Top 2025 Brokers for Trading in the UK

A trading broker is a financial intermediary that allows you to place orders on the markets and trade many assets such as CFDs, Forex, cryptocurrencies or commodities, as an individual.

But what is trading and how does it work? How do you choose the right broker to trade online?

Discover the top-rated brokers for this year, those who stand out for their quality of service, reliability, and ability to adapt to different market trends. On this page, we have compared brokers with user-friendly platforms, tight spreads, access to MetaTrader 4 or 5, or those offering a unique social experience with copy trading.

What is a Trading Broker? Trading Definition

In English, the term “trading” refers to the buying and selling operations that are carried out on the financial markets.

Individuals or professionals who carry out these operations are called “traders”.

Trading can be carried out by professional traders who speculate from the trading floor or on behalf of a financial or stock market institution, but also by individual and independent traders who use online trading platforms for this purpose.

Good to know

Trading differs from traditional investing in that it aims for shorter-term gains and uses specific tools such as leverage to increase market exposure.

Broker trading: definition and role

A broker, is a financial intermediary that allows investors to buy and sell assets in the financial markets. These assets can be diverse: stocks, currencies, commodities, indices, and more. The main role of a broker is to facilitate access to the markets for individual and institutional traders, by providing the platform, tools and services necessary to carry out transactions.

Brokers play an essential role in the trading ecosystem. They provide trading platforms that allow users to view real-time prices, place orders, and analyse markets using technical indicators. In addition, they serve as a link between investors and stock exchanges, transmitting traders' orders to the markets, often in near real-time.

In addition to these basic functions, brokers may offer additional services, such as investment advice, market analysis, or training for beginners. They also play an essential role in ensuring the security of transactions and offering leverage that allows traders to increase the value of their positions, although this can increase the risks.

What are the best trading brokers in the United Kingdom in 2025?

Choosing the best broker depends on your trading strategy and the assets you are interested in. Whether you are interested in Forex, copy trading, cryptocurrencies, or prefer to use a specific platform like MetaTrader, some brokers stand out for the quality of their services. Here is a selection of the best brokers in the United Kingdom in 2025, according to the types of trading practiced.

Best broker for Forex trading

The foreign exchange market (Forex) attracts many traders due to its high liquidity and extended hours. To get the most out of Forex trading, several criteria must be considered before choosing a Forex broker:

• Competitive spreads on major currency pairs (such as EUR/USD) help reduce transaction costs, especially for short-term strategies.
• Fast order execution is essential in such a volatile market to limit slippage and ensure precise entry and exit points.
• High leverage, although risky, can be a strategic lever for experienced traders looking to maximise their exposure with limited capital.
• Reliable regulation (FCA, ASIC...) guarantees the protection of funds and compliance with industry best practices.
• Recognised platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or 5 (MT4/MT5), or cTrader, offer powerful technical analysis tools and an interface adapted to all trader profiles.

Certain Forex brokers combine these advantages to offer an optimal experience, both for beginners and more advanced traders.

Best Broker for copy trading

Copy trading is an ideal solution for investors who want to benefit from the experience of professional traders without actively managing their portfolio. It allows you to automatically replicate the strategies of more experienced traders, while maintaining total control over the amounts invested.

Here are the main criteria to consider when choosing a broker suitable for copy trading:

• Integrated copy trading platforms: Some brokers offer their own social platforms, while others rely on recognized external solutions like ZuluTrade or Myfxbook.
• Fee structure: Fees can vary between simple spreads, commissions on profits made, or copy fees charged on each copied transaction.
• Variety of assets offered: A versatile broker allows you to copy strategies across different markets such as Forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, or indices.
• Regulation: As with any financial service, it is essential to ensure that the broker is properly regulated by a recognised authority (FCA, etc.).

Best Broker for Crypto Trading

Cryptocurrency trading is increasingly attracting investors, drawn by price volatility and opportunities for rapid gains. To choose the right crypto broker, several criteria must be taken into account:

• Number of cryptos available: A varied offer allows you to diversify your portfolio beyond the classic Bitcoin or Ethereum, with altcoins with high potential.
• Competitive trading fees: Brokers generally apply spreads or commissions. Comparing fees is essential to optimise profitability.
• Trading platform: An intuitive, fluid interface with technical analysis tools is a real asset, especially for active traders.
• Regulation and security: Even in the crypto universe, it is preferable to go through a regulated intermediary, which guarantees the protection of funds and compliance with standards. In the United Kingdom, financial services firms must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Best Trading Broker with MT4 or MT5

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are essential platforms in the world of online trading. Recognised for their stability, compatibility with Expert Advisors (EAs) and advanced technical analysis tools, they are used by both beginners and experienced traders.

