Finding that balance between a trading platform and investing is hard – people often refer to this as ‘Tradevesting’ meaning to hold a trading position for a longer time – similar to swing trading or position trading. Here we will explore the best trading platforms for investing longer-term.
- Platforms for Investing / Long-Term Trading
- Top 5 Trading Platforms for Investing
- What Makes a Great Investment Platform?
- Best Trading Brokers for Investing Ranked
- Important Features & Comparisons for Investor / Traders
- Customer Support & Education
- Which Investment Platform is Best for Me?
- Final Thoughts
- Resources on Long-Term Trading & Investing
Platforms for Investing / Long-Term Trading
If you’re a UK investor looking to trade or invest in stocks, forex, or other CFDs for more than a couple of hours or days, your trading platform matters—a lot. Every fraction of a pip can influence your returns, and having a platform with fast execution, low fees, and user-friendly tools can seriously elevate your investing game.
I’ve spent years sifting through various platforms, comparing costs, testing features, and figuring out what differentiates a so-so broker from a stellar one. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for UK investors—platforms that tick all the right boxes: reliable tools, robust safety, fair pricing, a broad range of markets, and FCA regulation.
Before we get into it though, I’d just like to point out that there is a distinct difference between trading and investing – trading allows for leverage (up to 30:1 in the UK) and investing is often 1:1 so here we will be discussing the best trading brokers that allow for holding your positions longer-term – if you are looking for straight investment platforms you might want to look elsewhere.
Top 5 Trading Platforms for Investing
Our top 5 trading platforms for long-term trading / investing are IG, XTB, Pepperstone, Vantage Markets and ActivTrades. However, it’s not as though this is a competition – IG offer a huge range of other solutions like ISA’s and SIPPs meaning that anyone considering opening a trading account and holding onto trades for a bit longer – needs to go with IG.
Huge range of markets
If you want the broadest market selection (stocks, ETFs, forex, bonds, everything), plus top-tier educational resources, IG wins hands down.
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Great for Education & CFD’s
xStation 5 is a smooth operator, providing integrated sentiment data and real-time news, perfect for active traders seeking an all-in-one environment.
76% 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.
Great Low Fees
Tight spreads, minimal commissions, and no inactivity fees. A dream for frequent traders or those wanting to test advanced strategies without high costs.
75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading on margin with this provider
Low fees & simple execution platform
Straightforward account types (Standard or Raw ECN), stable MT4/MT5 environment, and no inactivity fees. A solid blend of convenience and reliability.
70.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Bets with this provider.
Low fees and great regulation
If you’re big on peace of mind and want that extra £1,000,000 coverage, plus tight spreads and a reliable platform suite, look no further.
83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
So, here’s the magic list for traders looking to hold trades longer-term. Our favourite brokers either do not have inactivity fees or when they do (like IG) they kick in after 2 years, allowing traders to hold onto their investments a bit longer:
- IG: Best Overall for UK Investors (Massive Market Range & Great Education)
- XTB: Best Proprietary Platform & News Features
- Pepperstone: Best for Low-Cost, High-Performance Trading
- Vantage Markets: Best for Simple Account Options & MT4/MT5 Support
- ActivTrades: Best for Investor Security & Additional Insurance
Let’s dive into each broker to see why they stand out and how they can fit your investing style.
What Makes a Great Investment Platform?
Before we deep-dive into the specific brokers, let’s clarify what I look for when recommending platforms for UK investors:
- Market Variety
I always look for brokers that let me explore multiple asset classes: UK shares, international shares, ETFs, indices, forex pairs, commodities—if you like variety, you want as many choices as possible in one place. It saves you juggling multiple accounts. - FCA Regulation & Safety
I’m sure you’ll agree: nobody wants to worry about a shady broker running off with their cash. That’s why FCA regulation is non-negotiable. It ensures client funds are segregated from the broker’s operational money, and you’re typically covered up to £85,000 under the FSCS. - Low Fees & Competitive Spreads
Some brokers lure you in with zero commissions on one product, then charge sky-high fees on another. The question is: “How much does it really cost me to place trades?” or “Will I get slapped with inactivity fees if I go a few months without logging in?” Small percentage differences can add up if you’re investing over the long haul. - Ease of Use & Educational Resources
If you’re new to investing (or just prefer a clean, intuitive experience), a complicated platform can be a deal-breaker. I’ve found that having a well-designed interface plus educational resources—like webinars, tutorials, or even integrated market news—makes everything smoother. Even seasoned investors enjoy helpful tools. - Customer Support
I’ve had times when, mid-trade, something goes wrong and I need answers quickly. A broker that offers prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable support can really save the day. You hope you never need them, but trust me, it’s good to know they’re there.
