How to Buy Meta Shares in the UK – A Step-by-Step Guide
Adam Woodhead
Co-Founder
Adam is a passionate investor who created The Investors Centre (TIC) to combine his professional skills with his love for investment. His goal is to offer a platform filled with valuable resources, practical advice, and effective strategies for anyone looking to make their mark in the investment world.
“Investment is about more than just numbers; it’s about strategy, research, and the willingness to adapt. At TIC, we’re here to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed on your investment journey.”
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.”
Table of Contents
Disclaimer
How We Test
Quick Answer: How to buy META (facebook) Shares
- Choose a Broker – eToro, IG, or Saxo.
- Open an Account – Register and verify your ID.
- Deposit Funds – Bank transfer, card, or PayPal.
- Search for META – Locate Meta Platforms Inc.
- Select Order Type – Market, limit, or stop-loss order.
- Buy Shares – Confirm and execute the trade.
- Monitor & Manage – Track performance and adjust strategy.
Introduction
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. With a market cap of over \$1 trillion and strong revenue growth, Meta remains a top choice for UK investors looking to buy tech stocks.
But how do you buy Meta shares in the UK, and what are the best platforms to use? This guide walks you through the process step by step, comparing brokers, fees, and investment strategies.
Buying Meta Shares Step-by-Step Guide
Investing in Meta (META) shares is straightforward, but each step requires careful consideration. Below is a detailed guide covering everything from choosing the right broker to placing your first order.
1. Choose a Broker to Buy Meta Shares
Before investing, you need to select a trusted UK brokerage that offers Meta (META) shares. Each broker differs in fees, platform features, and user experience.
Top 3 Brokers for Buying Meta Shares in the UK
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. With a market cap of over \$1 trillion and strong revenue growth, Meta remains a top choice for UK investors looking to buy tech stocks.
But how do you buy Meta shares in the UK, and what are the best platforms to use? This guide walks you through the process step by step, comparing brokers, fees, and investment strategies.
| Broker | Commission | Minimum Deposit | FSCS Protection? | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | £0 | £50 | ✅ Yes | Social trading, CopyTrader, fractional shares |
| IG | £10 per trade | £250 | ✅ Yes | Advanced trading tools, real-time data, leverage options |
| Saxo Markets | £5 per trade | £500 | ✅ Yes | Professional trading platform, low FX fees |
2. Open an Account & Verify Your Identity
Once you’ve chosen a broker, you need to register for an account. The process is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to prevent fraud and ensure security.
How to Sign Up with a Broker
- Go to the Broker’s Website – Visit eToro, IG, or Saxo Markets and click “Sign Up”.
- Enter Your Personal Details – Provide name, email, and phone number.
- Verify Your Identity – Upload a copy of your passport or driving licence (FCA regulation).
Complete a Suitability - Assessment – Some brokers ask about your trading experience to match you with suitable investment options.
3. Deposit Funds into Your Account
To buy Meta shares, you need to fund your account. Brokers support multiple deposit methods, but fees and processing times vary.
Deposit Methods & Fees
| Deposit Method | eToro | IG | Saxo Markets | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | 1-3 business days |
| Credit/Debit Card | ✅ 0.5% FX fee | ❌ Not available | ✅ 0.5% FX fee | Instant |
4. Search for Meta Shares (Ticker: META)
Once your funds are available, search for Meta Platforms Inc. (META) on your broker’s trading platform.
How to Find Meta Shares on Your Trading Platform
- Log in to your broker account (eToro, IG, or Saxo).
- Use the search bar and enter “META” (Meta Platforms Inc.).
- Select Meta (META) from the results and open its trading page.
- Review key stock information, including live price, market cap, and trading volume.
5. Choose Your Order Type
Before placing your trade, you need to select an order type based on your investment strategy.
Types of Orders & When to Use Them
| Order Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Market Order | Buys the stock instantly at the current price. |
| Limit Order | Sets a target price, and the trade executes only if META reaches that price. |
| Stop-Loss Order | Automatically sells shares if the price drops to a pre-set level, reducing risk. |
6. Confirm Your Order & Buy Meta Shares
Once you’ve selected your order type, it’s time to execute the trade.
How to Buy Meta Shares
- Enter the Number of Shares – Choose how many META shares you want to buy. Fractional shares allow investing from as little as £10.
- Review the Trade Summary – Check the total cost, fees, and FX conversion (if applicable).
