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The best ETF platform UK can be the direct ticket to your investment dreams. It’s a single-stop goldmine for choosing global ETFs, learning the industry’s ins and outs, trading, and much more.
Luckily, you can access the best platforms regardless of your trading experience. But the internet is a den of snake oil salesmen. Without an experienced ETF trader holding your hand, they can quickly drown your ambitions.
Fortunately, we have your back. This article covers the best-in-class ETF platforms we gathered from our months-long research. Our experts considered customer service, security, fees, usability, and other crucial factors. We’ve also discussed all you need to know about ETF trading in the UK, including legal requirements, considerations, risk factors, pros, and cons.
List of the Best ETF Trading Platforms
- Pepperstone – Best ETF Platform for Low-Cost Trading
- eToro – Overall Best ETF Platform for UK Traders
- Plus500* – Best ETF Platform for Risk Management in the UK
- FP Markets – Best ETF Platform for Comprehensive Market Access
- AvaTrade – Best ETF Platform for Educational Resources
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
In This Guide
UK ETF Trading Platforms: Comparison Table
Our team researched most ETF trading providers in the UK. After months of research and actual tests, we singled out five brokers that satisfied us. We then pitted our chosen platforms against each other to identify the overall winner and their upsides and downsides.
The loudest ETF providers on the internet don’t necessarily translate to the right fit for your needs, safety, and experience. Thus, we went past the brokers’ enticing website copy and drive-tested every crucial feature they had.
Our team is always willing to spend its coins on a website if it means bringing you tried-and-true reviews. We also scour websites like Trustpilot, Play Store, and App Store for user reviews.
Here is a snapshot of the platforms, including their licensing, support service, software, payment method, and demo account.
| Best ETF Trading Platform | Licence & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | FCA, ASIC, DFSA, CySEC, CMAK, SCB, BaFin | 24/7 | TradingView, MT4, MT5, cTrader, Pepperstone Trading Platform, Social Trading | PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Bank Transfers | Yes |
| eToro | FCA, FMA, CySEC, FSCA, ASIC, SFSA, ADGM, MFSA, FSAS, GFSC, SEC | 24/5 | eToro Platform and App, Multi-asset platform, Social Trading, Copy Trader, Smart Portfolios | Credit/Debit Cards, Bank Transfer, Klarna, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller | Yes |
| Plus500* 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. | FCA, FMA, FSCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS | 24/7 | Plus500 CFD | Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Skrill, Bank Transfer | Yes |
| FP Markets | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA | 24/7 | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, Mobile Trading App | Credit/Debit Cards, Neteller, Skrill, Bank Transfer, Google Pay, Apple Pay | Yes |
| AvaTrade | FCA, FMA, FSCA, CBI, CySEC, PFSA, ASIC, B.V.I FSC, FSA, ADGM, ISA | 24/5 | WebTrader, AvaOptions, AvaTrade App, MT4, MT5, Automated Trading | Credit/Debit Cards, Neteller, Skrill, Wire Transfer, WebMoney | Yes |
Platforms Short Overview
Fees and assets are must-check factors on your chosen platform. Any hidden or unreasonable charge can quickly accumulate and dilute your returns. Also, a platform with fewer assets doesn’t enrich your trading experience.
We assure you our platforms tick all the boxes here. Below are tables presenting their fees and assets.
Fees
| Best ETF Trading Platform | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/Spread | Deposits/Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.0 pips | Free | None |
| eToro | £100 | From 0.015% | £5 withdrawal fee | £10 per month |
| Plus500* | £100 | From 0.8 pips | Free | £10 per month |
| FP Markets | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | None |
| AvaTrade | £100 | From 0.9 pips | Free | £50 after three months |
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Assets
| Best ETF Trading Platform | Stocks | Forex | Crypto | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Plus500* (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FP Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Our Expert Opinion about ETF Trading Platforms UK
Let’s now delve into brief overviews of each of our platforms. They all have valid licenses from FCA and several other top-tier regulatory bodies. Furthermore, you’ll admire their stress-free payment methods, including local payment providers and giants like PayPal.
But remember, these are only general views. We recommend you do your research and tests for more personalised solutions. You can also contact us for further advice. The goal is to help you find a provider that won’t frustrate you along the journey.
