10 Best Day Trading Platforms UK Reviewed

Day trading platforms allow UK investors to buy and sell a full range of asset classes – including stocks, crypto, forex, commodities, and more.

With so many providers operating in this space, this guide compares a dozen of the best day trading platforms in the UK right now.

In addition to supported markets and top customer service, we consider UK trading platforms with a strong regulatory framework alongside low fees and other important metrics.

Best UK Day Trading Platforms Reviewed

Choosing the best day trading platform in the UK will require the user to research brokers in terms of regulation, ease of use, supported markets, accepted payment types, and fees.

Below, we offer comprehensive reviews of the 13 best day trading platforms in the UK to consider right now, especially for those looking to make the best investments in the UK.

1. eToro – Low-Cost Broker With Copy Trading Tools

The eToro platform is used by more than 25 million clients and is authorized and regulated by the FCA, as well as CySEC, ASIC, and the SEC. Furthermore, UK residents will appreciate that eToro is covered by the FSCS.

In addition to offering a safe and secure day trading environment, we like that eToro allows UK residents to invest in stocks and ETFs at 0% commission. These are real stocks, as opposed to CFDs, so investors will retain full ownership of the underlying shares.

Supported stock and ETF markets here include exchanges in the UK, US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and more. Both UK and foreign markets are available to trade at 0% commission. eToro is also the best day trading platform for crypto. When users select to invest in crypto here, eToro will charge a competitive fee of just 1% per slide.

Moreover, not only can users buy Bitcoin at eToro, but nearly 80 other cryptocurrencies. As one of the best CFD brokers in the UK eToro also offers CFD markets that support commodities, indices, and forex, as well as stocks and ETFs. The minimum stake at eToro is just $10 per trade, or about £8. This is the case even if the respective asset class carries a high valuation.

For instance, let’s suppose that an investor decides to trade Alphabet stocks, which are priced at $2,200 each. Should the investor allocate $22 to this position, they would own 1% of Alphabet stock. Another stand-out feature offered by eToro is its Copy Trading service. As the name suggests, this allows investors to ‘copy’ the buy and sell positions of an experienced trader.

As such, the Copy Trading tool allows eToro users to trade passively and without needing to have any prior investment experience. Longer-term investors will also appreciate the Smart Portfolios available on eToro. These are bundles of stocks and crypto assets that mirror a specific strategy and each Smart Portfolio is professionally managed. Smart Portfolios is one of the best ways to invest £20k in the UK according to some market analysts and traders.

To open an account with eToro, UK residents can get started with a minimum first-time deposit of just $10. Some of the most convenient payment types supported by eToro include UK debit and credit cards, as well as e-wallets like Paypal and Skrill. eToro also offers one of the best day trading apps in the UK, which is free to download on both iOS and Android smartphones.

Read More: Our full and detailed eToro review UK can be found here.

What We Like

Your capital is at risk. 79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider

2. XTB – Day Trade Over 2,100 Global Markets   

XTB is a CFD trading platform that offers access to more than 2,100 global markets. This includes a wide range of forex pairs across the majors, minors, and exotics. XTB also supports stocks, ETFs, indices, and commodities. When it comes to trading fees, this depends on the account that the user decides to open.

The standard account at XTB offers forex spreads that start from 0.5 pips. The swap-free account comes with slightly higher minimum spreads of 0.7 pips, but the opportunity to trade leveraged products without paying any overnight financing fees. Both of the accounts offered by XTB are commission-free.

XTB is also one of the best day trading platforms in the UK for seasoned investors. Its xStation 5 platform comes with superior execution speeds, custom charts, technical and economic indicators, and plenty of drawing tools. xStation 5 can also be downloaded as an iOS and Android app.

What We Like

Your capital is at risk. 76% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

3. AvaTrade – One of the Best Day Trading Platforms for Spread Betting

AvaTrade is a CFD broker that also allows UK residents to access spread betting markets. As we briefly mentioned earlier, spread betting is viewed as gambling in the UK and thus – no tax is liable on capital gains. This is a major benefit for UK residents, especially considering that spread betting works much the same as trading CFDs.

