The best CFD trading platforms in the UK offer safe FCA-regulated access, low fees, and fast GBP deposits, making it easier to trade leveraged products with confidence.
This guide compares leading CFD brokers on costs, tools and reliability so you can choose a platform that fits your experience level and trading style.
Always remember CFDs are high risk and losses can exceed deposits.
Key takeaway: What is the best CFD trading platform in the UK?
The best CFD trading platform in the UK is eToro because it combines FCA regulation, simple design, low minimum deposits and strong social trading tools. It suits beginners who want a safe, user-friendly platform. Traders needing deeper tools often prefer IG or Pepperstone. The right choice depends on experience, budget and preferred assets.
Best UK CFD platforms compared
| CFD broker | Minimum deposit & funding | Fees & spreads | Platform strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | £50 bank transfer; fast GBP deposits | Low stock fees, wider CFD spreads | Simple, beginner-friendly; strong mobile app | Beginners & social trading |
| IG | £250 minimum; card, bank & PayPal | Competitive FX & index spreads | ProRealTime charts; deep analysis tools | Advanced traders & analysts |
| Pepperstone | £0 minimum; fast cards, PayPal | Ultra-tight FX spreads from 0.0 | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | Scalpers & high-frequency trading |
| XTB | £0 minimum; free withdrawals | Low spreads; no commissions on stocks | xStation 5: fast, intuitive, powerful | Cost-conscious traders |
| Capital.com | £20 minimum; wide payment options | Tight spreads; low FX costs | TradingView charts; strong research | Low-cost index & forex traders |
Top 5 CFD trading platforms UK – best for
- eToro – Best for beginners & all-round CFD trading
- IG – Best for advanced tools, analysis & pro-level charting
- Pepperstone – Best for low spreads, scalping & fast execution
- XTB – Best for low costs & an easy, powerful trading platform
- Capital.com – Best for education, research & TradingView charts
UK CFD broker reviews
Below you will find detailed reviews of the top CFD brokers in the UK, including their fees, tools, safety features and who each platform is best suited for.
1. eToro – Best for copy trading and beginner-friendly CFD investing
Should you use eToro for CFD trading?
Yes, eToro is a strong option for CFD trading if you want a simple platform and the ability to copy experienced traders.
It’s not the cheapest for forex or crypto CFDs, but it excels in usability, safety, and multi-asset access, making it ideal for beginners or casual traders exploring CFDs for the first time.
Summary table
| Feature | eToro summary |
|---|---|
| FCA Regulated | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | From $50–$100 |
| Account Currency | USD (GBP converted on deposit) |
| CFDs Available | Yes – stocks, indices, crypto, commodities, forex |
| Copy Trading | Yes – industry-leading |
| Platforms | Web + Mobile (no desktop platform) |
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Protection | Negative balance protection |
How safe and well-regulated is this CFD trading platform?
eToro is considered safe because it is FCA regulated in the UK, provides negative balance protection, and keeps client funds in segregated tier-1 banks.
The platform uses SSL encryption, login alerts and full ID verification to protect accounts. Although CFD trading itself is high risk, eToro’s strong oversight makes it safer than offshore alternatives.
How competitive are the spreads, fees and overnight costs?
eToro is highly competitive for investing in real stocks and ETFs thanks to 0% commission, but its CFD pricing is more mixed.
Major forex pairs such as EURUSD start around 1.0 pip, index CFD spreads on the S&P 500 sit around 0.9, and crypto fees are 1%, which is higher than specialist exchanges. A fixed $5 withdrawal fee applies, and GBP users should be aware of conversion charges since all trading is conducted in USD.
Overnight funding applies to leveraged CFD positions, meaning active traders should monitor costs closely.
How easy is the platform to use and what trading tools does eToro offer?
eToro is extremely beginner friendly, offering one of the cleanest and simplest interfaces in the CFD market.
