In a nutshell, the best investment platforms in the UK are eToro, XTB, and IG. eToro is popular for its social investing features and a broad range of asset classes, making it versatile for different investment styles. XTB offers an intuitive platform with extensive market analysis tools, appealing to both beginner and advanced traders. IG provides a comprehensive trading experience with a wide range of investment options, suitable for traders seeking reliability and professional-grade tools.
Looking for your perfect investment platform?
I’ve tested, scored, and ranked the best investment platforms in the UK.
Whether you’re searching for security, user-friendliness, or low fees, I’ve got you covered.
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6 Best UK Investing Platforms Ranked
Here is a quick list of the best investment platforms to use in the UK based on my hands-on analysis:
- eToro – Best for beginners
- XTB – Best for low-cost trading
- IG – Best for comprehensive market access
- Plus500 – One of the best for CFD trading
- interactive investor – Best for a large selection of assets
- InvestEngine – Best platform for ETF investing
What are the best investment platforms in the UK?
Here I’ve compared the investment platforms based on four key rating criteria you must consider and compare.
| Rank | Investment platform | Type | Minimum deposit | Investing/trading fees | Types of investments | ISAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | eToro | Investment platform | $50 | £0 | Stocks, indices, ETFs, currencies, commodities, crypto | Yes, with Moneyfarm |
| 2 | XTB | Investment platform | £0 | Commission-free trading up to €100,000 monthly turnover; above this, 0.2% (min. £10); 0.5% currency conversion fee may apply | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, indices, commodities | Yes |
| 3 | IG | Investment Platform | £0 | £0 commission on U.S. shares; £3 on UK shares (if more than 3 trades per month) | Stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, forex, cryptocurrencies | Yes |
| 4 | Plus500 | CFD Trading Platform | £100 | 0% | CFDs on Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies | No |
| 5 | interactive investor | Investment platform | £0 | £3.99 | Stocks, funds, trusts, warrants, ETFs | Yes |
| 6 | InvestEngine | Investment (ETF) platform | £100 | £0 (DIY) 0.25% (Managed) | Investment funds | Yes |
Reviews
Research shows in 2023 around 2 in 5 Brits (42%) invest, up from 36% in 20211.
Choosing the best investment platform is crucial for newcomers in the market.
Having worked in the retail investment sector in London over the last four years, I had the opportunity to experience the rise first-hand.
Additionally, in my role working for one of the UK’s leading financial companies, “a trustworthy and respected provider of news, education and market analysis for the everyday investor”, I was able to work with and test some of the biggest investment platforms on the market.
Using my experience in this field, I’ve compiled a list of the best investment companies in the UK based on four key criteria:
- Minimum deposit
- Investing/trading fees
- Types of investments
- ISA availability
Factors such as usability, education materials, and additional features were also considered.
All the investing platforms I’ve reviewed below are regulated by the UK’s financial watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
You can read about how we test platforms here.
This article was reviewed by Tobi Opeyemi Amure, an investing expert and writer at Investopedia and Investing.com.
1. eToro – Best for beginners
The overall winner on my list of the best investment platforms and what I recommend to beginners is eToro.
eToro stands out for its commitment to commission-free trading on stocks, making it a top choice for cost-conscious traders.
What I love about eToro is its commission-free trading on stocks, which makes it an excellent option for cost-conscious traders like me.
From my experience, the platform’s social trading community is incredibly helpful—I believe it’s especially valuable for beginners who can learn by observing and engaging with experienced traders.
Its user-friendly trading accounts made accessing the stock exchange seamless, simplifying the entire trading process for me.
With a sleek design optimised for web and mobile devices, navigating the platform is effortless.
eToro offers a diverse range of assets, including stocks, forex, CFDs, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
eToro offers over 40 pre-constructed Smart Portfolios, designed to help beginners and experienced investors build diversified investments effortlessly.
The platform features both a free ‘Demo Account’ and a ‘General Investment Account,’ allowing users to explore without financial constraints.
