Best CFD Brokers in the UK

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Thomas Drury
Thomas Drury

Thomas Drury

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Seasoned finance professional with 10+ years' experience. Chartered status holder. Proficient in CFDs, ISAs, and crypto investing. Passionate about helping others achieve financial goals.

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Dom Farnell
Dom Farnell

Dom Farnell

Co-Founder

Dom, a Co-Founder at TIC, is an avid investor and experienced blogger who specialises in financial markets and wealth management. He strives to help people make smart investment decisions through clear and engaging content.

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Risk Warning

Please bear in mind that trading involves the risk of capital loss. 51% to 84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with the providers below. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Last Updated 10/04/2025

Explore our curated list of reputable, regulated CFD brokers, each rigorously tested with real funds. All brokers are accessible to traders in the United Kingdom.

Quick Answer: What is the best Broker for CFD Trading in the UK?

In 2025, Spreadex and XTB stand out as the top choices for CFD trading in the UK. Spreadex excels with its advanced technical tools and sophisticated functionalities, ideal for experienced traders. IG, with its robust platform and user-friendly features, also offers a strong option for traders. 

Featured Brokers

IG

71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

SpreadEx

81% 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.

What Are CFDs?

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) let you speculate on the price movement of an asset—whether it’s going up or down—without ever owning the actual thing. That means you can go long or short, and with leverage, even small price moves can have a big impact on your account.

In the UK, brokers must be regulated by the FCA, and that adds a layer of safety. But there’s still a wide range when it comes to fees, platform quality, available markets, and trading tools.

In this guide, I’ll break down what I’ve learned—comparing the top CFD brokers in the UK, sharing personal insights, and helping you find the one that actually suits your trading style. 

CFD Broker Comparison Table

RankBroker Best For FCA Regulated Trading Platforms Key Assets Demo Account Min. Deposit 
#1SpreadEX Best overall UK CFD broker & spread betting Yes Proprietary, TradingView Forex, indices, stocks, commodities ✅  £100 (spread betting) 
#2XTB Lowest-cost trading for regular users Yes xStation 5 Forex, stocks, indices, crypto ✅  £0 
#3IG Advanced tools & market analysis Yes IG proprietary, MetaTrader Forex, stocks, indices, options, ETFs ✅  £250 
#4eToro Social & copy trading plus multi-asset access Yes eToro Web & Mobile Stocks, crypto, ETFs, indices, forex ✅  $50 (~£40) 
#5Saxo Markets Advanced technical traders & deep market access  Yes SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO Forex, stocks, bonds, ETFs, commodities ✅  £500 
#6AvaTrade Beginner-friendly, low-cost, easy setup  Not FCA AvaTrade WebTrader, MT4/MT5 Forex, stocks, indices, crypto, ETFs ✅  £100 
#7Pepperstone Ultra-low forex fees & MT4/MT5 support Yes MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader Forex, indices, stocks, commodities ✅  £0 

Here are the top 7 best CFD Brokers in the UK:

  1. SpreadEX – Best CFD Broker in the UK 
  2. XTB – Cheapest CFD Broker for regular trades 
  3. IG– Excellent for Advanced Trading tools and analysis 
  4. eToro – Best for other trading facilities within the same account 
  5. Saxo – Excellent Option for Advanced Technical Traders 
  6. Avatrade– Best CFD Broker for beginners 
  7. Pepperstone– Noteworthy low Forex Fees 

7 Best CFD Brokers in the UK Ranked

Spreadex logo – official branding of the UK-based platform offering spread betting and CFD trading on sports and financial markets

SpreadEX - Best CFD Broker in the UK

spreadex screen grab of home page showcasing trading and investment capabilities

Pros & Cons

81% 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.

SpreadEX offers spread betting and CFD trading across a broad range of markets—including forex, equities, indices, commodities, and even niche assets like political events and entertainment outcomes. That last part is still fairly unique in the industry and appeals to traders who like to speculate beyond traditional markets. 

SpreadEX stands out from other brokers with its unique offering, providing spread betting on a diverse range of assets. This includes not only financial markets but also areas such as politics and entertainment, catering to a wide array of interests and trading preferences. 

SpreadEX is best for UK and Irish traders who want the flexibility of both CFD trading and spread betting, especially those interested in diversified markets—including politics and entertainment—without sacrificing ease of use. 