Account sign-up takes minutes, the platform layout is intuitive, and charts, watchlists and alerts are easy to access.
Its standout tool is Copy Trading, which allows you to mirror top performers automatically.
While charting is suitable for everyday traders, advanced analysts may find the technical tools less comprehensive than IG or TradingView.
How many CFD markets and assets can you trade on eToro?
eToro supports a wide multi-asset catalogue that includes stock CFDs, index CFDs, commodity CFDs, crypto CFDs and major forex pairs.
You can also buy real underlying assets such as stocks and ETFs alongside your CFD portfolio, making it simple to diversify without using multiple brokers.
This range suits traders who want stocks, forex, indices, commodities and crypto all in one place.
How fast are GBP deposits and withdrawals and how good is the support?
Deposits via debit card or bank transfer are fast, often landing instantly or within a few hours, and onboarding is smooth thanks to automated verification.
Withdrawals typically take two to three business days, slowed slightly by the $5 withdrawal fee and currency conversion.
Customer support is available through live chat and ticketing; however, replies can take longer during busy periods, which is common for large multi-asset platforms.
Who is eToro best for?
eToro is best for beginners, casual traders and anyone who wants to follow experienced investors through Copy Trading.
It suits users who value simplicity and want real stocks, ETFs, crypto and CFDs within one platform.
Advanced forex traders or those needing deep technical analysis tools may prefer a platform with more sophisticated charting and lower raw spreads.
Read the complete eToro review here.
Pros & cons
Pros
- FCA regulated with strong protections
- 0% commission on real stocks and ETFs
- Best-in-class Copy Trading
- Simple platform ideal for beginners
- Wide range of real assets and CFDs
- Fast onboarding and straightforward funding
Cons
- $5 withdrawal fee
- USD-only account with FX conversion
- Average CFD spreads on forex
- Limited advanced tools
- Support can be slow at peak times
2. IG – Best for advanced trading tools, research and market depth
Should you use IG for CFD trading?
Yes. IG is one of the best CFD platforms in the UK thanks to its FCA regulation, deep market coverage and advanced charting tools including ProRealTime.
Costs are transparent and spreads start from 0.6 pips on major forex pairs. It is particularly strong for experienced traders who need professional-grade tools and execution.
Summary table
| Feature | IG summary |
|---|---|
| Best For | Advanced charting, deep market access, professional tools |
| FCA Regulated | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | £250 |
| Total Markets | 19,000+ CFDs |
| Platforms | Web, Mobile, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4 |
| Spreads | From 0.6 pips on major forex pairs |
| Protection | Negative balance + FSCS up to £85,000 |
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No |
How safe and well regulated is this CFD trading platform?
IG is one of the safest CFD brokers in the UK, authorised and regulated by the FCA, publicly listed, and backed by decades of financial stability.
Client funds are held in segregated bank accounts and UK users benefit from FSCS protection up to £85,000.
The platform uses strong encryption, two-factor authentication and frequent compliance auditing to maintain security.
How competitive are the spreads, fees and overnight costs?
IG offers competitive spreads starting around 0.6 pips on major forex pairs and transparent index pricing, although it’s not always the cheapest option for high-volume traders.
Stock CFD commissions, index spreads and commodity pricing are fair, but overnight financing charges can accumulate on longer trades.
There are no deposit or withdrawal fees for UK clients, which helps keep overall costs predictable.
How easy is the platform to use and what trading tools does IG offer?
IG provides a sophisticated yet clean web online trading platform with powerful charting, rapid execution and integrated risk tools.
Its strength lies in its advanced features such as ProRealTime, which offers nearly 100 indicators, automated strategies and detailed visual analysis.
While beginners may find the depth overwhelming, experienced traders will appreciate the ability to customise layouts, analyse markets and run complex trading setups.
How many CFD markets and assets can you trade on IG?
IG supports one of the largest ranges of CFD markets globally, with over 19,000 instruments covering forex, shares, indices, commodities, options, bonds, and ETFs.
