Choosing the best gold trading platform in the UK for 2026 comes down to cost, execution quality, and how much flexibility you want when trading gold. We compared leading platforms side by side, placing live gold trades and analysing spreads, platforms, and instrument coverage.
Below, you’ll find a clear verdict, followed by detailed reviews comparing the top UK brokers for gold trading across different trading styles and experience levels.
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Gold Trading Platform?
IG is the best gold trading platform in 2026 due to its broad range of gold instruments, consistently reliable execution, and strong regulatory oversight. Capital.com and CMC Markets stand out for low-cost gold CFDs, while Pepperstone is the top choice for MT4 and MT5 gold trading.
IG
Gold Trading Score: 4.9/5
67% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
Capital.com
Gold Trading Score: 4.7/5
60% of Retail CFD Accounts Lose Money
How Do These Gold Trading Brokers Compare?
| Rank | Broker | Typical Gold Spread (XAU/USD) | Other Precious Metals | Platforms Available | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IG | ~0.30 points | Silver, platinum, palladium | Web platform, mobile app, MT4 | Wide range of gold instruments |
| 2 | Capital.com | ~0.30 points | Silver | Web platform, mobile app | Low-cost gold CFD trading |
| 3 | CMC Markets | ~0.25 points | Silver, platinum | Next Generation platform, MT4 | Tight gold spreads |
| 4 | Pepperstone | ~0.15 points (raw + commission) | Silver, platinum, palladium | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4/MT5 gold trading |
| 5 | City Index | ~0.40 points | Silver | Web platform, mobile app, MT4 | Experienced gold traders |
| 6 | Plus500 | ~0.40 points | Silver | Web platform, mobile app | Simple gold trading app |
Top Gold Trading Platforms Reviewed
- IG – Wide range of gold instruments
- Capital.com – Low-cost gold CFD trading
- CMC Markets – Tight gold spreads
- Pepperstone – MT4/MT5 gold trading
- City Index – Experienced gold traders
- Plus500 – Simple gold trading app
To identify the best gold trading platforms for 2026, we tested each broker using live trading accounts and real gold trades. We placed XAU/USD trades during both peak and off-peak market hours to see how spreads behaved in normal and volatile conditions. We also used each platform across web, mobile, and, where available, MT4 or MT5 to assess charting tools, order execution, and risk controls.
| What We Tested | How It Was Assessed |
|---|---|
| Gold spreads | Live XAU/USD trades at different times |
| Platforms | Web, mobile, MT4/MT5 usability |
| Trading costs | Spreads and overnight fees |
| Execution & risk | Order fills, stops, platform stability |
IG – Best Overall for Gold Instrument Variety
Pros & Cons
- Wide choice of gold instruments, including CFDs, futures, options, and gold-backed ETFs
- Reliable order execution during volatile gold trading sessions
- Multiple platforms available, including web, mobile, and MT4
- Strong regulatory track record and long-standing market presence
- Gold spreads are competitive but not the lowest among CFD brokers
- Overnight financing costs can add up on longer-term gold positions
- Platform depth may feel unnecessary for beginners focused only on simple gold trades
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What Makes IG Good for Gold Trading?
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Is IG Safe for Gold Traders?
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What Are IG’s Gold Trading Costs?
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What Other Precious Metals Can You Trade with IG?
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Who Is IG Best For?
IG is good for gold trading because it offers more ways to trade gold than almost any other platform we tested. In our tests, we were able to trade spot gold, gold CFDs, futures, options, and gold-backed ETFs from a single account. When we traded gold on IG’s web platform and MT4, execution was smooth even during busy sessions around major market opens. The charting tools are well suited to gold’s volatility, with flexible timeframes and indicators that made it easy to analyse short-term price moves.
IG is safe for gold traders because it is a well-established broker operating under strict regulatory oversight. Client funds are held separately from company funds, and risk disclosures are clear before you place a trade. This matters for gold traders, as positions are often held during volatile periods when platform reliability and financial strength are critical.
IG’s gold trading costs are mainly made up of the spread on XAU/USD and overnight financing on leveraged positions. When we monitored gold spreads during peak trading hours, they typically sat around 0.30 points and remained stable in normal market conditions. Overnight financing applies to multi-day positions, but these charges are displayed clearly before you open a trade, which helps avoid unexpected costs.
IG lets you trade silver, platinum, and palladium in addition to gold. These metals are available through CFDs and, in some cases, futures or options, making it easy to diversify into other precious metals without opening a separate account.
IG is best for traders who want flexibility and depth when trading gold. It suits active traders, hedgers, and those who value access to multiple gold instruments on a stable platform rather than chasing the very lowest spreads.
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.