SpreadEX is ideal for UK traders who want both CFD trading and spread betting, with great charting tools and competitive spreads on major markets. 

XTB logo – branding of X-Trade Brokers, an online trading platform offering forex, indices, commodities, and CFD trading services

XTB - Cheapest CFD Broker for regular trades

XTB home page showcasing trading platform features for forex

Pros & Cons

73% 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.

Over 4,000 instruments, including major forex pairs, popular stocks, global indices, and various commodities. 

  • xStation 5 platform (advanced platform) 
  • Web-based platform (basic platform) 
  • Advanced order types (including OCO and trailing stops) 
  • Algorithmic trading capabilities 
  • Economic calendar and news feed 

XTB is best for active and forex-focused traders who want access to a wide range of markets, low spreads, and a powerful proprietary platform—especially those who don’t rely on MetaTrader. 

XTB is a top pick for active traders, offering ultra-low forex spreads, powerful tools via xStation 5, and broad market access at a low cost. 

"IG logo – official branding of IG Group, a leading online trading provider for forex, CFDs, and spread betting

IG -Excellent for Advanced Trading tools and analysis

IG Screen shot showing demo account vs live account

Pros & Cons

Spread bets and 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 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.

Shares, CFDs, options, futures, and spread bets on a wide range of assets. Global reach with access to multiple exchanges. 

Over 17,000 instruments, including major global stocks, ETFs, indices, forex pairs, options, and futures. 

IG is best for advanced traders who want deep market access, powerful charting and analysis tools, and a professional-grade platform for serious multi-asset trading. 

IG stands out for serious traders who need advanced charting, real-time data, and access to over 17,000 instruments across global markets. 

eToro - Best for other trading facilities within the same account

eToro trading platform screenshot showing user-friendly interface for investing in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies with social trading features
eToro is recognized in the CFD trading sphere for its pioneering role in social and copy trading platforms, appealing to a broad spectrum of traders with its innovative features.

Pros & Cons

CFDs are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading CFD’s 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.

eToro’s emphasis on creating a community-driven trading experience through its unique social and copy trading functionalities establishes it as a standout platform for traders seeking an engaging and approachable trading journey. This innovative strategy has made eToro a popular choice for individuals in search of a collaborative and user-friendly trading environment.

Shares, CFDs, and copy trading on a variety of assets. Social trading platform with community features. 

Over 3,000 instruments, including major global stocks, ETFs, indices, forex pairs, and some commodities. 

eToro is best for beginner to intermediate traders who want access to a wide range of assets and enjoy the convenience of social and copy trading features, all within a single, easy-to-use account. 

eToro is perfect for social and copy trading fans, offering an easy-to-use platform, wide market access, and a strong community-driven experience. 

Saxo Bank logo – square format branding of the global investment and trading platform offering multi-asset market access

Saxo - Excellent Option for Advanced Technical Traders

Screenshot of Saxo Bank's CFD trading platform SaxoTraderGO showcasing its functionality, with a display of the trading interface including watchlists, asset prices, and market charts for a variety of instruments.
Saxo Awards accolades

Pros & Cons

64% 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.

SaxoTraderGO is our powerful yet easy-to-use platform. Trade from your PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone. 

Benefit from extensive charting with 50+ technical indicators, integrated Trade Signals, and innovative risk-management tools. 

Access 71,000+ instruments. Fast and reliable access to trade 1,000s of CFDs from your phone, tablet, laptop or multi-screen desktop set-up. 

Saxo is best for experienced and high-volume traders who want access to an extensive range of CFDs, advanced technical tools, and a premium, all-in-one trading platform. 

Saxo is built for advanced traders, offering powerful tools, in-depth market access, and competitive pricing—though it may be overwhelming for beginners. 

Avatrade - Best CFD Broker for beginners

Avatrade desktop interface showcasing trading platform features

Pros & Cons

76% 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.

Wide range of CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Offers spread betting on indices and commodities. 

Over 1,500 instruments, including major and minor forex pairs, popular stocks, global indices, and various commodities. 

AvaTrade is best for beginner traders who want a straightforward, low-cost entry into CFD trading, with flexible payment options and a user-friendly platform—without being overwhelmed by complexity. 

AvaTrade is a solid choice for beginners, offering low spreads, no deposit or withdrawal fees, and an easy setup with broad market access. 