UK traders can also access spread betting, L2 Dealer for direct market access and cryptocurrency exposure through underlying assets via a partner.
This breadth makes IG ideal for traders seeking unmatched market variety.
How fast are GBP deposits and withdrawals and how good is the support?
Deposits via debit card or PayPal are usually instant, while bank transfers clear within one to three business days.
Withdrawals are processed quickly, with most requests completed within a single working day at no charge.
Customer support is helpful and professional, though not available 24/7. Response times are strong during UK hours, but night and weekend availability is limited for urgent issues.
Who is IG best for?
IG is best for experienced traders, active day traders and users who need professional tools such as ProRealTime, L2 Dealer or advanced risk management.
It also suits those who trade a wide mix of asset classes and want deep liquidity and consistent execution.
Beginners can still learn effectively through IG Academy, but the platform’s depth is most valuable to committed traders.
Read the complete IG review here.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Huge range of global markets with 19,000+ CFDs
- Advanced ProRealTime charting and L2 Dealer access
- FCA-regulated with decades of financial credibility
- Excellent research, education and trading analysis
- Fast execution and no withdrawal fees
Cons
- £250 minimum deposit may deter new traders
- Overnight costs and less visible fees can add up
- Platform depth can feel overwhelming for beginners
- No copy trading features
3. XTB – Best for low-cost CFD trading and ultra-tight forex spreads
Should you use XTB for CFD trading?
Yes. XTB is an excellent choice for CFD trading thanks to its FCA regulation, £0 minimum deposit, very tight spreads starting from 0.1 pips, and the fast, intuitive xStation 5 platform.
It’s cost-effective, user-friendly, and ideal for UK traders who want low-fee CFD access without sacrificing speed, tools or security.
Summary table
| Feature | XTB summary |
|---|---|
| Best For | Low-cost CFD trading & tight forex spreads |
| FCA Regulated | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | £0 |
| Total Markets | 5,700+ instruments |
| Platforms | xStation 5 (web, desktop, mobile) |
| Spreads | From 0.1 pips on majors |
| Commission (Stocks & ETFs) | £0 up to £85k/month |
| Withdrawal Fee | £0 |
| Protection | FSCS up to £85,000 + negative balance |
| Demo Account | Yes |
How safe and well regulated is this CFD trading platform?
XTB is considered a secure CFD broker for UK traders because it is FCA regulated, publicly supervised, and audited under strict European standards.
Client funds are held in segregated bank accounts, FSCS protection covers up to £85,000, and the platform uses two-factor authentication and strong encryption.
Its long track record since 2002 further reinforces trust and safety.
How competitive are the spreads, fees and overnight costs?
XTB is one of the lowest-cost CFD brokers in the UK, offering forex spreads from 0.1 pips, S&P 500 CFDs around 0.5, and £0 commission on stocks and ETFs up to £85,000 monthly volume.
There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, although an inactivity fee applies after 12 months. Overnight funding applies to leveraged CFD positions but remains clearly disclosed and easy to monitor.
How easy is the platform to use and what trading tools does XTB offer?
XTB’s xStation 5 is fast, responsive and easier to navigate than many advanced platforms.
It includes powerful charting tools, real-time sentiment data, integrated news, risk management modules, stock screeners and post-trade analytics.
Everything loads quickly, layouts are customisable, and order execution is efficient. While there is no MetaTrader support, xStation 5 delivers strong analysis for both beginners and seasoned traders.
How many CFD markets and assets can you trade on XTB?
XTB provides access to more than 5,700 markets, including forex, stock CFDs, index CFDs, commodities, crypto CFDs, real shares and real ETFs.
With over 6,000 global stocks and 1,400 ETFs, it allows both speculative CFD trading and long-term investing.
Forex traders benefit from 70+ currency pairs with tight spreads, and indices such as UK100, US30 and GER40 are available with flexible leverage.
