Best CFD Trading Platforms UK 2025

We reviewed the top UK CFD brokers using real trading accounts. All platforms on this list are accessible to UK residents, and most are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), unless otherwise noted.

1. Spreadex – Best overall CFD broker for UK traders

CFD score: 4.8 / 5
Risk warning: 81% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs

Spreadex is one of the few UK-based brokers offering both CFD trading and spread betting from a single platform. This gives traders added flexibility—whether you’re aiming for short-term profits or seeking tax-efficient strategies through spread betting.

What sets Spreadex apart is its ease of use combined with functional depth. The web and mobile platforms are intuitive, making them ideal for newer traders, but the TradingView integration adds enough power to satisfy chart-focused users. Spreads are tight, especially on major forex pairs and FTSE 100 stocks, which helps reduce trading costs over time.

However, it’s important to note that Spreadex doesn’t support MetaTrader platforms or long-term investing tools like ISAs. This platform is built purely for leveraged trading. Also, access is restricted to UK and Irish residents, which could be a limitation for those who split time between countries.

Best for: UK traders looking for a simple, effective way to trade CFDs and spread bets, with tight spreads and clean platform design.

2. XTB – Best low-cost broker for regular trading

CFD score: 4.7 / 5
Risk warning: 73% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs

XTB is one of the most cost-effective CFD brokers available in the UK. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, and forex spreads are among the lowest we’ve tested—especially for high-volume trading. The broker doesn’t charge a minimum deposit either, which makes it accessible to those starting out.

The standout feature here is the xStation 5 platform. It’s fast, fully web-based, and includes strong tools like advanced charting, real-time sentiment data, and multiple order types. Execution speed is consistently high, which is especially useful for active day traders and scalpers.

On the downside, MetaTrader support has been phased out, so this won’t suit traders who rely on MT4 or MT5 strategies. XTB also applies inactivity fees after 12 months of no trading activity.

Best for: Cost-conscious traders who want powerful tools without paying extra for basic functionality, as long as they’re not tied to MetaTrader.

3. IG – Best platform for advanced tools and analysis

CFD score: 4.6 / 5
Risk warning: 71% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs

IG is one of the most established CFD brokers in the UK, known for its wide market access and powerful trading tools. With over 17,000 instruments, it covers everything from global shares and forex to options and ETFs.

Where IG excels is in its charting and analysis capabilities. The built-in platform is sleek and supports deep technical setups, but advanced traders will especially appreciate the ProRealTime integration. You also get access to economic calendars, real-time pricing, and professional-level order controls.

While IG offers MetaTrader, the core focus is on its proprietary platform. This can be a drawback for those wanting automated trading strategies based on MT4 or MT5. Support is generally strong but can lag during high-volume market hours, which is worth noting.

Best for: Advanced traders who want professional-grade tools and broad global market access through a polished platform.

4. eToro – Best for copy trading and ease of use

CFD score: 4.5 / 5
Risk warning: 51% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs

eToro remains the top choice for social trading. It allows you to follow and copy top-performing investors with a few clicks, making it appealing to those who want exposure to the markets without deep research or constant management.

The platform is visually clean, with a beginner-friendly layout across both desktop and mobile. In addition to CFDs, you can also invest directly in stocks and crypto assets—adding flexibility for those looking to diversify beyond short-term speculation.

While eToro is easy to use, it’s not built for traders who need advanced charting or custom indicators. Fees on withdrawals and currency conversions can also add up over time, especially for UK users dealing in GBP.

Best for: New or casual traders who value simplicity and social features over deep technical functionality.

5. Saxo Markets – Best for high-volume and advanced traders

CFD score: 4.5 / 5
Risk warning: 64% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs

Saxo Markets delivers a premium experience built for serious traders. The SaxoTraderGO and PRO platforms are feature-rich, offering over 70,000 instruments including CFDs, bonds, ETFs, and forex pairs. Tools include integrated news feeds, technical indicators, and risk management features like guaranteed stops.

Pricing is competitive, especially for high-volume users, thanks to its tiered fee structure. You’ll pay less in commissions the more you trade, making this broker well-suited to active professionals.

However, beginners may find Saxo’s interface overwhelming. There’s a steep learning curve, and the £500 minimum deposit is one of the highest on this list.

Best for: Experienced traders who want access to a wide range of markets, detailed tools, and lower costs at scale.

6. AvaTrade – Best for beginners entering CFD trading

CFD score: 4.3 / 5
Risk warning: 76% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs

AvaTrade is a solid entry point into CFD trading, especially if you’re new to the space. The broker supports both MT4 and MT5, as well as its own WebTrader platform. Spreads on major forex pairs are competitive, starting from just 0.9 pips on EUR/USD.

Funding is easy thanks to support for credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. AvaTrade doesn’t charge deposit or withdrawal fees, which helps keep costs predictable.