While eToro has many benefits, it lacks tax wrappers like SIPPs and has high fees for forex trading.
Overall, I recommend eToro for its comprehensive offerings, which have been tailored to meet the evolving needs of investors in the United Kingdom.
Finally, it’s worth noting that as of 2023, eToro announced that they reached 30 million registered users worldwide2.
On top of this, they have an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot, with over 18,000 reviews.
Read my eToro review.
Key rating criteria:
| Type | Minimum deposit | Investing/trading fees | Types of investments | ISAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment platform | $50 | £0 | Stocks, indices, ETFs, CFDs, currencies, commodities, crypto | Yes, with Moneyfarm |
Additional fees: $5 withdrawal fee, $10 inactivity fee, currency conversion fees
Pros:
- Commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs
- Smooth and straightforward account setup process
- Access to social investing features
Cons:
- $5 charge for withdrawals
{etoroCFDrisk}% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Other fees apply. Your capital is at risk. For more information, click here.
2. XTB – Best for low-cost trading
Second on my list of the best investment platforms in the UK is XTB, a leading broker renowned for its cost-effective trading solutions and comprehensive educational resources.
From my experience, XTB stands out as a reliable platform with an intuitive and well-designed interface.
One of the platform’s biggest advantages is its low-cost trading model, offering tight spreads and no commission on trades for many instruments, which is a significant plus for cost-conscious investors like me.
XTB provides access to forex, indices, commodities, stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies (outside the UK).
XTB provides Investment Plans for long-term passive investing, along with Flexible Stocks and Shares ISAs for tax-efficient investments.
They also offer a competitive 4.5% interest on uninvested GBP funds, which is an attractive feature for investors.
What sets XTB apart for me is its dedication to education. Their extensive library of free educational materials, webinars, and market analysis is perfect for traders sharpening their skills.
Personally, I benefited from their trading tutorials and daily market news, which kept me informed about market movements.
While XTB doesn’t require a minimum deposit to start trading, their platform is particularly well-suited for active traders.
With the introduction of Investment Plans and Flexible Stocks and Shares ISAs, XTB is now a strong option for passive investors seeking long-term or tax-efficient investment products.
Key rating criteria:
| Type | Minimum deposit | Investing/trading fees | Types of investments | ISAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Platform | £0 | Commission-free trading up to €100,000 monthly turnover; above this, 0.2% (min. £10); 0.5% currency conversion fee may apply | Stocks, ETFs, Forex, indices, commodities | Yes |
Pros:
- Low-cost trading with tight spreads and no commissions on many trades
- xStation 5 platform offers excellent tools for analysis and execution
- Wide range of assets for portfolio diversification
Cons:
- No tax-efficient investment options like ISAs or SIPPs
- Focused more on active traders than passive investors
73% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFD
3. IG – Best for comprehensive market access
The third choice on my list of the best investment platforms, and what I recommend for investors seeking extensive market access, is IG.
IG stands out for its wide range of investment options, providing access to over 17,000 markets, including shares, ETFs, indices, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies. This makes it a top choice for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
IG provides advanced trading tools and charting features, catering to both beginners and experienced investors. Its proprietary platform is user-friendly and also supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and ProRealTime for more advanced strategies.
IG is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring a secure and trustworthy investment environment.
One of the features I appreciate about IG is its educational resources, especially the IG Academy.
With its webinars, tutorials, and a wealth of articles, I discovered new ideas and strategies that I might not have considered otherwise.
I highly recommend it to traders looking to expand their knowledge and improve their approach to the markets.
Additionally, IG offers a Stocks and Shares ISA, which allows you to invest in shares and ETFs within a tax-efficient wrapper. This can be beneficial for long-term investors.
While IG offers numerous benefits, it’s important to note that some of its advanced tools may be overwhelming for beginners.
Also, after two years of inactivity, there is an inactivity fee of £12 per month.
