Top 7 best investment & trading apps in the UK 2024

By:

Prash Raval

When not researching stocks or trading, Prash can be found either on the golf course, walking his dog or teaching his son how to kick a... read more.

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James Knight

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Richard Stutely

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Updated:  May 9, 2024

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13 min read

Trade your favourite markets with our top-rated broker, Plus500.

4.5/5

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.

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The right investment app can be a powerful tool in your financial arsenal, offering not just convenience but also a tailored approach to managing your investments. 

Different UK trading apps cater to a spectrum of investor needs. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first step into the stock market or an experienced trader looking for advanced tools, there’s an app designed for your specific requirements. 

For some, an app that simplifies the investing process with user-friendly interfaces and educational resources might be the key, while others might prioritise apps offering a wide range of investment options or advanced analytical tools. 

We considered all these angles when compiling and comparing these UK investment apps, with a priority on beginner-friendly tools. Here are the criteria that impacted the final ranking

• Cost. Understanding the fee structure of a UK investing app, including any hidden charges, to ensure your investment doesn’t get eaten away by high costs.
• User friendliness/experience. Evaluating the ease of use and the overall user experience, crucial for both beginners and seasoned investors.
• Range of investment options. Assessing the diversity of investment choices available, from stocks and bonds to ETFs and more.
• Security and regulation. Ensuring the apps adhere to regulatory standards and offer robust security measures to protect your investments.
• Customer support. Gauging the quality of customer service and support, an often underrated but vital aspect of any investing app.

Read on to review and compare the best UK investment apps.

Best UK investment apps overall for 2024

What is the best trading app in the UK?

The table below features our experts’ selections for the top investing apps in the UK currently available. You can use the links to register, or continue reading to discover more options that are specifically suited to various investing approaches.

Most popular

1

Min. Deposit

-

Best offer

User Score

9.9

UK No. 1 CFD Platform/Provider/Broker*, Biggest CFD Broker in UK

Trade +2000 CFDs on Shares, Options, Commodities & more

0 commissions & attractive spreads with up to 1:5 leverage

Start Trading more info

Payment Methods:

Bank Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Trustly, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Discover, Bank Transfer: SEPA, Bank Transfer: FPS, skrill

Full Regulations:

ASIC, FCA, FSA, MAS, CySEC #250/14

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.

2

Min. Deposit

-

Best offer

User Score

10

Make the right investment decisions with human expertise

Get one-to-one guidance from a qualified investment adviser

Pay a single account management fee across all products

Start Trading more info

Payment Methods:

Wire Transfer

Full Regulations:

By making an investment, your capital is at risk. The value of your Moneyfarm investment depends on market fluctuations outside of our control and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no indicator of future performance. The tax treatment of a Moneyfarm Stocks and Shares ISA and a Moneyfarm Pension depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. You should seek financial advice if you are unsure about investing.

3

Min. Deposit

-

Best offer

User Score

9.9

Invest/buy real stocks and ETFs with 0% commission fees

Over 11 payment methods, including PayPal

Invest for dividends and get payout on stocks on Ex-Dividend day

Start Trading more info

Payment Methods:

Bank Transfer, Debit Card, neteller, eToro Trading Platform, Klarna, POLi, Przelewy24, Rapid Transfer, Trustly, iDeal, skrill

Full Regulations:

ASIC, CySEC, FCA

51% of retail CFD accounts lose money. Your capital is at risk.

Top 7 trading apps in the UK, reviewed

1. Best for international CFD trading*

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From 0.08%

Fees

$...

Minimum deposit

2800

No. assets

Yes

Demo/virtual account

Pros & Cons

Free demo account for every user Secure broker, licensed by top-tier regulators Wide variety of CFDs to trade Several good risk management tools

No support on trading information and education Website isn’t brilliantly designed to help users find answers to their questions No MetaTrader trading platform compatibility

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 CFDs for thousands of instruments, including forex, commodities, and shares among several others.

Plus500 has something for all types of traders, no matter what level of experience. Its leverage extends up to 1:30 and its tight spreads starting from 0.6pips 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. 

