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UK Investors
7 Best UK Stock Brokers (May 2025)
Securities.io is committed to rigorous editorial standards. We may receive compensation when you click on links to products we review. Please view our affiliate disclosure. Trading involves risk which may result in the loss of capital.
With a huge range of brokers to choose from, it has never been easier to get started in stock trading. If you are trading in the UK, there is also an excellent range of top stock broker choices.
Here, we will take a closer look at the top 9 UK stock brokers, which can be ideal for getting started trading if you are new to the industry or if you are a more experienced trader. We will also cover a few important points for you to consider when choosing your broker.
Things to Think About Before You Start Trading
It is important before you start trading to do some due diligence on key areas even with the top brokers. Here are a few of the most important key points you should take into account before deciding on a broker:
Fees and Commissions: Most stock brokers do extremely well in offering commission-free trading and very low costs and fees. This is something to keep an eye on and research though before you sign up.
Broker Features and Trading Platform: If you are a new trader you will want a trading platform that is easy to use and understand. If you are more experienced you may want more in-depth charting, tools, and indicators along with a wider range of assets.
Trading Style: There are now many ways to trade stocks. This could mean a more hands-off approach from you with the ability to invest in ETFs and similar basket type products, or a completely automated trading experience. There is sure to be a broker out there catering to your trading style.
Warning: Regardless of broker choice or capital deployment, investing always brings a level of risk that must be understood and considered.
1. eToro
eToro is one of most popular trading platforms in the world with over 37 million registered users. They offer low fees and minimum deposits, combined with a user-friendly platform. When you invest in the underlying asset – in other words, when you open a non-leveraged, BUY (long) stock position, you will pay zero commission.
Unlike most stock brokers, they also allow investing in fractional shares. A fractional share is a portion of an equity stock that is less than one full share. Fractional shares allow you to purchase stocks based on the dollar amount you want to invest.
eToro platform gives traders and investors access to more than 3,000 different financial assets, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, indices, currencies and commodities which can be invested in both with and without leverage, giving almost anyone access to short-, mid- and long-term investment options. CFDs Crypto are not available for UK users.
eToro is regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and your funds are protected by industry-leading security protocols.
- Receive Dividend Payments
- Fractional Shares
- Commission-Free Trades on Stocks (Exclusive to UK Residents.)
- Open an Account in Minutes
Warning: eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. Residents of Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Turkey, Ukraine, & Russia are prohibited. Full list of restricted countries can be found here.
2. Interactive Investor
interactive investor (ii) is a leading investment platform in the UK, providing three decades of expertise in helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Offering a range of accounts, including Stocks & Shares ISAs, Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), and Trading Accounts, ii caters to various investor needs. Customers can choose between managing their investments independently or opting for expert-managed portfolios, allowing flexibility.
The platform stands out with its flat-fee structure, ensuring investors retain more of their profits, unlike percentage-based fees typical of many competitors. ii provides direct access to one of the widest ranges of investments on the market, including UK and international shares, ETFs, funds, bonds, and investment trusts. It supports over 430,000 investors with award-winning UK-based customer service and tools designed to simplify and enhance the investing process.
With user-friendly features, expert insights, and the ability to invest in global markets, ii is trusted by many for secure and efficient wealth management. Whether building a diversified portfolio or focusing on specific financial goals, ii offers a seamless and reliable experience.
3. IG
IG offers a flexible and user-friendly platform for share dealing, allowing investors to build portfolios from over 13,000 UK, US, EU, AU, and global shares, funds, and investment trusts. All markets are now commission-free, including UK stocks (Other fees may apply), making IG an even more attractive option for investors.
Clients can choose from a General Investment Account, a tax-efficient ISA, or a SIPP for retirement savings. IG’s Smart Portfolio, managed by IG and designed by BlackRock, continues to offer tailored solutions with low fees capped at £250.
Investors benefit from a wide range of assets, including company shares, ETFs, and investment trusts, supported by tools like an ETF screener and comprehensive investment guides to assist with decision-making.
Additional standout features include:
- 4.5% 8.50% AER variable interest on uninvested GBP balances up to £100,000 until August 2025 if first investment by 31st May, 2025.
- Out-of-hours US share trading
- A streamlined account setup process
- An intuitive mobile app
- 24/7 customer support
- Real-time market data to stay informed and ready to act
Warning: 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.
4. Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers U.K. investors an expansive gateway to various global financial markets. Renowned for its comprehensive trading options, the platform caters to novice and experienced investors/traders, presenting an extensive portfolio that includes stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, forex, and cryptocurrencies.
