TradingPlatforms How To Buy Shares in The UK- Best Platforms Revealed!
Maryam Jinadu
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Buying shares is one of the most popular ways to invest in 2024. Not only does it give you a stake in the company that you’re investing in, but it also allows you to share in any future gains. However, buying shares can be complex, which is why we’ve decided to share our findings on the best platforms to buy shares from in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a fast and easy platform or one that offers more security and convenience, we have got you covered!

How To Buy Shares UK- Quick Steps

eToro is one of the best platforms for UK share traders. To buy shares on eToro, follow these steps:

  • Go to eToro and fill out a registration form. This can also be done via the platform’s mobile app.
  • Complete the verification process and activate your account.
  • One real account in the currency you choose at registration as well as one demo account will be created for you at the end of the registration process.
  • You must deposit money into your account before you can start trading. Use a debit card or bank wire transfer to make the payment. To fund your account, simply tap the “Fund my account” button.
  • After funding your account, it is now time to start trading. Click on “Trade Now‘ on the homepage. You will be redirected to the Trading page of the platform where you can find the company you want to invest in. You can either search by ticker or type in the company’s name.
  • Once found, click on “Buy” and complete the purchase process.

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees

The Best Places To Buy Shares- Reviewed

Buying shares can be a great way to invest in a company and have a share in future profits. However, it can be tricky to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best platforms available to buy shares in the UK.

We’ve reviewed the most popular options, and outlined their unique features. So, whether you’re a first-time investor or you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon, this is the guide for you.

eToro

eToro

eToro is a popular trading platform that offers an intuitive user interface and a variety of features. One of the biggest and busiest trading communities is provided by eToro, with more than 20 million registered users. The copy trading feature gives traders a chance to copy the trades of more experienced traders. As a multi-asset broker with over 3,000 stocks with the availability of fractional shares, eToro has a broad market that is accessible to its users. This will give them a chance to have a well-diversified portfolio.

eToro rewards club members and popular investors who advance to higher level status with a unique level of benefits.

eToro homepage

The eToro Academy offers all the resources needed to learn how to be successful in trading and investing. This was introduced recently to make the eToro platform more attractive to beginner traders. However, the eToro Academy is not for beginner traders only but has advanced-level learning materials as well.

What we like:

  • User-friendly web platform and mobile app
  • Social trading and Copy trading
  • Comprehensive payment options including debit card or bank account
  • Comprehensive learning materials with eToro Academy

What we don’t like:

  • eToro’s range of technical analysis is limited and might not appeal to advanced traders
  • Withdrawal requests are subject to a fee

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees

XTB

xtb logo

If you’re looking to trade shares in the UK, XTB is a great platform to use. XTB is a multi-asset broker that offers a wide variety of Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, and crypto. XTB Group has been active in the financial markets for over 15 years and has racked up over 495,000 customers. Several financial bodies regulate the company globally, including the prestigious UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Credit/debit cards and electronic wallets are some of the options available for quick, usually free deposits and withdrawals. Additionally, opening an account is simple and quick.

A commission-based Professional account and a spread-only Standard account are the two account types offered by XTB. The commission-based account is for elected professionals in the UK and Europe, which gives the holders access to special rewards set aside for active traders. The platform has a multilingual customer support team available 24/7 from Mondays to Fridays. The platform’s Trading Academy contains courses from basic to intermediate and expert levels with an extensive video library for trade education.

xtb homepage

What we like:

  • Free and quick withdrawal/deposit
  • Educational materials
  • Research content
  • $0 commission for share CFDs

What we don’t like:

  • Inactivity fee
  • Demo account restricted to just 4 weeks

Your capital is at risk

 

Avatrade

AvaTrade

Avatrade is a good platform for UK investors looking to buy and sell shares. AvaTrade is a reputable global corporation that excels in providing traders with a wide range of trading platforms. Trading platforms like WebTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Automated trading, etc. Additionally, AvaTrade allows you to trade using leverage up to 20:1 on both rising and falling markets.

You can copy the trades of others, usually more experienced traders by using automated trading platforms. This allows you to fully automate your trading and allows you to trade even if you are a complete beginner. These automated trading platforms include Duplitrade, ZuluTrade, and AvaSocial.

Duplitrade enables traders to instantly follow the signals and strategies of more experienced traders. ZuluTrade automatically performs transactions in your AvaTrade account based on the recommendations of experienced traders. AvaSocial is a social trading app where you can find mentors, get their advice, and copy their trades.

