10 Best Stock Brokers UK for 2023 – With Low Trading Fees

Kane Pepi

Kane Pepi is an accomplished financial and cryptocurrency writer who has an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 articles, guides, and market insights. With his expertise…

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Last updated: 30 May, 2023

Looking to buy stocks online but not sure which broker to use?

This comparison guide reviews the 10 best stock brokers in the UK. Discover the best UK stock trading platform for low fees, supported markets, minimum deposits, regulation, and more.

Best Stock Brokers UK Reviewed & Compared

Now let’s move on to our reviews of the best stock brokers in the UK. We explain all important factors concerning each stock broker, enabling UK investors to make an informed decision.

1. eToro – Overall Best Stock Broker UK in 2023

In our view, eToro is the overall best UK stock broker. Launched in 2007, eToro is used by over 30 million clients. The platform is regulated by multiple bodies, including the FCA (UK). eToro is also covered by the FSCS. This means that eToro offers a safe and regulated space to buy stocks. Moreover, UK investors are protected by up to £85,000 in the event of a brokerage collapse.

In addition to safety, eToro is one of the best stock brokers in the UK for fees. For example, it doesn’t charge any commissions to buy and sell stocks. Not only is this the case for UK stocks but international markets too. This includes stocks in the US, Europe, Asia, and more. eToro is particularly popular with investors on a budget. This is because the broker supports fractional stocks.

Put simply, eToro enables investors to buy any supported stock from just $10, or about £8. This can come in handy when buying expensive US stocks, such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. While eToro is a top-rated broker for DIY investors, it also supports passive trading. For example, the broker supports dozens of ‘smart portfolios’. These are baskets of pre-selected stocks that are managed and rebalanced by eToro.

For example, there is a smart portfolio that tracks the global shipping and logistics industry. This includes stocks like FedEx, XPO Logistics, Canadian Pacific Railway, and Deutsche Post. Looking to gain exposure to Big Tech? There is also a smart portfolio for that, covering stocks like Tesla, Meta Platforms, Amazon, Visa, and MasterCard. All smart portfolios come with a minimum investment requirement of $500.

eToro is also one of the best stock brokers in the UK for ‘copy trading’. This is also a passive way to invest in stocks. For instance, investors can choose a seasoned eToro trader to copy, and all future positions will be mirrored in their own portfolio. eToro provides plenty of stats to help choose a suitable trader. For instance, past performance, risk profile, and preferred markets. The minimum investment requirement for copy trading is $200 per trader.

In terms of research, eToro enables beginners to make informed stock investment decisions. Alongside customizable pricing charts that offer real-time data, eToro also supports financial news and market insights. eToro users can also view market sentiment from leading hedge funds and sell-side analyst ratings. That said, the research department might be a bit too basic for seasoned investors.

Nonetheless, eToro is available on desktop and mobile devices. It also offers a native app for iOS and Android. This makes it convenient to buy and sell stocks on the move. eToro also supports other asset classes. For example, those looking to buy Bitcoin in the UK can do so in a regulated environment. Not only is eToro one of the best Bitcoin brokers in the UK but it supports 90 other cryptocurrencies. eToro also offers one of the best crypto wallets.

This top-rated broker also supports contracts-for-differences (CFD) trading across forex, commodities, and indices. It takes just minutes to get started with eToro. After registering an account, investors need to meet a minimum deposit of $10. Deposits can be made instantly with a debit/credit card and a selection of e-wallets. eToro also supports UK bank transfers.  GBP deposits attract a small deposit fee of 0.5%.

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

2. XTB – Trade Over 1,850 Stock CFDs at 0% Commission 

XTB is one of the best stock brokers in the UK for trading CFDs. In a nutshell, CFDs at XTB track the real-time value of stocks. While investors do not own the underlying stocks when trading CFDs, there are many benefits to consider. For example, XTB enables UK investors to trade stock CFDs at 0% commission. Moreover, investors can enter stock trades with leverage of up to 1:5.

This means a £1,000 stock position would require just £200 from the investor. XTB enables investors to choose from a long or short order. This means investors can speculate on rising and falling stock prices. XTB supports over 1,850 stock CFDs, including markets in the UK, the US, and Europe. We also found that XTB is one of the best stock brokers in the UK for analysis tools.

Through its proprietary platform, xStation 5, investors will find high-level charts that can be customized, drawing tools, and technical indicators. xStation 5 is compatible with multiple device types, including web browsers, iOS/Android smartphones, and desktop software. Additionally, XTB offers fundamental research. include expert market analysis, sentiment, and insights.

