Intro and winners
Find below the strengths of the best stock trading platforms available in the United Kingdom, updated for 2024:
- Interactive Brokers - the best stock broker in the United Kingdom in 2024. Extremely low fees. Wide range of products. Many great research tools.
- eToro - Free stock and ETF trading. Seamless account opening. Social trading.
- TradeStation Global - Low stock and ETF fees. Wide range of products. Easy-to-use web trading platform.
- XTB - Commission-free stocks and ETFs (for trades up to €100k per month). Free and fast deposit and withdrawal. Easy and fast account opening. High interest paid on cash.
- Trading 212 - Real stocks and ETFs are commission-free (other fees may apply). Quick and easy account opening. Great trading platforms. Pays interest on uninvested cash in an investment account.
- Lightyear - Commission-free ETF and low commission on stock trades. High interest on uninvested cash. Quick account opening. Easy-to-use mobile trading platform.
- CapTrader - Low stock and ETF fees. Wide range of products. Many great research tools. Pays interest on uninvested cash.
- Saxo - Great trading platform. Outstanding research. Broad product portfolio. Interest paid on uninvested cash.
- Freetrade - Free stock and ETF trading. Easy and fast account opening. Great mobile trading platform.
- Charles Schwab - Free stock and ETF trading. Outstanding research. Great customer service.
Overview of the best stock brokers in the United Kingdom
While many online stock brokers offer an excellent service, the ones in our toplist go the extra mile.
| Broker | Minimum deposit | Time to open account |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | 1-3 days |
| eToro | $10 | 1 day |
| TradeStation Global | $0 | 1 day |
| XTB | $0 | 1 day |
| Trading 212 | $1 | 1 day |
| Lightyear | $0 | 1 day |
| CapTrader | $2,000 | >3 days |
| Saxo | $0 | 1 day |
| Freetrade | $0 | 1 day |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | 1 day |
Popularity of the best stock brokers in the United Kingdom
Interested in what others think? Here's how many people chose these brokers at BrokerChooser in the last 6 months.
Stock trading fees
| Broker | US stock | German stock |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $1.0 | $3.2 |
| eToro | $0.0 | $0.0 |
| TradeStation Global | $1.5 | $2.4 |
| XTB | $0.0 | $0.0 |
| Trading 212 | $0.0 | $0.0 |
| Lightyear | $1.0 | $1.1 |
| CapTrader | $2.0 | $4.3 |
| Saxo | $1.6 | $3.2 |
| Freetrade | $0.0 | $0.0 |
| Charles Schwab | $0.0 | - |
Non-trading fees
| Broker | Account fee | Inactivity fee |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | ||
| eToro | ||
| TradeStation Global | ||
| XTB | ||
| Trading 212 | ||
| Lightyear | ||
| CapTrader | ||
| Saxo | ||
| Freetrade | ||
| Charles Schwab |
Can I trust these stock brokers in the United Kingdom?
Yes, BrokerChooser exclusively recommends legit brokers, overseen by at least one globally acknowledged regulator. We track more than 30,000 brokers and trading platforms that we don't recommend. To make sure that a broker is reputable and reliable, use our Scam Broker Shield tool.
Key criteria determining a broker's trustworthiness are: regulation, availability of investor protection, as well as a long and spotless track record. Explore the interactive table below, encompassing this array of vital data.
| Broker | Top-tier regulators | Trusted broker |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | FCA in the UK, SEC in the US, and ASIC in Australia | |
| eToro | FCA in the UK, SEC in the US, and ASIC in Australia | |
| TradeStation Global | FCA in the UK | |
| XTB | FCA in the UK | |
| Trading 212 | FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia | |
| Lightyear | FCA in the UK | |
| CapTrader | CBI in Ireland | |
| Saxo | FSA in Denmark, FCA in the UK, FINMA in Switzerland and ASIC in Australia | |
| Freetrade | FCA in the UK | |
| Charles Schwab | SEC and FINRA in the US |
Trading stocks online
Embarking on your investment journey? We are here to help you dive into the world of stock trading by uncovering the very best of online brokers that resonate with your vibe.
Regardless whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader who lives by the beat of the market, we've curated a lineup of online brokers that bring you the ultimate stock trading experience: low fees (zero commission even) and sleek, powerhouse trading platforms that got your back.