Best Trading Brokers for Investing Ranked
1. IG — Best Overall for UK Investors
If I had to recommend one platform for UK-based investors who want the broadest market selection possible, IG is the name that comes to mind first. They’ve been around since the 1970s (yes, that long) and hold a top-tier reputation for reliability, compliance, and innovation.
IG: Low Inactivity Fees & Huge Market Range
When I first tried IG, I have to admit I was pretty overwhelmed by its scope. This broker doesn’t just dip its toes into the trading world—it cannonballs in, offering over 17,000 markets, a range of proprietary and third-party platforms, and some of the best educational resources I’ve seen. If you’re looking for versatility, IG might just be the perfect match.
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Why IG is Great for Investing
IG’s longevity and reputation translate into a feeling of reliability. They are fully FCA-regulated, which means your funds are segregated and (to an extent) protected. I love that they offer multiple platforms: a slick proprietary web trader, ProRealTime (for advanced charting), MetaTrader 4, and even TradingView integration. Having tried each, I can say the variety is superb. Another plus is the inactivity fee only kicks in after 24 months. For many of us who invest but don’t trade daily, that’s a generous cushion.
Massive Range of Markets
IG offers 17,000+ instruments, including shares (UK, US, and global), ETFs, forex, indices, bonds, and more. You can invest via share dealing, or you can go the CFD route if you prefer short-term trading.
Educational Excellence
IG Academy is a treasure trove of lessons, webinars, and tutorials, catering to everyone from absolute newbies to seasoned pros.
Advanced Platforms
You can start with IG’s proprietary web trader (slick, user-friendly) or dive into ProRealTime, known for its advanced charting and automation features. IG also supports MT4 and TradingView integration, so you’ll never feel limited.
Reliability & Regulation
Fully FCA-regulated, client funds in segregated accounts, and a multi-decade track record that speaks for itself.
What Can You Invest In?
Shares & ETFs
Thousands of stocks from major global exchanges. If you’re into long-term dividend portfolios or growth stocks like Apple and Tesla, you’ll find them here.
Forex & CFDs
For those who also want to trade currency pairs or speculate on indices like the FTSE 100 or S&P 500.
Commodities & Bonds
Access to gold, oil, treasury bonds, and more for diversification.
Cost of Investing on IG
Share Dealing
UK shares are typically 0.10% per trade with a £10 minimum. This can add up if you make small, frequent trades.
CFD Trading & Spreads
Forex spreads start around 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, while indices can be as low as 0.4 points.
Inactivity Fee
£12 per month after 24 months of inactivity—easily avoidable if you log in and trade at least once every two years.
Who is IG Best For?
- Long-Term Investors who want a huge selection of shares and ETFs, plus the option to dabble in CFDs.
- Traders Who Value Education, as IG’s Academy sets the benchmark for learning materials.
- Tech Enthusiasts who love exploring advanced charting platforms (ProRealTime, TradingView).
Summary of IG
It’s hard to go wrong with IG if you want a one-stop shop for all your investing and trading needs. The fees might not be the absolute lowest for share dealing, but you’re paying for top-tier technology, market access, and educational backing.
£250 Minimum Deposit
Best Overall
IG offers 17,000+ trading instruments and combines robust regulation with cutting-edge platforms like ProRealTime, TradingView, and L2 Dealer.
69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
2. XTB — Best Proprietary Platform & News Features
XTB is another heavyweight in the CFD and forex space, but it also accommodates stock and ETF investments via CFDs. What really sets them apart is their xStation 5 platform—a custom-built solution that’s both powerful and easy on the eyes.
XTB: Best for Advanced Charting and Analysis
XTB is a solid broker for investors or long-term traders traders who value advanced tools and analysis. While it lacks MetaTrader support, its proprietary platform more than makes up for it.
76% 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.
Why XTB is Good for Investing
The xStation 5 platform is intuitive, and I love that it bundles in a sentiment indicator, an integrated news feed, and a super-handy trader’s calculator. Everything’s in one spot so you’re not juggling half a dozen tabs. Regulation-wise, XTB is FCA-compliant, and they’re even publicly listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, which adds an extra layer of transparency. They’ll only charge an inactivity fee after 12 months of no trading activity, which might not bother you if you do at least a few trades per year.
