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Claire Maumo has experience in investment banking, strategic consultancy, and journalism. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in finance. She has a knack for making complex concepts easy to understand. Her primary focus is on crypto, blockchain, and financial instruments. Follow her for expert insights on trading and investment.
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Investing apps have become a necessity for UK investors, allowing them to effectively manage their activities using their smartphones or tablets. Like the desktop platforms, apps allow you to explore stocks, ETFs, investment trusts, and more. The only difference is the flexibility that comes with investing apps. They are portable, and you can keep investing and managing your positions while on the move.
Keep reading to discover the best investment apps in the UK. We list below what has been thoroughly tested and approved by our experts. Plus, we share more investment insights to prepare you as you plan to kickstart your ventures.
List of the Best Investment Apps
- IG Markets – Overall Best Investment App in the UK
- AvaTrade – Beginner-Friendly Investment App in the UK
- eToro – Top Investment App For UK Stock Traders
- Saxo – Best Investment App For Professional UK Traders
- FxPro – Top Forex Investment App in the UK
In This Guide
UK Investment Apps: Comparison Table
At BrokerRaters, we strive to supply the best recommendations to our readers. To achieve this, we conduct extensive market research, involving multiple tests and comparisons on hundreds of trading apps. We consider various elements in this process to ensure we leave no table unturned. These include regulatory status, fees, customer service, demo accounts, and more.
We also visit Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot to analyse user testimonials. This way, we can remain unbiased and focus solely on what makes an investment app excel. Take a look at our table below with some of the features we identified at our best investment apps in the UK. You can compare them to make a suitable choice.
| Best Investment App UK | Licence | Support Service | Software | Payment | Demo Account | Money Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Markets | FCA, BaFin, MiFID, CySEC, FINMA, DFSA, FSCA, MAS, JFSA, ASIC, CFTC, BMA | 24/5 | Online platforms, Mobile apps, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, US options and futures | Credit/debit cards, Bank wire transfers, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| AvaTrade | CBI, CySEC, ASIC, BVIFSC, FSA, SAFCSA, ADGM, ISA | 24/5 | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial, DupliTrade, Capitalise.ai | Credit/debit cards, Wire transfer, Paypal, Skrill, NETELLER, WebMoney | Yes | Yes (up to £1,000,000) |
| eToro | ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSAS | 24/5 | eToro investing platform, Multi-asset platform, Copy Trader | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Bank transfer, Neteller, Skrill, eToro Money, Online Banking | Yes | Yes (up to £250,000) |
| Saxo | FSA, FCA, MAS, SEBI | 24/5 | SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, SaxoTraderGO | Bank Wire Transfer, Debit cards | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
| FxPro | FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB | 24/5 | FxPro Mobile App, MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro WebTrader | Credit/debit cards, Bank wire transfers, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal | Yes | Yes (up to £85,000) |
Apps Short Overview
One of the best decisions you can make in online investing is choosing an app you can afford and features your preferred instruments. The last thing you want is to find yourself spending more than you had budgeted for and risking losing it all simply because you do not have a specific asset to focus on.
We help you identify an affordable investment platform by sharing tables below that show brief overviews of the fee structures and asset offerings of our recommended apps. We understand how lengthy and overwhelming the research process involved can be. Therefore, utilise this section to make informed decisions.
Fees
| Best Investment App UK | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commissions/ Spreads | Deposits/ Withdrawal Fees | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Markets | £0 | From 0.6 points | Free | None |
| AvaTrade | £100 | From 0.13% | Free | £50 quarterly |
| eToro | £100 | From 0% | £5 withdrawal fee | £10 monthly |
| Saxo | £0 | From £1 on US-listed shares | Free | None |
| FxPro | £100 | From 0.0 pips | Free | £10 one-off account maintenance fee after 6 months |
Assets
| Best Investment App UK | Stocks | Forex | Crypto | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG Markets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AvaTrade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Saxo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FxPro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Our Expert Opinion about Investment Apps UK
There are hundreds of investment apps UK, and to identify the best recommendations, we had to conduct multiple tests and comparisons. The options below met our stringent specifications, and we guarantee you the best experience with them. However, it is crucial to understand their features for a suitable choice. That is why we share our mini-reviews below based on our hands-on experience to help you out.