When trading spread betting markets at AvaTrade, users will benefit from a commission-free pricing model. Traders will also be able to speculate on both rising and falling markets, as positions can be opened with either a buy or sell order. Furthermore, AvaTrade is ideal for those looking to day trade on a budget.

After all, the platform requires a minimum stake of just 10p per point. Supported markets at AvaTrade include commodities, bonds, stocks, ETFs, forex, and indices. The minimum deposit requirement for UK residents is £100 and no funding fees apply. AvaTrade supports UK debit and credit cards, which are processed instantly.

What We Like

4. Trade Nation – Day Trading App With Multiple Features

Trade Nation is a low-spread multi-asset trading app with multiple features. Launched in 2014, Trade Nation has gained significant traction in the market thanks to its low-fee model that does not involve charging variable costs on spreads.

Instead, Trade Nation has opted for a low-spread model, which only goes up to 0.4 pips. Furthermore, there are no hidden fees involved. Traders. can pick between the standard MT4 account or TN trader. With MT4, users will get access to market analysis and price charts. TN Trader is the proprietary platform of Trade Nation.

Stating trading on Trade Nation only costs $1, which users can pay using a plethora of fiat payment methods. Security-wise, Trade Nation has taken ample measures to keep users’ data safe, which is in addition to performing within the regulatory norms set by FCA, ASIC, and other top regulatory bodies.

What We Like

75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

5. Pepperstone – Top Day Trading Platform for Raw Spread Accounts

Seasoned day traders know the importance of choosing a platform that offers competitive spreads. After all, this is an indirect trading fee that applies to virtually all positions. However, when opting to open an account with Pepperstone, it is possible to avoid spreads entirely.

This is because Pepperstone offers raw spread accounts, which allows users to trade directly with core market participants. In most cases, this offers the ability to trade major forex pairs at 0 pips, with a small commission of $3.50 per slide. This will suit traders that typically enter positions with a large amount of capital.

Those that wish to day trade with casual investment stakes might consider the standard account offered by Pepperstone. While this comes with spreads, there are no trading commissions charged. In addition to forex, Pepperstone offers access to several other CFD asset classes. This is inclusive of stocks, ETFs, indices, and commodities.

What We Like

75.3% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

6. Libertex – Great Day Trading Platform for Commodities

Next up we have Libertex, which is perhaps the best day trading platform for beginners wishing to speculate on commodities. On this platform – which has been operational for over 24 years, traders can access the three core commodity classes – metals, energies, and agriculture,

This means that UK residents can trade everything from gold, silver, and natural gas to crude oil, sugar, and coffee. Every commodity trading market supported by Libertex can be traded with leverage, in line with UK regulations. Once again, this means that retail clients can get 1:20 on gold, and 1:10 on other commodity classes.

When it comes to fees, commodities can be traded with a super competitive commission of just 0.0003% per slide. In simple terms, this means that for every £10,000 traded, a commission of just 3p will apply. Spreads are also very competitive on the Libertex platform. In addition to commodities, Libertex supports a wide range of other CFD markets.

This is inclusive of stocks, forex, options, indices, and ETFs. Getting started with a Libertex account requires just £10 and supported payment types include e-wallets, debit/credit cards, and bank transfers. There is also a Libertex demo account, which comes with $10,000 in paper trading funds.

Moreover, we like that Libertex supports both MT4 and MT5, as well as a mobile app for iOS and Android. The final thing to note about Libertex is that it now allows users to invest in real stocks. Not only does this offer access to hundreds of US-listed companies, but no trading commissions are charged.

What We Like

Your capital is at risk. 70.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

7. Alvexo – CFD Trading Platform UK Traders Accepted

Alvexo is a popular day trading platform that makes use of CFDs (contracts for difference) for UK investors to margin trade financial assets with leverage – of up to 300:1. Although note that UK traders can’t access cryptocurrency CFD trading on Alvexo, only its other supported markets.

Alvexo supports MT4 and has its own in-house web trader browser-based platform with fast execution and advanced technical analysis charting tools. Daily, weekly, and monthly trading signals are also offered alongside educational courses and webinars to learn to trade.