Inactivity Fee
£10 per month after 12 months of inactivity—something to watch if you’re a buy-and-hold type who logs in only occasionally.
xStation 5 Platform
Super intuitive, with real-time market sentiment tools, advanced charting, and an integrated news feed. If you like having everything in one place (charts, sentiment, news), xStation delivers.
Shares & ETF CFDs
While XTB doesn’t offer physical share dealing, they provide CFDs on a large number of companies and ETFs. This is more for traders wanting short or medium-term exposure rather than buy-and-hold investors.
Competitive Fees
Forex spreads can be as low as 0.1 pips on EUR/USD, but share CFD commissions start at 0.08% (minimum £8). This is decent if you’re trading mid to larger position sizes.
What Can You Invest In on XTB?
Shares & ETFs
Thousands of stocks from major global exchanges. If you’re into long-term dividend portfolios or growth stocks like Apple and Tesla, you’ll find them here.
Forex & CFDs
For those who also want to trade currency pairs or speculate on indices like the FTSE 100 or S&P 500.
Commodities & Bonds
Access to gold, oil, treasury bonds, and more for diversification.
Costs of Investing on XTB
Spread & Commission
Forex spreads start around 0.1 pips for EUR/USD (market conditions permitting). Share CFDs might come with a 0.08% commission and a minimum charge of £8.
Inactivity Fee
£10 per month once you hit 12 months of inactivity—so do log in at least once a year if you don’t want extra costs.
No Direct Share Dealing
This is purely a CFD environment, so you don’t get real ownership or dividends.
Who Is XTB Best For?
- Active CFD Traders who love integrated news feeds and sentiment tools in a proprietary platform.
- Investors Open to CFDs and not too fussed about physically holding shares.
- Platform Enthusiasts who want something user-friendly yet powerful (xStation 5 is quite slick).
Summary of XTB
XTB’s all about flexibility within the CFD realm, powered by a modern platform that feels like it belongs in 2024, not 1999. If you don’t mind missing out on actual share ownership, you’ll enjoy their advanced tools, competitive spreads, and integrated analysis.
No Minimum Deposit
Best for Investing
XTB offers a proprietary platform with incredible trading resources & educational material in an easy-to-use, low cost trading environment. Perfect for currency traders.
76% 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.
3. Pepperstone — Best Broker for Low Costs & Fast Execution
Pepperstone made waves with razor-thin spreads on major forex pairs, but they’ve since expanded to include share CFDs and indices. If cost matters a lot to you—and you appreciate a broker that’s laser-focused on efficient execution—Pepperstone might be your new best mate. They’re also well-known for supporting multiple advanced platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView).
Pepperstone: Razor Thin Spreads
If tight spreads, ultra-fast execution, and platform versatility are what you’re after, Pepperstone is the broker to beat. Known for its razor-sharp pricing and high-performance infrastructure, this Australian-born broker has carved out a significant place in the UK day trading scene. It’s particularly suited for forex and CFD traders who value cost efficiency and speed over bells and whistles.
75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading on margin with this provider.
Why is Pepperstone Good for Longer-Term Trading
Pepperstone’s hallmark is cost-effectiveness. Their “Razor” account can get spreads close to zero on EUR/USD during peak hours, charging a small commission on the side. If you’re more of a spread-only type, the Standard account bakes everything into the spread. No inactivity fees is a big bonus if you take occasional breaks from trading.
Competitive Pricing
With the Razor account, I’ve seen EUR/USD spreads hover around 0.0–0.1 pips at peak times. Commission is around £4.50 per round turn (per standard lot), which is quite low.
Multiple Platforms
If you’re an MT4 fan, Pepperstone runs it flawlessly. Prefer cTrader for scalping? Done. TradingView charting? Also an option.
Fast Execution
Scalpers and high-frequency traders love Pepperstone for filling orders quickly with minimal slippage.
No Inactivity Fees
A rare perk in today’s market, so if you sometimes take a break from trading, Pepperstone won’t penalise you.
What You Can Invest In
- Forex: 60+ currency pairs with some of the tightest spreads around.
- Indices, Commodities: CFDs on major indices (like the FTSE 100), precious metals, and energies.
- Share CFDs: A growing range of popular global stocks, though not as extensive as IG’s selection.
