10 per month
Withdrawal FeesCharged for withdrawing funds from the platform£0 to £5 per withdrawal

Knowing these fees will help you make more informed decisions when choosing a platform.

FAQs

eToro is highly recommended for beginners due to its user-friendly design and social trading features. It allows new investors to follow and copy trades from experienced traders, making it easier to learn. Additionally, eToro offers commission-free stock trading, perfect for newcomers.

IG is ideal for advanced traders, offering a comprehensive range of technical analysis tools, real-time data, and extensive charting options. It also provides access to a wide variety of global markets, including forex, CFDs, and indices, making it perfect for professional traders.

Yes, most platforms, including Interactive Investor, IG, and eToro, offer Stocks & Shares ISAs, allowing you to invest up to £20,000 annually without paying tax on capital gains or dividends. Some platforms also offer additional tax-efficient accounts like SIPPs and Junior ISAs.

References:

  1. BBC Guide to ISAs: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17366760
  2. Keeping Your Investment Safe – AJ Bell
  3. Tax Efficient Wrapper Products – GOV.UK
  4. Explaining Pound Cost Averaging to Your Clients – FT Advisor 

Featured Blogs

Our Top Featured Investment Platforms in the UK

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

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