Best Free Trading Platforms In The UK 2026
“Free” trading means different things depending on what you’re trading. Spread betting and most CFD trades come without commission — costs are built into the spread instead. Stock and ETF trades vary: some brokers charge nothing up to a monthly limit, others charge per trade.
We tested each platform for true cost transparency, execution quality, platform usability, and regulatory standing. All seven brokers listed are FCA-authorised and offer negative balance protection for retail clients.
Pepperstone
TIC Platform Rating: 4.7/5
72% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
IG
TIC Platform Rating: 4.6/5
67% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Spreadex
TIC Platform Rating: 4.4/5
65% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
eToro
TIC Platform Rating: 4.4/5
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Free Trading Platform in the UK?
Pepperstone is the best free trading platform in the UK for 2026, offering commission-free spread betting and CFD trading with spreads from 0.0 pips on its Razor account. It’s FCA-regulated, charges no inactivity fees, and provides access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView — a combination that suits both new and experienced traders.
For those wanting commission-free stock investing alongside CFDs, eToro and XTB offer strong alternatives with zero-commission equity trading up to certain thresholds.
How Do the Best Free UK Trading Platforms Compare?
| Rank | Platform | Best For | Commission | Min Spread | Min Deposit | FCA Regulated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pepperstone | Platform flexibility | £0 (Standard) / £2.25/lot (Razor) | 0.0 pips | £0 | Yes |
| #2 | IG | Market access | £0 on spread bets | 0.6 pips | £0 | Yes |
| #3 | Spreadex | Low-stakes trading | £0 | 0.6 pips | £1 | Yes |
| #4 | eToro | Social trading | £0 on stocks | 1.0 pips | $50 | Yes |
| #5 | CMC Markets | Multi-asset trading | £0 on spread bets | 0.0 pips (FX Active) | £0 | Yes |
| #6 | XTB | Zero-fee CFDs | £0 on CFDs | 0.5 pips | £0 | Yes |
| #7 | Saxo | Research tools | From £3 | 0.4 pips | £500 | Yes |
Top 7 Free Trading Platforms in the UK Reviewed
Pepperstone – Best for Platform Flexibility
Expert Verdict
Pepperstone offers commission-free trading on its Standard and spread betting accounts, with costs built into spreads from 0.6 pips on forex. The Razor account strips spreads to 0.0 pips but charges £2.25 per lot per side. No inactivity fee, no minimum deposit.
Pros & Cons
- Choice of four platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Commission-free spread betting with tax-free profits
- Raw spreads from 0.0 pips on Razor account
- No inactivity or account maintenance fees
- CFD-only — no direct share ownership
- No ISA or SIPP accounts
- Educational content less extensive than IG
-
What Does Pepperstone Charge to Trade?
-
What Markets Can I Trade Commission-Free?
-
Is Pepperstone Safe and FCA-Regulated?
-
Who Is Pepperstone Best Suited For?
Pepperstone charges no commission on its Standard or spread betting accounts — all costs are in the spread, starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. The Razor account offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips with commission of £2.25 per lot per side on MT4/MT5 (£3.50 on TradingView). No deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees apply.
You can trade forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrency CFDs commission-free on Pepperstone’s Standard account. Spread betting covers the same markets plus shares, all without commission. Share CFDs carry a small commission regardless of account type.
Yes. Pepperstone is authorised by the FCA (FRN 684312) and segregates client funds in tier-1 banks. Retail clients receive negative balance protection and FSCS coverage up to £85,000. The broker reports a 72% retail loss rate — in line with industry norms for leveraged products.
Active traders who want platform choice and tight spreads. If you prefer TradingView’s charting or cTrader’s order execution, Pepperstone delivers. It’s also a strong choice for day trading thanks to fast execution. Less suitable for buy-and-hold investors or anyone wanting ISA tax wrappers.
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.
IG – Best for Market Access and Education
Expert Verdict
IG is the UK’s largest spread betting and CFD provider, with over 17,000 markets and nearly 50 years of operation. Spread betting is commission-free; share CFDs carry commission from 0.1%. The platform excels in research, education, and market depth.
