Best Forex Brokers in the UK 2024
We rigorously test brokers on real accounts and evaluate them using our methodology. Here are the best UK Forex brokers based on our analysis:
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Pepperstone UK - Best Forex broker UK - Wide selection of trading platforms. Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions. A large number of trading assets. - 2
AvaTrade UK - A wide selection of financial assets. Innovative trading platforms. Highly rated educational resources. - 3FxPro UK - Various trading platforms. A diverse range of available markets and products. Multiple analytics tools.
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CMC Markets UK - Low trading fees. Wide range of markets and products. Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms. - 5
FXCM - Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal. Wide range of markets and products for trading. A broad spectrum of trading platforms. - 6
FXOpen - Wide range of trading assets. Low spreads and commissions. Support for various trading platforms. - 7
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ActivTrades PLC - ActivTrades is a regulated broker with licenses from leading financial regulators. Wide range of trading assets. A wide variety of trading platforms. - 9
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IG - Licenses from regulators with a high level of credibility. Tight spreads. A variety of markets and products.
Our Top-10 Best Forex Brokers in the UK, compiled using strict criteria, will assist you in finding the perfect platform that suits your trading strategies and ensures the security of your investments.
Top 10 Best UK Forex Brokers
1. Pepperstone
Pepperstone UK is a significant and reliable broker that offers a broad range of trading instruments and attractive trading conditions. With regulation by serious authorities, clients can be confident in the security of their funds.
The broker is suitable for various types of traders. Beginners will find extensive educational materials, including trading guides, webinars, instructional videos, and Forex trading courses. Experienced traders will also appreciate Pepperstone's opportunities, including favourable trading conditions, various trading platforms, and access to complex trading instruments.
The broker's technical support operates at a high level, offering clients quick and efficient responses to any questions.
Pepperstone is an excellent choice for traders of all experience levels. With a unique combination of educational materials, trading tools, and high-quality customer service, this broker ensures excellent conditions for successful trading.
Pros and Cons of Pepperstone UK
Pros
- Wide selection of trading platforms.
- Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions.
- A large number of trading assets.
Cons
- Lack of diversity in types of trading accounts.
2. AvaTrade
AvaTrade UK is well-suited for traders seeking a variety of trading instruments and user-friendly trading platforms. It can appeal to both beginners looking to start trading and experienced traders who want to expand their knowledge and skills.
Pros and Cons of AvaTrade UK
Pros
- A wide selection of financial assets.
- Innovative trading platforms.
- Highly rated educational resources.
Cons
- Limited trading account options.
- Account inactivity fee.
3. FxPro
FxPro UK provides a comprehensive range of services and tools for traders. With its variety of trading accounts, platforms, and available markets, it is well-suited to meet the needs of different traders. The company offers extensive educational materials and analytical tools to aid in decision-making.
This broker suits traders looking for a wide selection of markets, diverse platforms, and analytical tools. It is also apt for beginner traders, thanks to the educational materials and experienced traders who value flexible trading conditions.
Pros and Cons of FxPro UK
Pros
- Various trading platforms.
- A diverse range of available markets and products.
- Multiple analytics tools.
- Extensive educational materials.
Cons
- An inactivity fee.
- Absence of cent accounts and services for copying trades.
4. CMC Markets
CMC Markets UK PLC has been a reliable CFD and Forex broker in the business for a long time. Top-tier financial authorities regulate the company, offers an excellent trading platform, and has low commission fees.
We believe it is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced traders. CMC Markets is a good option if you are looking for a trustworthy and reputable broker with extensive experience.
Pros and Cons of CMC Markets UK
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of markets and products.
- Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms.
- Extensive analytical materials.
- Comprehensive educational materials.
Cons
- Limited account options.
- Inactivity fee.
- No online chat.
5. FXCM
FXCM represents a comprehensive solution that will benefit traders of all levels — from beginners to professionals. Beginners will appreciate the accessible educational materials and analytics, while experienced traders can use various instruments and flexible platform settings.
However, it's essential to consider drawbacks such as fees for account inactivity and the limited variety of trading accounts. These factors may be particularly significant for traders who do not plan to trade actively or are looking for more options for customization.
The broker offers a good balance between high-quality services and reasonable rates, making it an attractive choice for a broad spectrum of traders.
