Best UK Share Trading Platform for Beginners
Updated May 1, 2024
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76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with eToro. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
- The List of the Best UK Share Trading Platforms for Beginners:
- Comparison Chart for the Best UK Share Trading Platform Options
- Review the Description Best UK Share Trading Platform Options
- What Is a Share Trading Platform?
- Why It’s Important for Beginners to Choose the Right Trading Platform
- How to Find the Best UK Share Trading Platform for Beginners
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
The List of the Best UK Share Trading Platforms for Beginners:
- Best for social copy trading: eToro
- Best for educational resources: IG
- Best for regulation: AvaTrade
- Best for diverse portfolios: Saxo
- Best for advanced features and tools: Interactive Brokers
- Best for international trading: Fineco
- Best for overall reputation: Barclays
One of the most important decisions a new trader will make is choosing the right online share trading platform, but with so many options available it can be difficult to know where to start.
In this article, you’ll find reviews of 7 of the best UK share dealing platforms and then learn the most important things to keep in mind when considering your options.
Whether you're looking to invest for the first time or switch to a better stock broker, this guide will help you find the best UK share trading platform and start your investing journey on the right foot.
Comparison Chart for the Best UK Share Trading Platform Options
Trader
| Minimum Deposit $200 | Platform eToro Platform | Educational Resources Yes | ||
Trader
| Minimum Deposit $0 | Platform IG Platform | Educational Resources Yes | ||
Trader
| Minimum Deposit $100 | Platform MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), AvaTradeGo, WebTrader | Educational Resources Yes | ||
Trader Saxo | Minimum Deposit None | Platform SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO | Educational Resources Yes | ||
Trader Interactive Brokers | Minimum Deposit $0 | Platform Trader Workstation | Educational Resources Yes | ||
Trader
| Minimum Deposit $0 | Platform Fineco Platform | Educational Resources Limited | ||
Trader
| Minimum Deposit Varies | Platform Barclays iTrader | Educational Resources Limited |
eToro: 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with eToro. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
IG: Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of IG retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with IG. 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.
Note: The information in this table is subject to change and may not be complete. It is important to research and compare brokers thoroughly before opening an account.
Review the Description Best UK Share Trading Platform Options
1. eToro
Best UK share trading platform for social copy trading.
eToro is a popular social trading platform well-suited for beginners looking to get started with share trading.
One of the biggest advantages of eToro is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for new investors to buy and sell shares. Additionally, eToro offers a wide variety of investment options, including stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies.
One of the unique features of eToro is its social trading component, which allows users to follow and copy the trades of other successful investors. This can be a great way for beginners to learn from more experienced traders and build their confidence in the market.
However, eToro's fees are slightly higher than some other trading platforms’ fees, with a spread-based pricing model that can lead to higher trading costs.
Additionally, eToro requires a minimum deposit of £200 for UK traders, which may be a barrier for some new investors.
76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with eToro. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
2. IG
Best UK share trading platform for educational materials.
IG is a great share trading platform for beginners thanks to its user-friendly interface and extensive educational resources.
Pros of IG include a wide range of trading instruments and markets, as well as the ability to access multiple account types and trading platforms. The platform also offers a demo account for beginners to practise trading strategies before investing real money.
However, IG isn’t the cheapest share trading platform, with relatively high trading fees and a minimum deposit requirement of £250 when paying by credit/debit card or PayPal.
In terms of additional fees, IG charges a commission fee for share trading, starting from £8 per trade. There’s also a custody fee of 0.25% per year for holdings of £250 or more.
Overall, IG is a solid choice for beginners looking for a user-friendly platform with extensive educational resources, but investors should be aware of its fees and minimum deposit requirements.
3. AvaTrade
Best for regulation
AvaTrade is often recognized as one of the best UK share trading platforms for beginners due to a combination of features that cater specifically to novice traders.
AvaTrade is regulated in several jurisdictions, including the European Union by the Central Bank of Ireland and Australia by ASIC. For UK traders, this regulatory oversight offers a level of security and peace of mind, knowing they are trading with a reputable and compliant platform.
AvaTrade offers access to several intuitive trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5, AvaTradeGo (its proprietary mobile app), and a web-based platform, WebTrader.