U.K. traders looking to diversify their investment strategies will find Interactive Brokers an invaluable partner, thanks to its access to over 150 markets worldwide. This includes premier financial centers such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, allowing traders to capitalize on global opportunities, day or night.
Interactive Brokers is known for boasting impressive liquidity across a cost-effective trading environment. This is particularly advantageous for U.K. investors seeking efficient, low-cost trading options. The platform's cutting-edge trading technologies and tools offer advanced charting capabilities, real-time market data, and comprehensive analytical resources to support informed trading decisions.
For those interested in stock trading, Interactive Brokers has the ability to invest in an extensive selection of over 40,000 stocks. This includes the benefit of participating in U.S. extended-hours trading, giving traders the flexibility to respond to market changes outside of standard trading hours.
Moreover, the platform's wide range of ETFs, exceeding 8,300, enables investors to swiftly and economically diversify their portfolios. By investing in ETFs that track various indices and sectors, U.K. traders can easily spread their investment across different market segments, enhancing their portfolio's potential for growth while managing risk.
Based in the United States and adhering to the strict regulations of NYSE, FINRA, and SIPC, Interactive Brokers assures a high degree of investor protection and credibility. This regulatory framework establishes a secure and reliable trading environment, making Interactive Brokers a trusted choice for U.K. investors navigating the global financial markets.
As of 2002, Interactive Brokers is part of the U.K. market under the name ‘Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited’. It is authorised and regulated by the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under entry number 208159.
5. XTB
XTB, established in 2002, stands out as a leading UK stock broker, renowned for its extensive range of investment products and services tailored specifically to the needs of UK traders. With a focus on stocks, XTB offers an impressive selection of over 3000 shares from 16 major exchanges around the world.
Additionally, XTB provides access to around 300 global ETFs, catering to a broad spectrum of investment preferences.
Their advanced and intuitive investing platform, xStation 5, is accessible via browser, while xStation Mobile caters to iOS and Android users, offering a seamless trading experience. This platform features an advanced shares scanner, free access to real-time quotes, and a user-friendly interface that appeals to both novice and experienced traders.
For UK clients, XTB's commitment to transparency is evident through their regular disclosure of earnings and cash reserves. The firm is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring compliance with stringent financial standards. The company's flagship location in London underscores its focus on catering to UK users, providing a local point of contact.
In summary, XTB's combination of a comprehensive stock and ETF offering, user-friendly technology, and a strong regulatory framework makes it a standout choice for UK traders looking for a reliable and efficient stock brokerage.
Catering specifically to UK users, XTB is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The company emphasizes transparency, regularly disclosing its earnings and cash reserves, and operates from its flagship location in Canary Wharf, London.
Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with XTB Limited. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
6. Stake
Stake is our a top pick and the reason for this is they enable investors to directly trade over 3,800 US stocks and ETFs from the UK from major US stock exchanges such as the NASDAQ and NYSE. These are where the majority of the world's tech stocks are traded, and this opens up a world of opportunity to UK traders.
With Stake, you are able to buy and sell securities in fractional amounts. This means that you can buy a whole dollar amount of a security (i.e. $1000 of Berkshire Hathaway Class A).
The broker is FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) regulated and they have partnered with members of the SIPC, in return securities in your account are protected up to US$500,000.
Warning: When you invest, your capital is at risk.
7. Saxobank
Select from an extensive array of products for cash and margin trading across global markets. Whatever your trading choice, access what you need for confident decision-making, including advanced tools, trading insights, and comprehensive market research. Offerings include trading in stocks, ETFs, bonds, cryptocurrency, forex, CFDs, and much more.
Stock traders will be pleased as they offer the opportunity to invest in over 23,500 stocks from major exchanges in London, New York, Hong Kong, and 50+ other global markets. If you are trading USA stocks, you can trade on your time with US extended hours trading.
Another option is simply buying some of the offered ETFs, as they are a cost-effective and fast way to diversify your portfolio by investing in a basket of stocks that tracks a specific market index or sector.
Saxo Markets is a registered Trading Name of Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd (‘SCML’). SCML is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 551422. Registered address: 26th Floor, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DA. Company number 7413871. Registered in England & Wales.
Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs, FX or any of our other products work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Losses can exceed deposits on some products.
Conclusion
With an abundance of stock brokers available to UK investors, finding the right platform has never been more accessible. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced trader, there's a wide variety of options to suit different investing styles, preferences, and goals. From commission-free trading and fractional shares to advanced tools and access to global markets, today’s brokers offer powerful features that can enhance your trading experience.
Before making your decision, take time to consider key factors such as fees, platform usability, investment options, and regulatory protections. Doing your research upfront will help ensure that you choose a broker aligned with your needs — setting the foundation for a more informed and confident journey into the world of investing.