One of the features we like most about Plus500 is its fee structure. Not only will you pay £0 for funding your account or withdrawing profits, but you’ll also have zero commissions. Add that to low spreads and Plus500 is one of the top-rated CFD brokers for traders looking to capitalise on price movements across thousands of markets.

For accurate instrument availability, visit plus500.com.

The fees: Plus500 is a commission free brokerage and makes it money through the Bid/Ask spread. Spreads are variable and typically depend on the market you’re trading, but start from 0.6 pips. An inactivity fee of £10 is applicable if you don’t log into your account for 3 months. Rollovers, conversion fees, and guaranteed stops may also apply.  

*Based on a comparison of 60+ leading brokers and trading platforms.

Highlights

Features	Plus500 summary
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
View more >	Plus500 >

Visit Plus500 Plus500 Review

Buy or sell stock CFDs with 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.

2. eToro. Best for beginners, copy-trading & demo-account

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0% commission

Fees

$...

Minimum deposit

50

No. assets

Yes

Demo/virtual account

Pros & Cons

Great for beginners, simple to set up and get started Competitive, industry-leading commissions Popular ‘Copy Portfolios’ function lets you follow top traders Excellent customer service, with live chat support provided Over 2,000 CFDs available to trade in the UK

Comparatively high fees for withdrawals and account inactivity Does not integrate with the MetaTrader platform High spreads on some assets

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 catalogue of more than 5,500 stocks, ETFs, and crypto tokens, includes big global names like Apple, Tesla, and Bitcoin, as well as a full range of stocks from the FTSE 100, along with 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

Features	eToro summary
No. of tradable assets	3600+
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, NFTs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	ASIC, FCA, CySEC, FinCEN
View more >	eToro >

Visit eToro eToro Review

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. 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.

3. IG Markets: Best for trusted and transparent CFD trading

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From 0.5%

Fees

$...

Minimum deposit

17,000

No. assets

Yes

Demo/virtual account

Pros & Cons

Intuitive web trading platform Excellent demo account available Variety of deposit and withdrawal options Wide variety of useful educational tools Trading platform tutorial to get you started

Slow account opening process Unavailable in all regions

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 over 17,000 markets in the UK via CFDs 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 favoured 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. Spreads start at 0.6 points on key FX pairs, 0.8 points on major indices, and 0.1 points on commodities. Guaranteed stops are available and cost 0.3% of the underlying transaction value. CFD shares charge commissions with a minimum of £10 for the UK market, $15 for US markets, and €10 for Euro markets. 

Highlights

Features	IG Markets summary
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
View more >	IG Markets >

Visit IG Markets IG Markets Review

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% 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. Degiro. Best for 0% commission on US shares

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From €1 (+€1 handling fee)

Fees

$...

Minimum deposit

2,000,000

No. assets

No

Demo/virtual account

Pros & Cons

Low trading fees No minimum deposit required Segregated client funds

No US customers No forex or cryptocurrencies offered for trading Limited educational resources

Overview

We love Degiro because it offers a simple trading platform so that you can trade quickly and easily wherever you are. Degiro’s pricing model means you’ll maximise your returns by minimising your trading costs. With some of the best fees on share trading, ETFs, bonds, options, and futures, Degiro is one of the most cost-effective trading platforms around. 

Not only are Degiro’s fees low, but it also provides access to a wide range of investment opportunities across more than 50 international markets. You can trade and invest in a diverse range of assets including shares, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, and more, all from a single account. 

Degiro’s platform is user-friendly and designed to cater to both novice and experienced investors, making it easy to manage investments and execute trades efficiently. The website also boasts a huge range of educational material, including an Investor’s Academy, to help you get started.

The fees: All share trades come with a €1 handling fee. US share trading has no other fees, UK share trading costs £1.75, and European share trading costs €3.90. The rest of the world costs €5. A core selection of ETFs are free to trade, other global ETFs cost €2 plus a €1 handling fee. Derivative trading costs €0.75. There are no inactivity, deposit, or withdrawal fees.

Highlights

Features	DEGIRO summary
No. of tradable assets	2,000,000 +
Min. Deposit	$0
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	No
Supported assets	Stocks, Indices, Commodities
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	BaFin
View more >	DEGIRO >

Visit DEGIRO DEGIRO Review

Investing involves risk of loss

5. AvaTrade. Best regulated broker for secure trading

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From 0.13%

Fees

$...