Overall, I recommend IG for investors seeking comprehensive market access, advanced trading tools, and a tax-efficient ISA option.
Read my full IG review.
Key rating criteria:
| Type | Minimum deposit | Investing/trading fees | Types of investments | ISAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment platform | £0 | £0 commission on U.S. shares; £3 on UK shares (if more than 3 trades per month) | Stocks, ETFs, indices, commodities, forex, cryptocurrencies | Yes |
Pros:
- Extensive range of investment options
- Advanced trading tools and platforms
- Comprehensive educational resources
Cons:
- Advanced tools may be complex for beginners
- Commission on UK shares unless you’re an active trader
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% 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. Plus500 – One of the best for CFD trading
Fourth on my list of the best investment platforms in the UK is Plus500, which is renowned for its excellence in CFD trading.
From my experience, Plus500 offers a user-friendly and intuitive platform specialising in Contracts for Difference (CFDs).
Plus500 provides access to various financial instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. This allows traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets, enabling both long and short positions.
The platform stands out for its sleek design optimised for both web and mobile devices, making navigation seamless.
I particularly appreciate the advanced charting tools, real-time quotes, and risk management features that enhance the trading experience for novice and experienced traders.
Plus500 operates on a zero-commission model with competitive spreads and no hidden fees, making it cost-effective for active traders.
While Plus500 excels in providing a comprehensive CFD trading environment, it’s important to note that CFD trading involves significant risk due to leverage and may not be suitable for all investors.
The platform offers features like negative balance protection and customisable stop-loss orders, which I’ve found helpful in managing trading risks.
As of 2025, Plus500 has expanded its global presence, serving millions of customers worldwide.
It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment.
Key rating criteria:
| Type | Minimum deposit | Investing/trading fees | Types of investments | ISAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFD Trading Platform | £100 | 0 | CFDs on Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies | No |
Read my complete Plus500 review.
Pros:
- The intuitive interface is suitable for both beginners and experienced traders
- Access to numerous CFD markets across global assets
- Tight spreads with zero commission on trades
- Authorised by the FCA, providing a secure trading environment
Cons:
- CFDs involve significant risk due to leverage
- Traders do not own underlying assets
- No ISAs or SIPPs available for tax-efficient investing
80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
5. Interactive investor – Best for a large selection of assets
Interactive investor is a top choice for DIY investors.
With access to over 40,000 UK and international investment options, it caters to a wide range of portfolios.
The platform’s flat fee structure is particularly beneficial for larger portfolios. Its app is designed to empower users with the necessary tools for informed decision-making.
With various tax wrappers available, including the UK’s first online SIPP, investors can align their choices with their goals.
The flat fee covers all account types, and by utilising the monthly regular investing service, users can avoid trading fees.
Interactive Investor also offers access to human financial advisors, which I believe truly sets them apart from their competitors.
The option to consult with a professional when needed adds a personal touch and provides extra confidence in making critical financial decisions. For me, this feature adds significant value to their platform.
The platform excels in stock trading tools, offering fundamental and technical analysis tools, news and expert research, comprehensive charting, performance analysis, and returns breakdown.
Its user-friendly desktop trading platform seamlessly transitions to a mobile app, ensuring investors can stay up to date with their investments effortlessly.
Key rating criteria:
| Type | Minimum deposit | Investing/trading fees | Types of investments | ISAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment platform | £0 | £3.99 | Stocks, funds, trusts, warrants, ETFs | Yes |
Other fees: Stocks & Shares ISA and trading account starts at £4.99/month. Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) starts at £12.99/month. £5.99 per trade, £40 bonds fee.
Pros:
- Intuitive trading platforms for a user-friendly experience
- Swift and hassle-free deposit and withdrawal processes
- Excellent customer service via phone
Cons:
- Basic charting and analytical tools
- Incurs a monthly account fee
6. InvestEngine – Best platform for ETF investing
InvestEngine, established in 2019, has quickly become known for its innovative ETF-focused investment platform.