1. IG Markets – Overall Best Investment App in the UK
After conducting multiple tests, we found IG Markets to excel as the best investment app in the UK. Over the years, we have witnessed this broker experience massive growth. New features have been incorporated, including share dealing, which exposes you to UK and US shares at low commissions. There is also a self-invested personal pension (SIPP) account for retirement savings and an additional 17,000 assets for portfolio diversification.
Another unique feature we discovered at the IG Markets app is its vast trading platforms for different types of investors. We loved our experience in the apps, namely the MT4, ProRealTime, L-2 Deals, and the Web. The fact that it recently incorporated US-listed options and futures in its portfolio makes it more attractive.
IG Markets
✔17,000+ financial markets
✔No minimum deposit requirement
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- A highly rated investing app with a fast trade execution speed
- No minimum deposit requirement for UK clients
- Lists 17,000+ securities for portfolio diversification
- Spread betting is also supported, which comes with tax-free returns
Cons
- High investing fees compared to its peers
- It has plenty of advanced tools that can confide beginner traders
Both low-budget and high-budget individuals can trade on IG Markets since this broker has no minimum deposit requirement. You can top up your account with whatever is within your budget limitations after signing up with this terrific service provider. Note that IG Markets charges spreads and commissions that vary from one asset to another. For instance, the spreads for currency pairs like AUD/USD and EUR/USD start at 0.6 points. On the other hand, the charges for shares start at 0.08% commission per side. You can also trade spot gold and other commodities, whose spreads start at 0.3 points.
We’ve highlighted some of the fees and charges that our experts discovered while exploring and evaluating IG Markets.
| Fees and Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Account opening charge | $0 |
| Spreads and commissions | Starting from 0.1 points/ 0.08% commission per side |
| Overnight funding | Yes |
| Guarantee stop premiums | Yes |
| Direct Market Access | Variable commission |
| Live price data fees | Variable monthly fee |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.8% |
| Account inactivity fee | $0 |
2. AvaTrade – Beginner-Friendly Investment App in the UK
AvaTrade is among users’ most highly rated apps on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot. We tested and installed it on our mobile devices, and like that it is user-friendly with a modern design. Its search function is also amazing, allowing any newbie to easily access the supported features. Moreover, AvaTrade has a low minimum deposit requirement, charges low trading fees, and hosts an excellent selection of learning materials on its Ava Academy platform.
Avatrade’s app is backed up by a demo account that any beginner can start trading with. Its ability to support social and copy trading on its AvaSocial, DupliTrade, and ZuluTrade platforms is a plus. Newbies can interact with other global traders and mirror potentially profitable positions from the experts. Additional platforms are also available to explore the financial market with. These include the MT4, MT5, AvaOptions, and the WebTrader.
AvaTrade
✔Regulated by FCA
✔The platform supports algorithmic trading
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Quality learning and market analysis tools
- A highly rated investment app on Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot
- Quick and easy account registration
- Free deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- High inactivity and administration fees for accounts that remain dormant for over 3 months
- Accessing the DupliTrade and ZuluTrade platforms requires high minimum deposits of £2,000 and £200, respectively
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 |
3. eToro – Top Investment App For UK Stock Traders
Stock investing at eToro was a breeze for us, and that is why we primarily recommend it to stock investors. Besides the commission-free trades, we like the fact that eToro supports over 5,000 global shares for purchases. Moreover, fractional share investing is available, allowing you to invest in portions of equity stocks that are less than one full share. You can also invest in other assets like crypto, commodities, and more, and diversify your portfolio. Additionally, eToro stands out as an excellent ETF trading platform.
