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Compare top 6 best forex brokers in the United Kingdom for 2025
Finding the best forex trading platforms in the United Kingdom can be challenging, with so many platforms to choose from. Our expert panel tested and rated the leading UK brokers to identify the best overall.
We evaluated each broker on 8 key criteria: regulation, trading platforms, spreads, research tools, and overall trading experience. The goal was to determine the top forex brokers for British traders in 2025.
Read an in-depth analysis of the leading best UK forex brokers below.
What is the best forex broker UK?
Copy link to sectionOur experts rank eToro as the best forex broker in the United Kingdom.
The list below shows the three best British forex brokers. These are the top forex trading apps in the United Kingdom for their security, service, and support.
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Plus500
82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
IG Markets
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Top 6 online forex brokers UK, reviewed
Copy link to sectionWe found 14 forex brokers for users based in
1. eToro. Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account
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Overview
We love eToro because it’s a trading platform built with beginners and casual traders in mind. The platform combines an interactive, social trading experience with an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for novice traders.
The far-reaching catalog of more than 5,500 stocks, ETFs, and crypto tokens, includes big names like Apple, Tesla, and Bitcoin, as well as smaller companies or tokens with high growth potential. You can start trading with as little as $10 using fractional shares if you’re on a tight budget.
One feature we particularly appreciate is the ability to interact with eToro’s 35 million users on any asset, market, or portfolio page. If you find traders whose strategies match your risk tolerance, you can copy their portfolios automatically using eToro’s flagship copy trading functionality. This is a great way to learn and potentially benefit from the expertise of more experienced traders.
If you don’t feel comfortable investing your cash straight away, you can use a free demo account, credited with $100,000 virtual dollars. This offers plenty of opportunities to try out a trading strategy that works for you across stocks, crypto, and options trading markets.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 3600+ |
| Min. Deposit | $100 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs, NFTs, Crypto |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, FinCEN |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | Yes, on certain assets |
| Inactivity fees | Yes |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes, on CFDs |
| Withdrawal fees | Yes |
| Spreads | Yes, on certain assets |
| Conversion fees | Yes, for non-USD currencies |
Pros & Cons
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
2. Plus500. Best for international trading*
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Overview
We love Plus500 because it is one of the industry’s most transparent and reliable brokers. Its fees are clear and you’ll know exactly what you will be paying before you trade. Its technology driven platform gives access to futures for a range of instruments, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies among several others.
Plus500 has something for all types of traders, no matter what level of experience. Its low margin requirements (starting at $20) and different contracts make it a top choice for day traders. At the same time, its trading academy is packed with educational content, perfect for beginners just starting.
For accurate instrument availability, visit plus500.com.
The fees: Plus500 charges a commission of $0.49 per Micro contract and $0.89 per Standard contract (per side). There is an Auto-Liquidation fee of $10 per contract. Other exchange fees may be applicable and can be found on the CME group website.
*Based on a comparison of 60+ leading brokers and trading platforms.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 2800+ |
| Min. Deposit | $100 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodity CFDs |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | FSA, ASIC, FMA, FCA, CySEC |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | No |
| Inactivity fees | Yes |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes |
| Withdrawal fees | No |
| Spreads | Yes |
| Conversion fees | Yes |
Pros & Cons
82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
3. IG Markets: Best for trusted and transparent trading
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Overview
We love IG because it’s one of the most established and reputable names in the online trading industry, known for its reliability, comprehensive market offerings, and strong regulatory compliance. IG offers CFD trading in stocks, forex, commodities, indices, ETFs and more, with plenty of useful plugins and integrations to improve the trading experience.
One of the key strengths of IG Markets is its seamless integration with MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a popular third-party trading platform favored by many traders for its advanced charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and custom indicators. This integration allows users to leverage MT4’s sophisticated features while benefiting from IG Markets’ competitive pricing, reliable execution, and extensive market access.
Beyond its product range and platform integrations, IG Markets stands out for its commitment to education and customer support. The company offers a wealth of educational resources, such as webinars, tutorials, and market analysis, which help traders of all levels improve their knowledge and skills.