We thought of those just stepping into the investment arena, too. We analyzed brokers along their educational resources – webinars, video tutorials, even in-person seminars - as well as their customer support and demo account availability.
Each broker here has earned its spot, so get ready for a seamless trading experience where low fees are the name of the game – and we're talking total transparency. No gimmicks, no hidden surprises.
Discover the best stock brokers in detail, starting with the winner, Interactive Brokers.
| Interactive Brokers snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Traders looking for broad market access and a professional trading environment |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| US stock fee | $1.0 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Mobile platform score | 4.3 stars |
| Time to open account | 1-3 days |
| Inactivity fee | No |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of Interactive Brokers services, check out our review for 2024 |
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Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit eToro.
| eToro snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Traders interested in social trading (i.e. copying other investors’ trades) and zero-commission stock trading |
| Minimum deposit | $10 |
| US stock fee | $0.0 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Mobile platform score | 4.9 stars |
| Time to open account | 1 day |
| Inactivity fee | Yes |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of eToro services, check out our review for 2024 |
| TradeStation Global snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Traders and investors looking for low fees and a wide selection of products |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| US stock fee | $1.5 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Mobile platform score | 3.5 stars |
| Time to open account | 1 day |
| Inactivity fee | No |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of TradeStation Global services, check out our review for 2024 |
Visit broker
76-83% of retail CFD accounts lose money
| XTB snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Forex and CFD traders looking for low fees and great deposit/withdrawal service |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| US stock fee | $0.0 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Mobile platform score | 4.4 stars |
| Time to open account | 1 day |
| Inactivity fee | Yes |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of XTB services, check out our review for 2024 |
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When investing, your capital is at risk
| Trading 212 snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Equity investors looking for easy-to-use trading platforms |
| Minimum deposit | $1 |
| US stock fee | $0.0 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Mobile platform score | 4.9 stars |
| Time to open account | 1 day |
| Inactivity fee | No |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of Trading 212 services, check out our review for 2024 |
Visit broker
Capital at risk
| Lightyear snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Investors and beginners looking for high interest rates on cash, a simple but great mobile platform, and low fees |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| US stock fee | $1.0 |
| Demo account | No |
| Mobile platform score | 4.9 stars |
| Time to open account | 1 day |
| Inactivity fee | No |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of Lightyear services, check out our review for 2024 |
| CapTrader snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Investors and traders looking for low fees and sophisticated trading platforms |
| Minimum deposit | $2,000 |
| US stock fee | $2.0 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Mobile platform score | 3.5 stars |
| Time to open account | >3 days |
| Inactivity fee | Yes |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of CapTrader services, check out our review for 2024 |
Visit broker
64% of retail CFD accounts lose money
| Saxo snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Investors and traders looking for a great trading platform and solid research |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| US stock fee | $1.6 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Mobile platform score | 5.0 stars |
| Time to open account | 1 day |
| Inactivity fee | No |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of Saxo services, check out our review for 2024 |
| Freetrade snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Long-term investors on the hunt for low fees and focusing on the UK and US markets |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| US stock fee | $0.0 |
| Demo account | No |
| Mobile platform score | 4.7 stars |
| Time to open account | 1 day |
| Inactivity fee | No |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of Freetrade services, check out our review for 2024 |
| Charles Schwab snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for | Investors and traders looking for solid research, low fees and great customer service |
| Minimum deposit | $0 |
| US stock fee | $0.0 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Mobile platform score | 4.7 stars |
| Time to open account | 1 day |
| Inactivity fee | No |
| Read review | For a detailed analysis of Charles Schwab services, check out our review for 2024 |
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How did BrokerChooser select the best stock brokers in the United Kingdom?
- We checked whether the broker is regulated by a trusted regulator,
- Compared stock fees and non-trading fees (e.g. currency conversion, withdrawal or inactivity),
- Checked whether the broker offers fractional share trading,
- Compared the number of equity markets,
- Checked minimum deposit requirements,
- Opened an account and tested the platform (charting, features, usability, customer service).
Save hours of research!
Our expert team has done all the work for you, and reviewed brokers based on BrokerChooser's unique methodology.
BrokerChooser evaluates 9 key areas for all brokers including fees, safety, ease of account opening, education, and trading platforms. We check more than 600 criteria for each broker and finetune our methodology every year based on our own and our users' experiences. We have more than 100 brokers reviewed on our site and our team of analysts examines more than 60,000 data points overall.
