Broker Comparison Tool - Compare UK Brokers
What's your investing or trading experience?
What do you want to invest in?
What type of account do you need?
How much are you looking to deposit?
What features are most important?
Important: This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Your capital is at risk. We may receive commission from featured platforms. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
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Best Practices for Using the Tool
Getting Accurate Results
Be Honest About Experience Don’t overstate your knowledge level. Consider your actual trading frequency and complexity of strategies you use.
Think About Your Needs Consider what you will actually trade and how often you will use the platform. Your real usage patterns matter more than aspirational goals.
Consider Total Costs Platform fees are just one component of total costs. Factor in trading costs, spreads, and any additional charges.
Research Before Deciding Read platform reviews from multiple sources. Check current promotions directly with providers. Verify regulatory status through FCA register.
After Getting Results
Compare your top 3 matches rather than just picking the first option. Read terms and conditions to understand fee structures fully. Start small by testing platforms with smaller amounts first. Use demo accounts to practice before committing real money. Check FSCS coverage to ensure your capital is protected up to £85,000.
How the Broker Finder Tool Works
Our Rating Methodology
Overview
The Platform Finder Tool uses a sophisticated scoring algorithm to match you with the most suitable investment platforms based on your specific needs and preferences. Each platform receives a personalized score out of 100 points based on how well it aligns with your answers.
The Scoring System
1. Experience Level Matching (Up to 20 points)
Your experience level is crucial in finding the right platform:
Beginners (New to investing/trading) Platforms marked as “Beginner Friendly” receive 20 points. We prioritize user-friendly interfaces, educational resources, and simplified features. These platforms typically offer demo accounts and guided investing options to help you learn.
Intermediate (1-3 years experience) Balanced platforms with moderate complexity receive 15 points. We value platforms that offer both educational and advanced features, providing room to grow your skills.
Advanced (3+ years experience) Platforms with “Advanced Tools” receive 20 points. We prioritize sophisticated charting, research tools, and complex order types. These platforms often include API access and professional features for serious traders.
2. Asset Coverage Scoring (Up to 30 points)
We match platforms based on the investment products you want to trade. Each matched asset class earns 10 points, with a maximum of 30 points for perfect asset alignment.
Asset categories evaluated include Stocks & Shares, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), Investment Funds, Bonds & Gilts, Options, Forex, Cryptocurrency, and CFDs (Contracts for Difference).
Example: If you select 3 asset types and a platform offers all 3, it receives 30 points in this category.
3. Account Type Compatibility (Up to 15 points)
Account type matching ensures tax efficiency and regulatory compliance:
Perfect Match (+15 points) When a platform offers your exact account type preference, it receives the full 15 points. ISA accounts provide tax-free growth up to £20,000 annual allowance. General Investment Accounts have no tax benefits but unlimited deposits. Crypto Accounts offer specialized cryptocurrency features. Trading Accounts for CFDs provide leveraged trading capabilities.
Show All Types (+10 points) This scoring is applied when you want to see all available options regardless of account type.
4. Deposit Amount Optimization (Up to 20 points)
Fee structures vary significantly based on investment size:
Less than £1,000
Platforms with £0-100 minimum investment receive 20 points, while those with zero platform fees earn an additional 10 points. We prioritize low barriers to entry and favor percentage-based fees over flat fees for smaller amounts.
£1,000 – £10,000
Platform fees under 0.5% annually earn 15 points. We balance fee structure with available features and consider both percentage and flat fee options at this level.
£10,000 – £50,000
Flat fee structures or fees under 0.3% receive 15 points. We prioritize cost-effectiveness at scale and value tiered pricing structures that benefit larger portfolios.
More than £50,000
Flat or tiered fee structures earn 20 points and are marked as “Cost Effective” for large portfolios. We prioritize platforms with fee caps to protect against excessive charges.
5. Feature Preferences (Up to 35 points)
Features are weighted based on importance and impact:
Low Fees (Up to 25 points)
Zero fees across the board earn the maximum 25 points, while low platform fees under 0.5% receive 15 points. We evaluate total cost of ownership including hidden fees and spreads.
User-Friendly (+15 points)
Platforms with intuitive interface design, clear navigation, and simple processes score highly. Good customer support and included educational resources are also valued.
Mobile App (+15 points)
Full-featured mobile trading capabilities are essential for many investors. We consider app store ratings and ensure functionality parity with the web platform.
Research Tools (+15 points)
Professional analysis tools including market data, news feeds, company financials, reports, and technical analysis capabilities all contribute to this score.
Educational Resources (+15 points)
Learning materials, courses, webinars, tutorials, market guides, glossaries, and demo accounts for practice all enhance a platform’s educational score.
Fractional Shares (+15 points)
The ability to buy partial shares enables lower investment minimums, better portfolio diversification, and access to expensive stocks that might otherwise be unaffordable.
Additional Scoring Factors
Special Bonuses
Platforms receive additional recognition for current promotions including special offers, free trades, or cash bonuses. Regulatory status such as FCA regulation and FSCS protection adds credibility. Platform reputation from user reviews and industry awards is considered. Market access measured by the number of markets and exchanges available is valued. Innovation through unique features or cutting-edge technology can provide bonus points.
Match Quality Indicators
Based on total score, platforms are categorized as follows:
90-100 points: “BEST MATCH” represents an exceptional fit for your needs 70-89 points: “Great Match” indicates a very suitable option 50-69 points: “Good Match” suggests a solid choice with some compromises Below 50 points: “Possible Match” may require significant compromises
FAQs
Why did Platform X rank higher than Platform Y?
Rankings are entirely based on your specific answers. A platform that’s perfect for one user might rank poorly for another with different needs.
Do affiliate commissions affect rankings?
No. The algorithm scores platforms based solely on feature matching. Affiliate relationships are disclosed but don’t influence the scoring system.
How often are platform details updated?
We aim to update platform information monthly, but always verify current details directly with the platform before opening an account.
Can I save my results?
Currently, results are generated in real-time and not saved. We recommend taking screenshots or notes of your top matches.
Why don't you include every platform?
We focus on FCA-regulated platforms available to UK residents. New platforms are added after thorough evaluation.