The main drawback is that AvaTrade is not FCA-regulated, though it’s overseen by the Central Bank of Ireland. UK traders won’t receive FSCS protection, which could be a concern for risk-averse users.

Best for: Beginners who want a simple, low-cost platform to learn CFD trading, as long as they’re comfortable with the non-FCA regulation.

7. Pepperstone – Best for low-cost forex and fast execution

CFD score: 4.0 / 5
Risk warning: 81.7% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs

Pepperstone continues to lead on forex spreads and execution speed. EUR/USD spreads start from just 0.1 pips, and there’s no markup on deposits or withdrawals. It’s a strong choice for scalpers or anyone who trades frequently throughout the day.

The broker supports MetaTrader 4, MT5, and cTrader, offering enough variety to suit different styles. There’s also direct market access (DMA), which helps improve transparency and execution in fast-moving markets.

What Pepperstone lacks is a proprietary platform. It also doesn’t offer the same in-depth education or market research found on some rival platforms.

Best for: Forex-focused traders who want raw spreads, fast trade execution, and reliable platform choices like MT4 and cTrader.

Key things to know about CFDs

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) let you speculate on price movements without owning the asset. They offer high flexibility but come with real risks. You can’t hold CFDs in a SIPP, and you may face currency conversion costs when trading assets in other currencies. Before placing a trade, you need to understand how CFDs work, including tax rules and legal protections under UK law

Pros and cons of CFD trading

CFD trading offers useful tools for experienced traders, but it’s not without challenges. Here’s what you need to weigh:

Advantages

Leverage: CFDs allow you to control larger positions with less capital. This can increase profits—but also raises the stakes.
Market variety: You can trade forex, stocks, indices, and commodities all in one account.
Go long or short: You’re not limited to buying low and selling high. With CFDs, you can profit in rising or falling markets.
No asset ownership: You don’t need to deal with physical assets. The entire process is handled through your trading platform.
Flexible position sizes: Many brokers let you adjust your trade size to match your risk appetite and available funds.

Disadvantages

Volatility risk: CFDs track volatile markets. Quick price swings can lead to fast losses if you’re not careful.
Leverage cuts both ways: High leverage can also magnify your losses. A bad trade can drain your account quickly.
Counterparty risk: You’re trading against your broker, not an exchange. Stick with FCA-regulated brokers for added protection.
Global event exposure: News, economic reports, and policy changes can impact your trades. Awareness of world events is key.

What to consider before choosing a CFD broker

FCA regulation

Always check if the broker is FCA-regulated. This ensures your funds are protected in segregated accounts and that you have negative balance protection.

Fees and costs

Compare spreads, commissions, overnight fees, and potential inactivity charges. Watch for currency conversion costs if trading USD or EUR assets from a GBP account. Use cost calculators when available.

Platform usability

Pick a platform that fits your style. MetaTrader suits technical traders, while proprietary platforms often offer a cleaner interface. Demo accounts help you try before committing.

Educational tools

A quality broker should offer tutorials, webinars, and market insights. These are essential for building skill and confidence over time.

Matching brokers to trading goals

Choosing a broker depends on how you trade:

Trader Type	Suggested Broker	Why
Beginner	eToro	Simple interface and copy trading options
Technical Trader	CMC Markets	Pro-grade tools and deep charting features
Forex Day Trader	Pepperstone	Tight spreads and rapid execution
Market Explorer	IG	Huge market range with analysis tools
Simplicity Seeker	Plus500	Easy setup and minimal clutter

Leverage and margin: what to know

Leverage lets you open larger positions, but it also increases your exposure. Most brokers offer tiered leverage and require you to complete a suitability check. Margin calls and negative balance protection are crucial features to look for. Be sure your broker is clear about how margin requirements change across asset types.

UK tax implications of CFD trading

Capital Gains Tax (CGT): CFD profits may be taxed under CGT if they exceed your annual allowance.
Income Tax: If CFD trading is your main income source, profits could be taxed as income.
Spread betting: Often exempt from CGT and income tax if considered gambling by HMRC.
Reporting: You must report profits and losses accurately to HMRC via self-assessment.
SIPPs/ISAs: These accounts don’t support CFDs directly, but spread betting may be more tax-efficient for some traders.

Can you practice CFD trading risk-free?

Yes. Every major CFD broker offers a demo account. These accounts use virtual funds, so you can test strategies and learn the platform with zero financial risk. We strongly recommend using a demo account before trading live.

Final thoughts: how to choose the best CFD platform

The right platform depends on your experience, strategy, and trading goals. If you’re starting out, go with a platform like eToro or Plus500 that’s easy to navigate. If you want more analytical tools and asset diversity, IG or CMC Markets might be a better fit.

Whatever you choose, always test the platform using a demo account and confirm that the broker fits your needs in terms of regulation, costs, and support tools.

Useful guides

Sources

UK Government & Regulator Links:

Financial Protection & Regulation:

Trusted UK Financial Guidance:

Educational & Academic Sources:

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