Pros and Cons of FXCM
Pros
- Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal.
- Wide range of markets and products for trading.
- A broad spectrum of trading platforms.
- Extensive and quality materials for making informed decisions.
- Quick and efficient help in solving emerging issues.
Cons
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts.
- Inactivity fees and commissions for bank transfer withdrawals.
- Protracted account opening and verification process.
6. FXOpen
FXOpen is a highly regulated broker with licenses from leading international bodies, which guarantees the safety of investments and compliance with strict standards. The broker offers a wide range of trading instruments, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios. Low spreads and commissions make FXOpen an attractive choice for those looking for a cost-effective trading environment. The availability of various platforms gives traders the flexibility to choose a trading instrument.
FXOpen is ideal for experienced traders who can analyze the market independently and make informed trading decisions without significant educational support. The broker is especially attractive to those who seek variety in trading tools and prefer to use advanced trading platforms.
Pros and Cons of FXOpen
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads and commissions.
- Support for various trading platforms.
Cons
- Lack of educational materials.
7. Admirals
Admirals UK is suitable for a broad spectrum of traders. With strict regulation, various account types, and a competent set of educational and analytical materials, this broker provides high-quality services for novice and experienced traders.
Beginners seeking detailed educational resources and support will undoubtedly appreciate this broker. Experienced traders will also find it beneficial due to competitive trading commissions, abundant tools for analysis and trading, and the convenience of the depositing and withdrawal process.
Pros and Cons of Admirals UK
Pros
- A variety of trading account types.
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of payment methods.
- Extensive analytical resources.
- A rich collection of educational materials.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Some users complain about the intrusiveness of the support service.
8. ActivTrades
ActivTrades PLC is suitable for beginner traders who value simplicity and intuitive trading platforms, as well as a variety of educational materials to improve their skills. Moreover, this broker can be a suitable option for experienced traders who prefer to trade various instruments and use the powerful features of the MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView platforms.
Pros and Cons of ActivTrades PLC
Pros
- ActivTrades is a regulated broker with licenses from leading financial regulators.
- Wide range of trading assets.
- A wide variety of trading platforms.
- Extensive training materials including webinars, videos, articles and guides.
- Professional support team.
Cons
- Lack of diversity in trading accounts.
9. Oanda
Oanda is an excellent choice for UK traders seeking a reliable and regulated broker with competitive spreads and various trading assets.
With quality analytics and diverse educational materials, Oanda suits beginners and experienced traders.
Pros and Cons of Oanda UK
Pros
- Tight spreads.
- Advanced trading platforms.
- Quality analytics.
- Extensive learning section.
Cons
- Limited trading account types.
- Inactivity fee.
- High swaps.
10. IG
IG is a highly regulated broker with licenses from reliable financial authorities, providing clients with high funds protection. Thanks to narrow spreads, traders can effectively manage their costs and increase the profitability of their operations. Quality trading platforms and advanced analytical tools support informed trading decisions, while extensive educational resources make IG attractive to traders of all experience levels.
Pros and Cons of IG
Pros
- Licenses from regulators with a high level of credibility.
- Tight spreads.
- A variety of markets and products.
- Extensive set of analytical tools and content.
- Quality educational resources for different levels of traders.
Cons
- Limited choice of trading accounts.
- High trading fee on DMA account.
- Inactivity fee.
- Limited choice of payment methods.
Regulation of Forex Brokers in the UK
Forex is globally accessible, and being one of the world's largest markets, it attracts many participants. Consequently, there isn't a single organization regulating and overseeing the market. Instead, depending on the country where a trading account is opened, different bodies regulate the market at a local level.
The UK was one of the first countries to regulate the client and broker-intermediary relationship. In the UK, this relationship is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This watchdog operates closely with the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), which regulates banks, other major financial institutions, and the Bank of England. Its funding comes from fees paid by firms licensed to operate.
The FCA's primary goal is to ensure all British financial service organizations are licensed. Companies seeking a license must actively create and maintain a trading environment that operates in the best interests of their clients.
FCA-regulated brokers can accept UK residents and clients from the EU. This is thanks to the MiFID directive (The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive), which allows UK brokers to operate anywhere in the European Union without opening additional offices in any other European country. MiFID establishes a regulatory framework maintained by the regulatory organizations of specific countries across the EU. The UK is one of the few countries with an excellent regulatory system to prevent financial abuses, brokerage scams, and other instances of fraud affecting retail and institutional traders.