Pros & Cons
- 17,000+ markets including weekend trading
- Commission-free spread betting
- Excellent educational resources and analysis
- FTSE 250 listed — strong financial standing
- Share CFDs charge commission (0.1% UK, 2¢/share US)
- Spreads wider than Pepperstone on some pairs
- Platform can feel complex for beginners
-
What Does IG Charge to Trade?
-
What Markets Can I Trade Commission-Free?
-
Is IG Safe and FCA-Regulated?
-
Who Is IG Best Suited For?
IG charges no commission on spread bets or index/forex CFDs — costs sit in the spread, from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. Share CFDs cost 0.1% on UK stocks (min £10) and 2 cents per share on US stocks (min $15). Overnight funding applies to leveraged positions held past 10pm UK time.
All spread betting markets are commission-free, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and options. For CFDs, forex and indices carry no commission. Share CFDs and ETF CFDs attract commission charges varying by market.
Yes. IG is authorised by the FCA (FRN 195355) and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Client funds are segregated, and retail clients receive FSCS protection and negative balance protection. IG’s 67% retail loss rate reflects the inherent risk of leveraged trading.
Traders wanting depth — whether that’s market range, research tools, or educational content. IG suits both beginners (via IG Academy) and experienced traders needing advanced charting, ProRealTime, or API access. Not the cheapest for pure spread-focused trading.
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.
Spreadex – Best for Low-Stakes Spread Betting
Expert Verdict
Spreadex specialises in spread betting with no commission and a £1 minimum deposit. Operating since 1999, it’s won multiple customer service awards and offers one of the widest UK small-cap share ranges. Good for traders wanting to start small.
Pros & Cons
- £1 minimum deposit — lowest on this list
- Commission-free spread betting across all markets
- Award-winning customer service (5x Investment Trends winner)
- Extensive UK small-cap coverage
- No MT4/MT5 or TradingView integration
- CFD commissions apply on share trades
- Platform less advanced than competitors
-
What Does Spreadex Charge to Trade?
-
What Markets Can I Trade Commission-Free?
-
Is Spreadex Safe and FCA-Regulated?
-
Who Is Spreadex Best Suited For?
Spreadex charges no commission on spread bets — costs are built into spreads from 0.6 pips on forex. CFD share trades carry commission plus spread. Overnight funding costs 3% plus the relevant benchmark rate. No inactivity or account fees apply.
All spread betting markets are commission-free: forex, indices, commodities, shares (including AIM stocks), bonds, ETFs, and interest rates. CFD trading on non-share markets is also commission-free. Share CFDs carry commission.
Yes. Spreadex is authorised by the FCA (FRN 190941) and holds client money in segregated accounts per FCA rules. Retail clients receive negative balance protection. The broker has been profitable since inception and appears in the FT 1000 fastest-growing European companies list.
UK traders wanting low barriers to entry and strong customer support. The £1 minimum deposit suits cautious beginners. Small-cap share traders will appreciate the AIM coverage. Not ideal for those wanting third-party platforms or advanced automation.
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.
eToro – Best for Social and Stock Trading
Expert Verdict
eToro combines commission-free stock trading with social investing features like CopyTrader. You can buy fractional shares from $10, copy successful traders, or build Smart Portfolios. CFDs are available for leverage, though spreads are wider than pure-play brokers.
Pros & Cons
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- CopyTrader lets you mirror successful investors
- Fractional shares from $10
- User-friendly interface for beginners
- $5 withdrawal fee
- Currency conversion fees on non-USD trades
- CFD spreads wider than specialist brokers
-
What Does eToro Charge to Trade?
-
What Markets Can I Trade Commission-Free?
-
Is eToro Safe and FCA-Regulated?
-
Who Is eToro Best Suited For?
eToro charges no commission on stock and ETF purchases — you own the underlying asset. CFD trades incur spreads from 1.0 pip on forex. A $1-$2 commission applies to some stock trades depending on exchange. Currency conversion costs up to 1.5% unless using a GBP account. Withdrawal fee is $5.
