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.

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Best Forex Brokers in the UK for 2025

Author: T. Drury

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.”

Reviewer: D.Farnell

Dom Farnell

Co-Founder

Dom is an experienced retail investor, learning his craft in what he likes to call the “hard way”. Through many of these lesson’s he has crafted himself a sound investment strategy that has enabled him to make investing into a business not just a hobby. He wanted to create The Investors Centre to be able to use these lessons and help other people establish them selves in the world of investing.

“Financial clarity and integrity are the cornerstones of everything we do. We’re here to ensure that your investment journey is built on a solid financial understanding and a sound strategic foundation.”

June 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Disclaimer

How We Test

Table of Contents

Choosing the right FCA-regulated Forex broker in the UK for 2025 is key to your trading journey. This guide cuts through the noise, evaluating top platforms based on security, fees, and features, helping you trade with confidence.

Quick Answer: What's the best UK Forex Trading Platform?

The best UK forex broker in 2025 is SpreadEX. It is fully FCA-regulated, easy to use, and ideal for beginners. With low spreads, no deposit fees, and a simple platform, SpreadEX offers a strong all-around experience for new and experienced traders alike.

How Do the Top Forex Brokers in the UK Rank?

RankBrokerFCA RegulatedMin. DepositSpread (EUR/USD)Best For
1SpreadEXYes£1From 0.6 pipsBeginners
2IGYes£250From 0.6 pipsIntermediate traders
3XTBYes£0From 0.1 pipsMulti-asset trading
4Interactive BrokersYes£0From 0.1 pipsProfessional traders
5eToroYes£50From 1.0 pipsNew traders
6PepperstoneYes£0From 0.0 pips + commissionForex-focused traders
7SaxoYes£0From 0.4 pipsExpert traders

Which FCA-regulated forex brokers are most trusted for trading in the UK?

  1. SpreadEX – Best for Beginners
  2. IG – Versatile, Reliable, Great for Intermediate Traders
  3. XTB – Multi-Asset Trading, Competitive Spreads, Award-Winning Platform
  4. Interactive Brokers – Best for Pros, Global Access, Low Fees
  5. eToro – Social Trading, User-Friendly, Great for New Traders
  6. Pepperstone – Low Spreads, Fast Execution, Excellent for Forex
  7. Saxo – Premium Platform, Advanced Tools, Best for Experts

Pros & Cons

  • User-friendly for UK traders
  • Competitive spreads
  • Offers both CFDs and spread betting
  • Wide market access across forex, indices, and shares
  • No MT4/MT5 support
  • UK & Ireland access only
  • No ISA or non-leveraged investing options
SpreadEX is a UK-based broker that offers both spread betting and CFD trading. It has a simple, easy-to-use platform that’s perfect for beginners. The account setup is fast, and it provides access to a wide range of markets including forex, shares, and indices.
SpreadEX charges no commission, with forex spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, and the platform uses fixed spreads for some markets, helping traders plan costs more easily.
Yes. SpreadEX is fully authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and eligible customers are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000.
SpreadEX is ideal for beginners and casual UK traders who want a straightforward platform with low starting costs. It’s also a strong option for those interested in spread betting, especially with its tailored service for UK residents.

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 – Versatile, Reliable, Great for Intermediate Traders

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent charting and analysis tools
  • Wide asset coverage: forex, stocks, indices, crypto
  • Regulated globally (FCA, ASIC, CFTC)
  • Strong educational content
  • Higher fees for smaller accounts
  • Complex interface for beginners
  • Inactivity fee after 24 months
  • Occasional support delays

IG is one of the UK’s most established trading platforms, offering forex, indices, shares, and more. It provides powerful tools like ProRealTime and MT4, alongside excellent research and education, making it ideal for traders looking to build their skills.

IG offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, but an inactivity fee applies after 24 months. Commission may apply to some share trades, depending on the product and account type.

Yes. IG is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is also listed on the London Stock Exchange. It holds multiple top-tier regulatory licenses and offers FSCS protection up to £85,000 for eligible UK clients.

IG suits intermediate traders who want strong tools, reliable pricing, and access to a wide range of markets. It’s also a great option for those who value a well-known, transparent broker with years of proven experience.

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% 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.

XTB – Multi-Asset Trading, Competitive Spreads, Award-Winning Platform

Pros & Cons

  • Spreads from 0.1 pips on major pairs
  • Intuitive, award-winning xStation platform
  • Excellent learning resources
  • Regulated by FCA, KNF, DFSA, CNMV
  • No MT4/MT5 support
  • Fewer forex pairs than competitors
  • €10 inactivity fee after 12 months
  • Not available to U.S. clients

XTB offers a modern, user-friendly trading platform called xStation 5, with access to forex, indices, shares, commodities, and crypto. It stands out for its fast execution, excellent design, and strong educational resources tailored to active retail traders.

