Choosing the best copy trading platforms in the UK for 2026 starts with understanding which providers are safe, FCA-regulated, and cost-effective.
This guide compares the top options by trading fees, tools, and trader performance so you can follow experienced investors with confidence.
All recommendations prioritise transparency, UK suitability, and clear risk guidance.
Key takeaway: Which is the best copy trading platform in the UK?
eToro is the best overall copy trading platform for most UK beginners and intermediate investors. It combines FCA regulation, an intuitive interface, transparent trader performance stats, and one of the largest social trading communities in the world. Its CopyTrader™ system is simple to use, costs are clear, and the platform makes comparing and evaluating traders far easier than most alternatives, making it the strongest all-round choice for safe, user-friendly copy trading in the UK.
Top 3 copy trading brokers & what they’re best for
- eToro – Best for beginners & overall copy trading
- Pepperstone – Best for advanced traders & strategy tools
- AvaTrade – Best for advanced traders & strategy tools
Our recommended copy trading platforms UK
| Platform | Regulation & safety | Fees & costs | Tools & features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | FCA-regulated, strong client protection, large audited community data | £0 commission on real stocks, competitive spreads, no extra copy fees | CopyTrader™, Smart Portfolios, social feed, transparent trader stats | Beginners & passive copy traders |
| Pepperstone | FCA-regulated, segregated funds, high execution quality | Low spreads, Razor account commissions, no inactivity fees | DupliTrade, MetaTrader Signals, Myfxbook AutoTrade, advanced analytics | Intermediate & advanced traders |
| AvaTrade | Globally regulated (CBI, ASIC), but not FCA-regulated for UK onboarding | Fixed spreads on FX, no withdrawal fees, inactivity fee applies | ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, AvaSocial, strong education via AvaAcademy | International users & beginners wanting guidance |
UK copy trading platforms reviews
Copy trading platforms vary in features, fees, and risk controls, so the reviews below focus on ease of use, copying tools, and suitability for beginners.
1. eToro – Best for beginners & overall copy trading
Key info (quick facts)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| FCA Regulated | Yes – eToro (UK) Ltd |
| Copy Trading Fees | £0 extra |
| Minimum to Copy | $200 per trader |
| Assets You Can Copy | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, indices, commodities, Smart Portfolios |
| Best For | Beginners and passive UK traders |
| Client Protection | FSCS up to £85,000 (non-crypto) |
| Ease of Use | Very high – simple mobile and desktop app |
How trustworthy and well-regulated is this copy trading broker?
eToro is highly trustworthy for UK users because it is FCA-regulated, keeps client funds in segregated accounts, and offers FSCS protection up to £85,000 for eligible non-crypto assets. Crypto holdings are not protected, but eToro uses strong security, including two-factor authentication and transparent trader risk scores from 1 to 10, giving beginners clear visibility over the risk level of each investor they may want to copy.
How much does it cost to copy traders on this platform?
Copy trading on eToro has no additional fees, making it one of the lowest-cost options for UK users. You only pay standard spreads, any overnight CFD fees, and USD conversion fees since all accounts operate in US dollars. The minimum to copy a trader is $200 and withdrawals cost $5, while real stocks and ETFs are commission-free. Pricing is competitive overall, though frequent withdrawals or CFD-heavy strategies can increase costs.
How strong are the trader-selection tools and performance metrics?
eToro offers excellent trader-selection tools, with detailed multi-year performance records, monthly results, drawdowns, asset allocation, and a risk score between 1 and 10. Each trader profile shows copier growth, open positions, portfolio composition, and consistency trends, helping users avoid high-risk or short-term strategies.
ProCharts is available for Club members, but all users can still filter traders by performance stability, region, diversification and volatility.
What assets and trading strategies can you copy here?
You can copy traders investing across stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, indices and cryptocurrencies, giving eToro one of the most diverse copy-trading offerings in the UK.
Strategies include long-term equity investing, dividend portfolios, crypto trading, forex strategies, and multi-asset investing. Smart Portfolios provide a hands-off alternative, combining professionally curated themes with clear performance data and risk ratings, ideal for passive investors.
How easy is the platform to use, and who is it best for?
eToro is very easy to use, with a clean interface, social-style feed, intuitive trader comparisons and a £100,000 demo trading account for beginners. Copying is one click: choose a trader, set an amount and eToro mirrors their trades in real time with built-in stop-loss tools.
It is ideal for beginners and passive users wanting minimal input, though experienced traders also benefit from transparent data and community insights.
Read the complete eToro review here.