Stocks and ETFs are commission-free when bought without leverage (real ownership). Leveraged positions and short trades execute as CFDs with spread costs. Crypto trades carry a 1% fee. Forex, indices, and commodity CFDs incur spread costs only.
Yes. eToro (UK) Ltd is authorised by the FCA (FRN 583263). Client funds are held in segregated accounts at tier-1 banks, and retail clients receive FSCS protection up to £85,000. The 51% CFD loss rate is lower than many competitors.
Beginners and social investors. CopyTrader removes the need to pick individual trades. Commission-free stocks suit long-term investors. But if you’re actively trading CFDs for tight spreads, specialist brokers like Pepperstone will cost less.
CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 61% 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.
CMC Markets – Best for Multi-Asset Trading & Flexible Pricing
Expert Verdict
CMC Markets offers 12,000+ instruments across spread betting and CFDs, with commission-free pricing on most non-share products. The Next Generation platform provides advanced charting, pattern recognition, and client sentiment tools. FTSE-listed and FCA-regulated.
Pros & Cons
- 12,000+ markets including share baskets and ETFs
- Commission-free spread betting and index/forex CFDs
- Advanced Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators
- Volume-based spread discounts up to 28%
- £10/month inactivity fee after 12 months
- Share CFDs carry commission (0.1% UK)
- Market data fees for share CFD prices
-
What Does CMC Markets Charge to Trade?
-
What Markets Can I Trade Commission-Free?
-
Is CMC Markets Safe and FCA-Regulated?
-
Who Is CMC Markets Best Suited For?
CMC Markets charges no commission on spread betting or forex/index CFDs — costs sit in spreads from 0.7 pips (or 0.0 pips on FX Active accounts with commission). Share CFDs cost 0.1% (min £9). A £10 monthly inactivity fee applies after 12 months without trading.
All spread betting markets and CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and treasuries are commission-free. Share and ETF CFDs attract commission. High-volume traders qualify for spread discounts through the CMC Alpha programme.
Yes. CMC Markets is authorised by the FCA (FRN 173730) and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Client funds are segregated, and FSCS protection covers up to £85,000. Negative balance protection applies to retail clients. The 71% retail loss rate reflects leveraged trading risks.
Active traders wanting platform depth and volume discounts. The Next Generation platform rivals institutional tools. Less suited to occasional traders due to the inactivity fee, or those wanting third-party platforms (though MT4 is available).
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 64% 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.
XTB – Best for Zero-Fee CFD Trades
Expert Verdict
XTB offers commission-free CFD trading on forex, indices, and commodities via its xStation platform. Real stocks and ETFs are also commission-free up to €100,000 monthly turnover. No minimum deposit, no inactivity fee for active accounts, and strong educational content.
Pros & Cons
- Zero commission on CFDs and stocks (up to €100k/month)
- No minimum deposit required
- Award-winning xStation platform
- Interest paid on uninvested cash
- £10/month inactivity fee after 12 months
- 0.5% currency conversion fee on non-GBP instruments
- No spread betting — CFDs only
-
What Does XTB Charge to Trade?
-
What Markets Can I Trade Commission-Free?
-
Is XTB Safe and FCA-Regulated?
-
Who Is XTB Best Suited For?
XTB charges no commission on CFD trades — costs are in spreads from 0.5 pips on forex. Real stocks and ETFs are commission-free* up to €100,000 monthly turnover; 0.2% thereafter (min £10). A 0.5% FX fee applies when trading instruments in different currencies. Inactivity fee of £10/month after 12 months without trading.
All CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies are commission-free. Real stocks and ETFs are commission-free up to the €100k threshold. Stock and ETF CFDs are commission-free but carry a 0.15% markup built into spreads.
Yes. XTB is authorised by the FCA (FRN 522157) and segregates client funds. FSCS protection covers up to £85,000, and retail clients receive negative balance protection. XTB is publicly listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, adding transparency.
Cost-conscious traders wanting zero commissions and a modern platform. The xStation app is intuitive yet powerful. Good for those combining CFD trading with stock investing. Less suitable for spread betting fans or those needing MT4/MT5.
*Free for ETF and real shares and 0.2% fee for transactions above EUR 100000.