Capital.com – Best for Low-Cost Gold CFDs
Pros & Cons
- Consistently low spreads on gold CFDs with no commission
- Simple, fast platform that works well on web and mobile
- Clear cost breakdowns before placing gold trades
- Strong educational tools for newer gold traders
- Limited range of gold instruments compared to multi-asset brokers
- No access to gold futures or options
- Not suitable for traders who rely on MT4 or MT5
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What Makes Capital.com Good for Gold Trading?
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Is Capital.com Safe for Gold Traders?
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What Are Capital.com’s Gold Trading Costs?
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What Other Precious Metals Can You Trade with Capital.com?
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Who Is Capital.com Best For?
Capital.com is good for gold trading because it keeps costs low and execution simple. In our tests, we placed multiple XAU/USD trades on both the web platform and mobile app, and the experience was fast and intuitive throughout. Order placement is straightforward, charts load quickly, and risk controls like stop losses are easy to apply, which suits active gold traders who want speed without complexity.
Capital.com is safe for gold traders because it operates under recognised regulatory standards and applies clear client protection measures. Funds are kept separate from operational capital, and risk warnings are clearly displayed before trades are opened. For gold traders using leverage, this transparency helps reduce the chance of unexpected exposure during sharp market moves.
Capital.com’s gold trading costs are built entirely into the spread, with no additional commission. When we traded gold on the platform, typical XAU/USD spreads were around 0.30 points during normal market conditions. We also checked overnight financing on multi-day positions, and while these fees apply, they are shown clearly in the trade ticket before you commit.
In addition to gold, Capital.com allows you to trade silver as a CFD. While the precious metals range is narrower than some competitors, it covers the most actively traded alternatives for those looking to diversify beyond gold.
Capital.com is best for traders who want low-cost gold CFD trading without unnecessary platform complexity. It suits beginners and intermediate traders who prioritise tight spreads, clean execution, and a user-friendly trading experience over access to advanced instruments.
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.
CMC Markets – Lowest Gold Spreads
Pros & Cons
- Consistently tight gold spreads, especially during peak trading hours
- Advanced charting and analysis tools built into the platform
- Strong range of order types and risk management features
- Long-standing, well-regulated broker with a solid reputation
- Platform may feel complex for newer gold traders
- Limited range of gold instruments compared to IG
- MT4 offering is more basic than its proprietary platform
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What Makes CMC Markets Good for Gold Trading?
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Is CMC Markets Safe for Gold Traders?
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What Are CMC Markets’ Gold Trading Costs?
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What Other Precious Metals Can You Trade with CMC Markets?
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Who Is CMC Markets Best For?
CMC Markets is good for gold trading because it offers some of the tightest spreads we observed during live testing. When we traded gold on CMC’s Next Generation platform, spreads on XAU/USD regularly stayed around 0.25 points in normal market conditions. The platform is built with active trading in mind, offering detailed charts, multiple order types, and fast access to gold markets during high-liquidity sessions.
CMC Markets is safe for gold traders because it is a long-established broker operating under strict regulatory oversight. Client funds are held separately, and risk controls such as guaranteed stop-loss orders are available on gold trades. This added protection is useful when trading gold during volatile periods driven by economic data or geopolitical events.
CMC Markets’ gold trading costs are primarily driven by the spread, with no commission on standard gold trades. In our tests, spreads remained consistently tight during peak hours and widened less than expected during quieter sessions. Overnight financing applies to leveraged positions, but these charges are shown clearly before placing a trade, making total costs easy to track.
Alongside gold, CMC Markets offers trading on silver and platinum. While the precious metals range is smaller than some competitors, it covers the most liquid alternatives for traders looking to branch out beyond gold.
CMC Markets is best for experienced traders who focus on short-term gold trading and care most about tight spreads and advanced tools. It suits those who are comfortable using a feature-rich platform and want precise control over entries, exits, and risk.
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.
Pepperstone – Best for MT4/MT5 Gold Trading
Pros & Cons
- Excellent support for MT4 and MT5 gold trading
- Very tight raw spreads on gold with commission-based pricing
- Fast execution suited to short-term and automated strategies
- Choice of platforms including cTrader alongside MT4/MT5
- No proprietary web platform for casual traders
- Gold trading costs depend on commission structure
- Fewer gold-related instruments than multi-asset brokers
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What Makes Pepperstone Good for Gold Trading?
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Is Pepperstone Safe for Gold Traders?
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What Are Pepperstone’s Gold Trading Costs?
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What Other Precious Metals Can You Trade with Pepperstone?
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Who Is Pepperstone Best For?
Pepperstone is good for gold trading because it offers excellent execution and platform support for MT4 and MT5 users. When we traded gold on MT5 during active market sessions, orders were filled quickly with minimal slippage. The platform setup works well for gold traders who rely on technical indicators, expert advisors, or short-term strategies, especially during periods of high liquidity.
