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Thadeus Geodfrey is an experienced and celebrated writer and self-taught trader specialising in cryptocurrencies and forex. Market analysis, identifying fraudulent brokers, and security are his cup of tea. At BrokerRaters Thadeus develops educational materials and user-guides, offer market insights, ensures our content conforms to the best standards. Join Thadeus to succeed in your trading endeavours.
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The best stock trading app UK can transform your financial dream into reality. But the plethora of options available today makes it hard to differentiate great providers from jokers and scammers. Furthermore, what’s fantastic for one trader may not benefit you.
Don’t worry–our expert researchers found safe goldmines that are highly likely to suit your trading level and needs in the UK. This article will introduce you to them and also guide you in cherry-picking the best app. We’ve also compiled crucial requirements for stock trading within the UK territory, including taxation, regulations, and minimum age mandates.
List of the Best Stock Trading Apps
- eToro – Overall Best Stock Trading App for UK Traders
- Plus500* – Best Stock Trading App UK for Beginners
- Pepperstone – Best Stock Trading App for Cost-Conscious UK Traders
- FP Markets – Best Stock Trading App for Professional Traders in the UK
- AvaTrade – Best Stock Trading App for Automated Trading
Note: 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
In This Guide
UK Stock Trading Apps: Comparison Table
We tested most stock trading apps in the UK and now present you with the best five. The race to the top was tightly contested because most brokers strive to win a sizable market share. That means only those who offer extraordinary experiences emerged victorious in our contest.
A lousy provider’s website may entice an inexperienced trader. But thanks to our years of experience, we know how to look past the copy to catch red flags and verify everything through actual tests.
Our team also visits other reputable sites for real views, such as Trustpilot, Play Store, and App Store. We aim to bring you the latest, accurate, and unbiased details. After all, we want to be your go-to investment advisor.
So, here’s a table that puts our top five best stock trading apps in the UK against each other:
| Best Stock Trading App UK | License & Regulation | Support Service | Software | Payment Method | Demo Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Apps Short Overview
Fees are crucial factors we can’t overlook. Hidden or unfair charges can lead to diluted profits or debts along your trading journey. Also, watch out for a limited asset range. This disadvantage means you cannot diversify well enough to grab juicy opportunities.
Fortunately, our best stock trading apps UK didn’t disappoint here. They have transparent fee structures and diverse tradable assets for traders of all levels.
Fees
| Best Stock Trading App UK | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Commission/Spread | Deposits/Withdrawals | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | £100 | From 0.09% | £5 withdrawal fee | £10 per month |
| Plus500* | £100 | From 0.8 pips | Free | £10 per month |
| Pepperstone | £0 | From 0.6 pips | Free | None |
| 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 Stock Trading App UK | Stocks | Forex | Crypto | Commodities | Indices | ETFs | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Plus500* (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pepperstone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 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 Stock Trading Apps
Let’s now take a closer look at each of our apps. Rest assured, all of them are authorized by the FCA to operate within the UK territory and many other countries. We also consider them arsenals of trading tools and support diverse funding methods.
Every app has strengths and weaknesses. Both sides can work to your advantage if you play your cards right. For example, if a platform demands a minimum deposit, you can use its leverage options to recoup the money in days.
1. eToro – Overall Best Stock Trading App for UK Traders
Our expert research unearthed a goldmine for you–the eToro stock trading app. This app gives you thousands of ticks from global-scale markets like NASDAQ, FTSE, and NYSE. And the best part? You don’t pay any commission on the trades.
Copy trading is where eToro’s app wins big. That means newbies can copy seasoned traders and learn from their strategies. Experienced traders have a reason to smile: they earn a reputation plus commissions on all their copied trades. See, a win-win situation.
You’ll admire the proprietary app’s intuitive interface. Once you log into your account, you’ll immediately know the trending shares in just a few taps. Trading shares is another hassle-free activity we experienced.
eToro’s app also hands you the power of customization. For example, set up price alerts for the latest trading opportunities. Remember to tailor charts and technical indicators to your liking. That way, you can pit shares against each other and make fast decisions.
Do you desire to diversify your ventures and expand your trading territory beyond stocks? eToro is your go-to platform. This app offers a gateway to tradable instruments across assets like ETFs, indices, commodities, and bonds. During our tests, we tried ETF trades because they were commission-free.