Minimum deposit

1,300

No. assets

Yes

Demo/virtual account

Pros & Cons

Trade 1000+ CFDs with competitive spreads Regulated by Tier 1 financial bodies across the world Consistently highly rated trading platform on web and mobile Offers social trading through its proprietary AvaSocial platform

Spreads are competitive without being industry-leading Some assets are only available to trade through the MetaTrader software

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 financial instruments without owning the underlying assets. AvaTrade is a multi-asset brokerage firm and includes CFDs for forex, commodities, shares, indices, and bonds.

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. Share spreads start from 0.13 and 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

Features	AvaTrade summary
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
View more >	AvaTrade >

Visit AvaTrade AvaTrade Review

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% 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.

6. XTB: Best for offering global CFD markets to UK traders

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0.2 pips

Fees

$...

Minimum deposit

2,200

No. assets

Yes

Demo/virtual account

Pros & Cons

Trade CFDs on thousands of assets Regulated broker Deposit protection for client accounts Good number of educational resources

Doesn't accept US clients Tradeable assets limited to CFDs and forex pairs

Overview

We love XTB because of its extensive range of international CFD markets, allowing UK traders to buy and sell popular financial assets at competitive prices. XTB offers over 5,900 instruments, including 3,000 stocks, 400 ETFs, and 2,300 CFDs across forex, commodities, and indices. 

This broad selection allows you to diversify your portfolio and explore several trading opportunities across different asset classes. Whether you are interested in forex, commodities, indices, or cryptocurrencies, 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 0.02 pips on forex pairs and 0.2 pips on stocks and indices CFDs. Commodities come with larger spreads, starting from 2 pips, while cryptocurrency spreads are significantly higher and start from 8.1 pips.

Highlights

Features	XTB Online Investing summary
No. of tradable assets	2,200
Min. Deposit	$0
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Currencies, Indices, ETFs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	CySEC, FCA, KNF
View more >	XTB Online Investing >

Visit XTB Online Investing XTB Online Investing Review

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.

7. Pepperstone. Best low spread & no commission broker

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0.20%

Fees

$...

Minimum deposit

500

No. assets

Yes

Demo/virtual account

Pros & Cons

Zero commission on trades Hedging, scalping, and crypto CFD trading available Lots of deposit and withdrawal options, including PayPal

No guaranteed negative balance protection in some jurisdictions No option to purchase stocks or bonds directly, only CFDs and spread betting available

Overview

We love Pepperstone because it is a low fee and low commission CFD brokerage and spread betting platform, making it an excellent choice for UK traders looking to keep trading costs down. Pepperstone offers some of the most competitive spreads in the industry, with no commission on its Standard account and low commissions on its Razor account. 

Pepperstone is also well known for its top tier regulatory protection. The broker is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, which means it follows stringent rules. Pepperstone also offers a good selection of markets, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares, offering various trading opportunities.

One of the features we found most useful when using Pepperstone is the variety of trading platforms. You can choose from TradingView, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, each providing a unique set of features and tools. 

The fees: Forex trades are commission free, as Pepperstone makes money from the Bid/Ask spread. The spreads vary depending on the asset you want to trade. Razor (pro) account customers get significant discounts on the spreads. US stock trades are charged a $0.02 commission, for other stocks the commission starts at 0.07%.

Highlights

Features	Pepperstone summary
No. of tradable assets	1200+
Min. Deposit	No minimum
ID verification required	Yes
Free demo account	Yes
Supported assets	Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Currencies, Indices, ETFs
Mobile trading app	Yes
Web trading platform	Yes
Regulatory bodies	CMA, SCB, DFSA, ASIC, FCA, CySEC, BaFin
View more >	Pepperstone >

All supported assets are CFDs.

Visit Pepperstone Pepperstone Review

Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.

What is a trading app?

A trading app is a mobile application that allows you to buy and sell financial instruments like stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) right from your smartphone or tablet. 

