This Robinhood review UK 2026 explains whether the commission-free trading app is available to UK users and how it compares to FCA-regulated platforms.
We cover fees, safety, regulation, pros and cons, and what UK investors need to know before signing up.
Quick verdict: How do we rate Robinhood for UK traders in 2026?
Robinhood is now fully available in the UK and works best as a low-cost, beginner-friendly platform for buying US stocks. It offers commission-free trading, no FX fees, and strong app usability, but its narrow asset range and lack of ISAs or SIPPs limit its appeal. It suits casual investors focused on US shares, not long-term or tax-efficient investing.
Overall rating: 3.5 / 5
UK ratings breakdown
| Category | Score | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Security & Trust | 3.5/5 | FCA regulated, SIPC and FDIC protections apply, but no FSCS cover for UK users. |
| Fees & Pricing | 5/5 | £0 commissions, no FX fees, no inactivity or platform charges. |
| Features | 3/5 | Strong core features, but US stocks only, no ETFs, funds, or UK shares. |
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 | Excellent mobile app, simple onboarding, beginner-friendly design. |
| Customer Support | 3.5/5 | In-app and phone support available, but no email or live chat. |
| Reputation | 3.5/5 | Well-known brand with mixed historical reviews, improving UK presence. |
Our verdict
Who should use this platform: UK beginners or casual investors who want cheap, simple access to US stocks and fractional shares.
Why it stands out: Zero-commission trading, no FX fees, 24-hour US stock trading, and competitive interest on uninvested cash.
Who should look elsewhere: Investors wanting ISAs, SIPPs, ETFs, UK shares, or broader diversification should consider FCA-regulated alternatives like Trading 212, Freetrade, or Interactive Investor.
Is Robinhood good for beginners?
Yes, Robinhood is good for beginners, but only for those starting with US stocks and small amounts. The app is simple, low-cost, and easy to navigate, which reduces friction for first-time investors. However, its narrow investment range and lack of UK tax wrappers mean it is not a complete beginner solution.
The learning curve is low. Opening an account is quick, trades are easy to place, and fractional shares let beginners invest from as little as $1. Robinhood Learn provides basic articles explaining stocks, orders, and risk, but the education is lighter than traditional UK trading platforms. There are no demo accounts, and research tools are basic, so users must be comfortable learning by doing.
Compared with beginner-first UK platforms like Trading 212 or Freetrade, Robinhood is simpler but more limited.
Those alternatives offer ISAs, broader asset choice, and stronger UK-focused education, making them better for long-term beginners. Robinhood works best as a starter app for learning US stocks, not as a full investing platform for new UK investors.
What are the pros and cons of using Robinhood?
Robinhood offers very low-cost access to US stocks with a simple app, but UK investors must accept clear limitations around tax wrappers, asset choice, and protection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| £0 commission on buying and selling US stocks | No Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP available |
| No FX fees. Only a small 0.03% third-party conversion cost | US stocks and ADRs only. No UK shares, ETFs, or funds |
| Fractional shares from $1, ideal for beginners | No FSCS protection for UK investors |
| 24-hour US stock trading and extended market hours | Limited diversification for long-term investors |
| FCA regulated UK entity with SIPC and FDIC protection | Assets held in USD only, not GBP |
| Strong mobile app with simple, intuitive design | Basic research and charting compared to advanced platforms |
| Interest paid on uninvested cash up to around 5% AER | Margin trading adds risk and is not suitable for beginners |
Who is Robinhood best for?
Robinhood is best for cost-focused UK investors who want simple access to US stocks.
| Best For | Trader / Investor Type | Why It Suits Them |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | New UK investors starting small | Simple app, $1 fractional shares, £0 commission, low learning curve. Ideal for learning how US stock investing works. |
| Active traders | Frequent US stock traders | No dealing fees, no inactivity charges, 24-hour US trading, and extended market hours reduce trading friction. |
| Long-term investors | Buy-and-hold investors | Partially suitable. Low costs help, but the lack of ISAs, SIPPs, ETFs, and diversification limits long-term efficiency. |
| International investors | Investors focused on US markets | Strong fit for those targeting US-listed stocks and ADRs, with no FX fees and broad access to American companies. |
How regulated and trustworthy is Robinhood in the UK?
Robinhood is regulated and generally trustworthy for UK users, but its protections differ from traditional UK brokers. It is FCA authorised, follows UK client money rules, and uses strong US investor protection schemes. However, FSCS protection does not apply, which is an important consideration for UK investors.
FCA regulation
Robinhood UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means it must meet UK standards for governance, capital adequacy, and client money handling. FCA oversight adds credibility and legal accountability in the UK.
FSCS protection
Robinhood does not offer FSCS protection. UK investors are not covered up to £85,000 if the firm fails. This is a key difference versus UK-based investment platforms offering ISAs and SIPPs.
Fund segregation and investor protection
Client assets are segregated from company funds. US-listed securities are protected by SIPC up to $500,000, while uninvested cash can be covered by FDIC insurance up to $2.25 million through partner banks. These protections apply if Robinhood fails, not against market losses.