Another striking feature is the app’s demo account, which is power-packed for your drive-testing adventure. We found £100,000 virtual money waiting for us in this account. It also mirrors an actual account’s features, so you can learn practically everything–from trade strategies to copy trading and the platform’s ins and outs.
eToro
✔ User-friendly trading platform
✔ Over 6000 trading instruments
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Commission-free stock trading
- Copy-trading is supported
- Community-focused features
- Intuitive mobile app’s interface
- 6,000+ instruments across diverse assets
Cons
- High minimum deposit requirement
- £10 monthly inactivity charges
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 |
2. Plus500 – Best Stock Trading App for Newbies in the UK
Our rigorous tests crowned Plus500 the best stock trading app uk for beginners. With its clutter-free and user-friendly interface, you’re just a few clicks away from the needed features. Also, you can access share CFDs from the UK, US, Germany, and many other countries.
The dynamics of stock trading can be daunting. But don’t worry– Plus500 has a knowledge-rich Education section waiting for your learning journey. The Trading Academy helps you grasp the platform’s features and sharpen your skills.
Steal insights from millions of real-time customer data in the app’s +Insights. Befriend the Economic Calendar for the best trading opportunities. Also, their free demo account will help you familiarise yourself with everything without risking your real money.
Ready to trade? With just a £100 minimum deposit, you’re good to go. The platform also gives a leverage of 1:20, so you can control positions worth more than your initial investment. For example, with just £100, you can trade as if you have £2,000. Yes, a lump sum isn’t necessary for your success.
Plus500 is also home to multiple shares CFDs. For example, you can trade stocks from behemoths like Apple, Microsoft, and Meta. You can even ride on rising sectors like Cannabis Shares for more wins. And if you desire other non-stock assets, you don’t have to juggle multiple platforms–the broker offers indices, cryptocurrencies, commodities, forex, indices, ETFs, and several other assets.
The app’s provider also provides robust risk management tools for newbies. Control your gains and losses with the predefined Stops and Limits. And if you find yourself in a volatile market, the Guaranteed Stop keeps slippage at bay. We highly recommend these tools for beginners who desire to limit their risk exposure and are unfamiliar with market fluctuations.
Overall, Plus500 stands out as an exceptional forex broker that combines a wealth of resources with a user-friendly trading experience.
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
- User-friendly interface
- Tight commissions on stock trading
- Water-tight risk management tools
- Educational tools for newbies and intermediates
- Over 2,800 tradable symbols
Cons
- £10 inactivity fee
- No advanced education tools for seasoned traders
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 |
3. Pepperstone – Best Stock Trading App for Cost-Conscious UK Traders
We are all cost-conscious, right? Pepperstone platform is where affordability meets performance and precision.
Are you tired of hidden or inflated fees? We confirmed the claim that Pepperstone offers razor-sharp pricing. You can sell and buy on direct underlying prices because the broker doesn’t add mark-ups to the bid/offer spreads. It only charges 0.10% commission per side for UK traders.
You don’t need a huge capital to start trading because Pepperstone doesn’t require a minimum deposit. Second, you won’t wrestle with any withdrawal, deposit, or inactivity fees. These zero barriers to entry surprised us since it’s rare to find such a generous bundle of “Frees“ elsewhere.
Another cost-saving element is the app’s 1:20 leverage on shares CFDs. That means you can boost your profits without breaking the bank. And if you trade carefully on this platform, you won’t have to worry about the equally high-risk potential.
Pepperstone is also a treasure trove of diverse stock CFDs across multiple time zones. If you’ve exhausted stocks within the UK, you can explore new ones in the US, Germany, and many other countries. The diversity also supercharges your hedging game and allows you to continue trading even as some global exchanges close for the night. All of these adventures can happen right on your hand without extra costs.
Pepperstone’s designers created the app with flexibility in mind. The user-friendly interface, access to global markets, and efficient execution are waiting for you. Monitor and execute your trades on the move without missing a beat.
The app also integrates with industry-grade third-party apps like MT5. Get in-depth insights from this tool’s advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and risk management features.
Pepperstone
✔24/7 support service
✔User-friendly and navigable platform
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Low commissions
- Free withdrawals/deposits
- No activity fees
- Zero minimum deposit requirements
- Diverse stocks
- Access to MT5 and other third-party platforms
Cons
- Limited educational resources
- Limited non-stock assets
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.