In addition to stocks, XTB supports plenty of other CFD markets. This includes a wide range of commodities, such as gold, silver, and oil. Indices, ETFs, and forex are also supported. Another feature of XTB is that it offers a demo account. This supports trading with ‘paper funds’, enabling investors to practice their preferred strategies.

In terms of safety, XTB is authorized and regulated by the FCA. Opening an account with XTB is simple and fast, and deposits can be made with debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and Skrill. There is no minimum deposit requirement at XTB. Finally, XTB offers top-notch customer support across telephone, live chat, and email.

80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

3. Skilling – Trade UK and US Stocks With Tight Spreads 

Skilling is another CFD platform that is popular with UK traders. It supports over 700 stocks from the UK and US markets. Stock trading fees at Skilling vary depending on the chosen account type. For example, those on a standard account can trade stocks without paying any commission. This means that traders only need to cover the spread.

We found that spreads are very competitive at Skilling, especially when compared to the broader market. For instance, UK traders can buy and sell Apple CFDs at a spread of just $0.75 per share. Based on current Apple stock prices, the spread amounts to approximately 0.4%. In terms of trading platforms, those on a standard account will have access to Skilling Trader.

This is a web and mobile-based platform that is ideal for beginners. That said, Skilling also supports MT4 accounts. While this comes with the same pricing structure as the standard account, MT4 traders only have access to 80 stocks. In addition to stocks, Skilling also supports indices, ETFs, forex, and commodities. As a CFD-only broker, UK investors will not have access to cryptocurrencies.

Nonetheless, Skilling also offers UK traders leverage on all supported markets. In line with FCA regulations, retail clients at Skilling can trade stocks with leverage of 1:5. Moreover, like all CFD brokers, Skilling also supports short-selling. When it comes to safety, Skilling is authorized by the FCA and regulated by CySEC. One of the main drawbacks of Skilling is that it only accepts US dollars and euros.

While UK investors can still make a deposit, there will be a small currency conversion fee. Skilling accepts multiple payment methods, including debit/credit cards, Paypal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. While Skrill and Neteller are also supported, this attracts a fee of up to 2.9%. The minimum deposit at Skilling is 100 USD/EUR, which amounts to approximately £80.

76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

4. Plus500 – Commission-Free Stock Trading Platform Supporting Over a Dozen International Exchanges  

Those looking for the best online stock brokers in the UK for international trading might consider Plus500. While Plus500 is not a traditional stock broker, the platform supports CFDs. This enables UK residents to access more than a dozen international markets. This includes everything from the US, Italy, and Germany to South Africa, Hong Kong, and Japan.

As such, Plus500 is ideal for building a portfolio of international companies. Best of all, Plus500 does not charge any trading commissions. Instead, traders simply need to cover the market spread. Moreover, Plus500 does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. This is the case across all accepted methods, including debit/credit cards and UK bank transfers.

Plus500 supports leverage of up to 1:5 when trading stocks and higher amounts on other assets. It also supports long and short positions. The Plus500 trading platform is proprietary and available via web browsers and an Android/iOS app. The drawback here is that there is no support for third-party platforms like MT4 or cTrader.

Nonetheless, in addition to stocks, Plus500 supports other asset classes. This includes options, ETFs, forex, commodities, and indices. UK traders will be pleased to know that Plus500 is authorized and regulated by the FCA. It also holds licenses with other tier-one bodies.

84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

5. AvaTrade – Established Broker With Regulation in Nine Jurisdictions

Launched in 2006, AvaTrade is an established online broker that specializes in CFDs. It has a superb reputation with newbies and seasoned traders alike, not least because AvaTrade is licensed in nine jurisdictions. While this doesn’t include FCA regulation, AvaTrade is authorized to offer trading services to UK residents. In terms of markets, AvaTrade supports hundreds of stock CFDs.

This includes selected stocks from the FTSE 100, NYSE, and NASDAQ. AvaTrade does not charge trading commissions on any of its supported markets. Moreover, spreads are very competitive, and there are no deposit or withdrawal fees. The minimum deposit at AvaTrade is £100. Deposits can be made via debit/credit cards, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, and UK bank transfers.

76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

6. Pepperstone – Trade Stocks With Institutional-Grade Spreads 

Pepperstone is one of the best stock brokers in the UK for accessing tight spreads. For example, while UK stock trades attract a commission of 0.10%, the spread market up is just 0.10%. This is also the case for stocks listed in Germany. Those trading US stocks like Apple and Tesla will pay just $0.02 for each share traded, plus a small spread markup of 8 points.