The fees: For most assets, you don’t pay a trading fee but will be charged through the spread instead. That’s the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset. IG’s spreads are competitive but variable: you’ll pay a smaller spread on popular assets compared to less popular ones. Share trading works differently, and you’ll be charged a minimum fee on each trade of at least $15.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 17,000+ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stock CFDs, ETFs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Index CFDs, Commodities |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | FSCA, MAS, FMA, ASIC, FCA, BaFin, FINMA, DFSA, BMA, CFTC, NFA |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | Yes |
| Inactivity fees | Yes |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes |
| Withdrawal fees | No |
| Spreads | Yes |
| Conversion fees | Yes |
Pros & Cons
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
4. AvaTrade. Best regulated broker for secure trading
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Overview
We love AvaTrade because it is a reliable CFD broker, that gives users access to a wide range of markets. As a CFD broker, AvaTrade lets you speculate on the price movements of various currency markets without owning the underlying assets. AvaTrade is a multi asset brokerage firm and includes CFDs for multiple forex pairs including EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and more.
AvaTrade is also highly regarded for its strong regulatory framework and commitment to security. AvaTrade is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and the British Virgin Islands, which means it must adhere to stringent regulatory standards across the world.
AvaTrade isn’t just well regulated, it also employs advanced security measures to protect client funds and personal information, including segregated accounts and robust encryption technology.
The fees: There is no commission on any trading. AvaTrade makes money from the Bid/Ask spread instead. Forex spreads start at 0.7 pips. Positions left overnight are charged a swap fee that varies depending on size. An inactivity fee of £/€/$50 per month is applicable if you don’t log in to your account for three consecutive months.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 1250+ |
| Min. Deposit | $100 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stocks, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, Forex CFDs, Crypto CFDs, Commodity CFDs, Index CFDs |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | FSCA, FSA, ASIC, CBI, MiFID, CySEC, BVIFSC, FRSA |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | No |
| Inactivity fees | Yes |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes |
| Withdrawal fees | No |
| Spreads | Yes |
| Conversion fees | No |
Pros & Cons
5. XTB: Best for offering global CFD markets to retail traders
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Overview
We love XTB because of its extensive range of international CFD markets, allowing retail traders to buy and sell popular cryptocurrencies at competitive prices. XTB offers 48 of the most popular cryptos via CFDs.
This broad selection allows you to diversify your portfolio and explore several trading opportunities across different markets. Whether you are interested in the biggest coins like BTC, or altcoins like Dogecoin, XTB’s comprehensive offering means you have the tools and resources needed to trade effectively.
XTB combines beginner-friendly, introductory tools and resources with a scaling system of accounts that allow experienced traders to access high rates of leverage and advanced analytical tools.
With more than 180 pre-installed indicators and chart types, its bespoke xStation platform allows for intricate analysis, while beginners can access its Trading Central service, where trade ideas, forecasts, and risk analyses are available for anyone to look through.
The fees: XTB’s fees start from 8.1 pips on popular cryptos, such as Bitcoin. Spreads on less liquid assets may be significantly higher.
Highlights
| No. of tradable assets | 2,200 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 |
| ID verification required | Yes |
| Free demo account | Yes |
| Supported assets | Stocks, Crypto, Commodities, , Indices, ETFs |
| Mobile trading app | Yes |
| Web trading platform | Yes |
| Regulatory bodies | CySEC, FCA, KNF |
Fees & Costs
| Trading fees | Yes |
| Inactivity fees | Yes |
| Rollover/overnight fees | Yes |
| Withdrawal fees | Yes |
| Spreads | Yes |
| Conversion fees | Yes |
Pros & Cons
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76-83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
More about the best forex trading platforms in the United Kingdom
Copy link to sectionIs forex trading legal in the UK?
Copy link to sectionYes, forex trading is completely legal and regulated in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversees the forex market and brokers operating in the country. Forex trading is allowed if you trade with an FCA authorised broker.
Are forex brokers regulated in the United Kingdom?
Copy link to sectionAll forex brokers in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA has strict standards and licensing requirements for brokers legally operating in the country. They monitor brokers to ensure they comply with regulations to protect retail investor accounts and promote fair trading.
