Best Options Trading Platforms In The UK 2025
We tested leading FCA-regulated brokers to find the best platforms for UK options traders. Our criteria included fees, platform tools, trade execution, education, and real-world usability. Whether you’re new to options or advanced, these platforms offer the control, flexibility, and safety serious traders need.
Quick Answer – What’s the Best Platform for UK Options Trading in 2025?
SpreadEX is the best UK options trading platform in 2025. It combines intuitive spread betting-based options with competitive pricing and FCA regulation, giving traders flexibility without contract complexity. IG remains a close alternative, providing global access, advanced tools, and professional-grade analytics for serious options traders.
How Do the Top Options Brokers in the UK Rank?
| Rank | Broker | FCA Regulated? | Minimum Deposit | Options Available | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpreadEX | Yes | £1 | Options via spread betting | Simpler options exposure for intermediates |
| 2 | IG | Yes | £250 | Equity, Index, Forex | All-round performance & global access |
| 3 | XTB | Yes | £0 | Limited (CFDs only) | Fast execution & clean interface |
| 4 | Saxo | Yes | £500 (Classic) | Global listed options | Advanced tools for experienced traders |
| 5 | Interactive Brokers | Yes | £0 (Tiered) | Wide range – US, UK, Asia | Low-cost, high-volume professional trading |
| 6 | Plus500 | Yes | £100 | Options via CFDs | Beginners wanting simplicity |
Here are the Top 6 Options Brokers in the UK:
- Spreadex – Intermediate Traders, Comprehensive Features
- IG – Best Advanced Platform, Versatile and Reliable
- XTB – Fast Execution, Free Market Analysis, User-Friendly Interface
- Saxo – Advanced Analytical Tools, Professional-Grade Platform
- Interactive Brokers – Low Trading Costs, Wide Market Access
- Plus500 – CFD Options Trading, Intuitive and Efficient
Spreadex – Best Options Platform for Simplicity and Spread Betting
Pros & Cons
- Wide range of markets for spread betting and CFDs
- All-in-one platform with a user-friendly interface
- Low trading costs and competitive spreads
- Strong customer service with personalised support
- No ISAs or non-leveraged investment accounts
- Limited international access (mostly UK & Ireland)
- Doesn’t support MT4/MT5 (but does offer TradingView integration)
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Options Trading?
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Is This Broker FCA Regulated & Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
Spreadex doesn’t charge traditional commissions — costs are built into fixed or variable spreads. There are no platform or inactivity fees, making it a low-cost choice for occasional and regular UK traders. Options are accessed via CFDs or spread bets.
Spreadex offers a clean, proprietary web platform with real-time charts and customisable watchlists. It integrates options-style trades into spread betting. While it lacks advanced analytics, it’s ideal for those who prefer a simple, fast user experience.
Yes — Spreadex is authorised and regulated by the FCA. The firm is UK-based, well-established, and offers FSCS protection for eligible client funds. Security features include secure logins and account protections.
Spreadex suits intermediate traders looking for straightforward access to options exposure through spread betting. It’s especially good for those seeking low-cost trades, FCA oversight, and a simple, user-friendly platform without the clutter of professional-grade features.
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 - Best All-Round Options Platform
Pros & Cons
- Broad access to global options markets
- Powerful web, desktop, and mobile platforms
- Excellent strategy builders and analytics tools
- Trusted FCA regulation
- Comprehensive educational content
- £250 minimum deposit
- Some options fees are higher than competitors
- Can feel complex for IG beginners
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Options Trading?
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Is This Broker FCA Regulated & Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
IG charges £0.10–£0.30 per contract, depending on volume and asset class. No platform fee for standard accounts, but a £24/quarter inactivity fee applies. Spreads are competitive, though exact costs vary by market and strategy complexity.
IG offers an intuitive web platform, mobile app, and ProRealTime for advanced users. Tools include options chains, risk/reward calculators, strategy builders, and real-time analytics. Execution is reliable, and the UI balances functionality with ease of use.
Yes — IG is fully FCA regulated, with client funds protected under FSCS rules. It offers two-factor authentication, strong encryption, and decades-long credibility as a UK-based financial services provider.
