Broker Reviews
Every broker reviewed here has been tested with a real account opened under standard UK retail conditions. FCA registration is verified directly against the register — not just the badge on the homepage. FSCS status, spread betting availability, and 24/7 trading access are flagged clearly for each broker.
CFD & Forex Brokers
Active trading — leveraged products, tight spreads, platform-first
Capital.com
FSCS protectedSpread betting24/7 trading24/7 supportFCA-regulated CFD and spread betting broker with an intuitive platform suited to beginners and cost-conscious traders.
Pepperstone
FSCS protectedSpread betting24/7 tradingExecution-focused CFD and spread betting broker with tight raw spreads, MT4/MT5/cTrader access and FCA regulation.
CMC Markets
FSCS protectedSpread betting24/7 tradingFCA-regulated broker founded in 1989, known for powerful proprietary charting tools, thousands of CFD instruments and no minimum deposit.
Plus500
FSCS protected24/7 trading24/7 supportFCA-regulated and London Stock Exchange-listed CFD broker with a simple proprietary platform and commission-free pricing.
XTB
FSCS protected24/7 tradingFCA-regulated broker with competitive spreads, an intuitive proprietary platform (xStation) and strong educational resources.
AvaTrade
24/7 tradingMulti-platform CFD broker with MT4, MT5, copy trading and straightforward pricing — UK clients access via European/global licences.
FP Markets
24/7 trading24/7 supportAustralian-origin broker known for tight raw spreads and MetaTrader support — UK clients trade under ASIC/CySEC regulation rather than direct FCA oversight.
OANDA
FSCS protectedSpread bettingEstablished FCA-regulated broker known for competitive forex spreads, no minimum deposit, and a strong proprietary platform alongside MT4, MT5, and TradingView.
Tickmill
FSCS protectedFCA-regulated execution-focused forex and CFD broker with raw spreads, low commissions, and MT4/MT5 platform support for active traders.
Multi-Asset & Investing
Broader product range — shares, ISA, SIPP alongside derivatives
IG
FSCS protectedSpread betting24/7 trading24/7 supportOne of the UK's largest and longest-established brokers, offering CFDs, spread betting, shares, ETFs, ISA and SIPP under FCA regulation.
Interactive Brokers
FSCS protected24/7 tradingGlobally recognised professional-grade broker with access to 90+ markets, very low fees, ISA support and FCA regulation.
Trading 212
FSCS protected24/7 tradingCommission-free stocks, ETFs and ISA app popular with UK retail investors, plus CFDs — all under FCA regulation.
Saxo Bank
FSCS protected24/7 tradingPremium FCA-regulated multi-asset broker offering stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, futures, forex and CFDs — built for sophisticated investors.
eToro
FSCS protected24/7 tradingFCA-regulated multi-asset platform combining stocks, ETFs, crypto and CFDs with social and copy-trading features.
Crypto Exchanges
Spot crypto, staking, and earn products for UK clients
Coinbase
24/7 tradingThe UK's largest FCA-registered crypto exchange — simple buy/sell for beginners, Advanced Trade for cost-conscious active traders.
Kraken
24/7 trading24/7 supportEstablished crypto exchange since 2011 with a strong security record — competitive maker-taker fees via Kraken Pro and 200+ cryptocurrencies for UK traders.
Crypto.com
24/7 tradingFCA-registered crypto platform with 350+ coins, Visa card cashback, and staking — but very poor customer service reviews warrant caution.
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