Pepperstone is safe for gold traders because it operates under recognised regulatory standards and applies strict client fund protections. Client money is kept separate from company funds, and margin requirements are clearly outlined before trades are placed. For gold traders using leverage, this clarity helps manage risk during sharp price movements.
Pepperstone’s gold trading costs depend on the account type you choose. On its raw pricing accounts, we observed very tight gold spreads, often around 0.15 points, with a small commission added per trade. When we monitored spreads during peak trading hours, overall costs remained among the lowest we tested, particularly for active or high-frequency gold traders.
In addition to gold, Pepperstone allows trading in silver, platinum, and palladium. These metals are available as CFDs and integrate seamlessly into MT4, MT5, and cTrader, making it easy to diversify precious metals exposure using the same tools and strategies.
Pepperstone is best for traders who rely on MT4 or MT5 for gold trading. It suits technically focused traders, scalpers, and algorithmic traders who prioritise tight pricing, fast execution, and platform flexibility over access to a wide range of gold instruments.
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.
City Index – Best for Experienced Gold Traders
Pros & Cons
- Advanced trading tools suited to active gold traders
- Strong range of order types, including guaranteed stops
- Reliable execution during volatile gold trading sessions
- Backed by a long-standing, well-capitalised trading group
- Gold spreads are higher than low-cost CFD specialists
- Platform can feel complex for beginners
- Precious metals range is more limited than some competitors
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What Makes City Index Good for Gold Trading?
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Is City Index Safe for Gold Traders?
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What Are City Index’s Gold Trading Costs?
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What Other Precious Metals Can You Trade with City Index?
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Who Is City Index Best For?
City Index is good for gold trading because it offers professional-grade tools designed for active and experienced traders. When we traded gold on City Index’s web platform, execution remained reliable during fast-moving sessions driven by economic data releases. The platform includes advanced charting, multiple order types, and strong risk controls, which are particularly useful when trading gold’s sharp intraday moves.
City Index is safe for gold traders because it operates under strict regulatory standards and applies robust client fund protections. Client money is held separately from company funds, and guaranteed stop-loss orders are available on gold trades. These features add an extra layer of protection during periods of extreme gold price volatility.
City Index’s gold trading costs are based on the spread, with no separate commission on standard gold trades. In our tests, typical XAU/USD spreads were around 0.40 points during normal market conditions. While this is higher than some competitors, pricing remained stable, and all costs were clearly shown in the trade ticket before execution.
Alongside gold, City Index offers trading in silver. While the precious metals range is narrower than multi-asset brokers, it covers the most actively traded alternative for traders who want limited diversification beyond gold.
City Index is best for experienced traders who value advanced tools and risk management when trading gold. It suits those who prioritise platform functionality and execution reliability over chasing the lowest possible spreads.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs 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.
Plus500 – Best Gold Trading App
Pros & Cons
- Simple, intuitive app designed for quick gold trades
- No commission on gold CFDs, with costs built into the spread
- Easy risk controls, including guaranteed stop losses
- Well suited to short-term and occasional gold trading
- Limited analysis and charting tools
- No MT4 or MT5 support
- Narrow range of precious metals compared to larger brokers
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What Makes Plus500 Good for Gold Trading?
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Is Plus500 Safe for Gold Traders?
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What Are Plus500’s Gold Trading Costs?
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What Other Precious Metals Can You Trade with Plus500?
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Who Is Plus500 Best For?
Plus500 is good for gold trading because it offers a clean, app-focused experience that makes placing gold trades quick and straightforward. When we traded gold using the Plus500 mobile app, order placement was fast and uncomplicated, with clear pricing shown before execution. This simplicity works well for traders who want to react to gold price movements without managing complex tools or layouts.
Plus500 is safe for gold traders because it operates under recognised regulatory standards and applies clear client protection measures. Client funds are held separately, and risk warnings are displayed prominently before trades are opened. Guaranteed stop-loss orders are also available, which can help limit losses during sudden gold price swings.
Plus500’s gold trading costs are included in the spread, with no additional commission. In our tests, typical gold spreads were around 0.40 points during normal conditions. While this pricing is higher than specialist low-cost brokers, costs were transparent and easy to understand before placing a trade.
In addition to gold, Plus500 allows you to trade silver as a CFD. The limited precious metals range reflects the platform’s focus on simplicity rather than broad market coverage.
Plus500 is best for traders who want a simple, mobile-first way to trade gold. It suits beginners and casual traders who value ease of use and clear risk controls over advanced tools or access to multiple gold instruments.
68% 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 Is Gold Trading and How Does It Work?
Gold trading is the process of speculating on changes in the price of gold without owning the physical metal. Online platforms let you trade gold using financial instruments that track the market price, which allows traders to react quickly to price movements and manage risk more efficiently than buying physical gold.