It offers over 580 ETFs, enabling diversified investments, and supports fractional trading.
The platform is user-friendly, and I found its flexibility particularly valuable. I appreciate that it offers both DIY and managed portfolio options, allowing me to choose the approach that aligns with my preferences and goals.
InvestEngine provides account types including GIA and ISA but lacks a SIPP option.
Key features include no platform fee for DIY portfolios and a modest 0.25% fee for managed ones. There’s no commission charge and no inactivity fee. However, it doesn’t pay interest on cash balances.
The minimum amount required to start investing is £100.
InvestEngine’s focus on ETFs and affordability, along with its ease of use, makes it a compelling choice for ETF investors in the UK.
Read my full InvestEngine review.
Key rating criteria:
| Type | Minimum deposit | Investing/trading fees | Types of investments | ISAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment (ETF) platform | £100 | £0 (DIY) 0.25% (Managed) | Investment funds | Yes |
Pros:
- Extensive selection of ETFs (580+)
- User-friendly interface
- Low-cost managed option with a 0.25% fee
- Excellent customer support
- Ability to invest within a business account
Cons:
- Limited investment options, only ETFs
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Choosing the best investment platform for yourself requires careful consideration of your investment goals, preferences, and specific needs.
Along with the key rating criteria I used to rank the platforms, here’s what to look for:
- Investment Options: Evaluate the range of investment options available on the platform. Look for platforms that offer a diverse selection of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs3, and other investment vehicles that align with your investment strategy.
- Fees & Costs: Pay attention to the fee structure of the platform, including account maintenance fees, trading fees, commission charges, and any additional costs. Consider your investment frequency and portfolio size to determine if the platform’s fee structure is cost-effective for your needs.
- User Experience & Interface: Assess the platform’s user interface, ease of navigation, and availability of features that suit your preferences. A user-friendly platform with intuitive tools and resources can enhance your investment experience.
- Customer Support: Consider the level of customer support provided by the platform. Look for platforms that offer prompt and reliable customer service, including access to financial advisors or live chat support when needed.
- Research & Educational Resources: Evaluate the availability of research tools, market analysis, educational resources, and investment insights offered by the platform. These resources can help you make informed investment decisions and enhance your knowledge.
- Mobile Accessibility: If you prefer managing your investments on the go, check if the platform offers a mobile app with features and functionality that meet your requirements.
- Security & Regulation: Ensure that the platform adheres to strict security measures and is regulated by reputable financial authorities such as the FCA. Look for platforms that offer features such as two-factor authentication and encryption to protect your personal and financial information.
- Integration with Tax Wrappers: If you plan to utilise tax-efficient investment vehicles like ISAs or SIPPs, verify if the platform supports these tax wrappers.
- Reviews & Reputation: Research the platform’s reputation by reading user reviews, industry rankings, and recommendations from trusted sources. This can provide valuable insights into the platform’s reliability and performance.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the best investment platforms in the UK, options like eToro, Hargreaves Lansdown, interactive investor, AJ Bell, and Freetrade stand out.
Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and investment goals.
Consider factors such as fees, investment options, user experience, and customer support to make an informed decision and embark on your investment journey with confidence.
But, for beginners, I’d recommend eToro as the best investment platform in the UK.
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Sources:
Will Fenton
Will Fenton is the founder of Sterling Savvy. He is a personal finance expert and writes about trading, investing, budgeting, and other financial topics.
Along with his education, Will has experience working in the financial services industry in London working for one of the UK’s leading financial companies, “a trustworthy and respected provider of news, education and market analysis for the everyday investor”.
Education:
MA (Hons) Economics and Finance, Heriot-Watt University
Press:
Outside of finance:
Will is also the founder of MIDDER, where he manages a small team of journalists who report on the latest news and developments in AI, Web3, blockchain, NFTs, and crypto within the realm of music.
He's been featured discussing the future of music on The Standard and the Daily Mail.