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.
Saxo – Best for Advanced Research and Tools
Expert Verdict
Saxo offers access to 70,000+ instruments across stocks, bonds, forex, ETFs, futures, and options. It’s not commission-free, but competitive pricing kicks in at higher volumes. The SaxoTraderGO and PRO platforms deliver institutional-grade tools. Best for serious traders.
Pros & Cons
- 70,000+ instruments across global markets
- Institutional-quality research and analysis
- No inactivity fees (removed January 2024)
- ISA and SIPP accounts available
- No commission-free trading
- £500 minimum deposit
- Platform complexity may overwhelm beginners
-
What Does Saxo Charge to Trade?
-
What Markets Can I Trade Commission-Free?
-
Is Saxo Safe and FCA-Regulated?
-
Who Is Saxo Best Suited For?
Saxo charges commission on all trades: UK shares from £3, US shares from $1, forex spreads from 0.4 pips. CFD commissions vary by instrument. Currency conversion is 0.25%. No inactivity fee applies (removed in 2024). Higher-tier accounts (Platinum, VIP) receive better pricing.
None — Saxo doesn’t offer commission-free trading. All asset classes carry either commission, spread costs, or both. However, competitive tiered pricing means active traders pay significantly less than the headline rates suggest.
Yes. Saxo Capital Markets UK is authorised by the FCA (FRN 551422). Client funds are segregated, and FSCS protection applies. Saxo Bank (the parent) holds a banking licence and was designated a Systemically Important Financial Institution in Denmark — a strong safety signal.
Experienced traders wanting global market access and professional tools. If you trade bonds, futures, or options, Saxo’s range is unmatched. The £500 minimum and commission structure make it less attractive for beginners or small-account traders.
64% 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.
Fee Comparison: Commission-Free Trading Platforms
| Platform | Forex Spread (EUR/USD) | Index Spread (UK 100) | Share CFD Commission | Inactivity Fee | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | From 0.0 pips | From 1.0 pt | From 0.07% | None | None |
| IG | From 0.6 pips | From 1.0 pt | 0.1% (min £10) | None | None |
| Spreadex | From 0.6 pips | From 1.0 pt | 0.1% + spread | None | None |
| eToro | From 1.0 pips | From 1.0 pt | £0 (real stocks) | $10/month | $5 |
| CMC Markets | From 0.7 pips | From 1.0 pt | 0.1% (min £9) | £10/month | None |
| XTB | From 0.5 pips | From 0.9 pt | £0 (up to €100k) | £10/month | None |
| Saxo | From 0.4 pips | From 0.8 pt | From £3 | None | None |
What About Commission-Free Stock and ETF Trading?
The brokers above focus primarily on CFDs and spread betting — leveraged products where “free” means costs built into spreads. But if you want to buy and own actual shares or ETFs without commission, a different set of platforms serves that need.
This matters because owning shares outright means you’re entitled to dividends, voting rights, and can hold investments in tax-advantaged ISA accounts. CFDs don’t offer any of these benefits.
| Platform | Stock Commission | ETF Commission | ISA Available | Min Deposit | FX Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading 212 | £0 | £0 | Yes | £1 | 0.15% |
| Freetrade | £0 | £0 | Yes (£5.99/month) | £2 | 0.99% |
| InvestEngine | N/A | £0 | Yes | £100 | N/A |
| Lightyear | £0 | £0 | Yes | £1 | 0.35% |
| eToro | £0 | £0 | No | $50 | Up to 1.5% |
| XTB | £0 (up to €100k) | £0 (up to €100k) | No | £0 | 0.50% |
Best Platforms for Commission-Free Stock Investing
Trading 212 leads for UK stock investors wanting zero commission with no monthly cap. You own the shares outright, can hold them in an ISA, and pay just 0.15% on currency conversion for US stocks — the lowest FX fee among free platforms. The platform also pays interest on uninvested cash (currently around 5% on GBP). The catch? It’s FCA-registered but not authorised — client assets are held by Interactive Brokers.