How fast are GBP deposits and withdrawals and how good is the support?
Deposits via bank transfer or debit card are smooth and usually fast, with no minimum deposit required.
Withdrawals over £50 are free and typically processed the same business day, providing reliable access to funds.
Support is available 24/5 through live chat, phone and email. Response quality is strong, although educational depth is lighter than IG or CMC.
Who is XTB best for?
XTB is best for cost-conscious CFD and forex traders, day traders and anyone who wants tight spreads, quick execution and a clean, modern platform.
It’s particularly strong for users who trade regularly or want to minimise fees.
Long-term investors seeking SIPPs or advanced third-party charting platforms may find XTB less suitable.
Read the complete XTB review here.
Pros & cons
Pros
- £0 minimum deposit, easy onboarding
- Extremely low spreads (from 0.1 pips)
- Fast and intuitive xStation 5 platform
- Broad market coverage with real stocks & ETFs
- FCA regulated with FSCS protection
- No withdrawal fees above £50
Cons
- No support for MetaTrader or TradingView
- Inactivity fee after 12 months
- Limited educational depth compared with IG
- Focuses primarily on CFDs over long-term investing tools
4. Capital.com – Best for low-cost forex trading and strong education
Should you use Capital.com for CFD trading?
Yes. Capital.com is a strong choice for CFD trading thanks to its tight spreads, low minimum deposit, and advanced TradingView-powered charting.
It’s FCA regulated, supports over 5,500 instruments, and offers some of the best educational resources among CFD brokers.
It’s ideal for cost-focused traders who want clean tools and excellent learning support.
Summary table
| Feature | Capital.com summary |
|---|---|
| Best For | Low-cost forex CFDs & strong education |
| FCA Regulated | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 |
| Total Markets | 5,585+ instruments |
| Platforms | Web, MT4, TradingView |
| Spreads | Avg 0.67 pips EUR/USD |
| Commission | Spread-only |
| Withdrawal Fee | $0 |
| Protection | FSCS up to £85,000 |
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No |
How safe and well regulated is this CFD trading platform?
Capital.com is regarded as a trustworthy CFD broker for UK traders because it is FCA regulated, offers negative balance protection, and keeps client funds in segregated accounts.
It maintains additional Tier-1 oversight from ASIC and EU regulators, uses strong encryption, and verifies accounts fully.
Although crypto CFDs are restricted in the UK, its regulatory structure is solid and transparent.
How competitive are the spreads, fees and overnight costs?
Capital.com offers highly competitive pricing, with the EUR/USD spread averaging 0.67 pips, making it cheaper than many mainstream brokers.
There are no fees for deposits, withdrawals or inactivity, and all costs are built into the spread.
Overnight financing applies to leveraged CFDs, but real-asset alternatives like 1X CFDs offer non-leveraged exposure without overnight charges.
How easy is the platform to use and what trading tools does Capital.com offer?
Capital.com provides a clean, modern trading experience through its proprietary web platform and mobile app, backed by TradingView charting for deep technical analysis.
Tools include sentiment data, drag-to-modify order controls, thematic screeners, and fast execution.
MT4 is also available for traders who prefer it, although automated trading support is limited to the desktop environment.
How many CFD markets and assets can you trade on Capital.com?
Capital.com gives access to over 5,500 instruments, including 4,800 share CFDs, 125 forex pairs, 35 indices, 70 commodities, and over 130 ETFs.
It also offers more than 400 crypto CFDs for eligible clients, though these are unavailable to UK retail users.
The range is broad and flexible, covering most tradable global markets except real shares.
How fast are GBP deposits and withdrawals and how good is the support?
Deposits via card, bank transfer and digital wallets are processed quickly, with most card payments landing instantly and bank transfers taking one to three days.
Withdrawals are free and normally processed within 24 hours, though bank transfers can take several working days.
Support is available 24/7, offering fast responses through live chat, phone and multiple messaging apps.