To get the most out of these platforms, it is recommended to choose a broker that:

• Offers MT4 and/or MT5 without restrictions, with all functionalities available (customisable indicators, automated trading, advanced order management, etc.);
• Offers competitive spreads, particularly on major markets such as Forex, indices or commodities;
• Has a leverage adapted to the user's profile (with options up to 1:30 for retail clients in accordance with UK regulation);
• Is regulated by a recognised authority, guaranteeing the security of funds and the reliability of the platform.

How to Find the Best Broker for Trading?

Choosing the best broker for trading is important if you want to succeed in your investments. A good broker will allow you to maximise your chances of gains while minimising risks, thanks to powerful tools, competitive fees and quality customer support. Here are the main criteria to consider in order to find the broker that best suits your needs and your investor profile.

• Regulation and security: the first criterion to check is the broker's regulation. The broker must be regulated by a recognised financial authority, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, or CySEC in Cyprus. Strong regulation ensures that the broker adheres to strict standards of transparency, fund security and fair treatment of clients. The security of your funds and personal data should always be the priority.
• Fees and commissions: fees are an important part of your trading costs. These include transaction fees, spreads (the difference between the buy and sell price), and possibly account management fees. Opt for a broker with clear and competitive fees to minimise the impact of these costs on your potential earnings. Watch out for brokers who offer very tight spreads but impose high commissions, and vice versa.
• The trading platform: the quality of the trading platform is another fundamental element. A good platform should be intuitive, reliable and offer quick access to market information. It should offer technical analysis tools (indicators, advanced charts), a user-friendly interface and the possibility of using advanced orders such as stop or limit orders. Some brokers offer popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or 5, while others have developed their own tools.
• Available assets: depending on your investment strategy, you'll want to choose a broker that offers a wide range of assets: stocks, Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, etc. Check whether the assets you're interested in are available, and whether the broker offers advantageous trading conditions on these assets (leverage, spreads, etc.). The diversity of financial products allows you to vary strategies and spread risks.
• Leverage and margins: leverage allows you to amplify your exposure to the market, which can increase your gains but also your losses. Some brokers offer higher leverage than others, which may be attractive to experienced traders but risky for beginners. Check that the broker offers leverage levels that are in line with your risk tolerance, and that it provides clear explanations of the margins required. The maximum leverage available for retail traders in the United Kingdom is according on the regulation.
• Customer service and educational resources: good customer service is essential, especially in the event of a technical problem or urgent question. Check that support is easily reachable, ideally in several languages, and that response times are reasonable. In addition to support, some brokers offer educational resources: tutorials, webinars, articles, to help you develop your trading skills. For beginners, these resources are a valuable asset.
• User reviews: user reviews and online tests are also a good source of information. They provide insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each broker based on the experience of real customers. However, bear in mind that every experience is subjective: you need to cross-reference several sources of reviews to get a global and balanced picture.

How to Trade with an Online Broker

Embarking on online trading involves several key steps: from opening an account to using the trading platform, including managing funds and risks. Here's an overview of the standard process offered by most online brokers.

1. Open a Trading Account

The first step is opening an account with a regulated broker. This process generally includes:

• Online Registration: You need to fill out a form with your personal information (name, email address, phone number), and then choose your country of residence.
• Identity Verification (KYC): To comply with international regulations, it is mandatory to provide a valid identity document and proof of address. This verification ensures account security and prevents fraud.
• Choice of account type: Brokers offer different types of accounts (standard, commission-free, with reduced spreads, etc.) adapted to various trader profiles.

2. Deposit Funds

Once the account is activated, the next step is to fund it:

• Deposit methods: Most brokers accept payments by credit card, bank transfer or e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller or PayPal.
• Minimum amount required: The minimum initial deposit varies depending on the broker, but is often around £85 to £215. It is advisable to start with sufficient capital to properly manage risk, especially when using leverage.

3. Using the Trading Platform (e.g. MT4/MT5)

Once funds are deposited, you can access the chosen trading platform. The most common are MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5):

• Installation and login: The platforms are available for download for computers or as a web version. Once installed, simply log in with the credentials provided by the broker.
• Interface discovery: MT4/MT5 offer advanced features: real-time charting, technical indicators, analysis tools, window customisation, fast order execution and automated management via trading robots (EAs).
• Demo accounts: It is strongly recommended to start with a demo account to familiarise yourself with the interface, test strategies and understand market mechanisms without risking your capital.