Heres a look at the regulatory status of the 3 top UK forex brokers:
| Region | eToro regulators | Plus500 regulators | IG Markets regulators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | – | FSA | FSCA |
| Asia | – | – | MAS |
| Australasia | ASIC | ASIC, FMA | FMA, ASIC |
| Europe | FCA, CySEC | FCA, CySEC | FCA, BaFin, FINMA |
| International | – | – | DFSA, BMA |
| North America | FinCEN | – | CFTC, NFA |
| South America | – | – | – |
| View more > | eToro > | Plus500 > | IG Markets > |
How do I verify if a Forex broker is regulated in the UK?
Copy link to sectionYou can easily verify if a forex broker is regulated in the UK by checking the Financial Services Register on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website.
The FCA register lists all authorised financial services firms and individuals. Search for the broker and ensure it has an active status. Avoid any brokers not registered.
Do you pay tax on forex trading in the UK?
Copy link to sectionAny profits from forex trading in the UK are subject to capital gains tax. This applies to casual traders, self-employed traders, and businesses involved in forex.
The capital gains tax rate can range from 10% to 28%, depending on your taxable income and the size of your profits from forex.
Can I trade with a UK forex broker if I reside in the EU?
Copy link to sectionYes, EU residents can open an account and trade forex with FCA regulated brokers in the U.K. Many of the best U.K. brokers forex, like eToro, IG Group, and Plus500, are based in the UK but accept clients from the EU and around the world.
Can you use MetaTrader 4 in the UK?
Copy link to sectionYes, MetaTrader 4 remains one of the most popular forex trading platforms among UK brokers and traders. Many top UK forex brokers offer MT4 and allow traders to use Expert Advisors and other tools. Check that the broker offers MT4 before opening an account.
What is the best MetaTrader broker in the UK?
Copy link to sectionBased on trading conditions, fees, and reputation – some of the best MetaTrader brokers in the UK are IG Group, CMC Markets, Interactive Brokers, Swissquote, and Admirals. These brokers offer tight spreads from just 0.7 pips and good execution on MT4.
Is copy trading legal in the UK?
Copy link to sectionCopy trading is legal for forex traders in the UK if done through a regulated broker. eToro and Plus500 offer copy trading for CFD traders in the UK and worldwide. This allows you to copy positions opened by successful traders automatically.
What are the best forex brokers in the UK for beginners?
Copy link to sectionSome of the best UK forex brokers for beginners are eToro, IG Group, and Plus500. They offer user-friendly platforms, educational resources, and demo accounts to practice trading risk-free.
These brokers cater well to beginner traders with little experience. They provide trading courses, webinars, and expert market analysis to help new traders learn forex.
The platforms are intuitive and have helpful tools like live charts, technical indicators, risk management features, and more. Traders can practice strategies before risking capital.
What is the minimum deposit for a forex trading account in the UK?
Copy link to sectionMost top UK forex brokers have a relatively low minimum deposit of £100-£250. This allows you to open an account and start trading forex with a small initial deposit.
A low minimum deposit makes forex trading accessible for beginners starting with a small account balance. It allows new traders to enter the forex market without a large upfront investment.
Check minimum deposits before opening an account, as policies can vary between brokers. Many also allow demo trading without any deposit.
| Payment method | Minimum deposit (USD)* | Maximum deposit (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| eToro Money | $100 | $250,000 |
| Debit/credit card | $100 | $40,000 |
| Bank transfer | $100 | No limit |
| PayPal | $100 | $10,000 |
| Neteller | $100 | $10,000 |
| Skrill | $100 | $10,000 |
| Rapid Transfer | $100 | $5,500 |
| iDEAL | $100 | $50,000 |
| Klarna/SoFort | $100 | $30,000 |
| Trustly | $100 | $40,000 |
| POLi | $100 | $10,000 |
| Przelewy 24 | $100 | $11,500 |
| Payoneer | $100 | $40,000 |
| View more > | eToro > |
$100 is the minimum deposit in the US. Values vary in other regions. The minimum first time deposit in the UK is $50, with $10 the minimum for all subsequent deposits. In Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain, the minimum is $50. In France the minimum first time deposit is $100, followed by $50 for all subsequent deposits.
Credit card & PayPal are not available to UK customers.
Which UK brokers offer negative balance protection?
Copy link to sectionAll brokers authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) provide negative balance protection to retail clients. This guarantees your losses will never exceed your deposited funds.