Who is Capital.com best for?
Capital.com is best for traders who prioritise low spreads, strong analysis tools and structured education.
It suits active forex traders, beginners who want high-quality learning materials, and users who enjoy TradingView-powered charts.
It’s less suitable for long-term investors seeking real stocks or SIPPs, but excellent for short-term CFD strategies and technical analysis.
Read the complete Capital.com review here.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Excellent platform with TradingView charting
- Low spreads and no withdrawal fees
- Strong education and research tools
- Intuitive mobile and web apps
- FCA regulated with robust protections
Cons
- No MetaTrader 5 support
- Price alerts missing on web platform
- No copy trading or trading signals
- Crypto CFDs unavailable to UK retail traders
5. Pepperstone – Best for tight spreads, fast execution and algorithmic trading
Should you use Pepperstone for CFD trading?
Yes. Pepperstone is an excellent choice for UK CFD traders who want ultra-low spreads, rapid execution and access to platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
FCA regulation, £0 minimum deposit, and consistently tight pricing make it ideal for day traders, scalpers and algorithmic traders who need precision, speed and reliability.
Summary table
| Feature | Pepperstone summary |
|---|---|
| Best For | Tight spreads, scalping & algo trading |
| FCA Regulated | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | £0 |
| Total Markets | 1,350+ instruments |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips (Razor) |
| Commission | From £2.25 per lot (Razor) |
| Withdrawal Fee | £0 |
| Protection | FSCS up to £85,000 |
| Demo Account | Yes |
How safe and well regulated is this CFD trading platform?
Pepperstone is considered very safe for UK traders because it is FCA regulated, uses segregated tier-1 bank accounts, and provides FSCS protection up to £85,000.
It offers negative balance protection for retail users and has strong security measures such as SSL encryption and real-time monitoring.
With multiple global regulators overseeing operations, its trust profile is significantly stronger than average.
How competitive are the spreads, fees and overnight costs?
Pepperstone is one of the most cost-efficient CFD brokers in the UK, with Razor spreads starting at 0.0 pips and commissions from £2.25 per lot.
The Standard account has no forex commission, spreads start around 1.0 pips, and all deposits and withdrawals are free.
There are no inactivity fees, though overnight funding applies on leveraged positions.
How easy is the platform to use and what trading tools does Pepperstone offer?
Pepperstone supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView and its own WebTrader, offering exceptional flexibility for technical and algorithmic traders.
Tools include Smart Trader plug-ins, Autochartist, VPS hosting and FIX API for automation.
Interface design varies by platform, but execution is consistently fast and layouts are clean, making it suitable for all experience levels.
How many CFD markets and assets can you trade on Pepperstone?
Pepperstone provides access to more than 1,300 instruments, including 90+ forex pairs, major indices, commodities, ETFs and over 900 share CFDs.
It also supports crypto CFDs for eligible clients outside the UK. The range is broad enough for active traders but not as extensive as multi-asset brokers like IG or CMC.
Coverage, however, is deep where it matters most, forex and indices.
How fast are GBP deposits and withdrawals and how good is the support?
Deposits via card, PayPal and digital wallets are typically instant, while bank transfers clear within one business day.
Withdrawals are processed quickly and are free except for international wire transfers.
Customer support is available 24/7, with fast responses across phone, email and live chat. Support quality is consistently strong, especially during market hours.
Who is Pepperstone best for?
Pepperstone is best suited to day traders, scalpers, algorithmic traders and anyone who needs tight spreads and fast execution.
Its multi-platform setup is ideal for strategy testing and automation, while the Standard account also suits beginners who want simple, spread-only pricing.
It’s less suited to long-term investors seeking real shares or ISA/SIPP accounts.