Pepperstone Logo Blue and White linking to Pepperstone homepage

Pepperstone - Noteworthy low Forex Fees

Pepperstone screen sot of home page demonstrating fx capabilities

Pros & Cons

81.7% 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.

DMA (Direct Market Access) and CFD trading on forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. Focus on MT4 and MT5 platforms. 

Over 300 instruments, including major forex pairs, popular stocks, global indices, and various commodities. 

Pepperstone is best for active forex and CFD traders—especially scalpers and day traders—who value ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and the reliability of industry-standard platforms like MT4 and MT5. 

Pepperstone is a top pick for low-cost forex trading, with ultra-tight spreads and strong platform support, especially for MT4 and MT5 users. 

What Do I Need to Know about CFDs?

You can’t hold CFDs in a SIPP account, and there’s also the added consideration of foreign exchange exposure when trading global markets. While CFDs can be powerful tools, especially when used with strong risk controls, they’re not without complexity—so understanding the tax implications and legal framework is just as important as knowing how to place a trade.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CFD Trading

After years of trading CFDs, I’ve come to appreciate the flexibility and opportunities they offer—but I’ve also learned to respect the risks that come with them. Here’s a balanced look at what I’ve experienced first-hand. 

Advantages:

Risks:

What Should You Know Before Choosing a CFD Broker?

Before I settled on a CFD broker, I spent a lot of time bouncing between platforms—trying to figure it out. What I eventually learned is that finding the right broker is about how well the platform fits you and the way you trade. 

Is the Broker FCA-regulated?

First things first: always check that the broker is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Although all platforms are not FCA regulated, we recommend using those on the FCA register. FCA-regulated brokers must follow strict rules to protect your money, including keeping your funds in segregated accounts (so they’re not mixed with company money) and offering negative balance protection so you can’t lose more than your deposit. 

What About Fees, Spreads, and Overnight Charges?

Every broker has its own pricing structure. Some charge spreads (the difference between the buy/sell price), others add commissions.

Some brokers—particularly those offering DMA CFD trading—charge a commission per trade instead, which is common among professional setups. On top of trading fees, there are often non-trading fees to watch for, including overnight funding charges for holding positions, guaranteed stop order fees, and deposit or withdrawal fees, depending on the payment method.

To get a clear view of your real expenses, I always recommend using a trading cost calculator, which helps break down these costs before you commit to a position. Ultimately, fee transparency and structure can vary widely between brokers, so comparing them carefully is key to protecting your returns.

Also, keep an eye out for inactivity fees or currency conversion fees — particularly if you’re trading USD assets from a GBP account.  

Does the Platform Suit Your Trading Style?

I’ve used MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are great for advanced users, but I’ve also enjoyed using some of the newer proprietary platforms. 

In 2025 mobile trading is a must- have, but I still prefer doing analysis on desktop. Whenever I open an account with a new CFD broker, I always start with a demo account. It gives me time to get comfortable without risking my money.

Do They Offer Any Educational Tools?

A good broker should offer charting tools, technical indicators, and a selection of solid educational resources. 

If you’re serious about improving as a trader, taking advantage of a broker’s educational resources is a no-brainer. When I first got started, I leaned heavily on trading guides, video tutorials, and webinars that explained everything from basic CFD trading strategies to more advanced topics like order execution and direct market access.  

As you progress, diving into technical analysis and performance analytics, understanding your trading psychology becomes crucial. Some platforms now include real-time trading signals and expert insights, which can help you learn by doing. 

At the end of the day, what works for me might not work for you—but these are the non-negotiables I look for when I’m evaluating a new CFD platform. 

How Do You Choose the Right Broker Based on Your Trading Goals?

One thing I’ve learned over the years is the “best” CFD broker for everyone really depends on how you trade. Some platforms are perfect for deep technical analysis, while others are designed to keep things simple and easy to follow. Here’s a quick breakdown based on different trader types: 

Trader Type Best Broker Why 
Beginner eToro Easy UI, copy trading, great community 
Advanced/Technical CMC Markets Powerful charting tools, pro-level features 
Forex Day Trader Pepperstone Tight spreads, lightning-fast execution 
Multi-Market Explorer IG Massive market range, strong platform 
Simplicity Seeker Plus500 Clean interface and straightforward controls 

If you’re not sure where you fit in, think about how hands-on you want to be, what tools you need, and whether you value simplicity over depth—or vice versa. 