Costs of Investing on Pepperstone
Pepperstone is one of the most cost-effective brokers for longer-term traders, particularly for forex and indices. Here’s what you can expect:
- Forex Spreads: Starting at 0.0 pips on Razor accounts (with a £5 round-trip commission per lot). Standard accounts offer spread-only pricing from 0.6 pips.
- Indices Spreads: As low as 1.0 point for major indices like the FTSE 100.
- Commodities Spreads: Gold spreads start at 0.1 points, making it a great option for commodity day traders.
- No Deposit or Withdrawal Fees: Pepperstone doesn’t charge fees for funding or withdrawing your account.
- Inactivity Fees: None—a rare and welcome feature.
Is Pepperstone Safe and Regulated?
Yes, Pepperstone is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the FCA in the UK. Here’s what you need to know:
- FCA Regulation: Guarantees client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and operational transparency.
- ASIC Oversight: Adds another layer of credibility and security.
- FSCS Protection: UK traders are covered up to £85,000 in the unlikely event of broker insolvency.
Knowing that Pepperstone operates under such stringent guidelines gave me confidence throughout my trading experience.
Who Is Pepperstone Best For?
Pepperstone is ideal for:
- Scalpers and Day Traders: The tight spreads, fast execution, and flexible platforms are tailor-made for active trading strategies.
- Algo Traders: With full MT4, MT5, and cTrader support, it’s a haven for those who rely on automated systems.
- Cost-Conscious Traders: Zero commissions on standard accounts and ultra-low spreads on Razor accounts make it highly affordable.
Summary of Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a lean, mean trading machine—especially if you’re more active or enjoy advanced platform options. While it may not have the biggest share CFD list, it excels in cost efficiency and execution speed, making it ideal for frequent traders, investors or ‘tradevestors’.
No Minimum Deposit
Best Platforms
Pepperstone is a Melbourne-based broker that offers an excellent range of assets in the financial trading markets, including CFD's for commodities, shares, ETFs and more.
75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading on margin with this provider
4. Vantage Markets — Best for Simple Account Options & MT4/MT5
Vantage Markets (often still called Vantage or Vantage FX by traders) strikes a nice balance between user-friendliness and solid trading conditions. If you like having a straightforward experience without too many gimmicks, but still appreciate robust MT4/MT5 support, Vantage may fit you well.
Vantage Markets – Easy to Setup and Use
A consistent performer across the majority of lists – they make this list as they have a great range of different account types, making it easy to understand, open another or change if you move from investor to trader or vice-versa.
70.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Bets with this provider.
Why Vantage Markets is Great for Long-Term Trading
Vantage’s straightforward account types help you pick a pricing model that fits your strategy. The Raw ECN option can provide near-zero spreads with a transparent commission. The Standard STP account wraps trading costs into a slightly higher spread, great for those who dislike separate commission lines. Vantage is FCA-regulated and offers negative balance protection, meaning they adhere to solid standards for UK clients. They also do not charge inactivity fees, so long-term investors aren’t punished for parking their accounts.
Flexible Accounts
Choose from the Standard STP (spread-only) or Raw ECN (near-zero spreads + commission). This lets you tailor your trading costs to your strategy.
MT4 & MT5 Support
These platforms are industry staples for both newbies and pros. Vantage’s setup is reliable, and it welcomes Expert Advisors (EAs) if you’re into automated strategies.
Decent Market Range
You can trade forex, major indices, commodities, and share CFDs, albeit not in the sheer volume IG offers. Good enough for many UK investors, though, especially if you focus on popular assets.
What Can You Invest in on Vantage?
- Share CFDs: Major names from the US, UK, and a few others.
- Forex: Spreads can be near zero on EUR/USD with Raw ECN.
- Indices & Commodities: The usual suspects—DAX, S&P 500, gold, oil—enough for basic diversification.
See our review for more info here.
Cost of Investing on Vantage
- Raw ECN: Spreads often start at 0.0 pips, with a small commission (~£4.50 per 100k traded).
- Standard STP: Spread-only model, typically from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD.
- Inactivity Fees: None, which is a relief if you sometimes step away for weeks or months.
Who Is Vantage Best For?
- Those Who Prefer Simplicity and the reliability of a standard MetaTrader setup.
- Investors Who Dislike Inactivity Fees or complicated tiered accounts.
- CFD Traders seeking decent coverage of mainstream stocks and markets.
Summary of Vantage for Investing
If you want to keep it simple and cost-effective, Vantage is a strong contender. It’s not overflowing with exotic markets, but it covers the essentials well. Plus, having MT4/MT5 in a stable environment is a big draw for many UK traders and investors.