4. Practical Example: Forex Trading on EUR/USD

Let's take the example of a typical operation on the Forex market, trading the EUR/USD pair:

• Market Analysis: Before opening a position, it is strongly recommended to carry out a technical analysis. With MT5, you can use technical indicators (such as moving averages or Bollinger Bands) to identify a trend. Suppose you identify a bullish signal indicating that the pound could strengthen against the dollar.
• Placing a Buy Order: On the Eightcap MT5 platform, click on "New Order". Select GBP/USD and choose the trading volume (for example, 0.1 lot). Then, click on "Buy" to open a long position.
• Risk Management: To protect your capital, we recommend placing a stop loss. Imagine that you place a stop loss 50 pips below your entry point to limit your potential losses. You can also set a take profit 100 pips above your entry point to lock in your gains if the market moves in your favour.

5. Monitor and close the position

• Surveillance: Thanks to MT5, you can follow the evolution of your position in real time. The charts allow you to see if the trend is evolving as expected. You can also adjust your stop loss or take profit according to market movements.
• Close the position: When the EUR/USD pair reaches your target or you deem the moment opportune, you can manually close the position by clicking on "Close Position". If the take profit or stop loss are reached, the position will close automatically.

6. Analysing Results and Adjustments

Once the position is closed, analyse the result:

• Gains or losses: Suppose the EUR/USD has reached your 100 pip profit target, this means that, depending on the volume of your position, you have made a proportional profit. For example, with a volume of 0.1 lot, 100 pips could equate to around $100 profit.
• Trading journal: Use the journal integrated into MT5 to review all the decisions made during this transaction. Understanding what worked well and what can be improved is essential to developing your trading skills.

Good to know

If you are a beginner, we advise you to choose an online broker that will also allow you to follow a trading training and offer you a demo account.

Are trading brokers safe in the United Kingdom?

Security is one of the top concerns for UK investors when choosing a trading platform. Fortunately, the United Kingdom has one of the most robust regulatory frameworks in the world to ensure the protection of client funds and a secure trading environment. Here is an overview of the key protections and regulations that apply to brokers operating in the UK.

• Regulation and oversight authorities : Brokers offering services in the UK must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA is responsible for ensuring that brokers comply with strict standards relating to transparency, risk management, and client protection. It also ensures that brokers maintain sufficient capital reserves to meet their financial obligations. Some international brokers may also be regulated by other respected bodies like CySEC or ASIC, but only FCA-authorised firms are allowed to offer trading services directly to UK residents.
• Segregation of client funds : Regulated brokers in the UK are required to keep client funds separate from company funds. These funds are held in segregated accounts at tier-one banks, so they cannot be used by the broker for operational purposes. This is a key safeguard for investors in case the broker faces financial difficulties.
• Deposit protection and compensation schemes : If an FCA-regulated broker fails, clients are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This scheme covers eligible investments up to £85,000 per person, per firm, ensuring a significant level of financial protection in the event of broker insolvency.
• Negative balance protection : Under ESMA rules (which the UK continues to apply in a similar form post-Brexit), FCA-regulated brokers must offer negative balance protection to retail clients. This means that traders can never lose more than the amount they’ve deposited, even during periods of extreme market volatility or when using leveraged products like CFDs.
• Trading conditions transparency : Regulated brokers must provide clear, detailed, and accurate information regarding their trading conditions, including spreads, leverage limits, margin requirements, fees, and associated risks. This allows traders to make informed decisions and compare providers easily.
• Data protection and technological security : FCA-regulated brokers must comply with UK data protection laws and employ modern cybersecurity technologies. These include SSL encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure protocols to prevent unauthorised access to trading accounts and personal data.
• FCA warning list : The FCA maintains a warning list of unauthorised or suspicious trading platforms. UK investors should always check this list before opening an account. Brokers appearing on this list are operating illegally in the UK and pose a high risk of fraud.

What are the broker fees for trading?

Here is a table summarizing the different types of fees charged by online brokers, with average rates or amounts as well as an example for each type of fee. This table is designed to give you an idea of the costs you may encounter when using a trading broker.