Besides crypto trading (for those outside the United Kingdom) Alvexo also offers stocks, indices, currencies (FX markets), and commodities. Over 372,000 registered members trade at Alvexo, with a trading volume over $54 billion.

Alvexo is a licensed and regulated broker, under the FSA – operated by HSN Capital Groups which is regulated by the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles with license number SD030. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, alongside some less common payment methods for UK trading platforms such as Paypal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Skrill.

As well as the positive reputation it has built up since its founding in 2014, Alvexo has won multiple awards – including best mobile trading app, best investment product, best trading platform, and best product innovation – all London Trader Show Awards.

What We Like

Trading CFDs involves a significant risk of loss that may not be suitable for all investors.

8. IG Markets – UK Trading Platform With Access to 18,000 Financial Instruments

Founded in 1974, IG Markets is a respected UK brokerage that now conducts the vast bulk of its business online. The platform is authorized and regulated by the FCA, and UK residents are covered by the FSCS. The minimum deposit to get started with an IG account is £250.

Deposits made via Visa and MasterCard will attract a fee of 1% and 0.5% respectively. Once the account is set up, IG Markets offers access to more than 18,000 financial instruments. This covers a full selection of CFD and spread betting markets on stocks, ETFs, indices, forex, and more.

The aforementioned asset classes can be traded with leverage, within FCA limits. Alternatively, IG Markets also offers UK residents access to real stocks from the UK and international markets. Fees on UK-listed stocks amount to £8 per trade. When placing more than three orders in 30 days, this fee is reduced to £3.

What We Like

9. FOREX.com – Specialist Broker for Currency Day Traders  

Forex.com is perhaps the best day trading platform in the UK for currency speculators. This platform hosts more than 80 forex pairs across the majors, minors, and exotics. Launched in 2001, Forex.com has a great reputation in this marketplace.

We like that the platform allows traders to buy and sell major pairs like EUR/USD at a spread of just 0.8 pips without paying any commission. In total, Forex.com supports around 300 markets. On top of currencies, this includes CFDs on indices, stocks, and commodities.

The Forex.com web trading platform is accessible via standard web browsers and comes packed with charting and drawing tools. MT5 is supported too, alongside a native mobile app for iOS and Android. Those wishing to try Forex.com before making a real deposit might consider opening a demo trading account – which is risk-free.

What We Like

10. CMC Markets – Trade More Than 330 Forex Pairs 

The final provider to consider from our list of the best day trading platforms in the UK is CMC Markets. This platform offers access to more than 12,000 instruments. UK residents can choose from CFDs and spread betting markets. Supported assets include over 330+ forex pairs, which is huge.

Traders can also access commodities, stocks, ETFs, bonds, indices, and more. All assets on the CMC Markets platform can be traded at 0% commission, apart from stocks. Regarding the latter, the specific commission depends on the respective market and exchange.

For example, trading UK stocks at CMC Markets attract a commission of 0.10%, at a minimum of £9. US stocks, on the other hand, attract a fee of $0.02 for each share traded, at a minimum of $10. CMC Markets supports several platforms, which are inclusive of MT4 and a mobile app for iOS and Android. There is also a web trading platform that can be accessed via browsers.

What We Like

11. Trading 212 – Excellent Platform for Beginner and Novice Traders

Trading 212 is a London-based brokerage that wants to democratize trading, making it an excellent app for novice and beginner-level traders.

It is one of the most popular free trading apps in the world and has been No 1 by downloads in the UK for a while and is highly rated by both users and professionals.

Trading 212 offers more around 2,000 assets to trade, including stocks, forex, indices, ETFs and CFDs, as well as some of the more established cryptos such as Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum and others.

It offers a demo account that allows potential users to try and test the platform without the need to register.

There are three types of account – Invest, CFD, ISA – and it offers zero fees on trades and commissions.

However, there is a fee for withdrawing via wire transfers and a charge for inactivity which is triggered after 180 consecutive days.

More experienced traders may be put off by some limitations on the platform such as no short-selling.

It is regulated by the FCA and covered by the FSCS.