Freetrade offers genuinely free trades on a basic account, with ISA access for £5.99/month. The FX fee (0.99%) is higher than Trading 212, so US stock traders pay more over time — roughly £10 extra per £1,000 invested in American shares. Good for UK-focused investors wanting simplicity and a clean mobile app.
Lightyear combines commission-free trading with competitive 0.35% FX fees. It’s newer but growing fast, with a clean app and multi-currency accounts that let you hold USD directly — avoiding repeated conversions if you trade US stocks frequently. Particularly useful for dollar-cost averaging into American ETFs.
Best Platforms for Commission-Free ETF Trading
InvestEngine specialises in ETFs, offering commission-free access to hundreds of funds including Vanguard, iShares, and Invesco trackers. You can build DIY portfolios or use managed options (0.25% annual fee). The platform suits passive investors wanting low-cost diversification without stock-picking — ideal for building long-term wealth through index investing.
Trading 212, Lightyear, and XTB also offer commission-free ETF trading alongside stocks. XTB’s €100,000 monthly cap means most retail investors effectively trade free — you’d need to invest over £85,000 per month before any commission kicks in.
Key Differences: CFD Trading vs Stock Investing
CFDs and spread bets let you speculate on price movements without owning the asset. They offer leverage (amplifying gains and losses) and the ability to go short. Profits from spread betting are tax-free in the UK — a genuine advantage for profitable traders.
Stock investing means you own the shares — entitled to dividends, voting rights, and long-term capital appreciation. No leverage means you can’t lose more than you invest. No overnight funding charges eating into positions held for weeks or months. But gains above your £3,000 CGT allowance are taxable (unless held in an ISA).
The right choice depends on your goals:
- Short-term trading with leverage: CFD/spread betting platforms like Pepperstone
- Tax-free speculation: Spread betting via IG, Spreadex, or CMC Markets
- Long-term wealth building: Commission-free stock platforms with ISA wrappers
- Dividend income: Real share ownership via Trading 212, Freetrade, or InvestEngine
What Does "Free Trading" Actually Mean?
“Free” rarely means zero cost. Even commission-free platforms generate revenue somehow — understanding where helps you compare true costs.
| Cost Type | What It Is | Who Charges It | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Gap between buy and sell price | All CFD/spread bet brokers | 0.0–2.0 pips |
| Currency conversion | Fee when trading foreign assets | Most platforms | 0.15%–1.5% |
| Overnight funding | Daily charge for leveraged positions | All CFD brokers | ~2.5%–4% annually |
| Withdrawal fee | Charge to move money out | Some (e.g., eToro) | £0–$5 |
| Inactivity fee | Monthly charge if not trading | CMC, XTB, eToro | £10/month |
Spread-Based vs Commission-Based Pricing
Commission-free brokers make money through spreads — the difference between what you pay to buy and receive when selling. A 1-pip spread on EUR/USD costs roughly £7.50 per standard lot. Tighter spreads mean lower costs per trade.
Commission-based brokers (like Pepperstone’s Razor account or Saxo) charge a fixed fee per trade but offer raw spreads closer to interbank rates. For high-frequency traders, this model often works out cheaper despite the commission.
For the average retail trader placing a few trades per week, spread-based “commission-free” accounts are usually more cost-effective. Volume traders should compare total costs across both models.
How Do Commission-Free Brokers Make Money?
Beyond spreads, commission-free brokers generate revenue through overnight financing charges (typically benchmark rate + 2.5–3%), currency conversion fees, premium account upgrades, and interest earned on uninvested client cash. Some also receive payment for order flow, though this is more common in the US than UK.
Spread betting platforms benefit from the house edge — statistically, more retail traders lose than win. FCA data shows 70–80% of retail CFD accounts lose money, which benefits brokers acting as counterparty.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Currency conversion adds up fast when trading US stocks or forex pairs. A 1% FX fee on a £10,000 trade costs £100 — more than most commissions. Check this before assuming “free” means cheapest.
Overnight funding erodes positions held for days or weeks. At 3% annually, a £5,000 leveraged position costs roughly £150/year in funding alone. Day traders avoid this; swing traders should factor it in.
