Capital.com Review 2026 | Is It the Right Broker for UK Traders?
- expertise:
- Platform Testing, Cryptocurrency, Retail Investing
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 50+ platforms · 200+ guides authored
- expertise:
- Broker Comparison, ISA Strategy, Portfolio Management
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 40+ brokers with funded accounts
How We Test
Real accounts. Real money. Real trades. No demo accounts or press releases.
What we measure:
- Spreads vs advertised rates
- Execution speed and slippage
- Hidden fees (overnight, withdrawal, conversion)
- Actual withdrawal times
Scoring:
Fees (25%) · Platform (20%) · Assets (15%) · Mobile (15%) · Tools (10%) · Support (10%) · Regulation (5%)
Regulatory checks:
FCA Register verification · FSCS protection
Testing team:
Adam Woodhead (investing since 2013), Thomas Drury (Chartered ACII, 2018), Dom Farnell (investing since 2013) — 50+ platforms with funded accounts
Quarterly reviews · Corrections: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Educational content only. We're not FCA authorised. Consult a qualified advisor before investing.
Capital at risk. Investments can fall. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
CFD warning. 67-84% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. High risk due to leverage.
Contact: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Quick Verdict: Is Capital.com Worth It in the UK?
Capital.com is an excellent choice for UK traders seeking commission-free CFDs with lightning-fast execution. With 5,000+ markets, 0.6-pip EUR/USD spreads, and FCA regulation, it suits active traders and spread bettors. Beginners may find the lack of real shares limiting.
Capital.com is best for: active traders who want commission-free CFD trading with tight spreads, UK spread bettors seeking tax-efficient trading, and day traders who value fast execution speeds. The platform's TradingView integration and 100+ technical indicators make it particularly suitable for chart-focused strategies.
You should avoid Capital.com if: you want to buy and hold real shares (Capital.com only offers CFDs), you're seeking cryptocurrency exposure in the UK (not available to retail clients), or you prefer trading on MetaTrader 5 (only MT4 is supported).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| TIC Rating | 4.7/5 |
| Trustpilot | 4.6/5 (13,000+ reviews) |
| UK Regulator | FCA (Licence 793714) |
| Minimum Deposit | £20 |
| Trading Fees | 0% commission - spreads from 0.6 pips |
| Available Markets | 5,000+ CFDs - 4,700+ spread betting |
| Deposit Methods | Bank transfer - debit/credit card - Apple Pay |
| Mobile App | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| FSCS Protection | Up to £85,000 |
| Spread Betting | Yes (UK only - tax-free profits*) |
| 1X Account | Yes (non-leveraged - UK only) |
| Best For | Active traders - spread bettors - day traders |
Top Rated
62% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
How Do We Rate Capital.com?
We evaluate Capital.com across six key categories, with two independent experts scoring each area. Their scores are averaged to produce our final TIC Rating of 4.7/5.
| Category | Adam | Thomas | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.85 |
| Security | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.75 |
| Ease of Use | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.85 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.55 |
| Customer Support | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.55 |
| Asset Range | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.65 |
| OVERALL | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.70 |
Our Methodology
Every platform review at The Investors Centre is independently scored by two financial experts: Adam Woodhead and Thomas Drury. Each expert evaluates the platform across six categories -- Fees, Security, Ease of Use, Features, Customer Support, and Asset Range -- with scores averaged to produce our final TIC Rating.
Our process includes hands-on testing with funded accounts, verification of regulatory status through the FCA register, and fee data sourced directly from Capital.com's official documentation. We also monitor Trustpilot reviews for customer sentiment trends.
How We Tested Capital.com
Testing Period: February 2025 -- February 2026 (12 months)
Accounts Used: 3 funded accounts (CFD, spread betting, 1X non-leveraged)
Sample Sizes:
- Spread accuracy: 23 measurements across EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and UK 100 at varied times (London open, US open, overnight)
- Execution speed: 47 trades timed across all account types
- Withdrawal testing: 5 withdrawals processed (3 card, 2 bank transfer)
- Support response: 8 queries tested (4 live chat, 3 email, 1 phone)
- Platform features: Full feature audit across web, mobile app, and MT4
What We Verified Independently:
- FCA registration status via the FCA Register (FRN 793714) -- verified January 2026
- FSCS protection eligibility -- confirmed with FSCS directly
- Fee schedule accuracy -- compared advertised vs. actual charges on 47 trades
- Trustpilot reviews -- analysed sentiment trends across 13,000+ reviews
Limitations of Our Testing: We tested as retail clients only. Professional client features (including crypto CFD access) were not evaluated. Our spread measurements reflect specific timeframes and may vary based on market conditions.
What Are Capital.com's Biggest Strengths?
Commission-Free Trading with Competitive Spreads
Capital.com charges 0% commission across all markets, with EUR/USD spreads averaging just 0.6 pips and GBP/USD at 1.3 pips. ForexBrokers.com named it Best in Class for Commission & Fees in 2025.
Lightning-Fast Execution
With an average execution speed of 0.014 seconds, Capital.com is among the fastest CFD brokers available. This matters for active traders where milliseconds can affect fill prices.