4. FP Markets – Best Stock Trading App for Professional Traders in the UK
You’ll never go wrong with FP Markets if you’re a professional trader. Some of its strengths include extensive stock CFD opportunities, transparency, advanced technology, and broad market access.
This platform is a gateway to over 10,000 share CFDs. You can trade stocks from LSE, NASDAQ, NYSE, and other leading exchanges. How about trying other assets like forex, metals, indices, commodities, and indices without switching platforms? Yes, you can diversify your ventures, spread your risks, and continue minting money any day, any time.
The Direct Market Access (DMA) model is another boon that stood out during our research. You can access the exchange order book directly and discover real-time market data, peek into the volume of pending trades, and know the exact prices. You’ll appreciate this transparency level since it gives you the power to execute precise trades, monitor your orders, and steal deeper insights.
A professional move demands advanced trading platforms. Fortunately, your trading journey on FP Markets will have popular companions like MT4, MT5, and Iress. MT4 and MT5 offer cutting-edge features like advanced charting, technical indicators, and automated trading through Expert Advisors. And if you’re looking for real-time market data and DMA execution, we recommend Iress. Remember to use the stop-loss, take-profit limits, and other risk management tools.
Being a professional trader shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. FP Markets’ commissions start as low as 0.06%. It also provides some of the tightest spreads in the industry.
We see you wondering, ”Isn’t the minimum deposit requirement high?” We assure you it’s possible to recoup that figure in days, especially if you take advantage of the app’s leverage options of up to 500:1. Furthermore, the platform doesn’t shove withdrawal/deposit and inactivity fees down your throat.
The broker has the right account for your needs and styles–from high-frequency scalping to long-term investing. For instance, you can choose between the Raw or Standard accounts on MT4/MT5 or Retail and Pro accounts on the Iress platform.
FP Markets
✔Low minimum deposit requirement
✔Hosts numerous learning and market analysis tools
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- 10,000+ instruments
- Tight spreads starting from 0.00 pips
- No dormancy charges
- Advanced platforms like MT4/MT5
- Free deposits and withdrawals
Cons
- £100 minimum deposit requirement
- High charges on Iress
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 Stock Trading App for Automated Trading
Safe automated stock trading is an excellent experience for busy or inexperienced traders. However, only some platforms win in this category. One of them is AvaTrade.
Its proprietary mobile app, AvaTradeGO, brings everything you need to automate your venture without burning your money. Furthermore, you can access and trade on more than 1,000 financial instruments while on the move. While at it, employ the built-in AvaProtect to limit risk.
Social trading is one way to automate trades on AvaTrade. Are you a beginner? Copy proficient traders and learn from their insights using the app’s AvaSocial feature. We could engage with mentors, ask queries, boost our strategies, and set the app to trade for us during our research.
Seasoned traders can create and tailor bots to automate trades. The app supports Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4 and MT5, allowing you to automate trades based on predefined rules. We tested this bot-based automation approach across advanced strategies like mean reversion, arbitrage, and momentum trading.
Automated trading helped us reduce the time-consuming manual monitoring of markets. We could focus on other activities while the systems executed trades, monitored markets, and closed positions. And if you’re prone to emotional biases, the system will save you since it sticks with pre-set rules.
The app is also a comprehensive suite of trading platforms and tools–access industry-leading MT4 and MT5 for more robust features like advanced charting and customizable trading signals. The extra timeframes and programming capabilities in MT5 stole our hearts.
Furthermore, AvaTrade welcomes those looking to expand their horizons beyond stock trading. Trade on options using its AvaOptions dedicated platform. Other assets include commodities, forex, and indices.
AvaTrade also scoops big points regarding security. FCA has authorized it to operate within the UK territories. As one of the regulatory requirements, the broker keeps your funds in segregated accounts. Other oversight authorities include FMA, CySEC, and FSA.
AvaTrade
✔Regulated by FCA
✔The platform supports algorithmic trading
Pros & Cons
Fees
Trading Assets
Pros
- Automated trading features
- Access to MT4 and MT5
- Wide range of tradable stocks
- Intuitive platform
- Advanced risk management features
Cons
- £50 inactivity fee
- Lacks around-the-clock customer support
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 |
Check our related article for insights on Best Investment Apps in the UK.
Stock Trading in the UK
Stocking trading in the UK is legal but highly regulated. The FCA is the primary regulatory body that oversees all activities and players in this industry.
This country is home to the London Stock Exchange (LSE), one of the leading exchanges worldwide. Trading platforms offer access to stocks that have been publicly listed here and on other global exchanges.