Read the complete Pepperstone review here.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Ultra-tight spreads with Razor pricing
- cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView supported
- £0 minimum deposit and free transactions
- FCA regulated with strong security
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited product range vs IG or CMC
- No real stock investing or ISA/SIPP
- Some tools require third-party platforms
- Overnight funding can add up for active positions
How we test CFD trading platforms
CFD platforms are evaluated using a structured review process that scores each broker on security, fees, platform tools, ease of use, customer support and overall reputation.
Each category is rated from 1 to 5 using real account data, hands on testing, and platform feature verification. All reviews prioritise FCA regulation, clear pricing and trader safety.
Every score is based on live platform usage, comparison of spreads and overnight costs, testing of mobile and desktop tools, and checks on funding speed, market range and educational quality.
This ensures every recommendation is accurate, independent and suitable for UK traders.
For a full breakdown of our review methodology, see our detailed guide on How We Test.
Understanding CFDs
What is a CFD and how does CFD trading work?
A CFD is a Contract for Difference that lets you trade price movements without owning the asset.
You can go long or short and profit from the difference between entry and exit.
CFDs use leverage, which magnifies gains and losses. Main costs include spreads, overnight funding and FX conversion.
*New to CFDs? Read our How to Trade CFDs UK for Beginners guide for a simple, step by step introduction before you start trading.
What can you trade with CFDs in the UK?
You can trade CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, shares, and ETFs. UK retail clients cannot trade crypto CFDs.
Each market has different spreads, volatility, and margin requirements, so beginners should understand how each asset behaves before trading.
CFD market coverage table
| Market type | What it includes | Typical features | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | Major, minor and exotic currency pairs | Tight spreads and high liquidity | Highly volatile. Leverage is high so losses can escalate quickly. |
| Indices | FTSE 100, S&P 500, Nasdaq, DAX and more | Lower volatility than single stocks | Good for broad market exposure. Spreads vary by index and time of day. |
| Commodities | Gold, oil, natural gas, silver and soft commodities | Strong trends and event driven movements | Affected by global news and supply data. Overnight fees can be higher. |
| Shares and ETFs | UK, US and global companies plus themed ETFs | Wider asset choice and corporate news events | Commission may apply. Spreads are wider than indices or forex. |
| Crypto CFDs | Bitcoin, Ethereum and other major tokens | Not available for UK retail clients | FCA banned crypto CFDs for retail traders. Only available to professional clients. |
What should you consider before choosing a CFD broker?
You should focus on FCA regulation, fees, platform tools, risk controls, available markets, and ease of use before choosing a CFD broker.
Beginners also need clear education, good customer support, and simple funding options. A safe platform must separate client funds and publish transparent costs.
FCA regulation and account protection
A UK CFD broker must be authorised by the FCA. This confirms fair conduct rules, negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and strict oversight.
CFDs are not covered by the FSCS because they are trading products, but your cash balance with an FCA firm should sit in a segregated UK bank account.
Fees, spreads and overnight costs
Cost transparency is essential.
Compare:
- Spreads on key markets
- Commission rates on share CFDs
- Overnight financing charges
- Withdrawal and inactivity fees
Lower costs help beginners preserve capital, but the cheapest option is not always the best if the platform lacks robust tools.
Trading tools and platform quality
A good CFD broker should offer:
- Fast execution
- Clear charts
- Risk management tools
- Education for new traders
- A mobile trading app that mirrors the desktop experience
Practice accounts help beginners learn without risking real money.
Markets and instruments available
Check the range of CFDs you can trade. Leading brokers offer:
- Indices
- Forex
- Commodities
- Shares
- Cryptocurrencies
A wider range allows more flexible strategies.
Funding options and ease of use
Look for simple deposits via bank transfer, Faster Payments, or debit card. The platform should be intuitive with a clean layout and clear terminology, especially for first time CFD traders.
Customer service and educational support
Beginners benefit from responsive support teams and accessible learning content. Quality brokers offer articles, videos, webinars, and platform tutorials designed to build confidence and reduce errors.
What are the pros and cons of CFD trading?