These platforms are known for their ease of use, making them ideal for beginners. They provide essential tools like real-time charts, technical analysis indicators, and automated trading options.
A standout feature for beginners is AvaTrade's extensive range of educational materials. They offer trading guides, video tutorials, webinars, and articles that cover the basics of share trading, market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management. This educational support is invaluable for beginners who are just starting to navigate the complexities of the stock market.
AvaTrade offers CFD trading on a wide range of global shares, allowing beginners to trade on the price movements of major companies without needing to own the actual shares. This can be a more accessible way for beginners to get involved in the stock market.
While AvaTrade offers leverage, which can amplify gains, it also increases the risk, especially for beginners. However, the platform provides various risk management tools to help control and limit potential losses.
The platform's minimum deposit requirement is relatively low, and it offers competitive spreads. However, beginners should be aware of any potential fees, such as overnight fees or inactivity fees.
4. Saxo
Best UK share trading platform for diverse portfolios.
Saxo is an online trading platform that offers a wide range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, bonds and options.
The platform is well suited for beginners due to its intuitive interface and educational resources.
One of the main advantages of Saxo is its selection of over 40,000 instruments, which provides users with plenty of investment opportunities.
The platform also offers a range of research tools, including market news and analysis, to help users make informed trading decisions.
However, a drawback of Saxo is its fee structure, which can be higher than some other platforms. Users should be aware of the minimum commission fee of £8 and the custody fee of 0.12% per year for stocks and ETFs.
Additionally, Saxo charges a 0.05% fee on currency conversions and requires a minimum deposit of £500, so it might not be the best UK share trading platform for beginners with limited capital.
5. Interactive Brokers
Best UK share trading platform for advanced features and tools.
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, bonds and mutual funds.
Its stock trading platform provides access to real-time market data and advanced research tools, allowing investors to make informed decisions.
However, the platform can be difficult to navigate, and its advanced features may overwhelm beginners.
The platform also offers competitive pricing, with commission rates starting at £0.35 per trade, but users should be aware that there are also additional fees for data subscriptions, account maintenance and other services.
The minimum deposit to open a trading account with Interactive Brokers is £1,000, which may be a barrier to entry for beginners.
Overall, Interactive Brokers is one of the best UK share trading platforms for beginners who require advanced features and tools. However, if you’re looking for a low minimum deposit and simple user interface, you may want to consider other options.
6. Fineco
Best UK share trading platform for international trading.
Based in Italy, Fineco has been operating for over 20 years and launched in the UK in 2017.
As one of Europe's leading trading platforms, it offers access to a wide range of trading instruments, including shares, ETFs, funds and bonds, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to invest.
One of Fineco's most significant advantages is its competitive pricing. It charges a commission of £2.95 per trade for UK and European shares, which is relatively cheap compared to other platforms.
Fineco does not charge any custody fees or administration fees, and has no minimum deposit requirements, making it an affordable option for investors.
Another advantage of Fineco is that it offers a range of educational resources and tools, including a demo account, making it an ideal place to start learning about investing.
One potential downside of Fineco is that it does not offer as many advanced trading tools or features as some other platforms, but for beginners this shouldn’t pose much of an issue.
7. Barclays
Best UK share trading platform for overall reputation.
Best known as a major bank, Barclays also offers an online share trading platform well suited to beginner traders.
One of the most notable advantages of Barclays is its vast array of investment options, including shares, funds and investment trusts. This provides investors with an opportunity to diversify their portfolio from the get-go.
Barclays does have some cons, though. Its fees can be relatively high, with a £12.95 trading commission for online trades and a minimum deposit of £500 to start trading.
Additionally, the platform's research and analysis tools are limited compared to other platforms in the market.
Despite these drawbacks, Barclays remains a solid choice for beginners who prioritise a user-friendly interface and a variety of investment options.
While it may not have the most comprehensive research and analysis tools or the lowest fees, its reputation as a major bank and its ease of use earn it its place as a best UK share trading platform for beginners.
What Is a Share Trading Platform?
A share trading platform is an online software application or website that enables investors to buy and sell shares in publicly listed companies on a stock exchange.
These platforms provide investors with access to real-time market data, analysis tools and other resources to help them make informed trading decisions.