What We Like

12. Admirals – Top Day Trading Platform in the UK with Over 8000 Instruments

When it comes to day trading, many traders in the UK prefer Admirals as a top choice. This is due to several reasons. Firstly, the platform has been around for several years. It was founded in 2001 as Admiral Markets before its recent rebranding to Admirals. Secondly, it caters to an impressive list of more than 130 countries, while hosting more than 8,000 tradable instruments.

Naturally, this has helped it gain several great reviews, which is evident in the form of its excellent rating on Trustpilot. The platform has a very beginner-centric approach in terms of usability and can be accessed through both Android and iOS devices. It supports the supreme edition of MetaTrader, which can be a highly advantageous tool. With multiple licenses from authoritative entities, the platform also ensures safety, making it a great option for day traders.

The platform also supports 15 of the biggest stock exchanges, which makes it one of the top day trading platforms in the UK, irrespective of the type of trader you are. With low commissions, great customer support, and some highly sought-after tools, this platform must definitely not be overlooked.

What We Like

Top UK Day Trading Brokers Compared

The table below compares the best day trading platforms in the UK for supported assets, fees, minimum deposits, and core tools.

How We Select the Best UK Day Trading Platforms

UK residents have access to dozens of trading platforms – many of which offer lots of supported markets and a strong regulatory framework.

With that said, no two trading platforms are the same, so investors will need to research the provider in question before opening an account.

In the sections below, we explain how we rank and compare the best day trading platforms in the UK.

Regulation

The best day trading platforms in the UK are not only authorized and regulated by the FCA but other tier-one financial bodies. This ensures that UK residents are well protected in terms of safe trading conditions.

For example, eToro is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus). Moreover, investors at eToro are covered by the UK’s FSCS protection. This covers UK residents up to £85,000 in the event of a brokerage collapse.

Range of Assets

One of the best things about day trading is that this strategy can be implemented on virtually any asset class. And, therefore, the best day trading platforms in the UK offer a wide variety of markets.

For example, Toro both offers access to thousands of stocks and ETFs, alongside forex, commodities, and indices.

It is also important to consider the specific financial instrument that the platform offers. For instance, CFDs are supported by eToro, which allows UK residents to trade without taking ownership of the underlying asset.

Those wishing to invest in assets in the traditional sense might wish to consider eToro, which offers real stocks, ETFs, and commodities.

Spreads

Spreads are another important consideration to make when searching for the best day trading platform in the UK. This is an indirect fee that is calculated by taking the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset.

When trading forex, for instance, the spread is determined in pips. Ultimately, day traders are advised to select a platform that offers tight spreads across their preferred marketplace.

Fees

In addition to spreads, other fees might be applicable when choosing a UK day trading platform. At the forefront of this is the trading commission, which is charged on each buy and sell position.

The good news is that the best day trading platforms in the UK operate on a 0% commission model on stocks and ETFs.

Non-trading fees may also come into play, such as transaction charges on deposits and withdrawals. Account fees, which are charged simply for using the broker, do not apply to any of the platforms discussed today.

Do note that fees will often vary depending on the account type being opened, as some platforms offer multiple options to UK residents.

Tools and Analysis 

Day trading is a strategy that requires a somewhat intimate knowledge of technical analysis. This means that the trader will need to have a firm grasp of how to read real-time pricing charts and deploy technical indicators.

To facilitate the analysis process, the best day trading platforms in the UK offer a wide variety of tools. With that said, beginners will likely appreciate the eToro Copy Trading feature – should they not have any experience in performing technical analysis.

Put simply, this tool enables eToro users to copy the positions of a successful day trader. As such, anything that the day trader speculates on will be replicated in the eToro user’s portfolio.

Minimum Deposit 

Traders should also check to see what the minimum deposit is at their chosen day trading platform. Some platforms require a high minimum deposit, which will not be suitable for beginners.

For example, IG requires at least £250 to open an account in the UK.

Demo Account

Before making a deposit, it is worth utilizing a demo account feature – if this is offered by the platform in question. The best day trading platforms in the UK offer demo accounts that mirror the financial markets like-for-like.

Instead of trading with real money, positions will be entered with paper funds. This is a great risk-free way to approach day trading for the first time.