This combination of low commissions and spreads will appeal to those trading with large amounts. Other supported stock markets at Pepperstone include Hong Kong and Australia. It is also possible to trade forex, indices, commodities, and ETFs. Pepperstone doesn’t have its own trading platform, but it does support MT4, MT5, and cTrader.

79.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

7. IG – Regulated Investment Platform Supporting Over 13,000 Stocks and Funds  

IG was founded in 1974 and is popular with both beginners and seasoned investors alike. It supports more than 13,000 real stocks and funds across the UK and US markets. Regarding the former, this includes the London Stock Exchange and the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). In terms of fees, IG charges £8 per trade on UK-listed stocks. Trading at least three times a month reduces the commission to £3.

US-listed stocks are charged at £10 per trade. But this is reduced to £0 when trading three times or more per month. Do note, however, that IG charges a 0.5% conversion fee when buying and selling US stocks. IG is also one of the best stock brokers in the UK for investing in ETFs. IG also supports stocks and shares ISAs and SIPPs. Additionally, IG also enables UK residents to trade stock CFDs, with leverage of up to 1:5 available.

8. Hargreaves Lansdown – Top-Rated UK Stock Broker for Beginners   

Hargreaves Lansdown is an established UK stock broker that is popular with beginners. It offers a simple investment platform that can be accessed online or via the Hargreaves Lansdown app. The latter is supported for both iOS and Android devices. Hargreaves Lansdown supports all UK-listed stocks across the London Stock Exchange and AIM. It also supports UK-listed ETFs, funds, and bonds.

Additionally, Hargreaves Lansdown is also one of the best stock brokers in the UK for accessing initial public offerings (IPOs). That said, Hargreaves Lansdown is also one of the most expensive UK brokers. Unless 10 or more positions are executed each month, the broker charges £11.95 per trade. As such, Hargreaves Lansdown will not appeal to those investing small amounts. After all, an £11.95 charge on a £100 stock trade would convert to a commission of 11.95%.

9. Capital.com – Trade Nearly 3,000 Stocks Across 18 Markets    

Capital.com is a leading CFD trading platform that supports almost 3,000 stocks. This provider is suitable for those looking to diversify across multiple international markets. Capital.com supports 18 exchanges in the UK, North America, Asia, and Oceania. All supported stocks can be traded at 0% commission and competitive spreads.

Capital.com also offers fee-free deposits and withdrawals. The platform enables traders to enter long or short stock positions with leverage of up to 1:5. Capital.com also supports ETFs, indices, forex, and commodities. The minimum deposit at Capital.com is £20 when using a debit/credit card or e-wallet. But bank transfers require a deposit of at least £250.

10. CMC Markets – Popular Stock Trading Platform for UK Spread Betting    

CMC Markets is one of the best online stock brokers in the UK for spread betting. This enables UK traders to avoid paying tax on profits, as spread betting falls within the remit of gambling. CMC Markets supports over 10,000 stocks from various UK and international exchanges. Trading fees will vary depending on the chosen market.

For example, UK stocks can be traded at 0.10%, and spreads start from 1 point. US stocks attract a commission of between 1-4 cents per share, plus a minimum spread of 2 points. One of the main drawbacks of CMC Markets is that it has high overnight holding costs. US stocks, for example, attract an annualized interest rate of 8.06%. Nevertheless, CMC Markets supports thousands of other spread betting markets, including forex, commodities, and bonds.

How We Ranked the Top UK Stock Trading Platforms

Read on to discover what factors we look for when ranking the best stock brokers in the UK.

• Regulation – The best stock brokers in the UK are regulated by the FCA and covered by the FSCS. The latter covers stock portfolios by up to £85,000 in the event the broker goes bankrupt.
• Range of Stocks – The UK stock market has been sluggish in recent years, so it’s best to opt for a broker that also supports international exchanges. eToro supports over 3,000 stocks from the UK, US, Europe, Asia, and more.
• Fees – We prefer stock brokers that have low fees. eToro, for example, offers UK and international stocks at 0% commission. In comparison, Hargreaves Lansdown charges £11.95. It charges an additional 1% on international stocks.
• Tools & Analysis – The best stock brokers in the UK provide customers with pricing charts, research tools, and technical indicators. Moreover, eToro supports smart portfolios and copy trading. These tools enable investors to trade stocks passively.
• Minimum Deposit – Some UK stock brokers have high minimum deposits. For example, Capital.com requires at least £250 when opting for a bank transfer. IG requires £250 when using a debit/credit card. Across all supported methods, eToro has a minimum deposit of just $10 (about £8).
• Demo Account – We also like UK stock brokers that offer demo accounts. These enable users to practice their stock trading endeavors in a risk-free environment.
• Mobile App – Most, but not all, UK stock brokers offer a mobile app for iOS and Android. This connects to the primary account and enables investors to buy and sell stocks on the move.
• Payment Methods – Check what payment methods the stock broker supports before signing up. Most brokers support debit/credit cards and bank transfers. Also, check what fees apply (if any) for the preferred payment method.
• Customer Service – The best UK stock brokers offer top-notch customer service. This is usually available via live chat, but some brokers also offer telephone support.