Users can typically create an account, fund it with money and then use that money to buy and sell shares of various stocks, bonds and other securities.
Share trading platforms may be offered by banks, brokerage firms or independent financial technology companies. Some platforms charge fees for their services, while others may offer commission-free trading.
Some share trading platforms also offer additional features such as educational resources, portfolio management tools and investment advice/financial advice.
Why It’s Important for Beginners to Choose the Right Trading Platform
choosing the best trading platform for you can significantly impact your trading experience, and as a beginner, taking the time to research and choose the best platform for your needs is crucial.
The platform you choose will determine how easily you can:
- Navigate the market
- Access educational resources
- Make trades
Choosing a platform that is user-friendly and provides educational resources will help you gain a better understanding of how the market works and make informed trading decisions.
Moreover, choosing an affordable platform is also important as excessive fees can eat into your profits.
Customer support is another critical factor, especially for beginners who may have questions or require assistance with the platform. It is essential to choose a platform that offers responsive and helpful customer support to address any issues that may arise.
Lastly, safety and security are of paramount importance when selecting a share trading platform. As you will be providing sensitive personal and financial information, it is vital to choose a platform that employs robust security measures to protect your data and investments.
How to Find the Best UK Share Trading Platform for Beginners
When it comes to finding the best online trading platform for beginners, there are several factors to consider.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Step 1. Fees
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best share dealing platform is the fees it charges.
Different platforms have different fee structures, which can include commission fees, account fees and other charges.
It's important to compare these fees carefully, as what seems like the cheapest share trading platform on the surface may actually prove quite costly, and this can have a significant impact on your overall returns.
Step 2. Minimum Deposits
Many share trading platforms have minimum deposit requirements, which can range from £1 to a few hundred pounds.
Before choosing a platform, make sure you can afford the minimum deposit and that it aligns with your investment goals.
Step 3. Support for Beginners
Not all online share trading platforms are created equal when it comes to supporting beginners.
Some platforms may offer educational resources, tutorials and webinars to help new traders get started.
When looking for the best UK online share trading platform, look for one that offers a range of support options and consider reaching out to their customer service team if you have any questions.
Step 4. Investment Options
Different share trading platforms may offer different investment options, such as stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and more.
Consider the types of investments you're interested in and make sure the platform you choose offers those options.
Step 5. Analytics
The best UK online share trading platform if you’re a beginner is one that offers a range of analytics tools to help you make informed investment decisions.
Look for platforms that offer detailed market data, charting tools and analysis tools that are easy to understand and use.
Some platforms may also offer access to research reports and other resources to help you stay up to date with market trends.
Step 6. Customer Support
Customer support is another important consideration when comparing UK share trading platforms.
Look for providers that offer prompt and helpful customer service, preferably through multiple channels such as phone, email and live chat.
It's also a good idea to read reviews from other traders to get a sense of the level of customer support offered by different platforms.
Step 7. Ease of Use
If you’re new to share trading you’ll want a platform that is both easy to use and navigate.
Look for platforms with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive features that make it easy to place trades and manage your portfolio.
Some platforms may also offer mobile apps, which can be particularly useful for on the go trading.
Step 8. Social Trading
Some share trading platforms offer social copy trading, which allows you to follow and copy the trades of successful traders.
If you're new to trading, this can be a useful way to learn from more experienced traders and potentially improve your returns.
Step 9. Regulation
Finally, it's important to choose a share trading platform that is regulated by a reputable financial authority.
In the UK, this would typically be the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Choosing a regulated platform can provide an extra level of security and protection for your investments.
A share trading platform, also known as an online brokerage platform, is a digital platform that provides investors and traders with a convenient way to trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other securities.
These platforms typically offer a range of tools and resources to help users make informed investment decisions, including real-time market data, stock charts, news feeds and research reports.
Online share trading platforms typically operate on a commission-based or fee-based structure, charging users for each trade or a percentage of their account balance.
They also provide a range of trading functionalities, such as limit orders, stop-loss orders and margin trading, which allow users to customise their trading strategies and manage their risks.
There’s no single answer as to what the best platform to buy shares is, as this ultimately depends on the individual's specific needs and preferences.
However, there are many popular share trading platforms available, each with their own unique features and benefits.