Spreads start from 0.1 pips on major forex pairs, with no commission on standard accounts. There are no deposit fees, and withdrawals over £60 are free. An inactivity fee may apply after 12 months without trading activity.
Yes. XTB is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the UK and operates across multiple jurisdictions in Europe and the Middle East. It maintains a strong reputation for safety and transparency, with client funds held in segregated accounts.
XTB is ideal for traders who want a clean, responsive platform with access to a broad range of markets. It’s especially useful for those who value fast execution, quality education, and low trading costs without needing MT4 or MT5.

73% 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.

Interactive Brokers – Best for Pros, Global Access, Low Fees

Pros & Cons

  • Ultra-low fees for active traders
  • Huge range of assets and forex pairs
  • Access to 150+ global markets
  • Advanced trading platforms
  • Complex interface
  • $10 inactivity fee (if balance < $100K and no commissions)
  • No MT4/MT5 integration
  • High threshold for earning interest on cash

Interactive Brokers offers advanced trading tools, access to over 150 global markets, and institutional-grade platforms. It’s designed for experienced traders who need precision, flexibility, and the ability to trade a wide range of asset classes at low cost.

Spreads are highly competitive, starting from 0.1 pips on major forex pairs. There are no deposit or inactivity fees. A tiered commission model is used for some markets, which can reduce costs further for high-volume or active traders.
Yes. Interactive Brokers is regulated by the FCA in the UK and holds multiple top-tier licenses worldwide. It is publicly traded on NASDAQ, offers strong financial disclosures, and protects client funds through account segregation and FSCS where applicable.

Interactive Brokers is best for professional traders and investors who want access to global markets, detailed reporting, and custom trading strategies. It’s not ideal for beginners due to the complexity of its platform and tools.

62.5% 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 – Social Trading, User-Friendly, Great for New Traders

Pros & Cons

  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Social/copy trading options
  • Regulated by FCA, CySEC, and ASIC
  • Good range of major forex pairs
  • Higher spreads than many brokers
  • Limited tools for technical traders
  • £10 inactivity fee after 12 months
  • Support can be slow at busy times
eToro is known for its social trading features, allowing users to copy the strategies of experienced traders. The platform is clean and simple, making it a strong entry point for beginners looking to learn and trade at the same time.
Spreads start from 1.0 pips on major forex pairs. There are no deposit fees, but a £5 withdrawal fee applies. An inactivity fee of £10 per month is charged after 12 months without login or trading activity.
Yes. eToro is regulated by the FCA in the UK and holds additional licenses from top regulators globally. It offers protection through account segregation and FSCS eligibility, ensuring client funds are handled securely.
eToro is ideal for new or casual traders who prefer an intuitive platform and want to learn by copying others. It’s also useful for those looking to invest in both forex and other assets like stocks or crypto.

CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% 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.

Pepperstone – Low Spreads, Fast Execution, Excellent for Forex

Pros & Cons

  • Very low spreads
  • MT4, MT5, and cTrader supported
  • 70+ forex pairs
  • Excellent customer support
  • Limited learning resources
  • No proprietary platform
  • Some services restricted by region
Pepperstone offers ultra-low spreads, fast trade execution, and support for multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and cTrader. It’s built for active forex traders who want reliable performance and access to advanced trading tools.
Spreads start from 0.0 pips on Razor accounts, with a small commission per trade. Standard accounts offer commission-free trading with slightly wider spreads. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, and no inactivity fee is charged.
Yes. Pepperstone is authorised by the FCA in the UK and regulated in several other major jurisdictions. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and eligible users receive FSCS protection up to £85,000.
Pepperstone is best for forex traders, scalpers, and algorithmic traders who want fast execution, low costs, and support for expert advisors. It’s a strong option for experienced users who prefer MT4/MT5 trading environments.

81.7% 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 – Premium Platform, Advanced Tools, Best for Experts

Pros & Cons

  • SaxoTraderGO & PRO offer pro-level features
  • 180+ forex pairs including exotics
  • Tiered pricing rewards active traders
  • Strong research and market insights
  • Large min. fund requirement for higher tiered accounts
  • £25 inactivity fee after 6 months
Saxo offers a professional-grade trading experience with powerful platforms like SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO. It provides access to over 180 forex pairs, advanced charting, and detailed market research for traders who demand depth and precision.
Spreads start from 0.4 pips on major forex pairs. Saxo uses tiered pricing, rewarding high-volume traders with lower costs. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, and inactivity fees may apply after extended periods of no activity.
Yes. Saxo is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the UK and operates under multiple Tier-1 licenses worldwide. It is well-capitalised, holds client funds in segregated accounts, and offers FSCS protection where applicable.
Saxo is best for experienced or professional traders who want advanced tools, access to a wide range of markets, and detailed analytics. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a more complex platform and higher trading volumes.