Pros:
- Trade rising or falling markets
- Leverage allows small deposits to control larger positions
- Wide global market access
Cons:
- Leverage increases losses
- Overnight fees add up
- Fast-moving markets can cause bigger risks
Are CFD profits taxable in the UK?
Yes. CFD profits are taxable in the UK because CFDs are treated as Capital Gains Tax (CGT) assets, not as bets.
Losses can be used to offset gains, and UK traders must report profits to HMRC through Self Assessment. CFDs are not tax free and do not qualify for ISA protection.
How CFD taxation works
CFD gains fall under Capital Gains Tax rules. HMRC views CFDs as financial instruments, so any realised profit counts toward your annual CGT allowance. Losses can be carried forward and used to reduce future gains if recorded correctly.
Capital Gains Tax allowances
UK traders receive an annual CGT allowance, which reduces the taxable portion of gains.
Anything above this allowance is taxed at:
- 10 percent for basic rate taxpayers
- 20 percent for higher rate taxpayers
Rates apply to financial gains, not income.
CFDs are not eligible for ISA protection
CFDs cannot be held inside a Stocks and Shares ISA. This means gains cannot be shielded from tax. Tax reporting is required for any gains that exceed the annual allowance.
What beginners should do
Keep clear records of:
- All trade entries and exits
- Profit and loss
- Costs such as overnight fees
Accurate records help with HMRC reporting and claimable loss offsets.
Which CFD broker is best for your trading style?
The best CFD broker for your trading style depends on your experience level, preferred markets, fee sensitivity and the tools you need.
IG suits advanced analysis, Pepperstone is ideal for speed and raw spreads, eToro works best for beginners, XTB fits cost-focused traders, and Capital.com is strong for education and research.
| Trading style or need | Best CFD broker | Why it is best | Key strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced or professional traders | IG | Best overall for pro tools and deep market access | ProRealTime charts, depth of market, stable execution, 19,000+ markets |
| Algorithmic and high frequency traders | Pepperstone | Raw spreads and ultra fast execution | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, VPS support, 0.0 pip spreads |
| Most account types | Pepperstone and XTB | Offers Standard, Pro, Razor and spread betting | Flexible pricing models, low spreads, strong execution |
| Indices trading | Pepperstone | Tight spreads on US500, GER40, UK100 | Fast execution, reliable liquidity, low index pricing |
| Secondary choice for indices | IG | Broad index range with advanced charting | ProRealTime tools, deep market research |
| Stock and share CFDs | eToro (beginners) | Intuitive layout and wide equity range | Simple interface, strong mobile app, Copy Trading |
| Stock and share CFDs (advanced) | IG | Deepest global share coverage | Professional research, extensive market access |
| Commodity trading | IG and Pepperstone | Best spreads and fast pricing on oil, gold, natural gas | Execution quality, strong liquidity, advanced charting |
| Low fees | XTB and Pepperstone | Tight spreads and no account fees | Low cost trading, competitive forex pricing |
| Beginners | eToro and XTB | Clear layouts and helpful education | Simple interfaces, demo accounts, strong guidance |
| Mobile trading | IG and eToro | Most polished mobile apps | Smooth charting, fast execution, easy GBP funding |
| Forex trading | Pepperstone | Raw spreads and deep FX liquidity | 0.0 pip spreads, fast order routing, multiple platforms |
| Forex alternative | XTB | Very tight spreads and quick execution | xStation 5, real time tools, strong pricing |
Which CFD broker is best for advanced or professional traders?
IG is best for advanced traders thanks to ProRealTime, deep liquidity and a wide market range. Pepperstone is strong for algorithmic and high frequency traders with raw spreads and very fast execution. Professionals benefit from powerful charting, depth of market tools and stable performance during peak volatility.
Which CFD broker offers the most account types?