FAQ
Are these brokers safe?
Yes, the brokers on this list are all considered safe and rock solid. You can be sure none of them is a scam. They are each regulated by at least one top-tier regulator.
Which broker should I use as a beginner?
Low fees and an excellent mobile platform make a broker great for beginners. Beginners can also benefit greatly if a broker has excellent educational material, and tools, such as a demo account. The best way to start your journey in the world of investing is by learning. We provide a great starting point on our education page, where you can find a lot of useful learning materials. Here we give you some tips on how to start investing. To find the best online broker for your level of expertise and risk-tolerance, use our find my broker tool.
Where should a beginner invest in stocks?
Before you make stock investments, you should draw up a plan, which involves several basic questions you ought to think about, such as what is your objective, how much time do you want to spend investing and what level of risk you want to take. For beginners, one of the best ways to to starting investing in stocks is choosing an index fund or stock mutual funds, which are an easy and low-cost way to tip your toe into the stock market. We put together a guide on how to start investing in stocks, and how to buy shares online. We explicitly guide you through how to invest in stocks. We also give you tips on how much you should invest when you are starting out. You can also browse through our top recommendations for best trading platforms for stocks.
Is trading gambling?
Trading is not gambling, although some poeple might treat it like that, but they will learn quickly that gamblers lose their money. The goal of a trader is to make predictions that will be as accurate as possible to make money, while gamblers can't predict anything, they bet. People who trade for the thrill of it, or because they want to prove something, or can’t accept losing on the market from time to time, and don’t have a plan or consistency, are trading in a gambling style. New online trading apps have recently come under the spotlight for bringing a gambling aspect into trading. The gamification of trading, with easy-to-use online platforms, little education for retail traders and the social pressure of FOMO also contribute to a gambling attitude on the market. Serious traders should consider their objectives, their attitudes to risk, and carefully devise an investment strategy when entering a market.
How do I decide which broker is right for me?
Choosing the right broker depends on your individual preferences, trading goals, and needs. Determine your trading goals and identify the types of assets you want to trade. Compare the fees and commissions charged by different brokers for trades, withdrawals, account maintenance, and other services. Choose a broker regulated by reputable financial authorities. Regulation ensures a certain level of safety and oversight. Ensure that the broker offers account types that suit your trading style, such as individual, joint, or retirement accounts. Check available funding and withdrawal options to see whether they are convenient and aligned with your preferences. Choose a broker that aligns with your budget by considering factors such as account minimum, margin requirements, and fees. It's always a good idea to start with a small deposit to test the broker's services and platform before committing larger funds.
Can I lose money in a brokerage account?
Yes, it is possible to lose money in a brokerage account. While your funds are safe from fraud and theft if you choose a reputable and regulated broker, investing and trading involve risks that can lead to losing your money. The value of your investments can fluctuate due to market volatility and price changes may result in losses. If you put all your funds into a single investment or a small number of investments, you increase your risk. Diversify your portfolio across different assets to mitigate this risk. Always consider your risk tolerance and only invest funds that you can afford to lose without impacting your financial stability.
How quickly can I start trading stocks?
The speed at which you can start trading stocks depends on a few factors, but it's possible to start relatively quickly. Here's a general timeline of the process. As a first step you have to open your brokerage account, you will need to wait for the broker to verify your information. This usually take 1-2 business days at most. Once you have your account up and running, you will need to deposit funds into it. This can be done via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or electronic wallet. The time it takes for funds to appear in your account varies, but it usually takes 1-3 business days. After the money shows up in your trading account, you can execute your first trade.
Is trading hard to learn?
Trading is not diffficult to learn if you invest enough time and energy into it. But that is a big if. Plenty of people trade, but the more time you spend studying trading, the more you practice, - as with everything else -, the better results you can expect. Knowing yourself, your attitude to risk-taking, and being patient and disciplined are also crucial factors if you want to be successful. Keep a cool head, don’t look for easy money, commit to studying trading and always have a trading plan. Our aim is to make personal investing as clear and accessible for you, as possible. Our educational page is a good starting point. You can also learn from our expert traders about the difference between investing and trading, and learn here about how to become a trader. You can also learn about different investment strategies from us.
Want to learn more?
Check out these articles written by our broker and trading experts:
Everything you find on BrokerChooser is based on reliable data and unbiased information. We combine our 10+ years finance experience with readers feedback. Read more about our methodology.