UK-Exclusive Account Options
The 1X non-leveraged account and spread betting are only available to UK clients. Spread betting profits are tax-free (tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change), making Capital.com particularly attractive for UK traders.
What Are Capital.com's Main Drawbacks?
No Real Share Ownership
Capital.com only offers CFDs and spread betting, not actual shares. If you want to buy and hold stocks for dividends or long-term investment, you'll need to look elsewhere.
No Cryptocurrency Trading for UK Retail Clients
Following FCA restrictions, Capital.com cannot offer crypto CFDs to UK retail traders. Professional clients may still access crypto markets.
Limited Platform Choice
While the proprietary platform and TradingView integration are excellent, the only third-party option is MT4. Traders wanting MT5 or cTrader will need to consider alternatives.
Verification Delays on Larger Withdrawals
Withdrawals under £500 processed within the stated timeframes. However, a £750 withdrawal triggered an additional verification check that added 18 hours to the process. Capital.com support confirmed this is standard anti-money laundering compliance, but clearer upfront communication about withdrawal thresholds that trigger extra checks would help.
No Guaranteed Stop Losses
Unlike IG or CMC Markets, Capital.com doesn't offer guaranteed stop-loss orders. For most traders this won't matter, but if you trade during high-volatility events (like NFP releases), your stop losses may experience slippage.
How Much Does Capital.com Cost?
Capital.com operates on a spread-only model with no commission on any market. This transparent pricing structure makes it easy to calculate trading costs upfront.
What Are Capital.com's Trading Fees?
All trading on Capital.com is commission-free. The broker makes money through spreads -- the difference between buy and sell prices. Here's how the spreads compare across major markets:
| Market | Spread | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.6 pips | Among lowest in industry |
| GBP/USD | 1.3 pips | Competitive for majors |
| UK 100 | 1 point | FTSE 100 index CFD |
| Share CFDs | Variable | 4,000+ shares available |
Fees accurate as of February 2026. Source: Capital.com official fee schedule. Fees may change -- always verify on Capital.com's website before trading.
Are There Any Deposit or Withdrawal Fees?
Capital.com does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals. This applies across all payment methods, including bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and Apple Pay. The minimum deposit is £20 regardless of payment method.
| Method | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Free | Free | 1-2 business days |
| Debit/Credit Card | Free | Free | Instant |
| Apple Pay | Free | Free | Instant |
Capital.com processes 98.91% of withdrawals within 24 hours, with 86.99% completed within just 5 minutes.
TIC Exclusive: Our 12-Month Cost Analysis
After 12 months of active trading on Capital.com, here's what we actually paid:
| Cost Type | Total (47 trades) | Per Trade Average |
|---|---|---|
| Spread costs | £142.30 | £3.03 |
| Overnight financing | £28.45 | £0.61 (positions held overnight) |
| Currency conversion | £0 | N/A |
Based on a mix of forex, index, and share CFD trades averaging £500 position size. Your costs will vary based on position size, markets traded, and holding periods.
What About Overnight Fees?
Overnight financing charges apply to leveraged CFD positions held past market close. However, Capital.com's 1X account (available to UK clients only) does not incur overnight swap fees on share positions, making it suitable for longer-term CFD strategies without leverage.
Are There Any Hidden Fees?
Capital.com maintains a transparent fee structure with no custody fees, no account maintenance fees, and no inactivity fees mentioned in their documentation. Currency conversion fees may apply if you trade instruments denominated in a different currency to your account base currency.
What Account Types Does Capital.com Offer?
Capital.com offers three main account types for UK clients: the standard CFD account, the 1X non-leveraged account, and a spread betting account. Each serves different trading styles and tax situations.
What Is the 1X Account?
The 1X account is Capital.com's non-leveraged trading option, exclusive to UK clients. With one-for-one market exposure, you buy and sell CFDs without margin requirements. The key advantage is no overnight swap fees on share positions, making it suitable for traders who want to hold positions longer without incurring daily financing charges. You still don't own the underlying shares, but you avoid the complexity and cost of leverage.
Is Spread Betting Available?
Yes, Capital.com offers spread betting exclusively to UK clients across 4,700+ markets. Spread betting profits are free from Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty, making it potentially more tax-efficient than CFD trading for profitable traders. For a broader comparison, see our guide to the best spread betting brokers in the UK.
Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. If you're unsure, consult a tax professional.
Is Capital.com Good For Beginners?
Capital.com scored Best in Class for Ease of Use at the ForexBrokers.com 2025 awards, and the platform's clean interface supports this. Navigation is intuitive, with clear buy/sell buttons and straightforward order entry. The mobile app mirrors the desktop experience closely.
For learning, Capital.com offers Investmate -- a free educational app with bite-sized lessons under three minutes each. The main platform includes a demo account with virtual funds so you can practice without risking real money. The broker also runs a YouTube channel with over 240,000 subscribers featuring market analysis and educational content.
However, beginners should understand that CFD trading carries significant risk. Capital.com's own risk warning states that 60% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. The platform is genuinely easy to use, but the products themselves are complex instruments that require proper understanding before trading with real funds.