Some of the most popular UK share trading platforms include eToro, Saxo and IG.
When comparing UK share trading platforms, it's important to consider factors such as fees and commissions, the range of investment options available, ease of use and customer service.
When it comes to finding the best UK platform to buy shares, it's also a good idea to read reviews and compare different platforms to find the one that best meets your needs.
For a beginner trader, a user-friendly share trading platform is essential. When looking for the best UK share trading platform for beginners, look for one with an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate, with clear labelling and a well-organised layout.
This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when making trades.
Some examples of share trading platforms with user-friendly interfaces include eToro, Trading 212 and IG.
Don’t invest in unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
In the UK, there is no minimum amount of money required to start share trading. However, you will need to have enough funds to cover the cost of purchasing the shares you wish to buy, as well as any associated fees or commissions charged by the trading platform or online broker.
The amount you need to invest will depend on the share price of the company you wish to invest in and the number of shares you want to buy.
For example, if you want to invest in a company with a share price of £10 per share and you want to buy 10 shares, you would need a minimum of £100 to make the investment.
Share trading platforms can potentially help you make money, but they cannot guarantee that you will become rich.
The stock market is unpredictable, and investing always carries a degree of risk. While some investors have made significant profits through investing in the stock market, others have experienced losses.
It's important to keep in mind that investing is a long-term game, and there are no shortcuts to becoming wealthy through share trading.
Successful investors typically have a sound investment strategy, discipline and patience to ride out market fluctuations.
To start an account on a share trading platform you will typically need to provide personal information, such as your name, address and national insurance number.
You’ll also need to link a bank account for funding purposes and verify your identity using documents like a passport or driver's licence.
Once your account is set up, you can start trading by selecting the stocks or other assets you want to buy or sell.
The best-fitting share trading platform for a beginner will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
There are many options available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
It's important for beginners to consider factors such as ease of use, educational resources, withdrawal fees (and other fees) and available investment options when choosing a platform that suits their goals and trading style.
To help you, use resources like this best UK share trading platform for beginners review before conducting your own research.
Online share trading platforms can be safe to use, but it's important to exercise caution and carefully research any platform before investing your money.
To ensure the safety of your investments and personal information, it's important to choose a reputable and regulated platform to buy shares. The best UK share dealing platforms will be regulated by the FCA.
Additionally, strong security measures such as two-factor authentication, encryption and firewalls can help protect your account and personal information from cyber threats.
Online share trading platforms are regulated in the UK by the FCA.
The FCA is a regulatory body that oversees financial markets and firms in the UK, including share trading platforms.
Platforms that offer share trading financial services in the UK must be authorised and regulated by the FCA, which sets standards for conduct, customer protection and market integrity.
The FCA also monitors and enforces compliance with these standards, and can take action against firms that fail to meet them.
When looking for the best UK platform to buy shares, always look for FCA regulation.
The biggest share trading platform in the UK by number of users is currently eToro. The platform has over 20 million registered users worldwide, and its popularity has been growing rapidly in the UK in recent years.
Other popular share trading platforms in the UK include Trading 212, IG and Hargreaves Lansdown, among others.
Don’t invest in unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Share trading has the potential to generate income, but it’s generally not advisable to rely on it as a replacement for a full-time job.
Share trading is a form of investment that involves risks and requires knowledge, skill and discipline to be successful. It can also be influenced by factors beyond an individual's control, such as market volatility, economic events and geopolitical risks.
As such, share trading is typically viewed as a supplement to – rather than a substitute for – other sources of income.
When choosing a share trading platform, there are several factors to consider. The platform should be easy to use and offer a range of investment options, with clear and transparent fee structures.
It's also important to look for educational resources, security and regulation, and reliable customer support to help you make informed investment decisions that meet your goals and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best UK share trading platform for beginners can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and guidance you can be far more confident in your decision.
Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Factors such as fees, ease of use, research tools and customer support should all be carefully considered.
Use the reviews in this article as a starting point for your own research, and remember, no matter which platform you choose, share trading comes with an element of risk, and you should never invest more than you can afford to lose.
WikiJob does not provide tax, investment, or financial services and advice. The information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.
76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with eToro. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take two mins to learn more.