Ways to Trade Gold
Gold can be traded in several ways, but most online traders use CFDs because they offer flexibility and low upfront costs. CFDs allow you to trade gold prices both up and down using leverage, which makes them suitable for short-term strategies and active trading, especially on platforms designed for gold CFD trading. In our testing, gold CFDs also offered the tightest pricing and fastest execution compared to other methods.
Spot gold trading tracks the real-time price of gold, usually quoted as XAU/USD, and is commonly used for intraday trading. Futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell gold at a future date and are mainly used by professional traders due to fixed expiry dates and larger contract sizes. Gold ETFs track the price of gold and trade like shares, making them better suited to longer-term exposure and investors looking to invest in gold without using leverage.
Physical Gold vs Gold CFDs – What’s the Difference?
The key difference is that physical gold involves ownership, while gold CFDs provide price exposure only. Physical gold comes with storage, insurance, and resale costs, which limits its practicality for active trading. Gold CFDs are highly liquid, allow smaller position sizes, and make it easy to enter and exit trades quickly.
Most online traders favour CFDs because they offer leverage, transparent costs, and the ability to trade both rising and falling gold prices. These features make CFDs more practical for active trading than holding physical gold.
Is Gold Spread Betting Tax-Free?
Gold spread betting is often tax-efficient because profits are typically not subject to capital gains tax in some jurisdictions. This is due to spread betting being treated as betting rather than investing. However, tax treatment depends on personal circumstances, and losses cannot usually be offset, so traders should understand both the benefits and limitations before using this approach.
How Do You Choose the Right Gold Trading Platform?
Choosing the right gold trading platform comes down to cost, execution, and how well the platform supports gold-specific trading. From our testing, these are the factors that matter most when comparing brokers:
- Gold spreads and rollover fees: Tight spreads reduce entry costs, while low overnight financing matters if you hold gold positions for more than one day.
- Execution quality: Fast, reliable order execution is critical when gold prices move sharply around economic data or market opens.
- Charting and analysis tools: Gold benefits from strong technical analysis tools, including multiple timeframes and indicators.
- Precious metals range: Access to silver, platinum, or palladium makes it easier to diversify beyond gold.
- Risk controls: Features like stop losses and guaranteed stop-loss orders help manage downside risk during volatile periods.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best gold trading platform comes down to how you plan to trade gold. Platforms like IG stand out for flexibility and depth, while lower-cost providers such as Capital.com and CMC Markets suit traders focused on keeping costs tight. If platform choice or simplicity matters more, Pepperstone and Plus500 offer clear alternatives.
The key is matching the platform to your trading style, risk tolerance, and experience level. Gold markets can move quickly, so choosing a platform with reliable execution, transparent costs, and strong risk controls makes a meaningful difference over time.
FAQs
What is the best platform to trade gold?
The best platform to trade gold depends on your priorities, but platforms with reliable execution, competitive spreads, and multiple gold instruments tend to perform best. In our testing, brokers that combine stable pricing with strong risk controls stood out for consistent gold trading.
Is gold trading suitable for beginners?
Gold trading can be suitable for beginners because gold markets are liquid and widely followed. However, beginners should start with small position sizes, use clear risk controls, and avoid high leverage until they understand how gold prices react to news and volatility.
When is the best time to trade gold?
The best time to trade gold is usually during periods of high market activity, such as when the London and US sessions overlap. In our observations, spreads were typically tighter and execution smoother during these hours compared to quieter trading periods.
Can you trade gold on MT4 or MT5?
Yes, many brokers allow you to trade gold on MT4 or MT5, usually as XAU/USD. These platforms are popular for gold trading because they support advanced charting, automated strategies, and fast order execution.
What is the cheapest way to trade gold?
The cheapest way to trade gold is usually through CFDs with tight spreads and no commission. Based on our testing, overall costs are lowest when spreads stay consistently tight and overnight fees are clearly displayed before you open a trade.
Is gold trading risky?
Gold trading carries risk because prices can move quickly in response to economic data, interest rates, and geopolitical events. Using stop losses, managing position size, and avoiding excessive leverage can help reduce the impact of sudden price swings.
Can you trade gold without leverage?
Yes, some platforms allow you to trade gold without leverage by using cash products or unleveraged positions. This approach reduces risk but also limits potential returns, making it more suitable for cautious or longer-term traders.
References
- World Gold Council (Gold Demand Trends)
- FCA – Restricting CFD Products (PS19/18)
- HMRC Capital Gains Manual – Spread Betting (CG56105)
- LBMA – Gold Price Benchmark
- CME Group – Gold Futures Overview
- Bank of England – Gold Statistics
- ICE Benchmark Administration – LBMA Gold & Silver Price