Pros and cons of eToro copy trading
Pros
- FCA-regulated and trusted
- No copy trading fees
- Transparent risk scores
- Extremely beginner-friendly
- Smart Portfolios for passive investing
- Large social-trading community
Cons
- USD-only accounts mean FX fees
- Some traders use high-risk strategies
- CFDs are high risk for beginners
- Occasional execution delay
- Customer support can be slow
2. Pepperstone – Best for advanced traders & strategy tools
Key info (quick facts)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| FCA Regulated | Yes – Pepperstone UK Ltd |
| Copy Trading Fees | £0 extra |
| Minimum to Copy | No platform minimum; third-party tools may require $200–$500 |
| Assets You Can Copy | Forex, indices, commodities, crypto CFDs, equities CFDs, ETF CFDs |
| Best For | Intermediate and advanced copy traders |
| Client Protection | FSCS up to £85,000 (UK retail) |
| Ease of Use | High – multiple platforms and fast execution |
How trustworthy and well-regulated is this platform?
Pepperstone is highly trustworthy because it is FCA-regulated, provides FSCS protection up to £85,000 for UK retail clients, and keeps funds in segregated Tier-1 bank accounts. With licences in seven major jurisdictions and negative balance protection for UK users, Pepperstone offers a strong, secure environment for copy trading and automated strategies.
How much does it cost to copy traders on this platform?
Pepperstone charges no extra fees for copy trading, but users pay the underlying spreads and commissions on MT4/MT5, cTrader, or TradingView. Razor accounts provide the lowest costs, while Standard accounts fold fees into wider spreads. Third-party platforms like DupliTrade or Signal Start may charge their own minimums or subscriptions, but Pepperstone itself remains competitively priced for frequent and high-volume copy traders.
How strong are the trader-selection tools and performance metrics?
Pepperstone offers strong copy-trader selection through MT4 Signals, cTrader Copy, DupliTrade, and Pelican. These tools include verified performance data, risk scores, drawdowns, equity curves and trade histories, enabling users to assess strategy consistency quickly. Combined with Pepperstone’s low-latency execution and liquidity, the overall copy-trading toolkit is well suited to informed, data-driven traders.
What assets and trading strategies can you copy here?
Pepperstone supports copying across forex, indices, commodities, equities, ETFs and select crypto CFDs. Traders can mirror scalping systems, swing strategies, algorithmic models and diversified multi-market approaches, depending on the platform used. The selection is entirely CFD-based for UK clients, making it ideal for active trading but less suited to long-term investors.
How easy is the platform to use, and who is it best for?
Pepperstone is easy to use if you already understand MT4/MT5, cTrader or TradingView, with straightforward subscription-based copying and intuitive risk controls. Its speed and flexibility make it best for intermediate and advanced traders who want fast execution, algorithmic options and multiple ways to copy strategies. Beginners can use it, but the choice of platforms is more technical than on beginner-focused trading apps.
Read the complete Pepperstone review here.
Pros and cons of Pepperstone copy trading
Pros
- FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected
- No Pepperstone fees for copy trading
- Multiple copy platforms (MT4 Signals, cTrader Copy, DupliTrade, Pelican)
- Excellent spreads and execution for high-frequency strategies
- Ideal for algorithmic and advanced traders
- Deep liquidity and consistently fast fills
Cons
- CFD-only copying increases risk for beginners
- Third-party copy services may require minimum deposits
- Platform complexity may overwhelm new users
- No built-in social leaderboard like eToro
- Crypto CFDs unavailable for most UK retail clients
3. AvaTrade – Best for advanced traders & strategy tools
Key info (quick facts)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| FCA Regulated | No – regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) |
| Copy Trading Fees | £0 extra |
| Minimum to Copy | Usually $100–$200 depending on platform |
| Assets You Can Copy | Forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, crypto CFDs |
| Best For | Beginners and social traders outside the UK |
| Client Protection | No FSCS; EU protections via CBI |
| Ease of Use | Good – simple via ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, AvaSocial |
How trustworthy and well-regulated is this platform?
AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, not the FCA, so UK users do not receive FSCS coverage, but still benefit from EU-style protections and negative balance protection. It is considered trustworthy globally due to multiple Tier-1 licences and strong security, though the lack of UK regulation is a key limitation for local traders.
How much does it cost to copy traders on this platform?
AvaTrade does not charge copy-trading fees, and costs come from its fixed spreads, which begin around 0.9 pips. ZuluTrade and DupliTrade may set minimum deposits or add optional subscription charges depending on the trader you follow. Deposits and withdrawals are free, making overall pricing straightforward but not the cheapest in the UK.