Inactivity fees punish casual traders. CMC Markets, XTB, and eToro all charge £10/month after 12 months without trades. Pepperstone, IG, Spreadex, and Saxo don’t — better for those trading sporadically.
How Do I Choose the Right Free Trading Platform?
Start by matching the platform to your trading style. Active CFD traders prioritise tight spreads and fast execution. Long-term investors want commission-free stocks and ISA access. Social traders need copy features. There’s no single “best” — only best for you.
| If You Want... | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tightest spreads | Pepperstone (Razor) | 0.0 pip spreads + low commission |
| Most markets | IG or Saxo | 17,000+ and 70,000+ instruments |
| Tax-free spread betting | Spreadex or IG | UK-focused, no CGT on profits |
| Commission-free stocks | eToro or Trading 212 | Zero commission, fractional shares |
| Copy trading | eToro | CopyTrader with proven track records |
| Best platform tools | CMC Markets | Next Generation with 115+ indicators |
| Lowest entry barrier | Spreadex | £1 minimum deposit |
Always verify FCA authorisation before depositing. Check the FCA register to confirm the broker’s regulatory status. Avoid platforms operating under offshore licences unless you understand the reduced protections.
The Bottom Line
For most UK traders, Pepperstone offers the best balance of low costs, platform choice, and regulatory protection. Active traders benefit from raw spreads on the Razor account; casual traders can stick with the commission-free Standard account. If you want to own actual shares with ISA tax benefits, Trading 212 or Freetrade are better fits. And if market range matters more than cost, IG’s 17,000+ instruments are hard to beat. Whatever you choose, stick with FCA-regulated brokers — the protections are worth it.
FAQs
What Is the Best Free Trading App in the UK?
Pepperstone offers the best free trading app for CFDs and spread betting, with access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView mobile apps. For commission-free stock investing, Trading 212’s app is intuitive and genuinely free with no monthly cap.
Are Free Trading Platforms Safe for Beginners?
Yes, provided they’re FCA-regulated. Pepperstone, IG, Spreadex, eToro, CMC Markets, XTB, and Saxo all hold FCA authorisation, segregate client funds, and offer negative balance protection. Start with a demo account to practise without risking capital.
Which UK Broker Has the Lowest Spreads?
Pepperstone’s Razor account offers the lowest spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs, plus £2.25 commission per lot. For spread-only accounts, Saxo and CMC Markets also compete on tight pricing for active traders.
Can I Use Free Platforms With a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Most CFD/spread betting platforms don’t offer ISAs since those products aren’t ISA-eligible. For tax-free investing, use Trading 212, Freetrade, InvestEngine, or Lightyear — all offer commission-free trading within a stocks and shares ISA wrapper.
Is Spread Betting Really Tax-Free?
Yes. Spread betting profits are currently exempt from Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty for UK residents, provided trading isn’t your primary income source. Tax laws can change — consult a tax adviser for personal circumstances. CFD profits are subject to CGT.
What Fees Should I Watch Out for on "Free" Platforms?
Currency conversion fees (0.15%–1.5%), overnight funding charges (~3%/year), inactivity fees (£10/month after 12 months), and withdrawal fees (up to $5). Wider spreads on “commission-free” accounts can also cost more than paying commission with tighter spreads.
How We Test Free Trading Platforms
We open live accounts with each broker, deposit real funds, and execute trades across multiple asset classes. Our testing covers spread accuracy during volatile periods, execution speed, platform stability, withdrawal processing times, and customer support responsiveness.
Cost analysis compares total trading costs — not just headline spreads or commission rates. We factor in FX fees, overnight funding, and any hidden charges to calculate true cost per £10,000 traded.
Regulatory verification confirms FCA authorisation status, segregation of client funds, and FSCS eligibility. We review annual reports and loss disclosure rates to assess broker financial health and transparency.
References
- Financial Conduct Authority – FCA Register
- Financial Conduct Authority – Contracts for Difference (CFDs)
- Pepperstone UK – Pricing and Spreads
- IG UK – Charges and Fees
- HMRC – Spread Betting Tax Treatment
- Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Protection Limits
- European Securities and Markets Authority – Leverage Restrictions