- Click “Buy” to Complete the Purchase – The trade is executed, and Meta shares are added to your portfolio.
7. Monitor Your Investment & Plan an Exit Strategy
After purchasing Meta shares, monitor your investment and decide on an exit strategy.
Investment Monitoring Tips
- Track Market News – Follow Meta’s earnings reports, new product launches, and AI/metaverse developments.
- Use Price Alerts – Set notifications for price changes to buy more or take profits.
Consider Dividend - Potential – Meta does not currently pay dividends, but this could change in the future.
Selling Your Shares:
- If you’re a long-term investor, hold Meta shares for capital appreciation.
- If you’re a trader, set profit targets and use stop-loss orders.
What is the Cheapest Way to Buy Meta Platforms Shares?
How to Buy Meta Shares at the Lowest Cost
- Use a Zero-Commission Broker – eToro offers £0 commission on US stocks.*
- Deposit in USD – Brokers like IG and Saxo charge currency conversion fees for GBP deposits. Using a multi-currency account (Wise or Revolut) can reduce this cost.
- Avoid Inactivity & Withdrawal Fees – Some brokers charge $5 per withdrawal or £10/month inactivity fees.
*Other fees may apply.
Pros and Cons of Investing in Meta Shares
Pros & Cons of Investing in Meta Shares
Before investing, consider the key advantages and risks of owning Meta (META) stock.
- Strong Revenue Growth – Meta generated $116.6 billion in 2023, a 16% YoY increase.
- Market Leader in Social Media – Owns Facebook, Instagram,
- WhatsApp with nearly 4 billion users.
Expanding into AI & Metaverse – Investing over $36 billion in VR, AI, and advertising technology. - Profitable Business Model – High-profit margins due to advertising dominance.
- Stock Buybacks – Meta has repurchased billions in shares, increasing shareholder value.
- Regulatory Risks – Ongoing EU and US antitrust investigations into Meta’s ad business.
- High Competition – Faces strong rivals like TikTok, Google, and Apple in digital advertising.
- Stock Price Volatility – META dropped 75% in 2022 before recovering in 2023.
- No Dividends – Unlike Apple or Microsoft, Meta reinvests profits instead of paying shareholders.
- Metaverse Uncertainty – Heavy investment in VR & AI, but profitability remains uncertain.
Final Thoughts
How to Buy Meta Shares at the Lowest Cost
1. Diversify Your Portfolio
Don’t invest everything in Meta—spread risk by holdingS&P 500 ETFs, Nasdaq ETFs, or other tech stocks like Apple & Microsoft.
2. Be Aware of FX Fees
UK investors pay conversion fees when buying US stocks in GBP. Use a multi-currency account (Wise or Revolut) to avoid extra costs.
3. Use a Stop-Loss to Protect Your Investment
Set a stop-loss at 10-15% below your buy price to reduce downside risk in volatile markets.
4. Monitor Market Trends & Meta’s Financial Reports
Track earnings reports, AI investments, and regulatory news to stay informed about Meta’s stock performance.
5. Invest in Meta via ETFs for Lower Risk
If you’re risk-averse, consider ETFs like VOO or QQQ, which hold Meta alongside other leading tech stocks.
Trade Smarter, not Harder
- Copy Trading
- Competitive Fees
- Multi-Asset Platform
61% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s with this provider.
FAQs
What are the tax considerations for buying Meta Platforms shares in the UK?
Capital gains tax may apply to profits from selling shares. Consult with a tax advisor for specific advice.
Does Meta Platforms pay dividends?
As of now, Meta Platforms does not pay dividends, reinvesting profits into growth initiatives.
How does currency exchange affect investing in Meta Platforms shares?
Investments in US stocks involve currency exchange risk. Fluctuations in the GBP/USD exchange rate can impact returns.
What is the minimum investment required to buy Meta Platforms shares?
This depends on the broker. Some platforms offer fractional shares, allowing investments as low as £1.
Can I buy Meta Platforms shares through a UK ISA or SIPP?
Yes, many brokers allow you to hold US stocks like Meta Platforms in ISAs and SIPPs, providing tax advantages.
References
- eToro Official Website – www.etoro.com
- IG Trading Platform – www.ig.com/uk
- Saxo Markets UK – www.home.saxo
- Meta Investor Relations – investor.fb.com
- Yahoo Finance: META Stock Data – finance.yahoo.com/quote/META
- Nasdaq: META Stock Overview – www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/meta
- Statista: Social Media Market Share – www.statista.com