5. ActivTrades — Best for Investor Security & Additional Insurance
ActivTrades stands out for its emphasis on security and fund protection—beyond what most FCA-regulated brokers offer. If the thought of extra insurance coverage up to £1,000,000 per client makes you sleep better at night, this could be your new favourite broker.
ActivTrades: Incredible Range & Regulation
ActivTrades is like the safety-first parent of brokers—cautious, reliable, and protective. But don’t mistake that for boring. With tight spreads, fast execution, and a strong proprietary platform, it’s a fantastic option for traders or investors who value stability.
83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Why ActivTrades is Great for Longer-Term Traders
The higher insurance coverage beyond FSCS limits is unique in the retail brokerage space, instantly boosting confidence for those investing larger sums. ActivTrades is FCA-regulated and has been in the game since 2001, which gives them a solid track record. Their spreads on major forex pairs are competitive, starting around 0.5 pips, and they generally avoid tacking on hidden commissions (except on specific instruments). They also offer a broad range of educational content and analytics.
Extra Insurance
On top of the standard FSCS protection (£85,000), ActivTrades offers additional coverage up to £1 million. This level of protection is quite rare in the brokerage world.
Long-Standing Reputation
They’ve been around since 2001, based in London, and regulated by the FCA.
Stable Platforms
Choose MT4, MT5, or ActivTrader (their proprietary platform). MT4/MT5 are a given for advanced features, while ActivTrader is web-based, user-friendly, and surprisingly robust.
What Can You Invest in on ActivTrades?
Forex: 50+ currency pairs with low spreads starting around 0.5 pips on EUR/USD.
Indices & Commodities: A decent selection, though not as large as IG’s.
Shares & ETFs (CFDs): Hundreds of share CFDs from UK, US, and European markets.
Options & ETFs: A small but growing range of ETF and option CFDs for those who like to branch out.
Fees for Longer-term Trading on ActivTrades
- No Commissions on Most CFDs: Instead, spreads are built into the price.
- Competitive Spreads: Often around 0.5–0.6 pips on major forex pairs.
- Inactivity Fee: ActivTrades used to have a small inactivity fee, but it’s always best to check the latest fee schedule on their site.
Who Is ActivTrades Best For?
- Mid-Range Traders: Tight spreads without being the absolute rock-bottom. Perfect if you’re not scalping 24/7 but still value decent pricing.
- Risk-Averse Traders & Investors: If you value fund protection and want that extra insurance coverage, ActivTrades is a no-brainer.
- MT4/MT5 Purists: You’ll find a clean, stable environment for EAs or manual trading.
Summary of XTB
ActivTrades offers a security-first approach, decent spreads, and well-regulated platforms. While it may not boast the largest number of share CFDs, it’s a rock-solid choice for investors seeking peace of mind alongside competitive trading conditions.
£250 recommended deposit
Best Security
Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is a globally regulated and widely-recognised broker offering incredible educational materials.
83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Important Features & Comparisons for Investor / Traders
| Broker | FCA Regulated? | Typical Spread on EUR/USD | Share/ETF Access | Platform Choices | Inactivity Fee | Ideal For |
|---|
| IG | Yes | ~0.6 pips | 17,000+ markets (CFDs + share dealing) | Proprietary, ProRealTime, MT4, TradingView | £12 after 24 months | Investors seeking huge market range & top-tier education |
| XTB | Yes | ~0.1 pips (min) | Many share/ETF CFDs (no direct dealing) | xStation 5 | £10 after 12 months | Traders wanting a proprietary platform & integrated news |
| Pepperstone | Yes | ~0.0–0.1 pips (Razor) | Share CFDs on major stocks (limited) | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | None | Low-cost fans, scalpers, algo traders |
| Vantage | Yes | ~0.0 pips (Raw ECN) | Decent share CFDs, but not huge | MT4, MT5 | None | Simplicity lovers, flexible cost structures |
| ActivTrades | Yes | ~0.5 pips | Hundreds of share CFDs, some ETFs | MT4, MT5, ActivTrader | May apply (check site) | Security-focused investors needing extra insurance |
Customer Support & Education
IG
- Education: IG Academy is top-tier, with structured courses and regular webinars.
- Support: Live chat, phone, and email. Response times are generally good—though peak hours might have short queues.
XTB
- Education: XTB Academy has interactive lessons, decent for beginners.
- Support: Reliable via live chat and phone, but not 24/7. Good, but slightly behind IG in coverage.