These apps have revolutionised the way individuals interact with financial markets, making trading accessible to a broader audience of British investors. They offer the convenience of managing investments on-the-go, with features such as real-time market data, investment tools, and the ability to execute trades instantly.

How does a trading & investment app work?

An investment app acts as the intermediary between you and the financial markets. After a user creates and verifies their account, they can fund it through methods like bank transfers or card payments. The app then provides options to buy, sell, and manage investments, often with real-time market data.

These apps typically include features like portfolio tracking, educational resources, and sometimes automated investment advice (robo-advisors). As soon as you log in, you can access these resources through the app interface on your phone.

What are the different types of investment apps in the UK?

There are two primary types of investment apps in the UK, those where you choose your own investments and those where you outsource it to an algorithm. The former are known as brokerage apps or DIY apps, the latter are robo advisor apps.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of UK investing app:

• Broker apps/DIY apps. These apps allow buying and selling of individual stocks, bonds, and ETFs. They’re suited to those who prefer a hands-on approach to investing, as you will be responsible for choosing what to invest in.
• Robo advisor apps. These use algorithms to choose and manage your investments based on your risk tolerance and goals. They best robo advisors in the UK are ideal for beginners or those who prefer a passive or hands-off investment strategy.
• Micro investing apps/combi apps. These are similar to robo advisors, but they blend savings features with investment options, often rounding up purchases to invest spare change. They’re ideal for individuals looking to start investing with small amounts.
• Portfolio tracker apps. These are apps that integrate with your other UK investing accounts to provide an overview of your entire investment portfolio. An ideal and convenient way to track the state of your investments and see your overall financial position.

How much do UK investing apps cost?

The cost of using investing apps in the UK varies widely, reflecting the diversity in services, features, and target user groups. For a DIY brokerage app, expect to pay a fixed fee or a commission per trade, typically no more than a couple of pounds each time.

Some investing apps operate on a subscription model, charging a monthly or annual fee. For robo advisors, it’s more common to be charged asset management fees as a percentage of your total balance. These typically range from 0.25% to 0.75% per annum.

Here’s a look at the fees for the 3 best investing apps in the UK:

How should I choose an investment app in the UK?

Choosing the right investment app in the UK involves a careful evaluation of several key factors to ensure that the app aligns with your investment goals, preferences, and experience level. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to select a UK investment app that best suits your needs:

Decide your investment goals and style

Essentially, what kind of app do you want? Are you looking to buy shares in the UK with a view to short term trading, or do you want to invest for the long term. Are you simply after a portfolio tracker?

Are you investing for long-term growth, income, saving for retirement, or short-term gains? Are you willing to endure higher volatility for potentially greater returns, or do you prefer a more stable, lower-risk approach? Do you want to actively manage your investments or do you prefer a passive, set and forget strategy? 

DIY trading apps suit a more active and risk tolerant style focusing on buying and selling shares, while robo advisors are best for passive, low-risk, long term investment strategies.

Consider the fee structure

Understand all potential costs, including trading fees, subscription fees, and any additional charges like withdrawal or inactivity fees. Weigh the cost against the services and features offered. While lower fees are obviously ideal, a higher fee might be justifiable for superior tools, research, and customer support.

Below are the types of fees you may encounter when using a UK investing app:

Research the app’s security and regulation

Ensure the app is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, which adds a layer of security and trust. UK investing apps that are licensed by the FCA offer investor protection up to the value of £85,000 under the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).

It’s also worth looking out for features like data encryption, two-factor authentication, and a secure login process to keep your account secure.

Here are the regulatory licences held by the top 3 UK investing apps:

Analyse the quality of educational resources and tools

For beginners, apps offering tutorials, guides, and other educational materials can be extremely beneficial. While advanced investors might prefer apps with comprehensive charting tools, market analysis, and research reports. 

You’re more likely to find more advanced trading tools through a DIY app, but you can also find do it yourself apps that are packed with educational material, so it really comes down to personal preference and which tools are most important to you.

Read user reviews and testimonials

Other people’s experiences can be useful in determining whether an app is right for you.

Look for reviews and testimonials to understand other users’ experiences, focusing on both the positives and negatives. Check out reviews from reputable financial websites and forums, such as our own platform reviews, for unbiased opinions.

