XTB Review

Verdict (At a Glance)

Best for

  • Traders who want a balanced platform offering competitive spreads, useful research tools, and educational resources for FX and CFD trading.
  • New traders who value a well-designed proprietary platform and structured learning centre to build confidence.
  • Those wanting tight spreads, modest fees, and straightforward trading execution without overly complex interfaces.

Not ideal for

  • Investors seeking direct share ownership, ISAs/SIPPs, or deep institutional-grade charting tools.

XTB

FCA-regulated broker with competitive spreads, an intuitive proprietary platform (xStation) and strong educational resources.

beginnerslow-fees
Min. Deposit
£0
Visit XTB

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Who This Review Is For

This review is for UK-based traders and investors who:

  • Want to trade forex, indices, commodities, and CFDs.
  • Prefer a balanced cost profile between raw spreads and ease-of-use.
  • Value built-in research and educational content.
  • Are evaluating brokers for fair pricing and platform features.

Evaluation Criteria

We assessed XTB on:

  • Regulation & safety (FCA authorisation).
  • Cost structure (spreads, financing, conversion).
  • Platform quality and usability.
  • Asset range and product coverage.
  • Public user feedback and trust signals.
  • Suitability across trader types.

Overview: XTB at a Glance

XTB is a global online broker regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It offers access to forex, indices, commodities and share CFDs through a proprietary platform and MetaTrader 4 in some regions. The broker is often positioned between simple CFD-only platforms and advanced execution brokers.

Strengths

  • ✔FCA regulation and client fund segregation.
  • ✔Competitive spreads and transparent pricing.
  • ✔Strong educational resources and market research.
  • ✔Intuitive proprietary platform (xStation).

Limitations

  • ✘No direct ownership of shares/ETFs for UK clients — CFDs only.
  • ✘Asset range narrower than some global brokers (e.g., Interactive Brokers).
  • ✘MetaTrader access can be limited depending on jurisdiction.

Regulation & Safety

XTB UK Ltd is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which requires segregation of client funds and adherence to UK financial standards. Eligible clients may benefit from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for certain cash balances.

When to avoid: If your primary need is direct investment products like ISAs/SIPPs — XTB's UK entity focuses on CFDs.

Platforms & Tools

XTB provides xStation (proprietary platform) — web, desktop and mobile with integrated charting, risk management and watchlists. Some access to MetaTrader 4 depending on region (varies by local entity). Research tools including news, technical insights and market analysis. Many users find xStation easy to navigate, especially compared with complex third-party platforms.

Costs & Fees

XTB's cost structure includes generally competitive spreads on major forex pairs and core indices, financing/overnight fees applied to leveraged positions, currency conversion fees where trades are executed in currencies different from the account base, and no inactivity fee in many regions (varies by local rules). Overall, XTB's pricing is transparent and often competitive — particularly on its standard account — though active scalpers and high-volume traders may still find raw-spread + commission models elsewhere cheaper in some markets.

Asset Coverage

XTB offers CFDs on forex major, minor and some exotics, global indices, commodities (energies, metals), share CFDs and ETFs, and cryptocurrencies (where permitted). UK clients do not access direct instruments — all products are CFD derivatives.

Customer Feedback Snapshot

User reviews on public platforms such as Trustpilot and specialist brokers sites tend to show a generally positive sentiment for XTB's usability, educational resources and pricing. Common praise centres on ease of onboarding and clarity of fees, while some users note support responsiveness can vary. Overall feedback suggests XTB is regarded as reliable and stable for retail FX/CFD trading.

Cost Comparison Logic

Compared with peers like Plus500 or IG, XTB's spreads compete well with standard CFD brokers while balancing ease-of-use. No raw-spread + commission tier like Pepperstone's Razor model — this simplifies costs, though serious high-volume traders might find specialized brokers slightly cheaper. Financing costs align with typical CFD practice and should be considered for swing positions. Traders should match expected trading frequency with typical spreads and financing costs to estimate real price competitiveness.

Risks & Considerations

  • Leverage risk: CFDs are leveraged and can amplify losses.
  • Financing costs: overnight costs accumulate on leveraged holdings.
  • Spread widening: can occur in low-liquidity or volatile conditions.
  • CFD-only: no asset ownership means exposure remains derivative-based.
  • All leveraged trading carries risk of capital loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — XTB UK is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Methodology & Disclosure

This review is based on broker disclosures, public fee documents, FCA regulatory status and aggregate user feedback. It is impartial and not financial advice. Affiliate relationships do not influence the assessment.

Alternatives to XTB

Capital.com

FCA-regulated CFD and spread betting broker with an intuitive platform suited to beginners and cost-conscious traders.

beginnersregulatedlow-fees
Min. Deposit
£20
Trade with Capital.com

Affiliate link · Disclosure

Pepperstone

Execution-focused CFD and forex broker with tight raw spreads, MT4/MT5/cTrader access and FCA regulation.

advancedlow-fees
Min. Deposit
£0
Trade with Pepperstone

Affiliate link · Disclosure

IG

One of the UK's largest and longest-established brokers, offering CFDs, spread betting, shares, ETFs, ISA and SIPP under FCA regulation.

beginnersregulatedmulti-asset
Min. Deposit
£0
Trade with IG

Affiliate link · Disclosure

Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links to brokers and products featured on this site. This compensation does not influence our rankings, reviews, or recommendations. We maintain editorial independence and provide objective comparisons. Read our full disclosure policy.

Risk Warning: This website does not provide financial, investment, or trading advice. All information is for educational purposes only. Trading and investing involve substantial risk of loss. You should carefully consider your financial situation and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.

Last updated: 2026-01-15