Getting started with the eToro app requires a minimum deposit of £100. While all deposits are free, you will incur a £5 withdrawal charge. Plus, we noticed that other asset trading fees are high compared to its peers. However, this shouldn’t be a determining factor, as eToro is highly rated by users as a reliable and secure app.
eToro
✔ User-friendly trading platform
✔ Over 6000 trading instruments
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- User-friendly investment app
- Features quality trading tools for all traders
- Leading copy and social trading platform
- Lists over 5,000 investment securities to choose from
Cons
- A £5 withdrawal fee applies
- No third-party platforms like the MT4/5
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 |
4. Saxo – Best Investment App For Professional UK Traders
Saxo is an amazing trading app, thanks to its cutting-edge features and technology. Its SaxoTraderGO app is one of the easiest to use and hosts quality resources that any professional trader will find useful. The app primarily focuses on supplying advanced traders with investment resources on its SaxoTraderPRO and SaxoInvestor platforms. This doesn’t mean that it is not suitable for newbies, as it also hosts a vast selection of learning materials and a demo account.
Saxo has no minimum deposit requirement, and all transactions are free of charge. On top of that, the app gives you access to over 71,000 instruments, among them being 23,500+ investment stocks. You can start investing at SaxoTraderGO with commissions as low as £1 on US-listed equities. Other investment options we noticed for your portfolio diversification include ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, Crypto ETPs, and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Lists over 71,000 investment instruments
- Opportunity to invest with low commissions as low as £1
- List advanced market analysis tools
Cons
- The demo account is only valid for 20 after activation
- No featured third-party platforms
5. FxPro – Top Forex Investment App in the UK
Various elements make FxPro our top investment app for forex traders. Besides being among the most highly rated by users, the app is user-friendly on Android and iOS mobile devices. We like its search function, as it makes it easier for users to access its features without wasting time. Moreover, FxPro hosts over 70 currency pairs, which you get to trade on any of its featured platforms, including cTrader, MT4, and MT5. Its ability to host multiple trading accounts is also a plus.
This app is suitable for both new and expert traders. It is user-friendly, customisable, and has a fast trade execution speed. Plus, the FxPro app has a reliable support service and a comprehensive FAQ section to ensure you efficiently manage any challenges. We also like its additional asset classes, including indices, metals, energy, futures, shares, and cryptocurrencies, for portfolio diversification.
FxPro
✔24/7 customer support
✔Thousands of financial instruments
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- A user-friendly mobile app for Android and iOS devices
- Low minimum deposit requirement of £100 for UK clients
- Hosts quality trading tools on its FxPro web, cTrader, MT4, and MT5 platforms
- Lists over 70 currency pairs
Cons
- Offers only CFD trading
- No EA trading on its FxPro proprietorship platform
Admittedly, FxPro isn’t the cheapest broker today. The company requires first-time users to make a $100 initial deposit to use a standard account, which is reasonable but can’t be termed as the lowest threshold. Also, Raw+ account holders must make an initial deposit of $500 or more. Additionally, anyone interested in the company’s Elite account offering must be ready to meet the $30k minimum deposit mandate. Please review and understand FxPro minimum deposit requirements before registering a live account.
When it comes to spreads and commissions, FxPro has juicy offerings. Everyone who opts for Raw+ or Elite gets the opportunity to enjoy sharp spreads starting from 0 pips. The numbers are higher for Standard Account owners, with the lowest spreads starting from 1.2 pips.
We have some good news for those worried about transaction fees inflating costs. FxPro doesn’t charge additional deposit or withdrawal fees. However, you may have to cover charges inflicted by financial institutions, depending on your preferred funding method.