If the market moves violently against a position, this prevents accounts from going negative. The FCA mandates brokers to provide this protection. So traders using the best FCA regulated brokers don’t need to worry about losing more than their capital invested.
When can you trade forex in the UK?
Copy link to sectionThe forex market is open 24 hours during the week, so UK traders can trade whenever global markets are open – from Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon UK time.
Trading activity is highest when London overlaps with New York. This makes the mornings particularly active for UK forex trading. But the best forex brokers allow UK clients to trade major currency pairs and crosses at any time on weekdays.
What financial licenses do UK forex brokers need?
Copy link to sectionUK forex brokers must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They must acquire a Category II Investment Services License to provide trading services.
FCA regulation ensures standards for capital requirements, segregated accounts, and more. Due to the strict regulatory environment, reputable global forex brokers pursue regulation in the UK before targeting the market. FCA policies protect retail investor accounts.
Does trading forex have tax benefits compared to stocks and shares?
Copy link to sectionYes, trading forex can provide some tax benefits compared to trading stocks and shares. For example, forex profits are subject to capital gains tax versus income tax on stock trades.
Spread betting profits are tax-free in the UK, which many forex traders utilise. So traders may prefer forex over stocks for potential tax savings. However, active forex traders should still maintain records for taxes.
How to trade forex in the United Kingdom
Copy link to sectionUse the guide below to learn how to trade forex in the UK.
Step 1. Find a regulated forex broker in the UK
Copy link to sectionOnly trade with FCA authorised brokers like IG Group, CMC Markets, and Plus500. Check the Financial Services Register to verify the regulation. Avoid unregulated brokers.
Step 2. Open a forex trading account
Copy link to sectionComplete account opening requirements like I.D. verification. Fund your account with at least the minimum deposit, such as £100. Leading UK brokers offer demo accounts to practice first.
Step 3. Download the trading platform
Copy link to sectionLeading brokers offer choices like MetaTrader 4, web-based platforms, and mobile apps. Platforms should have tools like live charts, technical indicators, risk management features, and more.
Step 4. Analyse the markets
Copy link to sectionUse the broker’s trading tools, educational resources, and market analysis to identify trading opportunities. Consider fundamental and technical factors when analysing currency pairs.
Step 5. Execute your first trade
Copy link to sectionUse buy/sell orders to enter a position. Set stop losses and take profit levels. Beginners should start small with micro lot sizes to minimise risk.
Step 6. Monitor and close your position
Copy link to sectionTrack open positions using live charts and pricing. Close positions when your take profit/stop loss is hit. Don’t hold positions for too long, hoping for extra profits or for price to turn in your favour.
Step 7. Withdraw your profits
Copy link to sectionRequest withdrawals from your account dashboard when ready. Regulated brokers process payments quickly and securely.
Follow these steps to start forex trading successfully in the UK. Practice responsible risk management and use the broker’s tools to develop effective trading strategies.
How we chose the best forex brokers in the UK
Copy link to sectionOur expert reviews panel is made up of currency traders with years of experience in the forex markets. It includes our Data Analyst, Dan Ashmore, Senior Editor of News, Jayson Derrick, and long-time forex trader, Prash Raval. The panel includes an independent fact checker, Richard Stutely.
Here are the 8 key criteria which the panel used to rate each platform.
- Regulation with a trusted financial institution. We only recommend the best forex brokers for beginners that are regulated in United Kingdom and offer top-tier protection to their clients.
- Low minimum deposit requirements. An accessible forex trading platform in the United Kingdom, with a low minimum deposit, scored higher in our rankings.
- Mobile app availability. Our experts gave preference to the best forex brokers in United Kingdom with the best forex trading apps.
- Number of currency pairs available to trade. We expect United Kingdom forex brokers to offer a comprehensive service where you can trade major, minor, and exotic currency pairs.
- Amount of leverage on offer. You need leverage to trade forex, so we looked for platforms that offered lots of leverage, within the limitations set by local British regulators.
- Tight spreads. We sought the best value for the average user. Small spreads mean a lower cost of trading.
- Lowest commissions and other fees. Our experts don’t like hidden fees and unexpected costs, so brokers with a clear fee structure performed well.
- Compatibility with trading software. Any British forex broker that offers integration with popular trading software like MetaTrader 4, MT5, or cTrader received a high rating.