Avatrade homepageAvaTrade is regulated and licensed by seven different bodies: ADGM-FRSA, FSA/FFA – Japan, ISA, SAFSCA, ASIC, FSC- British Virgin Islands, and Central Bank of Ireland. AvaTradeGO and AvaTrade Options are the platform’s mobile apps available for Android and iOS devices. The AvaTrade demo account has a 21-day duration that can be extended on request. The demo account can be easily upgraded to a real account with a minimum deposit of $100.

What we like:

  • Regulated by seven different bodies
  • Wide range of payment methods
  • Rich educational resources
  • Social and copy trading

What we don’t like:

  • Only CFDs offered
  • Recurring $50 inactivity fee every 3 months

72% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider

How Do You Earn Money From Shares?

Now that you have been introduced to the best UK platforms where you can buy shares, you may be wondering how investing in shares could be profitable. So, how do you earn money from shares?

Capital gains

The term ‘Capital Gain’ simply means the increase in value of a share when it is sold. Once you have made up your mind about selling your shares, doing this at a higher price is the only way to realize profits from that investment. Remember that capital gains (the increase in share value) are taxable; so be sure to account for this when making decisions.

Dividends

There are several different ways to make money from shares, and earning money from dividends is one of them. A dividend is a reward that a company gives to its shareholders, whether it be cash or something else. Dividends could be distributed in several ways, including stock dividends, cash payments, and other forms. When you buy shares in a company, you’re essentially investing in the future of that business. Companies recognize this and reward shareholders for that.

What Are The Best Shares To Buy Right Now?

Investing is a complex and risky business, and that’s why it’s important to choose the right platform and research tools carefully before making trade decisions. Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Tesla, Gamestop, and Virgin Galactic stocks are a few of the hottest stocks out there. However, do not take this as financial advice. Make sure to research before investing, as some shares can be riskier than others. The platforms we have reviewed have educational materials and research tools that can help you make better decisions.

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees

Top Tips For Buying Shares Safely

Investing in the stock market can be a great way to build your wealth over time. However, there are a lot of risks involved, so it is important to use caution and be mindful of these risks before investing.

Use a regulated broker

capital.com logo- how to buy shares UKUsing a regulated broker will help ensure that your money is safe and you are getting the best possible service. Make sure you read the company’s full prospectus before investing – this will give you all the relevant information that you need to know. When looking to buy shares, different types of brokers offer different services and protections for your investment. It is always a good idea to compare rates and find one that suits your needs best.

Keep your account details secure

It is one thing for the platform to have a security system that protects its customers, it is another thing for the customers to take up their safety responsibilities. That’s why you should keep your account details safe every time. Do not share your login details with anyone. Make sure to read the company’s latest reports on how to improve the security of your account.

Conduct research and analysis

You have to conduct your research well and study market analysis to make informed investment decisions. The best way to do this is to use the tools that a regulated broker offers, such as research reports and financial metrics. Investing in a share without conducting research and studying market analysis is like diving into an ocean without knowing how to swim. Take your time with your decision.

Practice with a demo account

When it comes to buying shares, the safest way is through a demo account. This allows you to practice safely and efficiently without risking any of your hard-earned money. You have the luxury of making mistakes that could have been costly if using a real account, and learn from those mistakes. Some platforms offer a demo account over a specific period while a platform like eToro offers an unrestricted demo account.

Create a risk management plan

There is always the risk of losing your investment. To reduce this risk, it is important to have a well-thought-out management plan. Do your homework before making a purchase and make sure you have all the relevant information at hand so that you can make an informed decision. In addition, be aware of tax implications when buying shares; as stock prices go up and down frequently, capital gains or losses may arise at any point during the financial year.

It is also important to have a good understanding of these rules so that you can account for them when investing. Next, create a well-thought-out risk management plan to guard against potential disasters or market crashes in share prices – no one knows what could happen! Finally, compare different platforms before deciding which is best suited for your needs and requirements – research shows that online trading is becoming more popular among individual investors every day.

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees

How To Buy Shares- Conclusion

Buying shares in a company is an investment in the future and one that should be done with caution and a sound understanding of the risks involved. That’s why it’s essential to read this blog post carefully before investing. In this article, we have reviewed the best platforms where you can buy shares in the UK. We have also provided helpful tips on how to buy shares and the best methods for doing so. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, eToro is a good option for buying shares in the UK.

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees

FAQs

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Maryam Jinadu

Maryam Jinadu

Maryam Jinadu is a freelance crypto & fintech writer. After completing her pharmacy degree at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 2018, she began writing professionally in fintech. She has worked with top fintech/crypto companies such as Bit.com, Equalizer, Koinly, Olymp Trade, Salesgnomics, Scribbr, and Swapzone. She currently freelances on Upwork and writes weekly reviews at 18digits.com. Maryam lives in Manchester, United Kingdom.