1. Pepperstone – Best ETF Platform for Low-Cost Trading
Pepperstone is your go-to if you’re a cost-conscious trader. Commissions on ETF CFDs are only £0.02 per share per trade. Furthermore, you won’t contend with minimum deposit requirements, withdrawal/deposit, and inactivity fees.
And here’s more of the juice: ETF traders enjoy access to direct exchange prices without extra markups on bid/offer spread. You can also grab leverage to invest only a portion of your trade’s value.
The platform is also home to over 100 ETFs across multiple industries. For example, you can venture into the mining, energy, and technology industries in 35 countries worldwide. Your diversification adventure can include other asset classes like forex, commodities, shares, and indices.
Flexibility is another vital area for Pepperstone lovers. You can go short or long on ETFs and profit from falling and rising markets. And that’s how profitable traders joyride on market volatility waves.
But don’t make a mistake–the platform’s affordability doesn’t mean it lacks advanced tools. Our experts found the MT5 platform. Automated trading strategies and robust risk management tools dwell on this third-party platform.
Trading ETFs require fast execution and real-time trading. Fortunately, the platform offers access to liquid ETFs during post-market and pre-market. You can act on news or developments and continue trading beyond standard trading hours.
Even on the best platform, issues crop up. But Pepperstone has your best interest at heart. Browse the dedicated web pages of FAQs, guides, and topics that explore possible queries. We recommend their contact form and live chat features for more personalised attention.
Pepperstone
✔24/7 support service
✔User-friendly and navigable platform
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Access to industry-grade tools like MT4, MT5, and cTrader
- Clear fee structure, including commission and swap charges
- Deep liquidity because of collaboration with reputable liquidity vendors
- Responsive customer support
- Over 100 ETFs plus other assets
Cons
- No support phone number
- The swap charges may pile up
We find Pepperstone broker to be one of the brokers with transparent fee structures. There are no hidden charges, so what you see displayed on its platform is what you will incur. This makes it easier for you to budget without worrying about overspending.
Let’s discover below some of the trading and non-trading charges at Pepperstone.
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Management Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit Requirement | From $0, depending on your jurisdiction |
| Commission | From $0.02 on US-listed shares |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips on its Razor Account |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | Free |
| Inactivity | None |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
| Copy Trading | Free |
Note that Pepperstone charges both spreads and commissions. While spreads are charged on all accounts, commissions are only imposed on the Razor Account.
2. eToro – Overall Best ETF Platform for UK Traders
We crowned eToro the king of ETF trading platforms. In fact, its user base has surpassed 35 million since its inception in 2007. Furthermore, it has a trust score of 4.2 from over 24,400 reviews on Trustpilot. So, what exactly makes it stand out?
First, the platform is a single-stop diversification place since it boasts over 6,000 assets across ETFs and other asset classes. It’s also a gateway to 20 global stock exchanges and 100 cryptocurrencies.
Are you a newbie thirsting for knowledge or a seasoned trader looking to refresh your skills? The platform is a wealth of educational resources. Excite your brains with eToro Academy’s free courses, podcasts, and webinars. Our research team loved how they covered new ideas across investing strategies, technical analysis, and other topics.
If you prefer more practical learning and don’t have time to research working strategies, CopyTrader will save the day. Automatically copy successful traders in real-time. Why waste time scouring the internet for the best strategies?
Another boon is the platform’s generosity. Its spreads start from as low as 0.015%, and the minimum deposit requirement is just $100. Bid farewell to restrictive barriers to entry. And the best part? You can earn up to 5.3% annual interest on your balance.
The platform also values your security above its profits. It has a valid license from FCA and other industry-grade regulatory bodies, such as ASIC. Furthermore, it stores your money in top-in-class financial institutions like JP Morgan, Pictet, and Deutsche Bank.
eToro
✔ User-friendly trading platform
✔ Over 6000 trading instruments
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Over 6000 tradable instruments across ETFs and other asset classes
- CopyTrade feature for replicating seasoned traders’ strategies
- Competitive commissions starting from 0.015%
- Your balance earns up to 5.3% annual interest
- Social features for connection with other traders
Cons
- £10 inactivity fee
- £5 withdrawal fee
- Limited advanced educational resources
eToro has a transparent fee structure that is easy to understand and helps you plan accordingly. From our analysis, we discovered the following trading and non-trading eToro fees.