Track record and reputation
Founded in 2013, Robinhood is a publicly listed US company with a strong global brand. It has faced past fines and criticism, particularly during the GameStop episode, but remains a major regulated broker with millions of active users worldwide.
What assets can you trade on Robinhood (UK)?
Robinhood UK is a specialist platform for US shares only. It is suitable for simple stock investing but not for diversification, tax-efficient investing, or multi-asset portfolios.
| Asset type | Available on Robinhood UK? | Details for UK users |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | Yes | Trade 6,000+ US-listed stocks and ADRs, including fractional shares from $1. |
| ETFs | No (UK) | ETFs can be viewed for research but cannot be traded by UK users. |
| CFDs / spread betting | No | Robinhood does not offer leveraged derivatives or spread betting. |
| Forex | No | No forex trading. Accounts are USD-only, with GBP converted at low cost. |
| Crypto | No (UK) | Crypto trading is not available to UK users due to regulatory limits. |
| Bonds | No | Government and corporate bonds are not supported. |
| Funds / mutual funds | No | No access to UK funds, OEICs, or mutual funds. |
How much does Robinhood cost to use?
Robinhood is one of the lowest-cost trading platforms available to UK users, with £0 commission on trades and no ongoing account fees. Costs mainly come from small regulatory charges and currency conversion rather than platform pricing.
| Cost type | Robinhood UK pricing | What this means for users |
|---|---|---|
| Trading fees | £0 commission | No charges for buying or selling US stocks or fractional shares. |
| Spreads / commissions | No dealing spreads added | Trades execute at market prices with no platform markup. |
| Regulatory fees | Small third-party fees apply | US Trading Activity Fee on sell orders. Set by regulators, not Robinhood. |
| FX fees | 0% FX fee | A 0.03% third-party conversion cost is built into GBP to USD deposits and withdrawals. |
| Inactivity fee | £0 | No charges for unused or dormant accounts. |
| Custody / platform fee | £0 | No monthly or annual account charges. |
| ISA / SIPP fees | Not available | Robinhood does not offer ISAs or SIPPs, so no tax wrapper access. |
How easy is it to open an account and start trading?
Opening a Robinhood account in the UK is simple but not always instant. The process is app-led, beginner-friendly, and has no minimum deposit, although some users may experience approval delays due to checks.
Account opening time: Most UK users can apply in under 10 minutes. Approval often takes 1 to 3 working days, but it can take longer if additional verification is required.
KYC requirements: Robinhood follows UK KYC and AML rules. You must be 18 or over, a UK tax resident, and provide a National Insurance number. Identity checks typically require a passport or driving licence, plus basic personal details.
Approval delays: Some users report delays during periods of high demand or when extra documents are requested. This is usually linked to identity verification rather than platform issues.
Account opening steps
- Download the Robinhood app or visit the website.
- Enter your personal details and National Insurance number.
- Complete identity verification using a passport or driving licence.
- Link a UK bank account and submit your application.
- Wait for approval confirmation, then fund your account and start trading.
How do deposits and withdrawals work on Robinhood?
Robinhood keeps deposits and withdrawals simple but USD-focused for UK users. Payments are low cost, but the lack of GBP accounts and limited funding options is important to understand.
| Feature | Robinhood UK details | What this means for users |
|---|---|---|
| UK payment methods | UK bank transfer via linked bank account | No debit or credit card funding. Bank account required. |
| Supported currency | USD only | GBP deposits are automatically converted to USD. |
| Deposit fees | £0 platform fee | A 0.03% third-party FX cost applies on GBP to USD conversion. |
| Withdrawal fees | £0 platform fee | Same low 0.03% conversion cost when moving funds back to GBP. |
| Deposit speed | Same day to 1 working day | Instant availability is common, but can vary by bank. |
| Withdrawal speed | 1 to 3 working days | Processing times depend on bank and verification status. |
| Minimum deposit | £0 | You can fund the account with any amount. |
| Minimum withdrawal | None stated | Full balances can be withdrawn. |
| Restrictions | No cash, cheque, or card deposits | All funds must move through a linked UK bank account. |
Is Robinhood right for your trading style?
Robinhood works best for low-cost, frequent trading in US stocks, but it is less suitable for long-term, tax-efficient investing. The table below shows how well different trading styles fit the platform.
| Trading style | Suitability | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Scalping | ★★★★☆ | Zero commissions and no inactivity fees reduce trading costs, but limited order types and basic charting restrict advanced scalping strategies. |
| Day trading | ★★★★★ | No dealing fees, fractional shares, extended and 24-hour US trading, and fast order execution make Robinhood well suited to active day traders. |
| Long-term investing | ★★★☆☆ | Low costs help, but the lack of ISAs, SIPPs, ETFs, and diversification reduces suitability for long-term UK investors. |
What unique features does Robinhood offer?
Robinhood stands out in the UK market by combining zero-commission US share trading with features usually reserved for US platforms. While its asset range is narrow, several tools and pricing advantages are still rare among FCA-regulated apps.