My First Impressions of Capital.com
I signed up to Capital.com in February 2025 as part of my research for The Investors Centre, and I'm still using them personally today -- it's now my primary platform for CFD trading. Opening the account took about five minutes, with ID verification completing surprisingly fast. My first trade was a £50 position on GBP/USD; the order executed instantly and the fee structure was exactly as advertised.
Over the past 12 months, I've executed 47 trades across all three account types (CFD, spread betting, and 1X) and processed five withdrawals to test their stated timings. What keeps me coming back is the TradingView integration -- having professional-grade charts within the broker's platform, rather than switching between tabs, genuinely improves the experience. The mobile app mirrors this well; I've executed trades on my commute without issues.
What I Measured During Testing (January 2025 -- January 2026)
| Metric | Advertised | My Results | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 0.7 pips avg | Measured during London session, 9-11am GMT |
| GBP/USD spread | 1.3 pips | 1.4 pips avg | Higher during news events |
| Execution speed | 0.014s | 0.012-0.018s | 47 trades measured |
| Withdrawal (card) | 24 hours | 4 hours avg | 3 withdrawals tested |
| Withdrawal (bank) | 1-2 days | 1.5 days avg | 2 withdrawals tested |
The Friction I Encountered
My main frustration was discovering that some desktop features don't translate fully to mobile. The TradingView integration works well on the app, but I couldn't access my full trade history beyond the last 30 days without switching to the web platform. For traders who primarily use mobile, this means occasional desktop sessions for detailed account reviews.
I also hit an unexpected verification request on my third withdrawal (£750), which added 18 hours to processing. Support explained this was standard AML compliance for amounts above a certain threshold, but clearer upfront communication would help.
One limitation worth noting: if you're used to MT5 or cTrader, you'll need to adapt. Capital.com only offers MT4 as a third-party option, and honestly, their proprietary platform is good enough that I rarely open MT4 anyway.
-- Adam Woodhead, The Investors Centre
Author Disclosure
Thomas Drury holds an active spread betting account with Capital.com with open positions as of the publication date. He has used Capital.com since 2023.
Adam Woodhead uses Capital.com as his primary CFD trading platform and maintains a funded 1X account. He has tested the platform with personal funds since February 2025.
Neither author has received payment, free services, or other compensation from Capital.com for this review. The Investors Centre earns commission through affiliate links, which does not influence our ratings or recommendations. Our full editorial policy is available on our How We Test page.
How Do You Open A Capital.com Account?
Opening an account with Capital.com is straightforward and typically takes 5-10 minutes. Here's the step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Visit Capital.com and click 'Trade Now' or 'Create Account'. You can also download the mobile app first.
- Step 2: Enter your email address and create a password, or sign up using Google or Apple.
- Step 3: Complete the suitability questionnaire. This assesses your trading experience and understanding of CFD risks -- required by FCA regulation.
- Step 4: Verify your identity by uploading a photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).
- Step 5: Choose your account type: CFD, spread betting, or 1X (non-leveraged). You can open multiple account types later.
- Step 6: Fund your account with a minimum of £20 using bank transfer, card, or Apple Pay.
- Step 7: Start trading. Consider using the demo account first to familiarise yourself with the platform without risking real money.
How Does Capital.com Compare to Alternatives?
Capital.com competes directly with other UK CFD brokers. Here's how it stacks up against popular alternatives. For detailed comparisons, see our Capital.com vs Trading 212, XTB vs Capital.com, Capital.com vs Plus500, Capital.com vs IG, Capital.com vs eToro, and Capital.com vs CMC Markets guides.
| Broker | Min Deposit | Advertised EUR/USD | Our Tested Spread* | UK Regulation | Spread Betting | Real Shares | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital.com | £20 | 0.6 pips | 0.7 pips | FCA | Yes | No | Active CFD traders and spread bettors |
| eToro | $100 | 1.0 pips | 1.1 pips | FCA | No | Yes | Copy trading and social features |
| IG | £0 | 0.6 pips | 0.8 pips | FCA | Yes | Yes | Wide market range and established |
| XTB | £0 | 0.8 pips | 0.9 pips | FCA | No | Yes | Real shares + CFDs combined |
Capital.com's key advantages are its tight spreads, fast execution, and UK-exclusive features like spread betting and the 1X account. IG offers a wider market range, while XTB provides real share dealing alongside CFDs -- something Capital.com lacks.
Final Thoughts
Capital.com delivers where it matters most for active UK traders: tight spreads, fast execution, and a genuinely user-friendly platform. The 0% commission model keeps costs predictable, while UK-exclusive features like spread betting and the 1X account add flexibility you won't find with offshore brokers.
The limitations are worth considering. No real share ownership means Capital.com isn't suitable for traditional buy-and-hold investing. The lack of UK crypto access will disappoint some traders. And if MT5 or cTrader are important to your strategy, you'll need to look elsewhere.
For its intended audience -- active CFD traders, spread bettors, and those who value execution speed -- Capital.com earns its 4.7/5 rating. The platform does what it does well, and the Good Money Guide Best Trading App 2025 award reflects genuine quality rather than marketing spend.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 60% 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.
FAQs
References
62% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.