How strong are the trader-selection tools and performance metrics?
AvaTrade’s copy-trader selection relies on ZuluTrade, DupliTrade and AvaSocial, all of which offer clear performance data, risk scoring, drawdown metrics and trade histories. These platforms make evaluating traders easy, but AvaTrade’s own native tools are limited, so users depend mainly on third-party interfaces for proper analysis.
What assets and trading strategies can you copy here?
AvaTrade allows copying across forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs and crypto CFDs (except for UK retail clients). Strategies range from automated forex systems to diversified multi-market signal providers. The range is broad, but all copy positions use CFDs, making it better for active traders rather than long-term investors.
How easy is the platform to use, and who is it best for?
AvaTrade is easy for beginners because ZuluTrade, DupliTrade and AvaSocial provide simple interfaces for selecting and copying strategies. It suits new or internationally based traders who want straightforward social trading, but UK users may prefer FCA-regulated alternatives offering stronger protections.
Read the complete AvaTrade review here.
Pros and cons of AvaTrade copy trading
Pros
- Fixed spreads from 0.9 pips
- Good selection of copy-trading platforms
- Strong education through AvaAcademy
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Beginner-friendly setup
Cons
- Not FCA regulated for UK users
- No FSCS protection
- Inactivity fees apply
- Native copy tools are limited
- Crypto CFD copying unavailable for UK retail clients
What is copy trading and how does it work for beginners in the UK?
Copy trading lets beginners automatically replicate the trades of experienced investors, making it easier to access the financial markets without advanced knowledge or constant screen time.
You choose a trader, allocate funds, and the platform mirrors their trades proportionally in your account. It is simple to set up, but beginners must understand the risks and select traders carefully.
How does copy trading replicate another trader’s strategy?
Copy trading uses automated technology to mirror a trader’s positions in real time.
When the trader opens, adjusts or closes a trade, the same action is executed proportionally in your trading account based on the funds you allocated.
This means your results follow the trader’s strategy and risk profile, but you can pause, stop or change traders at any time.
What platforms and account types support copy trading?
Copy trading is supported by platforms that integrate automated replication systems such as MetaTrader Signals, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, Myfxbook AutoTrade, and broker-run social apps.
Most brokers offer it through standard CFD trading accounts, with some providing dedicated copy-trading or social-trading accounts.
UK beginners should use FCA-regulated trading platforms for maximum protection.
What types of assets can you copy trade?
- Forex (FX) – Major, minor, and sometimes exotic currency pairs
- Indices – Global stock indices such as the FTSE 100, S&P 500, and DAX
- Commodities – Gold, oil, silver, and other traded commodities
- Equities (Stocks) – Shares of individual companies traded as CFDs
- ETFs – Exchange-traded funds available via CFD markets
- Cryptocurrencies – Available on some platforms; however, UK retail clients cannot copy trade crypto CFDs due to FCA regulations
What are the key risks beginners should understand?
Beginners must understand that copy trading involves real market risk, and losses occur as easily as gains. You inherit the trader’s strategy, risk style and drawdowns, so past performance does not guarantee future results.
Using leverage increases losses, and CFD trading is not FSCS-protected. Beginners should review risk scores, diversify across multiple traders and avoid over-allocating funds.
How do you choose the best copy trading platform in the UK?
Which safety and FCA regulation checks matter most?
For UK users, the most important step is confirming the platform is FCA-regulated, offers segregated client funds, and provides negative balance protection.
FCA oversight ensures fair-trading rules, transparent disclosures, and clear complaint pathways, while segregated accounts protect your capital if the broker fails.
Beginners should avoid unregulated offshore platforms, especially for CFD-based copy trading where leverage magnifies losses and regulatory protection is crucial.
What fees and spreads should you compare between platforms?
Compare each platform’s spreads, commissions, overnight financing, currency conversion costs, and any withdrawal or inactivity fees.
Some platforms charge no copy-trading fee but widen spreads, while others add performance-based charges.
Because all UK copy trading uses CFDs, costs can vary widely depending on instrument type and market volatility, so focusing on total “all-in” cost per trade is more accurate than headline spreads alone.
What performance metrics help identify reliable traders?
Useful metrics include multi-year returns, monthly consistency, maximum drawdown, risk score, number of copiers, portfolio composition, and trade frequency.
Beginners should prioritise traders with stable, medium-risk profiles over those showing sharp, short-term gains, as high returns often correlate with aggressive leverage.
