4 Best Copy Trading Platforms to Use in the UK April 2024

If you are an investor looking for a convenient way to participate in stock market growth without the need for extensive analysis and market study, copy trading offers a potential solution. Copy trading allows you to replicate the trading strategies of experienced investors, potentially mirroring their gains.

In this guide, we review some of the best copy trading platforms that are available in the UK for 2024 and the process of copy trading.

What is Copy Trading?

Copy trading is exactly what its name suggests: it is a mechanism that allows you to copy another trader. For example, if the trader you are copying decides to buy stocks such as Facebook shares, your portfolio will buy Facebook shares too. The amounts will differ in direct proportion too.

Copy trading is a way for you to actively trade without being an active trader because you outsource research, market analysis, and placing orders to another trader, and enjoy all the profits from their analysis. This is done in the same proportion as the trader’s portfolio. For example, suppose you invest $2000 in a copy trading platform with a trader.

If that particular trader invests 10% of their portfolio going long on Facebook, the same proportion will be applied to your account. Hence, you will spend $200 going long on Facebook.

Copy trading platforms vs social trading platforms

Copy trading and social trading platforms are two types of online trading tools that provide users with insight into the trading strategies of experts. Most brokerages that offer copy trading also offer social trading however, the two types of platforms are not the same.

Copy trading platforms allow users to automatically replicate the positions and trades of professional traders. These platforms typically require investors to invest a specific amount of money, and the platform will allocate it proportionally based on the selected trader’s activity. The advantages of copy trading platforms include the ability to mirror successful traders’ strategies without extensive market knowledge or experience. This method also allows for hands-off investing, as trades are executed automatically.

On the other hand, social trading platforms focus on creating a community of traders who share insights, strategies, and ideas. These platforms provide a space for traders to interact, share their trades, and discuss market trends. Unlike copy trading platforms, social trading platforms offer investors the autonomy to select which traders to follow, giving them more control and flexibility. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who want to enhance their trading skills and engage in deeper market analysis.

Determining the right platform ultimately depends on individual preferences. Copy trading platforms cater to those who desire a passive approach, seeking to replicate other traders’ success without extensive involvement. Social trading platforms, on the other hand, offer a more interactive experience and are well-suited for individuals who enjoy the community aspect of trading and wish to engage in active discussions.

How Does Copy Trading Work?

The process of copy trading is straightforward. Investors choose a trusted copy trading platform, where they can browse and select experienced traders to copy. These platforms provide comprehensive data on past performance, allowing investors to analyze the track records of potential traders. Once a trader is selected, the copy trading platform automatically executes the same trades as the chosen trader, allocating the same proportion of funds.

Copy trading can be implemented in several different ways in the UK. Some platforms offer all-in-one systems that enable traders to copy trade directly through the broker. Other platforms require traders to connect the platform to a third-party application that can be used to facilitate copy trading.

Programming Your Own Copy Trading Software

Experienced traders may prefer to program their own copy trading software that meets their meeds. Harnessing the power of programming can give you more control and customization options for your trading journey.

By programming your own copy trading software, you can tailor it to your specific trading strategies and preferences. Whether you prefer a conservative approach or like to take more risks, you can adjust the software accordingly. You can also incorporate advanced analysis techniques, such as backtesting and algorithmic trading, to make more informed trading decisions. To opt for this method, you will need to choose an advanced copy trading platform that provides the necessary tools for programming and backtesting.

What Is The Best Security to Copy Trade?

Since copy trading involves copying another trader’s trades, there is no restriction on the assets that you can use for copy trading. Whatever assets are available at your copy trading platforms can be used for this purpose. Most copy trading platforms allow you to trade forex, stocks and sometimes crypto.

When it comes to the best security for copy trading, investors should consider the risks that are involved with trading different financial instruments. For example, securities such as forex and crypto can produce short-term returns however, these markets are more volatile. On the other hand, stocks and ETFs are considered to be more stable asset classes but are usually held for a longer period.

Diversification is also an important factor to consider. It may be wise to choose portfolios that cover a diverse range of securities. This will reduce risk and allow you to benefit from different markets.

4 UK Copy Trading Platforms Reviewed

In the next section of our guide, we take a closer look at the copy trading platforms that are available to UK traders. It is important to read through each review carefully and conduct your own research before making any trading decisions. Remember, your money is at risk.

1. Avatrade – Best copy trading platform for forex and CFD trading

Avatrade is a broker that is compatible with a variety of trading platforms and allows you to trade on several financial markets on a commission-free basis. They have very light spreads on the major forex pairs such as USD/GBP and EUR/GBP as well as the principal commodities such as gold.

Once you have created and verified your account, the minimum deposit that you need is £500. After that, you need to select a trading platform, find a trader to copy, and then sit back. Your chosen trader will then buy and sell assets, and the profits of this trading will be reflected in your own account.

The main trading platform to use with Avatrade is ZuluTrade.  The process of using the platform involves choosing a trader to copy from a selected list of traders. They provide a host of information that will assist you in selecting the trader whose trading patterns match your financial goals. There are more than 10,000 copy traders to choose from.

The major drawback of using Avatrade through ZuluTrade is that it is not a regulated trading platform, so your capital might be at some risk.