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Management Fee | $0 |
| From $50, depending on your jurisdiction | 0.6 |
| Commission | From 0% on stocks and ETF trading |
| Spreads | From 1 pip on major currency pairs |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | $5 withdrawal |
| Inactivity | $10 monthly |
| Currency Conversion | 1.5% or 3.0%, depending on the currency or payment method |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
| Copy Trading | Free |
3. Plus500 – Best ETF Platform for Risk Management in the UK
We crowned Plus500 the king of risk management among the UK’s ETF platforms. When opening a position, you can add a Stop Limit or Stop Loss to your trades–your position will close at a specific rate to safeguard your profit or reduce loss.
Do you desire to limit your potential loss? Guaranteed Stop will reduce slippage risk during a significant and adverse ETF price movement. How about the Trailing Stop strategy? Your trade will close if the asset’s price shifts against your position by specific pips.
The platform also offers up to 1:100 leverage options on top of the risk management strategies. That means you can control a large portion of your capital with only a tiny portion. For example, your initial $100 trading amount can offer a trading impact of $10000.
Moreover, Plus500 is a gateway to popular ETFs, such as VXX Volatility and SPDRUSA500. But the stream of wealth doesn’t stop there–you can venture into other asset classes like crypto, indices, forex, commodities, shares, and options. Yes, diversity is a possibility on this platform.
Furthermore, Plus500 won our trust during our live tests. Top watchdogs like FCA have authorised it to operate within the country. And the extra security layer? It’s a publicly listed company on the LSE and boasts of being part of the FTSE 250.
The broker’s customer service is ever-ready for all your queries, concerns, and suggestions. We loved their easy-to-browse FAQ section because of the topical organisation of common questions. If the answers don’t satisfy you, you can always reach out to an agent through a live chat.
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Plus500
✔Easy-to-use trading platform
✔No hidden charges
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Robust risk management strategies
- Over 2,800 tradable instruments
- Commission-free ETF trading
- In-depth FAQ section
- Intuitive interface with a wealth of trading tools
Cons
- Customer support lacks conspicuous phone and email channels
- Lacks popular platforms like MT4 and MT5
Many traders prioritize brokers they can afford. Since fees vary with a broker, we decided to go through Plus500’s fee structure. Here are some of the trading and non-trading charges to expect when you commit to this broker.
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit Requirement | $100 |
| Commission | $0 |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips on major currency pairs |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | $0 |
| Inactivity | $10 monthly |
| Currency Conversion | Up to 0.7% |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on trade size |
4. FP Markets – Best ETF Platform for Comprehensive Market Access
FP Markets scooped the top position for platforms with the most comprehensive market access. It opens up a world of over 10,000 financial instruments, including ETFs, stocks, and indices. That means you can extend your trading territories and boost your profits while hedging against risks.
The platform also offers an arsenal of trading tools. We loved the hands-free auto-opening and auto-closing of positions, which helped us set precise entry and exit points. We could spare some time to continue testing other features while the platform did the legwork.
Anyone can easily get lost in the busy ETF trading world and forget to catch up with the latest happenings. Fortunately, the platform’s real-time news and economic calendar will come in handy for you–stay up-to-date with market-moving events and make timely decisions.
Learning takes centre stage on this platform. You’ll love the well-structured trading course that will sharpen you from one level to another. The broker also offers multilingual live webinars, podcasts, platform tutorials, and ebooks. You can also drive-test everything you’ve learned using their demo account.
The designers crafted the platform with your usability in mind. It’s a clean playing field, with everything just a tap away. We can’t forget the advanced tools, some of which include technical indicators and charting tools. These features helped supercharge our in-depth analysis, pinpoint trends, and optimise trades.
The broker also excels in customer service. The handy FAQ search feature will sort you out if you run into an issue. Still unsatisfied? A live agent is just a call or an email away. You can also live chat with them for a fast response.