You must be 18 or older to open a brokerage account and trade stocks. Does your child desire to be an upcoming trader? Check if you can open a Junior Investment Account with your chosen broker. Remember, you’ll be responsible for everything from opening the account to trading and paying taxes.
UK stock traders must pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on their profits. But you can enjoy a tax-free CGT allowance of £6,000 during the 2023/2024 tax year. Any profit above this limit attracts a 10% or 20% tax for basic rate and higher rate taxpayers, respectively.
Traditional UK stock trading (not traded via CFDs) also attracts a 0.5% Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (SDRT). Do your shares pay dividends? Any dividend income above £1,000 will attract tax. Here are the tax figures: 8.75%, 33.75%, and 39.35% for basic, higher, and additional rate taxpayers.
Remember that you may pay foreign taxes when trading in non-UK stocks. For example, US stock dividends may attract withholding taxes.
Desire to shield your profits and investments from CGT? Consider using an Individual Savings Account (ISA). If your broker is FCA-regulated, you can enjoy investor protection schemes like the FSCS, which covers up to £85,000 if the broker goes under.
What is a Stock Trading App?
A stock trading app is a desktop- or mobile-based downloadable platform allowing you to buy and sell stocks from your device without a traditional broker. A robust app is user-friendly and offers essential features like:
- Real-time market data
- Portfolio management
- Buying and selling
- Payment options
- Education tools
Our chosen apps have these and many other features that will push your dream into reality. On top of it, they put security first.
Mobile Trading and Stock Trading Apps
Convenience is among the driving forces behind the growth of mobile stock trading apps in the UK. With these apps, you can trade on stocks from global exchanges right from your palm. The sweetness doesn’t stop there–you can interact with other traders, learn from online education materials, monitor performance, and do more with the apps.
Due to this convenience, more brokers strive to provide the safest, most user-friendly, and comprehensive apps. But picking the right provider is a hard nut to crack due to the proliferation of scammers and unscrupulous platforms.
How to Choose the Best Stock Trading App
You’re pumped up for stock trading. But before grabbing an app and running with it, take our expert advice with you: consider these criteria to ensure you’ve gotten the right fit for your financial needs and safety:
Regulation and Safety
Fees and Commissions
User-friendly Interface
Asset Variety
Customer Support
Educational Resources
The app’s provider should have a valid license from FCA and several other regulatory authorities. This extra layer of protection ensures the broker adheres to strict industry standards. A reputable app also has a track record of achievements, awards, and capital standing.
Hidden charges can dilute your profits. While a platform may have commission-free trading, other charges such as withdrawal, inactivity, and currency conversion may pile up to an unreasonable figure.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll appreciate an education-rich app with a simple interface. Advanced charting and analytical tools should be there if you’re a seasoned trader. But whatever your level, key trading features should be just a few taps away immediately after you log in.
Some apps specialize in CFDs, while others allow direct stock investments. If you want to diversify your game beyond stocks, go for an app with other assets, such as indices, forex, and ETFs.
Issues crop up without warning, even on the best apps. You may also desire someone to hold your hand during the first baby steps on an app. Therefore, reliable and helpful customer support is non-negotiable. Check if the app has an insightful FAQ or help section, responsive customer service channels, and helpful agents.
The best apps enrich your trading journey with practical education. They offer in-depth knowledge of the platform’s features, trading strategies, and market movements. Furthermore, they have a demo account that reflects real accounts.
Pros & Cons of Stock Trading with App
Are stock trading apps your thing? Before answering “yes,” remember to weigh their pros against cons. Here we go:
Pros:
- Convenient and easy access
- Low or zero commissions
- Educational resources
- User-friendly interface
- Social trading features
- Real-time notifications
- Diverse tradable assets and instruments
- You can trade any time, any day, across time zones
Cons:
- Risk of emotional bias due to mobile convenience
- Leverage risks
- Hidden charges on some platforms
- Limited research tools
- Unreliable apps flocking the market
Conclusion
Stock trading can be lucrative if you choose a reliable app that meets your needs. We assure you our choices are just what you need to get a piece of the cake. But remember to weigh the app’s pros and cons and do your homework like a pro.
Before we forget, stock trading is a risky adventure. Adverse market movements, emotional trading, and other issues can quickly end your dream. So, set SMART goals, have a solid strategy, and remain disciplined.
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