What are the best UK trading websites?
With dozens of FCA-regulated trading platforms available to UK traders, choosing between them comes down to a small number of factors that matter most for your style and goals. This guide covers what the best trading websites offer and how to compare them effectively.
What makes a good trading website?
A trading website is only as good as the platform it runs on. For UK traders, the most important factors are regulatory status, the range of available markets, execution quality, platform tools and cost. A website that looks modern but executes poorly, or charges hidden fees, can undermine even a well-constructed trading strategy.
The best trading websites serve multiple types of user: the occasional investor building a long-term portfolio, the active trader working with leveraged products, and the researcher who needs in-depth market analysis and news. Few platforms do all of these equally well. Our share dealing account and trading platforms are designed to serve both.
Key Takeaway
For most UK traders, the best trading website is one that offers spread betting and CFD trading alongside a share dealing account and ISA, all through a single login. This allows you to trade short-term with leverage and invest long-term for your portfolio without switching platforms or accounts.
What to look for in a trading website
FCA regulation
This is non-negotiable. Any trading website used by UK retail traders must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can verify any firm's status on the FCA register. FCA regulation covers conduct standards, capital requirements and client money protection rules. FSCS protection covers eligible deposits up to £120,000 per person per firm, and investment protection up to £85,000, in the event of a firm's insolvency.
Range of markets
The best trading platforms offer access to shares, indices, forex, commodities and ETFs from a single account. We offer over 18,000 markets including UK ETFs, global ETFs and exchange-traded products alongside thousands of individual shares and indices. The ability to access multiple asset classes without switching platforms simplifies portfolio management and reduces costs.
Trading products offered
Different traders need different products. Spread betting is popular with UK traders because profits are free from CGT. CFD trading offers similar leveraged exposure and is more commonly used in international markets. Share dealing and ISA accounts suit long-term investors. The best trading websites offer all of these through a unified platform and account login.
Platform quality and execution
Execution speed, platform stability and chart quality are critical for active traders. A platform that lags, freezes during high volatility or provides poor charting tools makes effective technical analysis difficult. The best platforms combine fast, reliable execution with advanced features including customisable charts, technical indicators, price alerts and automated order types.
Mobile app
For traders who monitor and manage positions throughout the day, app quality matters as much as the desktop platform. The best trading apps match the desktop experience: real-time prices, full order management, charting and account management in a clean mobile interface. Our trading app has been rated the UK's best for multiple years.
Research and analysis tools
The best trading websites provide in-platform market news, economic calendar data, fundamental company data and technical analysis tools without requiring third-party subscriptions. We include TradingView integration, ProRealTime advanced charting, and live Reuters news alongside client sentiment data for all markets.
Costs and fees
Trading costs affect your bottom line directly. The key charges to compare across platforms are:
| Fee | What it covers | What to look for |
| Dealing commission | Cost per trade for shares and ETFs | £0 on US shares; £3 on UK shares with us |
| Spread | Built-in cost on spread bets and CFDs | Tighter spreads reduce round-trip costs significantly |
| Overnight funding | Charge for holding leveraged positions after market close | Check the rate; it compounds on long-running positions |
| FX conversion | Cost of buying non-sterling assets | 0.7% with us; varies significantly by platform |
| Platform/custody fee | Annual fee for holding investments | None on our share dealing account |
| Inactivity fee | Charge if account is dormant | Check terms; some platforms charge after 2-3 months |
What type of trading account do you need?
Matching the account type to your goals is as important as platform quality:
| Account type | Best suited to | Key feature |
| Spread betting account | Short-term traders using leverage | Profits free from CGT and stamp duty |
| CFD account | Leveraged traders; more common for international markets | Wide market access; available globally |
| Share dealing account | Long-term investors; direct share ownership | Own the underlying shares; receive dividends |
| Stocks and shares ISA | Long-term investors seeking tax efficiency | All gains and income sheltered from UK tax |
| SIPP | Retirement-focused investors | Tax relief of up to 45% on contributions |
| Demo account | Beginners; any trader testing a new platform or strategy | Risk-free practice with live market conditions |
Index funds and ETFs on trading websites
One of the most popular uses of trading websites among UK retail investors is accessing index funds and ETFs for long-term portfolio building. The best platforms offer a wide selection of UCITS-compliant ETFs through ISA and SIPP accounts, as well as the ability to trade ETFs as spread bets or CFDs for shorter-term exposure. ETFs can cover everything from global equity indices to sector-specific themes.
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Trading website FAQs
What is a trading website?
A trading website is an online platform that lets you access financial markets to buy and sell instruments including shares, indices, forex and commodities. In the UK, all trading websites must be authorised by the FCA. We are one of the UK's longest-established trading platforms, offering spread betting, CFD trading and share dealing from a single account.
Are trading websites safe?
FCA-regulated trading websites are subject to strict conduct rules, capital requirements and client money protection. FSCS protection covers eligible deposits up to £120,000 per person per firm. Trading itself carries significant risk; regulatory protection is about the platform's conduct, not investment outcomes.
What is the best trading website for beginners?
Beginners benefit most from platforms that offer a risk-free demo account, educational resources, and a straightforward account-opening process alongside access to a wide range of markets. Our demo account gives access to live market conditions with £10,000 of virtual funds, with no time limit.
Can I trade ETFs on a trading website?
Yes. Most major trading websites offer ETF trading through both leveraged products (spread bets and CFDs) and direct investment accounts (share dealing, ISA, SIPP). UK ETFs and global ETFs are among the most popular investments on our platform.
Do trading websites charge fees?
Yes, though fee structures vary considerably. The main costs are dealing commission (we charge £0 on US shares), the spread built into leveraged products, FX conversion charges and overnight funding costs on open leveraged positions. There is no platform fee on our share dealing account.
Important to know
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
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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.
Professional clients trading spread bets and CFDs can lose more than they deposit.
The value of shares, ETFs and other ETPs bought through a share dealing account, a stocks and shares ISA or a SIPP can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Some ETPs carry additional risks depending on how they’re structured, investors should ensure they familiarise themselves with the differences before investing.
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Share dealing and IG Smart Portfolio accounts provided by IG Trading and Investments Ltd, CFD accounts are provided by IG Markets Ltd, spread betting provided by IG Index Ltd, cryptoassets services are provided by IG Digital Assets Ltd.
IG is a trading name of IG Trading and Investments Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 11628764), IG Markets Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 04008957) and IG Index Ltd (a company registered in England and Wales under number 01190902). Registered address at Cannon Bridge House, 25 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2YA. IG Markets Ltd (Register number 195355), IG Trading and Investments Ltd (Register Number 944492) and IG Index Ltd (Register number 114059) are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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