FP Markets
✔Low minimum deposit requirement
✔Hosts numerous learning and market analysis tools
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Access to over 10,000 ETFs and other assets
- Industry-grade platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader
- Auto-opening and closing of trading positions
- Competitive spreads beginning from 0.8 pips
- Quick execution that reduces slippage
Cons
- Iress platform may have higher charges
- Limited advanced research tools
We reviewed the applicable FP Markets fees, and like that the broker has a transparent structure. This allows users to efficiently plan for their activities without worrying about incurring additional costs. There are no hidden charges and no price manipulation with this broker.
| Trading and Non-Trading Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Opening | $0 |
| Management Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Deposit Requirement | From $50, depending on your jurisdiction |
| Commission | From 0% |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips on major currency pairs |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | Free deposits. Withdrawal fees apply based on the payment method used |
| Inactivity | $0 |
| Overnight Funding | Varies based on global market conditions |
| Copy Trading | Free |
5. AvaTrade – Best ETF Platform for Educational Resources
In our research, AvaTrade stood out as the most generous ETF platform for free, in-depth educational resources. Whether you’re a greenhorn or a seasoned guru, there is something for you. And the best part? The platform has structured learning paths into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Learning diversity extends to the educational formats. Fancy tutorials or guides? They have your back. You can dive into the advanced trading strategies in the rich collection of videos, articles, and webinars.
AvaTrade is also a powerhouse of platforms that suit your preferences. If you don’t like downloading apps, we recommend the broker’s WebTrader for web-based trading. For those desiring to trade on the move, the AvaTrade app has all the features you need.
All these platforms integrate seamlessly with popular third parties like MT4 and MT5. We also tried out the platform’s MT4 Mac version. Mac traders are welcome to experiment with their highly optimised interface.
We cannot talk about AvaTrade without mentioning AvaSocial because it sets a new bar in social trading. With it, you can follow and copy successful traders’ strategies. Do you have a burning question and desire the input of fellow traders? Features like groups and mentors will hold your hand.
AvaTrade doesn’t lag in leverage trading–ETF traders can use up to 20:1 leverage. That means you can use the £100 minimum deposit to trade as if you had £2000 in your account.
If you want to venture into options, the platform has a dedicated AvaOptions. Enjoy a flexibility of up to 260 options expirations. Achieve a seamless risk-reward equilibrium based on your trading style and market view. We believe no other reputable platform has this tool.
AvaTrade
✔Regulated by FCA
✔The platform supports algorithmic trading
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Unmatched copy and social trading features
- Access to MT4, MT5, and proprietary platforms
- Competitive pricing and low spreads
- AvaProtect and other risk management tools
- Diverse trading instruments across multiple asset classes
- Robust customer care complete with live chat, email, and phone number
Cons
- A £50 dormancy charge after three months of inactivity
- Some payment methods attract withdrawal fees
Our experts investigated the AvaTrade broker’s fees and charges. We first noticed that the platform has a modest minimum deposit requirement of $100. What’s more, its users pay no additional costs while depositing funds or cashing out. That makes AvaTrade an ideal broker for both cost-conscious and newbie traders who want to test their waters with small capital before going all in.
That said, AvaTrade requires dormant account holders to pay $50 after every 3 consecutive months of inactivity. Moreover, if you let your account remain inactive for over successive months of inactivity, the broker will charge you a $100 administration fee. Not to forget, AvaTrade requires traders who hold positions overnight to cover a premium.
Here’s a breakdown of the fees you should expect to encounter while trading with this service provider:
| Fees and Charges | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spreads | From 0.9 pips |
| Administration fee | $100 |
| Inactivity fee | $50 |
| Overnight premium | Yes |
ETF Trading in the UK
The country’s FCA regulates trading in ETFs and other financial assets. This oversight authority sets standards for issuers, brokers, traders, and other industry stakeholders.
A broker’s platform provides a gateway to ETFs listed on the LSE and other global exchanges. However, it must have a valid FCA-issued licence.
An ETF trader must be 18 or older. However, this requirement doesn’t shut your child’s dream of becoming a junior trader–you can open and maintain a Junior ISA or trust account on their behalf.
You must pay capital gains tax (CGT) on gains from ETF trading in the UK. But here’s some good news: the tax period between 2024 and 2025 has seen UK traders enjoy a £6000 annual CGT exemption limit. You only pay tax on the excess amount above this threshold–10% and 20% for basic-rate and higher-rate taxpayers, respectively.