Mobile App

While most day traders will utilize a desktop device to place orders, having access to the markets on the move is crucial. And, the best way to achieve this is via a day trading app.

All of the day trading platforms discussed on this page offer a mobile app for iOS and Android.

We found that eToro offers one of the best UK day trading apps for beginners, due to its simple user interface.

Payment Methods

Before having access to the financial markets, traders will need to make deposits into the trading account.

This process is simple when using the likes of eToro, as it supports UK debit/credit cards and e-wallets.

Customer Service

Having access to a customer support agent around the clock will allow traders to seek assistance whenever a question or concern arises.

Live chat is the preferred option here, as this offers customer service in real-time without needing to pick up the telephone.

Day Trading Explained

Day trading refers to a specific investment strategy that focuses on short-term price movements. This strategy can be applied to pretty much any asset class – including but not limited to stocks, crypto, indices, and commodities.

Unlike long-term investment strategies, day traders will only hold onto a position for a matter of hours. In some cases, trades might only remain open for several minutes.

Either way, the general rule of thumb is that a position must be closed by the end of the trading day. This means that profit targets on a day trading position will often be small.

Moreover, seasoned traders will typically enter multiple positions throughout the day. This means that while margins are tight, it is hoped that several profitable positions will be achieved on a day-to-day basis.

To be successful at day trading, investors will need to have an understanding of how to read pricing charts. This can be achieved by deploying technical indicators such as the RSI and MACD.

Success can and will also be determined by the platform being used. That is to say, the best day trading platforms in the UK offer investors a plethora of markets at low fees, alongside competitive spreads.

Day Trading vs Swing Trading

As noted above, day trading strategies dictate that the investor should never keep a position open past standard market hours.

This is in stark contrast to how swing trading works.

• Swing trading affords the investor much more flexibility in terms of how long a position should be kept open.
• This can be anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.
• The main concept of swing trading is that the investor will look for short-to-medium trends.

Day trading, on the other hand, focuses on intraday price movements. Therefore, forex day trading strategies typically crave volatile market conditions.

Note: Those exploring the difference between day trading and CFD trading should know that both terms refer to separate metrics. While day trading is a strategy, CFDs refer to a specific financial instrument.

What Assets Can You Day Trade in the UK?

The best day trading platforms in the UK that we discussed today typically offer a wide range of assets.

This is often incisive of:

• UK and international stocks
• ETFs
• Indices
• Cryptocurrencies
• Forex
• Commodities

However, UK traders must understand the financial product that they are speculating on. For example, many of the day trading platforms discussed today specialize in CFDs and/or spread betting.

Both of these financial products are represented by derivatives, which means that traders will not own the asset being traded. Instead, CFDs and spread betting products track the underlying asset’s market price in real-time.

Trading CFDs and spread betting products allows UK residents to access leverage and short-selling capabilities. With that said, UK retail clients can no longer access cryptocurrency derivatives, as per FCA regulations.

On the other hand, some day trading platforms offer direct ownership of assets. For example, eToro allows UK residents to invest in traditional stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Benefits of Day Trading

Day trading won’t suit all investor types.

Nonetheless, in the sections below, we explore the core benefits of this popular trading strategy.

Low Barrier to Entry

Getting started with a day trading strategy could not be easier. The best day trading platforms in the UK offer an account opening process that takes just five minutes from start to finish.

Furthermore, many of the platforms discussed today allow traders to get started with a very small first-time deposit.

Leveraged Day Trading Markets

The best day trading platforms in the UK allow users to enter positions with leverage. This trading tool will amplify the value of a position by a certain ratio.

In the UK, retail clients can trade major forex pairs with leverage of up to 1:30. This means that for every £1,000 staked, a position of £30,000 can be opened.

Ultimately, leverage gives traders on a budget the opportunity to access a much larger amount of capital than the account balance permits.

Low-Risk Entry and Exit Positions

While all forms of investing should be defined as risky, day trading reduces this exposure. The reason for this is that when conducted correctly, experienced day traders will set up sensible entry and exit positions.