Here’s an overview of the FxPro broker fees and charges:
| Fees and Charges | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | $100 |
| Spreads | From 0 pips |
| Transaction fees | $0 |
| Currency conversion fee | Yes |
Investing in the UK
Investing in the financial landscape is legal in the UK for as long as you use an FCA-regulated brokerage firm. With this activity, you will explore various instruments using your desktop or mobile device. These include shares, forex, commodities, cryptos, ETFs, and more. However, you must be 18 years and above to invest in the UK.
Before you start investing using a broker in the UK, understand your needs. For instance, you may be interested in purchasing US-based company shares. This means the broker you select must give you access to the exchanges listing such stocks, whether NYSE or NASDAQ. Plus, it should support derivatives trading like CFDs and indices to accommodate traders who do not want to take ownership of the underlying assets.
Note that investing in the UK is considered a business venture, and any profits you earn from the activity are subject to tax deductions by HMRC. The amount varies based on the asset you invest in. Therefore, understand the tax rules applicable before kickstarting this venture. And with the financial market being volatile and dynamic, conduct thorough market research and analysis for solid strategies.
How to Start Investing in the UK?
Now that you know the best investing apps UK, we thought it would be best if you were also familiar with how to kickstart this venture. Note that the financial market hosts various asset classes, including forex, stocks, commodities, cryptos, indices, and more. It is crucial to start by choosing an asset and learning everything about it, including factors influencing its prices. Then, with your trading app, follow the procedures below to set up an account and start investing.
Step 1: Visit your app’s official site
Step 2: Complete the account registration procedure
Step 3: Participate in account verification
Step 4: Fund your account
Step 5: Open your first investment position
To set up an investing account, go to your app’s provider’s official website. On the homepage, identify the terms of service section and read it accordingly to ensure you are on board with all the broker’s conditions. And to enjoy mobile trading, install your preferred investing app on your Android or iOS device.
Click the register or sign up button to complete the account setup procedure, which usually takes minutes to complete. A form will pop up that you must fill out with your personal details like your name, age, location, email, and more. Setting up a unique username and password is also recommended. For some brokerage firms, you must also participate in a questionnaire to gauge your skill level and get a favourable leverage limit.
Once done with step 2 above, you will be required to verify your details before having your investing account fully activated. This is a standard protocol for most FCA-regulated brokers to ensure the online investing environment is free from imposters and money laundering activities. In most cases, proof of identity and location is required. These include copies of your original ID card and a recent utility bill. Alternatively, you may share copies of your passport or driver’s license and a bank statement.
Verification may take hours to complete, but once you receive an email confirmation, you are free to make a deposit. We hope that at this point you will have understood your broker’s minimum deposit requirement and are comfortable with it. Therefore, transact with a convenient option, whether debit/credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer.
After your broker confirms your deposit, you will automatically be redirected to its listed instruments. Pick an instrument you are familiar with and select your preferred investment size before opening a position. If you are a beginner, start with the lowest capital possible and apply risk management controls like stop-loss orders. Have a budget and consider diversifying your portfolio across multiple asset classes to reduce the risk of investing in a single security.
How to Choose the Best Investment App UK
As mentioned above, investing with the best app exposes you to excellent opportunities and offers the best experience. If you are new to investing, below are the elements to consider in your research for the best investment app UK.
Security
Investment Products
Charges
Platform
User Reviews
Support Service
Do not start investing using an app in the UK without confirming the security measures it employs. This is because there are numerous fraudsters in the region, and you must be keen on the service provider you commit to. The best must be licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Such brokerage firms will secure your funds in segregated accounts and ensure you invest under the best conditions. Plus, they are transparent in offering investing guidance and risk warnings.
Choose an investing app that hosts your preferred securities, such as stocks, forex, commodities, cryptos, and more. It must also support your preferred investing method, such as derivatives trading or buying and owning the underlying asset. If an investing app has multiple offerings, you should consider it. It offers a perfect opportunity to explore other markets and efficiently diversify your investment portfolio.