What are Leverage and Margin Requirements?

Leverage can amplify both profits and losses, so understanding a broker’s leverage options and margin requirements is crucial before placing a trade.

Most CFD brokers offer tiered leverage based on asset type and trader classification, often requiring suitability tests to assess your risk tolerance. While high leverage can boost gains, it also increases exposure, especially in volatile or low liquidity conditions. That’s why negative balance protection is so important— it will prevent your account from going into the red. Depending on the broker and trading platform, you might see fixed spreads, variable spreads, or additional spread charges that factor into the real cost of trading. 

Keep in mind that margin trading also involves non-trading costs, so it’s vital to match your trading strategy with a broker that provides transparent risk controls and fair margin policies. 

What are the Tax Implications for CFD Traders in the UK?

Trading CFDs)might result in you generating income, but you need to understand the tax implications that come with it to ensure compliance with UK tax laws. 

1. Capital Gains Tax (CGT):

  • CFD trading falls under the scope of CGT in the UK, which means that any profits made from CFD trades may be subject to CGT. 
  • CGT is applicable on the gains made above the annual tax-free allowance. 
  • Traders should keep detailed records of their CFD trading activity, including profits and losses, to accurately calculate CGT liabilities. 

2. Spread Betting and Taxation:

  • Spread betting, which is similar to CFD trading, is exempt from CGT, income tax, and stamp duty in the UK. 
  • However, for spread betting to be considered tax-free, it must be classified as gambling rather than trading. Traders should ensure they understand the criteria set by HMRC to qualify for tax-free status. 

3. Income Tax:

  • For traders who engage in CFD trading as their primary source of income, profits generated may be subject to income tax. 
  • Income tax rates vary depending on the individual’s total taxable income and tax bracket. Traders should consult with a tax advisor to understand their specific tax obligations. 

4. HMRC Reporting Requirements:

  • CFD traders are required to report their trading activity to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) accurately. 
  • This includes reporting any taxable profits from CFD trading on their annual self-assessment tax return. 
  • Failure to report trading income accurately can result in penalties and fines from HMRC. 

5. Tax-Efficient Trading Structures:

  • Some traders may opt to trade CFDs through tax-efficient structures such as a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) or a Stocks and Shares ISA. 
  • SIPPs and ISAs offer tax advantages, including tax-free growth and potentially tax-free withdrawals, making them attractive options for tax-conscious traders. 

Can You Try CFD Trading Risk-Free?

Absolutely—and you should. Every broker I’ve mentioned offers a free demo account, and I highly recommend starting there. It’s a great way to explore the platform, test your strategies, and get a feel for how trading works without risking any real money. 

I still use demo accounts and I find that they are irreplaceable when it comes to building confidence and avoiding unnecessary losses early on.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best CFD Broker in the UK for You?

At the end of the day, the best CFD broker for you depends on how you trade.

If you’re brand new to the scene, eToro is a great starting point—it’s easy to use and you can copy more experienced traders while you learn the ropes.

For forex-focused traders, Pepperstone offers raw spreads and fast execution that’s hard to beat. 

If you want pro-level analysis tools, CMC Markets really delivers. And if you’re after massive market access, IG is the heavyweight. Prefer simplicity above all else? Plus500 keeps things clean and straightforward.

Whatever your trading style, make sure you don’t jump in with real money right away. Use a demo account first to get a feel for the platform and test your strategy risk-free. It’s a simple step, but it can save you a lot of money (and headaches) early on.

The best broker is the one that fits how I trade. That’s what I’d recommend you look for too. 

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

The safest CFD brokers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). IG, CMC Markets, and XTB are well-known for their strong compliance and security measures.

FCA-regulated brokers must provide negative balance protection to retail clients, ensuring you won’t lose more than your initial deposit.

XTB and Pepperstone are among the most cost-effective CFD brokers in the UK, offering tight spreads and low or no commissions on major markets.

Yes, most brokers like eToro, AvaTrade, and IG offer free demo accounts so you can practise with virtual funds.

CFDs can be suitable for beginners if used with caution. Start with a demo account, limit leverage, and choose a beginner-friendly platform like AvaTrade or eToro.

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Our Top CFD Platforms in the UK

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