Following the above criteria will enable investors to choose the best online stock broker in the UK for their needs.

How do Stock Brokers Work?

Stock brokers enable UK investors to buy shares in companies. Brokers are intermediaries, sitting between investors and the stock exchange. Most, but not all, stock brokers charge a commission for this service. For example, Hargreaves Lansdown charges £11.95 on each buy and sell order. eToro, on the other hand, enables investors to buy stocks at 0% commission.

The process of buying stocks via a broker is usually very straightforward. After opening an account, the investor will need to deposit some funds. Most brokers in the UK support debit/credit cards and bank transfers. After that, the investor can search for the stock they want to buy and complete the order.

Some of the best stock brokers in the UK support fractional investing. This enables investors to buy a ‘slice’ of a stock, rather than purchasing a full share. At eToro investors can buy stocks in over 3,000 companies at a minimum of $10 per trade. This will suit those on a budget that wish to create a diversified portfolio.

Things to Consider Before Trading Stocks in the UK

It is important to remember that stocks can both rise and fall in value. This means that investors should consider the risk of loss. Plenty of research should be conducted before choosing a company to invest in. Moreover, investors should create a diversified portfolio across multiple companies, markets, and industries.

This process is made easier when the chosen stock broker supports fractional shares. Alternatively, beginners might also consider investing in an index fund, such as the FTSE 100 or S&P 500. Through one investment, this offers access to 100 and 500 different stocks respectively.

How to Get Started with a Regulated UK Stock Broker

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to get started with a UK stock broker in just five minutes. We explain the steps with eToro, which is one of the best stock brokers in the UK for beginners.

Step 1: Open an eToro Account

It takes just minutes to open an account with eToro. Visit the eToro website, click on ‘Sign Up’, and fill out the registration form.

Provide eToro with a full name, home address, date of birth, mobile number, email, and any other requested information. Then confirm the mobile number and email address to proceed.

Step 2: KYC Documents

UK investors will need to upload a copy of their passport or driver’s license. eToro will also request proof of address. This needs to have been issued within the past three months. Examples include bank statements and electricity bills.

Those that do not have the KYC documents to hand can come back to this step at a later date. This is the case as long as the deposit amount is €2,000 (about £1,700).

Step 3: Deposit Investment Funds  

Before buying stocks on eToro, investors need to deposit some funds.

Most eToro customers use a UK debit/credit card, but e-wallets and bank transfers are supported too. The minimum deposit is $10 or about £8.

Step 4: Search for Stock to Buy

The next step is to find a stock to buy. Those that already know the name of the company they want to invest in can use the search box.

In our example above, we are searching for Amazon stock. Alternatively, click on ‘Discover’ followed by ‘Stocks’ to view all supported shares.

Step 5: Buy Stocks 

Click on the ‘Trade’ button next to the chosen stock. In doing so, an order box will appear.

Type in the investment amount from $10 upwards. Finally, click on ‘Open Trade’ to complete the stock investment.

Note: If the order box states ‘Set Order’ (like in our example above), this means the respective stock exchange is closed. Click ‘Set order’ and eToro will open the trade when the market reopens.

Conclusion

In summary, the best stock brokers for beginners in the UK have been reviewed and ranked. Overall, we found that eToro is the standout option.

eToro is authorized and regulated by the FCA, not to mention covered by the FSCS. It supports thousands of UK and international stocks at 0% commission, and the minimum investment is just $10.

We also like eToro for its managed smart portfolios, which offer access to baskets of stocks. Ultimately, eToro covers all bases for both beginners and seasoned investors alike.

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

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Written by Kane Pepi | Editor

Kane Pepi is an accomplished financial and cryptocurrency writer who has an extensive portfolio of over 2,000 articles, guides, and market insights. With his expertise in specialized subjects such as asset valuation and analysis, portfolio management, and financial crime prevention, Kane has built a reputation for providing clear explanations of complex financial topics. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and a Master's Degree in Financial Crime, and is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree, which focuses on investigating the complexities of money laundering in the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology sectors. Kane's wealth of knowledge and experience in the field make…

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