Test with a demo account

Many investing apps offer a demo account, and if possible you should start with an account like this to test the app’s functionality. It can also be a good way to try out investment strategies before risking any money for real.

Quick answers to key questions

Can I trade stocks from a UK trading app?

Yes, you can trade stocks using a UK trading app. These apps provide access to various stock exchanges, allowing you to buy and sell shares of publicly listed companies. Some apps may also offer international stocks, expanding your trading options beyond the UK market.

Do I have to verify my identity with a trading app?

Yes, identity verification is a standard requirement for UK trading apps. This process, known as ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC), is an FCA regulatory requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. It typically involves providing personal information and documents, such as your UK passport or driving license to verify your identity and address.

Do apps charge fees for trading stocks?

While many UK trading apps offer commission-free stock trading, some may charge fees. These could include platform fees, inactivity fees, or fees for special features like margin trading. It’s essential to check the fee schedule of each app before starting to trade.

Can I trade crypto on a UK investment app?

Yes, the best crypto apps in the UK offer crypto trading although what’s on offer can vary due to regulatory constraints. Certain crypto-assets were subject to regulatory scrutiny in the UK, and some apps may not offer crypto trading as a result. 

The FCA has banned the trading of crypto derivatives, which means trading apps in the UK cannot offer crypto CFDs. Always check the app’s current offerings and the latest regulations regarding crypto trading in the UK.

Is a mobile trading app better than a desktop version?

Whether a UK mobile trading app is better than its desktop counterpart depends on your trading style and needs. Mobile apps offer convenience and the ability to trade on the go, while desktop versions might provide more comprehensive tools and a larger viewing area. Some traders use both to maximise their trading strategies.

Are trading apps regulated in the UK?

Yes, trading apps in the UK are regulated, typically by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This regulation ensures they adhere to certain standards for security, transparency, and fairness, providing protection for users. It’s advisable to use apps that are FCA-regulated to ensure a safe trading experience.

What are the risks of using a UK trading app?

While trading apps have made stock trading more accessible, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions and use trading apps responsibly.

• Market risk. The most inherent risk of stock trading is market volatility. The value of your investments can fluctuate significantly, leading to potential losses. This is a universal risk, not just limited to trading apps.
• Security risks. Although trading apps generally have robust security measures, there’s always a risk of data breaches or cyber attacks. Ensure you use apps with strong security protocols and manage your login credentials securely.
• Overtrading. The convenience of mobile trading can sometimes lead to overtrading. The ease of access might encourage more frequent trades, potentially increasing your exposure to market risk and transaction costs.
• Technical risks. Issues like app glitches, server downtimes, or connectivity problems can impact trading. Delays in executing trades, especially in a fast-moving market, can lead to financial losses.
• Knowledge and experience risks. For beginners, the ease of starting can lead to trading without adequate knowledge. It’s crucial to understand the basics of the stock market and the specific securities you’re trading.
• Regulatory risks. Regulatory changes can impact stock trading apps in the UK and the assets they offer. Being aware of current regulations, especially concerning certain assets like cryptocurrencies, is important.
• Liquidity risks. Some stocks or securities might not be highly liquid, making it difficult to execute large orders without impacting the market price.
• Psychological risks. The app’s gamified experience might lead to emotional trading decisions rather than rational, strategy-based ones.

How to mitigate the risks of UK trading apps

To mitigate these risks, it’s important to:

• Use well-regulated and reputable trading apps, and use the FCA register to ensure they are legit.
• Educate yourself about stock market trading.
• Set clear investment goals and limits.
• Keep track of your investments and market trends.
• Practise responsible trading habits and risk management.

Remember, while trading apps offer a convenient way to invest, they don’t eliminate the inherent risks associated with stock trading.

Methodology: How we choose the best UK trading apps

Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We periodically test more than 63 UK trading apps to provide our users with clear, accessible guidance on the investing options available. All testing is carried out by our panel of financial experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to each broker, conduct research, and score each service.

Our tests are designed to find trading apps in the UK that offer a beginner-friendly, secure investing experience at a fair price. To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research each trading app to gather any further relevant information. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

Each UK stock trading app is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with individual brands to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process.

FAQs