Risk ratings, diversification, and transparent trading history are typically far more reliable indicators than past performance percentages alone.
Which tools and features benefit beginners and advanced users?
| User type | Tools & features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Simple dashboards | Easy navigation and reduced learning curve |
| Transparent trader profiles | Clear visibility of trader performance and risk | |
| Risk scores | Helps assess potential drawdowns and volatility | |
| Stop-loss settings | Limits losses automatically | |
| Auto-allocation tools | Trades are copied proportionally without manual input | |
| Educational content | Builds foundational knowledge | |
| Demo accounts | Allows practice without risking real money | |
| Advanced users | Detailed analytics | In-depth performance and risk analysis |
| Performance filtering | Ability to select traders based on custom criteria | |
| Copy-portfolios | Diversified exposure across multiple traders or strategies | |
| API support | Enables automation and custom integrations | |
| Third-party integrations | Compatibility with MetaTrader Signals, ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, or Myfxbook AutoTrade | |
| Advanced risk controls | Greater flexibility in managing exposure |
How do minimum deposits and payment methods differ?
Minimum deposits vary widely: some platforms start from £50–£200, while others require larger balances for advanced features or access to multiple traders. Payment methods typically include debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal or e-wallets, though processing times and FX conversion costs differ.
Is copy trading legal in the UK and what regulations apply?
Copy trading is legal in the UK when offered by an FCA-regulated platform. CFD and forex copy trading must follow FCA leverage and risk-warning rules, while crypto copy trading is only allowed via AML-registered firms without investment protections. FSCS cover applies only if a regulated firm fails, not for trading losses.
How does the FCA regulate copy trading platforms and services?
The FCA requires platforms to hold the correct permissions, segregate client funds, provide accurate performance data, apply risk warnings, and comply with negative balance protection and appropriateness tests for CFDs.
What rules apply to CFDs, forex, crypto, and social trading?
CFD and forex copy trading must meet FCA leverage caps and margin rules. Crypto copy trading is permitted only under AML registration and carries no investment protections. Social trading features must not imply risk-free returns.
Is copy trading considered financial advice in the UK?
Copy trading is not classed as personalised financial advice as long as platforms do not recommend specific traders. Users must choose who to copy themselves.
Does FSCS protection apply to copy trading accounts?
FSCS does not cover trading losses. It only applies if an FCA-regulated firm fails to return client funds. Crypto copy trading has no FSCS protection at all.
What are the main pros and cons of copy trading for UK investors?
Benefits of copy trading for beginners
- Reduces complexity by automatically replicating trades from experienced traders
- Removes the need for advanced chart analysis or technical knowledge
- Saves time through automated trade execution
- Provides transparent performance statistics to support informed decisions
- Helps beginners learn by observing real trading strategies in action
- FCA-regulated platforms offer consumer protections and built-in risk controls for UK users
Risks and limitations of copy trading
- Losses can be significant, especially when copying leveraged CFD strategies
- Beginners inherit the trader’s full risk profile, including drawdowns
- Past performance does not guarantee future results
- Traders may change strategy or risk behaviour without notice
- Copy trading accounts are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
- Over-reliance on a single trader increases risk; diversification is essential
What are the most common risks and limitations?
The main risks stem from inheriting another trader’s strategy, risk profile and drawdowns, which means losses can be significant, especially when CFDs and leverage are involved.
How does copy trading compare with managed portfolios?
| Feature | Copy trading | Managed portfolios |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Full control over which traders you follow | No direct control; managed by professionals |
| Decision Making | Based on individual trader decisions | Follows a fixed, rules-based strategy |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible and customisable | Less flexible, structured approach |
| Risk Profile | Can be higher and more volatile | Typically lower risk due to diversification |
| Strategy Style | Varies by trader and market conditions | Long-term, diversified investment focus |
| Allocation | You choose how much to allocate to each trader | Allocations are set by the portfolio manager |
| Time Involvement | Low day-to-day effort, but monitoring is recommended | Minimal involvement once invested |
| Suitability | Best for users wanting personal control and adaptability | Best for users preferring professional, hands-off management |
Who is copy trading suitable for based on risk level?
Copy trading is best suited to beginners and intermediate traders who understand the risks of CFD trading and want a hands-off way to learn from more experienced investors.
Low-risk settings work well for cautious users, while higher-risk traders will appeal to users willing to accept deeper drawdowns.
UK investors should always assess a trader’s risk score, consistency and maximum drawdown before committing funds.