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.

What Should You Know Before Choosing a Forex Broker?

Choosing the right forex broker is about more than just low fees. You need to consider regulation, platform quality, trading tools, and the level of support available. Below are simple answers to common questions UK traders ask before getting started.

What does it mean if a broker is FCA-regulated?

If a broker is FCA-regulated, it is authorised to operate legally in the UK. This means the broker must follow strict rules to protect clients, including keeping client funds in separate accounts and providing FSCS protection up to £85,000.

What trading platforms do UK brokers offer?

Most UK brokers offer a choice between custom-built platforms and popular tools like MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), or cTrader. These platforms allow you to place trades, use charting tools, run strategies, and manage your account securely.

What’s the safest way to start forex trading in the UK?

The safest way is to open an account with an FCA-regulated broker, start with a demo account, and practice using virtual money. Once you’re confident, begin trading small amounts, keeping your risk low and only trading what you can afford to lose.

How much money do I need to trade forex in the UK?

You can start trading forex in the UK with as little as £1, depending on the broker. However, many traders begin with £100 to £500. It’s best to start with an amount you’re comfortable risking while you learn how the market works.

What Are the Best Forex Brokers for Beginners?

The best forex brokers for beginners are those that offer a simple platform, helpful education, and strong customer support. In the UK, SpreadEX, XTB, and eToro are excellent choices, as they combine ease of use with low costs and trusted regulation.

What Else Should You Know About Forex Trading in the UK?

How do I check if a forex broker is legit in the UK?

To confirm a broker is legitimate, check if they are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Visit the FCA Register, search the broker’s name or firm reference number, and verify their permissions and regulatory status.

Do I have to pay tax on forex trading in the UK?

Yes, you may owe tax depending on how you trade. Spread betting profits are usually tax-free, while profits from CFD trading may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). For large or frequent trades, consult a qualified tax advisor.

What is the best forex platform for copy trading?

eToro is the best platform for copy trading in the UK. It allows you to follow and automatically copy the trades of other investors. It’s FCA-regulated, user-friendly, and includes social features that help new traders learn by observing others.

What’s the best MetaTrader broker in the UK?

Pepperstone is a top MetaTrader broker in the UK, offering both MT4 and MT5 with fast execution and low spreads. It’s FCA-regulated and well-suited for algorithmic trading, expert advisors (EAs), and traders who want access to a wide range of forex pairs.

Conclusion: Which Forex Broker Is Right for You?

If you’re new to trading, SpreadEX and XTB offer user-friendly platforms, low starting deposits, and strong educational support. For those looking to minimise costs, Pepperstone and Interactive Brokers provide tight spreads and efficient pricing, making them ideal for cost-conscious traders. If you’re interested in copy trading, eToro is the leading choice, offering a regulated, easy-to-use social platform. For professionals, Interactive Brokers and Saxo deliver advanced tools, global market access, and detailed analytics suited to experienced traders.

FAQs

What is the most suitable forex broker in the UK for beginners?

SpreadEX and XTB are top choices for beginners in 2025. They offer easy-to-use platforms, helpful educational resources, and responsive customer support — perfect for those just starting out. 

Which UK forex brokers offer the lowest spreads?

Pepperstone and Interactive Brokers are known for ultra-tight spreads, with raw pricing from 0.0 pips on major pairs. They’re ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders looking to keep costs down. 

Are all forex brokers in the UK FCA regulated?

No, not all brokers are FCA regulated. To ensure your funds are protected and you’re trading legally, always choose a broker listed on the FCA Register. 

Can I trade forex in the UK with a small deposit?

Yes, many brokers like XTB and eToro allow you to start trading with as little as £50–£100. It’s a smart way to test the waters without risking too much capital upfront. 

References

  1. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – FCA Register
  2. Statista –  “Monthly Forex Trading Volume Worldwide.” 
  3. XTB Official Website – Forex Trading – How to invest in FX CFDs? 
  4. Pepperstone UK – Pepperstone: Forex Broker & CFD Trading Platform 
  5. IG UK – IG: Trade and Invest with the UK’s No.1 Trading Provider 
  6. eToro UK – Stocks & beyond: Invest in 7000+ assets on eToro 
  7. Interactive Brokers UK – International Broker – IBKR