This determines the price that the trade should be entered, as well as closed.  Regarding the latter, sensible stop-loss orders ensure that the day trader can only lose a certain amount on a position.

For example, if the stop-loss is set at 2%, the position will not result in a loss above this figure.

Day Trading Strategies

Those that are completely new to day trading might consider one of the strategies discussed below:

Demo Account Feature

First, before making a deposit and day trading with real money, beginners should consider starting with a demo account. For example, eToro allows new clients to access live trading conditions with a pre-loaded virtual balance of $100,000.

In other words, newbies can practice entering positions without risking any capital. Demo accounts are also great for learning how a specific platform works, alongside the ability to get to grips with real-time pricing charts and technical indicators.

Limit Orders

Day traders will look to enter and exit a position with clear targets in mind. At the forefront of this is creating a position with a limit order.

For those unaware, limit orders allow day traders to specify the exact price that the position should be executed.

For example, suppose that GPB/USD is trading at 1.3209. The day trader might wish to go long on this pair if the price hits 1.3150. Only when the specified price is triggered will the limit order be executed.

Stick With Liquid Markets

Beginners should also consider sticking with liquid markets when entering the day trading space for the very first time.

These are markets that attract significant amounts of trading volume, which in turn, often means that spreads are competitive and volatility levels are lower than the market average.

Some of the most liquid markets in the day trading space include major forex pairs, blue-chip stocks, and gold.

Learn Technical Analysis

Make no mistake about it – the most successful day traders in this marketplace have a strong grasp of technical analysis. This is a strategy that involves reading charts with the view of predicting future price movements.

Technical analysis also requires an understanding of economic indicators – such as the RSI, exponential moving averages, and the MACD.

While having an intimate understanding of technical analysis can take time to master, it is a fundamental requirement of day trading.

Use a Copy Trading Tool

Those without the required time to learn technical analysis might instead consider a Copy Trading service. As we mentioned earlier, this tool is offered by the FCA-regulated broker eToro.

After choosing a trader to copy, all future day trading positions will be mirrored in the eToro user’s portfolio. This will allow beginners to actively day trade the financial markets without needing to have any experience.

Tax on Day Trading UK

In the vast majority of cases, UK day traders will need to pay tax on any capital gains made. This is a tax that is implemented on trading profits.

• However, it is important to note that UK residents get a capital gains allowance of £12,300 in the 2022/23 tax year.
• In other words, capital gains of less than £12,300 will not be liable for tax.

Another important point to note about UK day trading tax is that spread betting alleviates any liabilities.

More specifically, when opting for a spread betting platform, traders will not be required to pay any tax on profits. This isn’t, however, the case with CFDs, which do attract capital gains tax.

• Finally, when exploring how day trading UK tax works, consider stamp duty.
• This is charged when investors buy real shares listed on the London Stock Exchange and the tax amounts to 0.5% of the position.

Read More: Those looking to trade digital assets like Bitcoin should consider reading our guide on crypto tax in the UK.

Best Forex Signals UK

To begin a day trading strategy without any prior knowledge of technical analysis can be a risky endeavour. Therefore, UK residents might consider a forex signals service like Learn2Trade to help fill this gap in experience.

In a nutshell, Learn2Trade signals are forex trading suggestions that have been hand-crafted in real-time by seasoned currency investors.

The signal – which will be sent to members via the Telegram app, will include the following information:

• Forex pair (e.g. GBP/USD)
• Buy or sell order
• Limit order price
• Stop-loss order price
• Take-profit order price

Ultimately, as the in-house trading team at Learn2Trade has already performed the necessary market research, beginners can actively trade forex without having to do any of the legwork.

Those interested in utilizing Learn2Trade will receive up to three forex signals every day. Prices start at £40 per month on a flexible premium plan and less on longer-term packages.

Either way, all Learn2Trade customers signing up for the first time have access to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Conclusion

The best day trading platforms in the UK offer a plethora of asset classes at low fees and tight spreads. We found that top-rated providers like eToro alleviate trading commissions in their entirety across thousands of markets.

eToro also offers a free demo account so UK traders can paper trade with virtual funds before risking real money.

Your capital is at risk. 79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

FAQs