• Spreads: Spreads are fees automatically charged by brokers on each position taken by the trader. It represents a slight difference between the buying and selling price of a financial product. Depending on the broker and the asset chosen, the spread can be fixed or variable. In the case of a variable spread, the cost of this spread will vary depending on market volatility. Spreads represent the broker's main remuneration.
• Swap fees: A swap is a fee charged on a position between two market sessions. They mainly concern traders practicing swing trading. Thus, every time you keep a position open from one day to the next, fees are charged to your account as a charge. The amount of these fees varies according to the broker's internal policy as well as volatility.
• Withdrawal fees: While not applied by all brokers and for all types of withdrawals, these fees may be charged when the trader withdraws money from their trading account. It should be noted, however, that depending on the withdrawal method chosen, it is possible to obtain free withdrawals from most brokers.
• Conversion fees: As the name suggests, these fees are applied to currency exchanges. A conversion may be applied by a broker if you invest in an asset denominated in dollars with pounds.
• Account maintenance fees: While these fees have become increasingly rare over time, some brokers still charge them, and they are general fees. They can be billed monthly, quarterly, or annually.
• Inactivity fees: Some brokers also charge inactivity fees, which are applied when the trader does not use their trading account for a certain period. Most often, these fees are only charged after 12 months or 24 months of inactivity. But some brokers apply them after 6 months. The amount of inactivity fees will also vary depending on the broker's policy, and we advise you to check them before registering.
• Specific stock fees: Stock trading will also involve certain specific fees with some brokers. This may include subscription fees or additional commissions to the spread. Most often, these are fees charged in order to have access to real-time foreign market data.
• Guaranteed stop-loss order fees: Finally, some brokers also charge for the use of guaranteed stop-loss orders, although this practice is also becoming increasingly rare.

Which broker for trading with a demo account?

One of the most effective ways to learn online trading is to use a demo account as a free demonstration account. These accounts are offered by many brokers and allow you to test the proposed platform and practice using different strategies before risking your own money. 

The demo account is funded with virtual capital, which can be unlimited or limited. This is virtual money that you will use to make your investments under real market conditions. Similarly, the duration of use of a demo account will vary from one broker to another.

The trading demo account allows you to enjoy several advantages, including: 

• The opportunity to learn without taking risks: A demo account will allow you to speculate in real market conditions without risking your own capital and therefore losing it.
• The opportunity to learn how to use the platform: Also from a demo account, you will also be able to test most of the features offered by your broker's trading platform. This will allow you to practice using its features and tools safely.
• The opportunity to test trading strategies: Finally, the demo account also has the advantage of allowing you to test different trading strategies in parallel in order to detect the best solution and the best method.

How much can you earn with a trading broker?

It is of course difficult to say exactly how much it is possible to earn from trading, since your earnings depend primarily on your experience, your level of knowledge and your initial investment.

If you take the time to train and practice with a demo account, your potential earnings will also depend on the type of strategy you put in place.

• With a strategy of Swing trading, you can expect an optimal return of around 10% per month.
• With a strategy of Day trading, you can expect an approximate return of 30% or more per month spending 5 to 6 hours per day trading.

Of course, the amount you can earn as a retail trader will also depend on the amount you invest in the trading platform. Indeed, a 10% return on an account with a deposit of £1,000 only represents £100, whereas if you deposit £10,000 you could earn up to £1,000 per month with an effective strategy.

Are Trading Profits Taxable in the UK?

Yes, profits earned from trading are taxable in the United Kingdom. How they are taxed depends on the nature of your trading activity and the types of instruments you trade.

Most individual investors fall under Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rules. If you make a profit from selling shares, ETFs, or other investments, it will be considered a capital gain. Each tax year, UK residents have a tax-free CGT allowance (£6,000 for the 2023/24 tax year, subject to change), and only gains above this threshold are taxed — typically at 10% (basic rate) or 20% (higher rate), depending on your income bracket.

If you’re trading frequently (such as day trading or using derivatives like CFDs), HMRC may consider your activity as trading for income. In such cases, profits may be taxed as self-employment income, meaning you pay Income Tax and potentially National Insurance. This depends on factors like frequency, intent, and whether you're trading on your own account.

To calculate your taxable amount, you must subtract your allowable losses from your gains. If your losses exceed gains in a given year, you may carry forward those losses to offset future gains, as long as you report them to HMRC within the required deadlines.

Note: CFDs and spread betting are treated differently:

• CFDs are taxable under either CGT or income tax, depending on your trading pattern.
• Spread betting is generally exempt from both CGT and income tax, provided it’s done as a hobby and not as a profession.

All our guides on trading in the United Kingdom

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.