A dividend-distributing ETF attracts income tax. The percentages are 8.75%, 33.75%, and 39.35% for basic, higher, and additional rate taxpayers, respectively. The annual dividend allowance is £1000 for 2024-2025.
We recommend tax-advantaged accounts for cost-conscious traders. For example, holding ETF gains and income in Individual Savings Account (ISA) saves you from taxes. You can also opt for a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) for tax relief.
What is ETF Trading?
ETF (Exchange-Traded Funds) trading involves purchasing and selling ETF shares on an exchange, similar to trading traditional stocks. An ETF is an investment fund basket of assets like stocks, commodities, and bonds. It exposes you to a particular sector, index, region, or commodity without forcing you to buy the physical assets.
How to Choose the Best ETF Trading Platform UK
A great ETF trading platform wins big across most–if not all–factors. Our experts advise you to consider the following before grabbing one:
Fees
Range of ETFs
User-friendliness
Research and Analysis
Regulations and Security
Customer Support
A platform may charge per-trade or commission-free trading fees. You should also check its ETF expense ratio plus account charges, such as inactivity, withdrawals, or account management fees. Ensure the total sum is reasonable and transparent.
Be sure you can trade on international ETFs across multiple industries. Those desiring sector-specific, thematic, or other niche-specific assets should choose a platform that provides them.
Smooth trading experience is non-negotiable. A great platform should have an intuitive interface on its mobile and web-based versions. Also, check if their educational resources and advanced tools suit your trading style, level, and needs.
The ever-changing trading world requires traders to keep abreast of new insights and market news. So, an excellent platform must have robust market data analysis, ETF screeners, and educational materials for quick decision-making.
We cannot avoid this factor. If a broker lacks a valid license from FCA and other top watchdogs, flee without looking back. Also, ensure it has a solid reputation in the industry.
A caring platform has in-depth resources in a clear-to-browse FAQ section. Also, its support channels are responsive whenever you need urgent help–because you’ll definitely need it at some point in the future. A local UK presence is a huge bonus here.
Risks to Trade ETF for UK Traders
Like many other asset classes, ETF comes with serious risks. But you can easily evade these pitfalls if you trade with care. Here are some of them:
- Market risk
ETFs face market fluctuations since they track the performance of a basket of assets. Any decline in these assets can spark a significant drop in the ETF. For instance, you’ll suffer a loss if your ETF tracks the FTSE 100 and an economic downturn reduces this index value.
- Liquidity
Niche-specific ETFs or those with less liquid assets often encounter liquidity risks, especially in volatile markets. This issue may widen bid-ask spreads or force you to exit a position at a throw-away price.
- Tracking error
Ideally, an ETF should replicate an underlying asset’s performance. However, discrepancies may crop up due to fees, imperfect replication, and other factors. This issue may leak your long-term returns.
Pros & Cons of Trading ETF
Before choosing this path, you must consider the benefits and drawbacks. Here are the top pros and cons our experts assembled:
Pros:
- Access to multiple assets within one fund
- ETFs tend to be more tax-efficient than other funds
- Real-time public availability of holdings and prices promotes transparency
- They‘re often more liquid because you can easily buy and sell on exchanges
- Unlike mutual funds, ETFs offer lower fees
Cons:
- Just like individual stocks, ETFs are prone to market fluctuations
- While management fees are lower, they can accumulate over time
- Beginners may find ETFs complex, like leveraged and inverse
- Tracking errors may give you a headache
Conclusion
Your treasure hunt for the best ETF platform UK has ended. Simply choose one from our list and start making money. We assure you they are safe, cost-friendly, and suit your trading needs.
However, don’t lower your guide–be wary of risks that haunt the industry. We recommend diversifying into various ETFs covering diverse asset classes and geographic regions. This strategy helps spread your risk and boost chances of higher returns.
Remember to examine the underlying assets. Do you prefer a lower-risk investment? You can niche to bond ETFs or defensive sectors like utilities or healthcare. These options aren’t as volatile as stock ETFs.
Another expert advice is here: go for highly traded ETFs. For example, those tracking FTSE 100 or S&P indices often have narrower bid-ask spreads. Also, check their historical performance to ensure they aren’t prone to tracking errors.
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