Avatrade fees:

2. Trade Nation – Copy trade using advanced charting tools

Trade Nation offers a versatile platform that caters to both copy trading and traditional trading enthusiasts. For those looking to engage in copy trading, Trade Nation provides a straightforward yet robust system that allows traders to replicate the strategies of experienced investors. With a diverse range of traders to choose from, users can access a network of skilled strategy providers, each offering unique trading approaches.

In terms of fees, Trade Nation stands out with its competitive and transparent fee structure. The platform prides itself on offering tight spreads, which is crucial for traders aiming to optimize their profits. Moreover, Trade Nation doesn’t charge any commission on trades, making it a cost-effective choice for traders of all levels. Whether you’re engaging in copy trading or traditional stock trading, these fee conditions can enhance the trading experience.

Trade Nation equips traders with an array of tools and resources to make informed decisions. The platform provides risk management tools, including the ability to set stop-loss and take-profit orders, ensuring traders can protect their investments. Additionally, the comprehensive charting tools and technical analysis resources empower traders to conduct in-depth market analysis. This is invaluable for traditional traders who rely on chart patterns and technical indicators to formulate their strategies.

Key features that distinguish Trade Nation include its user-friendly interface and emphasis on customer support. The platform’s intuitive design ensures that both novice and experienced traders can navigate the system effortlessly. Furthermore, Trade Nation’s commitment to customer service is evident through its 24/5 support, ensuring that traders can seek assistance whenever they need it.

77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.

3. Admiral Markets – Replicate the forex trading skills of experienced traders on MT4

Admiral Markets is a versatile brokerage that caters to both copy trading and traditional trading enthusiasts, offering a wide range of assets and a plethora of features to enhance the trading experience. For those interested in copy trading, Admiral Markets’ copy trading service is a standout feature. It allows traders to replicate the strategies of experienced investors, making it an excellent choice for traders looking to learn and profit simultaneously. The platform provides access to a diverse pool of skilled strategy providers, each with their own unique trading approach, enabling users to diversify their portfolios. Copy Trading on Admiral Markets is available via the MT4 charting tool.

In terms of fees, Admiral Markets maintains a competitive fee structure. The platform offers tight spreads, which is crucial for traders looking to maximize their profitability. Additionally, Admiral Markets doesn’t charge commissions on trades, making it cost-effective for traders of all levels. Whether you’re engaged in copy trading or traditional trading, the favorable fee conditions contribute significantly to a trader’s overall success.

Admiral Markets equips traders with a robust suite of tools and resources. The platform boasts a variety of risk management tools, including stop-loss and take-profit orders, ensuring traders can protect their investments. Moreover, the platform offers an array of technical analysis tools, including chart patterns and indicators, to help traders make informed decisions. These tools are especially valuable for traditional traders who rely on in-depth market analysis to formulate their strategies.

74% 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.

4. IG – Copy trading account with access to the MT4 charting platform

IG Markets offers perhaps the widest choice of financial instruments that you can trade with. With over 16,000 shares from companies across different countries and sectors combined with commodities, currencies, indices, and cryptocurrencies, they offer the opportunity to invest in assets worldwide.

Their copy trading service works in much the same way as AvaTrade, wherein you can create an account, deposit money through your credit/debit card or bank transfer, and then you are presented with a list of traders that you can copy.

After researching the traders, you can then select the one that matches your needs, and begin trading. The minimum investment required on IG Traders is £250. They also allow you to set up a demo account and see how you would perform with a particular strategy or trader without investing real money. They have minimum commissions on most asset classes, and the IG platform is compatible with MT4 as well.

IG fees:

Copy Trading Platforms in the UK Compared

To better understand the differences between each of the platforms discussed above, here is an overview of copy trading fees.

How to Copy Trade in the UK 2024

In the section below, we will outline the steps involved with starting copy trading in the UK.

Step 1: Create an account

Sign up for a free account with a copy trading platform UK investors are accepted at.

At a regulated broker, you will need to enter your information and your contact details.

You will also have to provide your ID and address proof. For your ID proof, you can use any form of government-issued ID. For address proof, you will need to either upload your utility bill or a bank statement.

Step 2: Deposit funds

The next step is to deposit funds which you can add through your debit/credit card, bank transfer, or any e-wallets. Other than a bank transfer, both the other means will ensure that the funds are visible in your bank account immediately. The minimum investment per copy trader is $200.

Step 3: Select a trader

The next step for you is to select a trader that you wish to copy. Click on the “Copy People” button, and begin filtering based on your requirements. For example, you could choose to only look at people who trade cryptocurrencies or have a minimum gain of 8% p.a. in the past 5 years. There are thousands of traders to choose from, and by clicking on any trader you can get more insights into how their trading history and pattern.

Step 4: Invest

The last step once you have identified the trader(s) that you wish to copy, is to simply invest. By clicking on the invest button, you can decide what amount you wish to invest with them, and then sit back and enjoy your gains.

Conclusion

This guide has reviewed several copy trading platforms that UK traders are accepted at, from all-in-one platforms to brokers that can be connected to MT4. They have been judged on the basis of the asset classes they offer, the fees they charge, and the number of traders they offer.

Before choosing a platform to use, conduct thorough research into the options that are available. Copy trading does not guarantee returns and your money is at risk. Some platforms offer a demo account that can be used to test out copy trading features before using any real money.

Overall, copy trading is a strategy that is used by traders who want to mimic the trades of experienced traders. While the strategy does not guarantee returns, it can reduce time spent on research and analysis while ensuring that trades are backed by informed decision making.

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