Confirm the applicable trading and non-trading charges at your best investing app UK. The last thing you want is to exhaust your nest egg simply because you didn’t have a budget and have become addicted to investing. Some of the charges to confirm include commissions, spreads, overnight funding fees, inactivity costs, account maintenance fees, deposit/withdrawal charges, and more. Plus, ensure your app has a favourable minimum deposit requirement.
The investing platform of an app you select must be user-friendly, have a modern design, and be customisable. It is best to stick to an app long-term instead of frequently switching, which may affect your activities. Plus, the best app for investing must host all the necessary tools for skills and strategy development. A demo account and availability for both Android and iOS devices are also a plus.
Visit Google Play, the App Store, and Trustpilot to confirm what other users are saying regarding their experiences with an investing app in the UK. By doing so, you will fully understand an app’s strengths and weaknesses from a user perspective. This will enable you to decide whether it is worth committing to.
Customer service in investment apps can be 24/7 or 24/5. Therefore, choose the one that aligns with your investment schedule. You can also consider the communication channels allowed and try contacting them to see how responsive they are. Having reliable customer service in your corner should be crucial for any long-term investor in the UK.
Investment Risks for UK Traders
Generally, investing in the UK’s online financial landscape carries risks. Having the best investing app or brokerage firm and understanding these risks will not only offer the best experience but also maximise your potential. Below are some of the risks to note so you can plan for your activities and strategise accordingly.
- Leverage risk
Investing in the UK exposes you to leveraged securities, especially for traders exploring the CFD options. Here, you will manage large positions with a small capital, thus increasing your chances of incurring massive profits. However, like a double-edged sword, leverage trading can work against you, bringing about massive losses. Having an understanding of how it works is crucial. You should also approach it strategically by investing funds you are comfortable losing.
- Cash management risk
The exposure to the financial market 24/7 has its advantages and disadvantages. While you can trade or invest anytime, you must have a cash management plan. Do not let your emotions like greed, fear, or excitement influence your investing decisions. Only open a position when you identify a potentially profitable opportunity.
- Volatility risk
The financial market is highly volatile, and there are frequent short-term price fluctuations. Without proper analysis, the volatility can work against you. This is especially if there are sudden asset price changes.
- Liquidity risk
Illiquid assets exist in the financial landscape, meaning that turning them into cash can be challenging. Investing in such assets can be beneficial, especially if they experience sudden growth. However, liquidating slow-growing options quickly can pose a risk since there will be no market available.
- Market risks
The financial market is influenced by economic, political, and regulatory factors. Any changes to such conditions can create uncertainty in the financial market. As a result, your open position may be affected, leading to losses.
Pros & Cons of Investing
Thanks to the advancing technology, many UK investors can now venture into the financial space. This is because they see a lot of opportunities in the market that, when used strategically, can bring about good profits. While there are numerous benefits of investing, a few pitfalls have been noted, including:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You get exposure to numerous liquid assets that could bring profits in the long run. | Some assets are highly volatile, and frequent price fluctuations can leave you with losses. |
| Investing in stocks gives you part ownership of a company. As a result, you will be entitled to dividend payments. | Market, economic, and political conditions may affect an asset’s value, thus negatively affecting your open position. |
| You can easily diversify your portfolio, and mitigate the risks of losing money in a single asset. | When purchasing assets like commodities or cryptos that require physical ownership, you may incur additional storage charges. |
| The volatility in the financial landscape can work in your favour. Sudden price movements may bring about good profits. | |
| Some investment assets’ value, like commodities, tend to rise when the purchasing power of others falls. You can use them to hedge against an already existing investment and mitigate massive losses. |
Conclusion
Whether you plan to invest in shares, commodities, ETFs, cryptos, bonds, and more, having the best app is crucial. Our recommendations above guarantee a worthwhile on-the-go experience for both new and professional investors. From our analysis, they have adequate investing resources that, when utilised strategically, can benefit you. Plus, the apps support multiple assets, which encourages portfolio diversification. You simply need to figure out a suitable one for you by comparing their features and testing them using their demo accounts.
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