How We Compiled the List of the Best Forex Brokers in the UK
The selection of the top Forex brokers in the UK was based on well-balanced criteria:
The ranking of brokers is done considering our Forex brokers list.
The best brokers received high scores according to our methodology.
All the listed companies provide services accessible to UK traders.
These standards ensure that our list of Forex and CFD brokers meet stringent reliability criteria and offer trading conditions necessary for safe and effective Forex market operations.
FAQ
Who is the best FX broker in the UK?
The best FX broker in the UK can vary based on individual trading needs and preferences. However, some of the top-rated forex brokers in the UK include:
IG: One of the largest and most established brokers in the UK, IG offers a wide range of trading instruments, competitive spreads, and a powerful trading platform. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
CMC Markets: Known for their excellent trading platform, competitive pricing, and a wide range of educational resources. They are also regulated by the FCA.
Pepperstone: Offers low spreads, fast execution speeds, and a variety of trading platforms including MetaTrader 4 and 5. They are well-regulated by the FCA.
FxPro: Provides a comprehensive trading experience with access to a wide range of markets, professional trading tools, and excellent customer service. They are regulated by the FCA.
AvaTrade: A reputable broker with a strong presence in the UK market, offering competitive spreads, advanced trading platforms, and robust regulatory oversight by the FCA.
These brokers are known for their reliability, regulatory compliance, and excellent trading conditions, making them some of the best choices for forex trading in the UK.
Is Forex Trading Legal in the UK?
Forex trading is legal in the UK and considered safe when conducted through brokers regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Traders should always choose a broker that adheres to the strict guidelines set by the FCA to ensure protection and transparency in their trading activities.
Why is the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Important for Traders in the UK?
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is crucial for UK Forex traders as it regulates the UK's financial services industry. It ensures that markets function well, focusing on protecting consumers, safeguarding the industry’s integrity, and promoting competition. Its regulation helps to maintain the standards and safety of trading practices.
What Are the Tax Implications of Forex Trading in the UK?
In the UK, profits from Forex trading are subject to taxation. How they are taxed depends on the trader's circumstances and may be subject to income tax or capital gains tax. It's recommended to consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
How Much Capital is Needed to Trade with UK Forex Brokers?
The required capital to trade with UK brokers varies depending on the broker and the type of account. Some brokers offer accounts that can be opened with as little as £100, while others might require more significant amounts. Choosing an account type that aligns with your financial capacity and trading goals is essential.
What Level of Leverage Do UK Forex Brokers Offer?
UK Forex brokers typically offer different leverage levels, with the maximum often capped by regulations. For retail traders, the maximum leverage usually provided is up to 30:1 for major currency pairs. However, professional traders might access higher leverage.
Do UK Forex Brokers Provide Negative Balance Protection?
Forex brokers in the United Kingdom regulated by the FCA must offer negative balance protection. This means that traders cannot lose more money than they have deposited in their trading accounts, safeguarding them from owing money to the broker in volatile market conditions.
How to Start Trading Forex in the UK?
To start trading Forex in the UK, you must open a trading account with an FCA-regulated Forex broker. Then, you should familiarize yourself with the trading platform and start with a demo account to practice. Educating yourself about Forex markets, trading strategies, and risk management.
Also, check our list of the best Forex brokers for beginners in the UK.
Can EU Residents Trade with UK Forex Brokers?
Yes, EU residents can trade with UK Forex brokers. Many UK brokers cater to EU clients and comply with relevant EU regulations, although specific services might vary due to Brexit-related changes in financial services regulations.
What Are the Key Differences Between Spread Betting and CFD Trading in the UK?
In the UK, spread betting is tax-free and involves betting on the direction of a financial market without owning the underlying asset. In contrast, CFD (Contract for Difference) trading involves holding a contract based on the price movement of an asset. Profits from CFD trading are subject to capital gains tax.
What Time Does the Forex Market Open in the UK?
The Forex market operates 24 hours a day, five days a week. In UK time, the market opens on Sunday at 9 PM and closes on Friday at 10 PM. However, daylight savings time changes can affect the Forex trading hours.