IG is ideal for intermediate to advanced traders who want serious tools, global options access, and reliable execution. Beginners will benefit from IG Academy but should be ready for a learning curve due to the platform’s depth.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% 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 – Best for Fast Execution and Clean User Experience
Pros & Cons
- FCA regulated with strong UK presence
- No minimum deposit to get started
- Fast, stable execution via xStation 5
- Free educational resources and analysis
- Excellent mobile trading experience
- No traditional listed options (CFDs only)
- Limited options-specific tools
- Platform lacks strategy builder features
- Not ideal for multi-leg or complex trades
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Options Trading?
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Is This Broker FCA Regulated & Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
XTB charges no commission on stock and ETF CFDs (limits apply), and all trading costs are built into the spread. There’s no platform fee, though an inactivity fee of €10/month applies after 12 months without trading.
The xStation 5 platform is fast, user-friendly, and ideal for trading options-style instruments through CFDs. It includes charts, market news, and built-in sentiment tools, though lacks dedicated options analytics or multi-leg trade builders.
Yes — XTB is FCA regulated and publicly listed. The platform uses strong encryption, two-step authentication, and client fund segregation for security. It also offers negative balance protection.
XTB is a great choice for beginner to intermediate traders who want a no-frills, fast platform to trade options via CFDs. It’s especially strong for mobile traders and those who value simplicity over complex trading setups.
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.
Saxo – Best for Professional-Grade Options Trading Tools
Pros & Cons
- Access to 40,000+ instruments including global listed options
- SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO offer high-level analytics
- FCA-regulated and trusted internationally
- Tiered account structure for personalised service
- Excellent execution quality and risk tools
- High minimum deposit for most accounts (£500+)
- Complex interface not ideal for beginners
- Some fees higher than average
- No commission-free trading
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Options Trading?
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Is This Broker FCA Regulated & Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
Saxo charges from £1.50 per UK options contract (varies by account tier). No platform fee on SaxoInvestor, but SaxoTraderGO/PRO may incur additional charges. Currency conversion and inactivity fees may apply.
SaxoTraderGO and PRO deliver advanced strategy tools, real-time risk analysis, options chain access, and volatility overlays. Both are available on desktop and mobile, supporting multi-leg trades and custom setups.
Yes — Saxo is FCA regulated in the UK and overseen by multiple global authorities. Client funds are protected, and the platform is known for high transparency and data security.
Saxo is perfect for experienced or professional traders needing global access, granular strategy control, and institutional-level features. It’s best for those who trade actively and can justify the higher cost of entry.
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.
Interactive Brokers – Best for Low-Cost Global Options Trading
Pros & Cons
- Extremely low commissions on global options
- Access to 100+ markets and advanced order types
- Robust Trader Workstation (TWS) platform
- Transparent, tiered pricing
- FCA regulated with high trust ratings
- Platform has a steep learning curve
- Minimum deposit may vary by account type
- Market data fees can add up
- Not ideal for casual or first-time traders
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Options Trading?
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Is This Broker FCA Regulated & Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
IBKR uses a tiered structure: UK options start from £1.50 per contract, US options from $0.15–$0.65. No inactivity or platform fees. Optional add-ons like market data may incur charges depending on usage.
Interactive Brokers offers Trader Workstation (TWS) — a professional-grade platform with options chains, strategy builders, volatility analytics, and multi-leg trade support. There’s also a strong mobile app and web version for flexible access.
Yes — IBKR is fully regulated by the FCA, among others. It’s also a publicly traded firm with strict compliance, advanced security measures, and client fund protection under FSCS.
Interactive Brokers is ideal for experienced traders or professionals needing ultra-low fees, global options access, and powerful tools. It’s less suited to beginners, but hard to beat on cost and capability.
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.
Plus500 – Best for Intuitive, user-friendly platform and CFD-Based Options Trading
Pros & Cons
- Intuitive, easy-to-learn platform
- FCA regulated with built-in risk tools
- Trade options via CFDs with no commissions and tight spreads
- Accessible via mobile and desktop
- Low minimum deposit
- Only supports options via CFDs (not direct contracts)
- Limited strategy-building tools
- Lacks educational depth for advanced options
- Spread costs can vary widely
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What Are the Trading Fees & Commissions?
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What Platform & Tools Are Available for Options Trading?
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Is This Broker FCA Regulated & Safe for UK Traders?
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Who Is This Platform Best Suited For?
Plus500 charges no commission; all costs are built into the spread. A $10/month inactivity fee applies after 3 months of no login. Currency conversion and overnight funding charges may also apply.