Pepperstone
- Education: Webinars and strategy guides, more oriented to forex/CFD traders.
- Support: 24/5 live chat, phone, and email. Usually responsive and helpful.
Vantage
- Education: Basic market analysis and articles, good enough for fundamental knowledge.
- Support: Live chat, email, phone. Generally efficient, though not as comprehensive as IG or XTB in educational offerings.
ActivTrades
- Education: Offers webinars, tutorials, but somewhat limited compared to IG.
- Support: Phone, email, live chat. Known for polite and precise responses, though not 24/7.
Which Investment Platform is Best for Me?
If you’re asking yourself, “So which one should I go for?” it really depends on your style, your priorities, and the kind of markets you plan to invest in:
ActivTrades: For when fund security is everything, thanks to that additional insurance coverage.
IG: For when you want practically everything—stocks, forex, ETFs, the works—in one place, with the bonus of decades-long credibility.
XTB: For when you love a clean, proprietary platform (xStation 5) and don’t mind trading only CFDs.
Pepperstone: For when you want some of the best spreads around, no inactivity fees, and flexible platform options that cater to advanced or cost-conscious traders.
Vantage Markets: For when you’d rather keep it simple, rely on MT4/MT5, and pay no inactivity fees.
FAQs: Beginner Investing Questions Answered
Can I Invest in Stocks and ETFs Directly with These Brokers?
IG offers direct share dealing and ISA/SIPPs for UK investors.
XTB, Pepperstone, Vantage, and ActivTrades primarily provide share/ETF CFDs, meaning you’re trading on price movements rather than owning the underlying asset.
Is CFD Trading the Same as Investing?
Not exactly. CFD trading is typically more short-term and involves leverage. Real share dealing means you own the stock. Make sure you understand the difference before diving in.
Do These Brokers Provide Demo Accounts?
Yes, all five offer demo accounts for you to practice on. It’s the best way to get comfortable with the platform and your trading strategy without risking real money.
Are My Funds Protected?
All listed brokers are FCA-regulated, meaning client funds are kept in segregated accounts. ActivTradeseven has extra insurance up to £1,000,000.
What If I Only Want to Buy & Hold a Few UK Stocks?
In that case, IG might be your top pick, since it offers actual share dealing (not just CFDs). Pepperstone, XTB, Vantage, and ActivTrades focus more on CFD-style products.
Are There Minimum Deposit Requirements?
XTB famously has no minimum deposit, making it very beginner-friendly. IG, Pepperstone, Vantage, and ActivTrades all have relatively low minimums (often around £100–£200), but they vary, so check the latest info on each broker’s site.
How Do They Make Money?
Primarily via spreads (the difference between buying and selling prices) and sometimes commissions(especially on Raw ECN or share trades). Some also have overnight holding costs for leveraged positions.
Which Is Best for a Long-Term Investment Portfolio?
IG is usually the go-to for actual stock ownership. If you’re content with CFDs or more short-term speculation, any of the other four can work brilliantly.
Do These Brokers Offer ISA or SIPP Accounts?
IG offers an ISA/SIPP for UK residents. The others focus on CFD/forex trading and do not typically provide these tax-advantaged accounts.
What About Spreads on Less Popular Currency Pairs or Stocks?
Spreads can widen on more exotic instruments or lesser-known stocks. Check each broker’s instrument list and typical spread table before trading.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best trading platform for investing in the UK isn’t just about picking the broker with the lowest spread or the widest stock range. It’s about finding a long-term fit that matches your investing style, comfort level, and future ambitions. IG might wow you with its massive market choice, Pepperstone might seduce you with rock-bottom costs, and XTB might become your favourite thanks to a modern interface and integrated news. There’s no one-size-fits-all; there’s only what works best for you.
If you’re still unsure, try setting up a demo account or at least poke around each broker’s site. Get a feel for their platform, see how the fees break down for the assets you trade most, and test their support if you’ve got a question. Ultimately, the right platform should make your investing process smoother and more enjoyable—rather than something you dread dealing with every time you want to buy or sell.
Whichever broker you land on, remember that successful investing is about staying informed, managing your risk responsibly, and choosing tools that genuinely help you achieve your financial goals. Good luck, and happy investing!
Resources on Long-Term Trading & Investing
- Best Trading Platforms for Investing - January 3, 2025
- Forex.com vs Pepperstone - December 26, 2024
- How Trading Platforms Make Money - December 26, 2024