Pepperstone and XTB offer the widest choice of account types, including Standard, Razor or Pro, and spread betting. eToro uses a simple single account structure that suits beginners who prefer fewer choices. More account types help traders match spreads, commissions and execution quality to their preferred strategy.
What is the best CFD broker for indices trading?
Pepperstone is best for indices due to tight spreads on US500, GER40 and UK100 with consistently fast execution. IG also performs well with broad index coverage and advanced charting tools. Frequent index traders value low spreads, stable pricing and fast performance during volatile market opens.
What is the best CFD broker for stocks and shares?
eToro is best for beginners trading stock CFDs because of its clean layout and large range of equities. IG offers the deepest global share coverage with sophisticated charting and analysis. Share CFD traders value wide market access, strong research tools and clear corporate news flow across global exchanges.
What is the best CFD broker for commodities trading?
IG and Pepperstone are strongest for commodities, offering competitive spreads on oil, gold and natural gas with very fast execution. Commodity traders depend on stable pricing during economic releases and energy market events, making execution quality and reliable liquidity essential.
Additional helpful best for categories
What is the best CFD broker for low fees?
XTB and Pepperstone provide the lowest overall trading costs, with tight spreads on major markets and no account maintenance fees. This combination helps active traders reduce day to day expenses while still accessing strong tools and fast execution.
What is the best CFD broker for beginners?
eToro and XTB are best for beginners, offering simple layouts, clear pricing and solid educational content. Demo accounts help new traders practise safely and build confidence before trading with real money.
What is the best CFD broker for mobile trading?
IG and eToro offer the best mobile apps, delivering smooth charting, reliable execution and fast GBP funding. Mobile traders benefit from intuitive layouts, clean order controls and stable performance during busy market periods.
What is the best CFD broker for forex trading?
Pepperstone is best for forex thanks to raw spreads, fast execution and deep liquidity. XTB also performs well for day traders with tight spreads and a responsive platform. Forex traders rely on speed, low costs and strong charting when trading fast-moving currency pairs.
Conclusion
The best CFD trading platforms in the UK give you FCA regulation, tight spreads, fast execution, and easy-to-use tools that help you trade confidently.
For most traders, eToro stands out as the top all-round pick thanks to its simple interface, wide market coverage, and strong safety features.
IG is ideal if you want deep charting and professional-level analysis, while Pepperstone and XTB offer ultra-low spreads and fast execution for active traders.
Together, these platforms cover every trading style, from beginner-friendly dashboards to advanced tools designed for precision and speed.
FAQs
What is a CFD trading platform?
A CFD trading platform is a regulated app or web broker that lets you trade price movements on assets like forex, stocks, indices and commodities without owning them. It provides charts, leverage, order types and risk controls.
Which CFD platform is best?
For most UK traders, eToro is the best all-round CFD platform due to its simple interface, FCA regulation and strong beginner tools. IG suits advanced traders, and Pepperstone is excellent for low-spread forex.
Is CFD trading legal in the UK?
Yes. CFD trading is legal and fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). UK rules include leverage limits, client-fund protection and mandatory risk warnings.
What is a CFD trade?
A CFD trade is a contract where you profit or lose based on the difference between the opening and closing price of an asset. You can go long or short, and leverage magnifies both gains and losses.
What is a CFD trading app?
A CFD trading app lets you place leveraged trades on your mobile using real-time charts, alerts and fast GBP deposits, all under FCA oversight.
What is a CFD trading account?
A CFD trading account is a regulated margin account that lets you trade leveraged contracts across markets. You’ll need ID verification and suitability checks before trading.
What is an example of a CFD trade?
If you buy the FTSE 100 at 7,500 for £1 per point and close at 7,540, you earn £40. If it drops to 7,460, you lose £40. Leverage multiplies both outcomes.
What’s the difference between CFD trading and spread betting?
CFDs involve trading price movements with CGT applied to profits. Spread betting uses stakes per point and is tax-free for UK residents but offers similar leverage and risk. Both require strong risk management.