24-hour US stock trading
Robinhood allows UK users to trade selected US stocks 24 hours a day, five days a week. This is still uncommon in the UK and gives traders flexibility to react to earnings, news, and global market moves outside normal US market hours.
No FX fees on US share trading
Unlike most UK platforms, Robinhood charges no foreign exchange fee when trading US stocks. Only a very small 0.03% third-party conversion cost applies, making it one of the cheapest ways for UK investors to access US markets.
Fractional shares from $1
Robinhood lets UK users buy fractional shares from as little as $1, allowing small investors to own high-priced US stocks like Apple or NVIDIA without committing large sums.
Interest on uninvested cash
UK customers can earn around 4–5% AER on uninvested cash, with no cap. Few FCA-regulated trading apps offer interest rates this competitive alongside zero trading fees.
Robinhood Learn
Robinhood includes a built-in learning hub with beginner-friendly articles explaining investing basics, order types, and risk. While not as deep as traditional brokers, it is well integrated into the app and easy for new investors to use.
Simple, app-first design
The platform’s clean, intuitive mobile app remains one of its biggest competitive advantages. It reduces friction for first-time investors and makes trading US stocks feel straightforward.
How good is Robinhood customer support?
Robinhood offers decent but app-first customer support for UK users. Support is available when needed, but it is not as comprehensive as traditional UK investment platforms with full call centres.
| Support area | Robinhood UK details | What this means for users |
|---|---|---|
| Support channels | In-app messaging and phone support | No email or live web chat. All support starts via the app. |
| Availability / hours | 24/7 support | Unusual for UK platforms and useful for 24-hour US trading. |
| UK relevance | Global support team | Good for account and trading issues, limited UK-specific tax or product guidance. |
| Responsiveness | Generally fast for simple queries | More complex issues can take longer, with mixed user feedback. |
Robinhood vs competitors (UK comparison)
Robinhood competes mainly on price and simplicity, but UK-based platforms still offer broader features and tax efficiency. The table below compares Robinhood with two popular UK alternatives, Trading 212 and Freetrade, from a UK investor perspective.
| Feature | Robinhood | Trading 212 | Freetrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCA regulated | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FSCS protection | No | Yes up to £85,000 | Yes up to £85,000 |
| Commission on shares | £0 (US stocks only) | £0 | £0 |
| FX fees | 0% (0.03% third-party cost) | 0% | From 0.39% |
| Assets available | US stocks & ADRs only | UK & US shares, ETFs | UK & US shares, ETFs |
| Fractional shares | Yes, from $1 | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks & Shares ISA | No | Yes | Yes |
| SIPP | No | No | Yes (paid plan) |
| Interest on cash | ~4–5% AER (USD) | ~4% AER (GBP) | Up to ~5% (plan dependent) |
| Best for | Low-cost US stock trading | All-round beginner investing | Long-term UK investors |
What are the main limitations of Robinhood?
Robinhood’s low fees and simple app are appealing, but UK investors should be clear about its structural limitations before using it as a primary platform.
- No Stocks and Shares ISA or SIPP: You cannot invest tax-efficiently, which may increase capital gains and dividend tax over time.
- US stocks only: No UK shares, global stocks, ETFs, funds, or bonds, limiting diversification.
- No FSCS protection: UK investors are not covered up to £85,000 if the firm fails. Protection relies on US schemes instead.
- USD-only accounts: All deposits are converted to US dollars, adding small FX costs and currency exposure.
- Limited research and advanced tools: Charting and analysis are basic compared with full-service UK brokers.
- Not ideal for long-term investing: The lack of ETFs, funds, and tax wrappers makes it better suited as a secondary or trading-focused account.
Conclusion: Is Robinhood worth using in the UK?
Robinhood is a strong low-cost option for UK investors focused on US stocks, offering £0 commissions, no FX fees, and a simple, beginner-friendly investment app. It works best as a secondary platform for trading or learning, rather than a long-term home for your investments.
For most UK investors, Trading 212 is a better all-round pick thanks to its free ISA, broader asset range, and competitive interest on cash. Freetrade suits long-term investors who want ISAs or SIPPs, while Interactive Investor is better for larger portfolios needing diversification and tax efficiency.
Robinhood fills a niche, but UK-first platforms remain the smarter primary choice.
FAQs
Is Robinhood regulated in the UK?
Yes. Robinhood UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA, but it does not offer FSCS protection.
Is profit from trading taxed in the UK?
Yes. Profits may be subject to Capital Gains Tax and dividend tax, as Robinhood does not offer tax-free ISAs.
Does Robinhood offer a Stocks and Shares ISA?
No. Robinhood does not provide ISAs or SIPPs for UK users.
Can I transfer an existing ISA to Robinhood?
No. ISA transfers are not possible because Robinhood does not support ISA accounts.
Are there restrictions on trading CFDs or using leverage as a UK resident?
Yes. Robinhood does not offer CFDs or spread betting, and margin trading is limited and regulated under FCA rules.
Can I deposit to Robinhood in GBP?
Yes. Robinhood does not offer CFDs or spread betting, and margin trading is limited and regulated under FCA rules.