How we test copy trading platforms
UK copy trading platforms are reviewed using a hands on, structured process focused on regulation, fees, copy trading tools, and reliability. Each platform is scored from 1 to 5 based on live account testing, real copy trade execution, and verification of features such as risk controls, performance data, and trader selection tools.
Reviews prioritise FCA regulation, pricing transparency, platform stability, and beginner friendly design. All assessments are independent and based on real usage, not marketing claims.
For a full breakdown of our review process, visit our detailed guide on How We Test.
Conclusion
Copy trading can be a useful way for UK beginners to enter the markets with guidance, provided they understand the risks and choose a safe, FCA-regulated platform.
For most new investors, eToro stands out thanks to its easy-to-use interface, transparent performance metrics, and large community of traders to learn from.
More advanced users may prefer Pepperstone for its fast execution and high-quality integrations with Myfxbook and DupliTrade, while AvaTrade offers a strong education suite for learners who want structured support.
Ultimately, the best platform is the one that balances safety, usability, costs and long-term fit with your risk tolerance and goals.
FAQs
What is the most successful copy trading platform?
eToro is widely considered the most successful copy trading platform globally thanks to its large social community, transparent trader metrics, and strong FCA regulation.
What is the best trade copier website?
For pure trade-copying, ZuluTrade and DupliTrade are the most established third-party trade copier platforms, offering verified traders, risk tools, and multi-broker support.
Is copy trading allowed in the UK?
Yes. Copy trading is fully legal and FCA-regulated in the UK when offered by authorised providers like eToro, Pepperstone, and IG.
Do I need to pay capital gains tax on copy trading?
Yes, capital gains tax may apply when copy trading outside a tax-wrapped account. In the UK, profits made from selling copied investments are subject to capital gains tax if total gains exceed the annual CGT allowance, while any dividends received may also be taxed under dividend tax rules.
What is the difference between social trading and copy trading?
Social trading allows users to view, discuss, and analyse other traders’ strategies without automatically following them, while copy trading automatically mirrors another trader’s positions in real time. Copy trading is more hands-off, whereas social trading still requires manual decision-making.
Can I copy trade within a Stocks and Shares ISA?
In most cases, copy trading is not available within a Stocks and Shares ISA because many copy trading strategies involve CFDs or non-ISA-eligible assets. If copy trading is offered in an ISA wrapper, it is usually limited to eligible shares or ETFs only, and ISA tax rules still apply.
Can I copy trade within a self invested personal pension?
Copy trading within a SIPP is generally restricted and uncommon. SIPPs usually limit investments to approved assets such as shares, funds, and ETFs, meaning CFD-based or leveraged copy trading strategies are typically not permitted under pension regulations.
Is copy trading profitable?
Copy trading can be profitable, but results vary widely depending on the trader being followed, market conditions, and risk settings. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns, and losses are possible, especially when copying high-risk or leveraged strategies.
What is the best copy trading platform uk for beginners?
eToro is widely considered the best copy trading platform in the UK for beginners due to its FCA regulation, low minimum copy amount, and transparent performance statistics. Its CopyTrader feature allows users to replicate experienced investors while setting risk limits and stop-loss controls.
How to start copy trading in the UK?
To start copy trading in the UK, open an account with an FCA-regulated platform, complete identity verification, and fund the account in pounds sterling. After reviewing trader performance metrics such as risk score and drawdowns, choose a trader to copy and set allocation and risk limits before activating copy trading.
What are the best copy trading platforms for earning passive income?
The best copy trading platforms for earning passive income are those that offer FCA oversight, transparent performance data, and robust risk controls rather than promises of returns. In the UK, eToro is the leading option due to its CopyTrader system, public track records, and ability to cap losses, while platforms like ZuluTrade appeal to more active traders seeking forex-focused strategies. Copy trading is not guaranteed income and performance depends heavily on market conditions and trader selection.
What crypto exchanges allow you to copy trade top investors?
Several major crypto exchanges offer copy trading features that allow users to replicate the strategies of experienced traders in real time. Binance, Bybit, and OKX all provide built-in copy trading hubs with detailed metrics such as ROI, drawdown, and risk levels, though UK users should note that crypto trading is not FCA-regulated and assets are not FSCS protected.
Which platform offers the best social trading tools for UK users?
For UK users, eToro offers the strongest social trading tools, combining a public news feed, portfolio transparency, copy trading, and community discussion in one FCA-regulated platform. Users can analyse other investors’ holdings, performance history, and risk scores before copying, making it more suitable for beginners who want insight as well as automation rather than pure signal following.