The Plus500 platform is clean and beginner-friendly with built-in tools like stop-loss, take-profit, and guaranteed stop. Additionally, the platform offers a demo account alongside Trading Academy, webinars, and market insight to help traders develop their skills before transitioning to live trading. While it lacks advanced strategy features, it provides real-time quotes and risk management options across CFD-based contracts.
Yes —Plus500UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 509909). It uses segregated client accounts, negative balance protection, and operates under UK and international compliance standards.
Best for casual and beginner traders who want simple exposure to options via CFDs. Ideal if you prioritise ease of use over complex features and don’t need multi-leg strategy support.
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.
What Should You Look For in an Options Trading Platform?
How Important Are Fees & Commissions?
Fees can quickly eat into profits, especially for active traders. Look for transparent pricing on contracts, spreads, and platform use. Platforms like Interactive Brokers offer tiered commissions, while others like Plus500 bundle costs into spreads—each model suits different trading styles.
Do You Need Advanced Strategy Tools or Just the Basics?
If you’re running complex strategies like iron condors or spreads, you’ll want tools for multi-leg execution, Greeks, and volatility analysis. Beginners may prefer simpler interfaces with educational content and one-click trading. Choose the toolkit that aligns with your experience level.
What Role Does Regulation Play in Trading Safety?
FCA regulation is essential for UK traders—it ensures fund segregation, negative balance protection, and compliance oversight. Avoid offshore brokers with weak safeguards. Regulated platforms reduce risk from fraud, protect your deposits, and are more reliable in dispute resolution.
Should You Choose CFD Options or Listed Contracts?
CFD options (offered by platforms like Plus500) are simpler but don’t offer direct ownership or multi-leg flexibility. Listed options (via IG or Saxo) allow for more strategy depth and better pricing. The right choice depends on your goals and experience.
What Are the Risks of Options Trading – and How Can You Manage Them?
What Are the Key Risks in UK Options Trading?
Options trading involves leverage, time decay, and volatility risks. Poor timing, unclear strategies, or ignoring margin requirements can lead to rapid losses. Beginners often underestimate complexity—especially with multi-leg trades. Losses may exceed deposits if risk controls aren’t properly in place.
How Should You Limit Losses and Manage Exposure?
Use stop-losses, limit orders, and defined-risk strategies like spreads. Avoid overleveraging or risking more than 2% of capital per trade. Platforms with strong risk tools—such as AvaProtect or margin calculators—help maintain discipline. Track your trades and always assess risk-to-reward.
Are Options Suitable for Beginners or Only Experienced Traders?
Options can suit beginners if they start small and use simple strategies. Platforms like Spreadex or IG provide educational tools and demo accounts. However, advanced contracts and complex structures are best left to experienced traders who fully understand risk, margin, and expiry mechanics.
Final Verdict – Which Options Broker Is Right for You?
Choosing the right options trading platform comes down to your goals, experience, and trading style.
If you’re just getting started, Spreadex offers a simple, tax-efficient way to gain exposure through spread betting. For more experienced traders, IG provides global market access and professional-grade tools that support complex strategies. Those focused on keeping costs low will find XTB’s commission-free structure attractive, while Interactive Brokers is ideal for active traders who want full control, depth of markets, and precision execution.
Whichever you choose, make sure the platform is FCA regulated, transparent on fees, and provides the tools and education you need to trade confidently. Start with a demo account, define your risk tolerance, and build gradually—options trading rewards preparation and discipline.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% 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
Is options trading legal in the UK?
Yes, options trading is legal in the UK—as long as you’re using a regulated broker authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). I always stick with FCA-regulated platforms for safety and peace of mind.
Do I need a special account to trade options?
Most platforms require you to apply for an options-enabled account. Depending on the broker, this might mean passing a quick suitability check or proving your trading experience.
How much money do I need to start trading options?
What’s the difference between CFDs on options and actual options contracts?
CFDs let you speculate on the price of an option, but you don’t own the options contract. With direct options trading, you can use advanced strategies like spreads, collars, or covered calls. I prefer trading the real thing when possible.
What’s the best platform for beginners to trade options in the UK?
How risky is options trading?
Can I automate options trading?
References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – https://www.fca.org.uk
- IG Academy – Options Trading Education
- Interactive Brokers – Options Trading Overview
- Saxo Markets – Derivatives & Options Trading
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – Capital Gains Tax
- SpreadEx – Options Trading Guide | Financial Spread Betting
- eToro UK – CFD Trading Guide
