Visit Alvexo<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
\n
7. IG \u2013 Commission-free UK stock trading platform<\/h3>\n
$\"IG$ <\/p>\n
One way to invest in stocks in the UK is through a stocks and shares ISA. These investment accounts are offered by some brokers in the UK. One of the UK trading platforms that supports ISAs is IG. The brokerage \u2013 which was launched more than four decades ago, offers a huge selection of stocks.<\/p>\n
This includes thousands of UK stocks from both the London Stock Exchange and AIM, as well as dozens of international markets. If you are planning to add your stock investments to your ISA, then IG charges a flat commission of \u00a38 per trade.<\/p>\n
If, however, you place 3 or more trades in a 30-day period, the commission goes down to just \u00a33. Take note, IG will charge you a quarterly custodial fee of \u00a324 should you fail to trade at least three times over a 3-month period. As such, this does make IG somewhat expensive \u2013 especially when you factor in its share dealing account fees.<\/p>\n
$\"best$ <\/p>\n
On the other hand, if you are a regular trader \u2013 you could receive free US stock trades if you place at least three orders per month. Additionally, IG also offers a CFD stock trading facility. This isn\u2019t suitable for ISAs and you will pay a variable commission. This stands at 0.10% on UK stocks. Non-UK stocks are charged at different rates depending on the market.<\/p>\n
If making tax-efficient trades is important to you, then you might consider the IG spread betting facility. This allows you to trade in a similar way to stock CFDs \u2013 but you won\u2019t pay any tax on your capital gains. In terms of payments, IG requires a minimum deposit of \u00a3250 and it supports debit cards and bank account transfers.<\/p>\n
Visit IG<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
\n
8. Hargreaves Lansdown \u2013 Established UK stock trading brokerage account<\/h3>\n
$\"Hargreaves$ <\/p>\n
Not only does Hargreaves Lansdown have a positive reputation, but it is a notible online stock broker UK if you\u2019re interested in IPOs. All you need to do is register your interest on the Hargreaves Lansdown website, and you\u2019ll be noticed when a new IPO has been announced.<\/p>\n
$\"Hargreaves$ <\/p>\n
Then, it\u2019s just a case of deciding how much you wish to invest in the IPO, and Hargreaves Lansdown will take care of the rest. Additionally, this online broker is also one of the well-known platforms for research and analysis. You\u2019ll find detailed market insights, stock price analysis, and fundamental research tools \u2013 all of which can be accessed free.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t, however, need to open an account with Hargreaves to read its research materials. Nevertheless, if you do decide to proceed with this broker, the minimum deposit is just \u00a31 \u2013 which you fund with your UK debit card. The platform offers thousands of shares and is regulated by the FCA. Your capital is also protected by the FSCS.<\/p>\n
Visit Hargreaves Lansdown<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
\n
Our Ranking Criteria for UK Stock Brokers<\/h2>\n
We have covered the online trading platforms currently active in the UK investment scene. However, it\u2019s also a good idea to perform a bit of extra research yourself to ensure the platform is right for your trading needs. The way to do this is to focus on a number of core factors \u2013 such as regulation, tradable stocks, commissions, user experience, and payment methods.<\/p>\n
Below is an overview of features to look out for when researching UK trading platforms.<\/p>\n
UK Stock Trading Regulation<\/h3>\n
Before you sign up with a UK stock trading platform \u2013 it\u2019s crucial that you check the provider\u2019s regulatory standing. In most cases, online trading platforms in the UK will be regulated by the FCA<\/a>. This means that you can avoid the worry of choosing a shady broker \u2013 as the FCA is one of the most stringent regulators in this space.<\/p>\n
For example, all FCA-regulated UK trading platforms must:<\/p>\n
\n
Comply with all UK laws surrounding securities trading and investments<\/li>\n
Install a KYC (Know Your Customer) program \u2013 meaning all active traders need to have their identity verified<\/li>\n
Keep client money in segregated tier-one bank accounts \u2013 ensuring the platform doesn\u2019t use your capital for its own day-to-day expenses<\/li>\n
Adhere to regular audits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In addition to choosing an FCA-regulated provider, reputable UK trading platforms will also be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This means that in the unlikely even the platform runs into financial problems \u2013 your capital is protected up to the first \u00a385,000 \u2013 should they go bankrupt.<\/p>\n
At the other end of the spectrum, choosing a stock trading platform that isn\u2019t licensed by the FCA \u2013 or is regulated by an offshore body, means that your capital is at risk.<\/p>\n
Tradable Stocks<\/h3>\n
Some traders in the UK prefer to stock with UK-listed stocks. This would mean that you are trading equities listed on the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, or even the AIM (Alternative Investment Market).<\/p>\n
However, there might come a time where you also wish to add some international stocks to your portfolio \u2013 especially those listed in the US.<\/p>\n
For example:<\/p>\n
\n
The NASDAQ and NYSE exchanges contain some of the largest and most recognized companies in the world. Think along the lines of IBM, Disney, Tesla, Facebook, Amazon, Visa, and Microsoft.<\/li>\n
Additionally, if you want to trade stocks listed in the emerging markets, the reliable stock brokers UK give you access to high-growth exchanges in Singapore, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, and Russia.<\/li>\n
You should also look to see whether the stock trading platform gives you access to IPOs. This will allow you to invest in or trade companies that have just gone public.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fees<\/h3>\n
It goes without saying that you should always<\/em> check what fees and commissions you will be liable for when trading stocks online. This can come in various forms, so below we explain what fees to keep an eye on in your search for stock brokers in the UK.<\/p>\n
Share Dealing Fees<\/h4>\n
When you buy stocks online through a traditional brokerage, you will pay a share dealing fee. This is a flat fee that is charged when you buy a stock and again when you cash out.<\/p>\n
This means that irrespective of how much you are investing \u2013 the fee will always remain the same. This will actually suit large-scale traders more than those investing small amounts.<\/p>\n
For example:<\/p>\n
\n
Popular stock trading platform Hargreaves Lansdown charges a share dealing fee of \u00a311.95<\/li>\n
Let\u2019s suppose you buy \u00a3150 worth of BP stocks<\/li>\n
In paying \u00a311.95 on this trade, your commission actually amounts to just under 8%<\/li>\n
In other words, you need to value of BP stocks to rise by at least 8% just to break-even<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Fortunately, low-cost UK trading platforms like XTB do not charge any share dealing fees. This means that in the above example \u2013 you could have invested \u00a3150 into BP shares and saved \u00a311.95.<\/p>\n
Stock Trading Commission<\/h4>\n
While share dealing fees are aligned with traditional share investments, variable commissions are charged when you engage in actual trading. By this, we mean buying and selling stocks throughout the trading day \u2013 as opposed to investing over several years.<\/p>\n
\n
For example, let\u2019s say your chosen platform charges a commission of 0.1% to trade UK stocks<\/li>\n
We\u2019ll then say you placed a buy order on HSBC stocks at a value of \u00a3100<\/li>\n
In doing so, you would pay a commission of \u00a30.10<\/li>\n
Then, we\u2019ll say you close your HSBC stock trade when it is valued at \u00a3150<\/li>\n
Again paying a small commission of 0.1%\u00a0 \u2013 this time your fee amounts to \u00a30.15<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A variable commission is much more viable for small stock trading stakes, as your fee is relative to the amount you stake. However, keep an eye on platforms that have a \u2018minimum\u2019 commission in place \u2013 as many do.<\/p>\n
Stock Spreads<\/h4>\n
Once you have assessed whether you will be paying a share dealing fee or variable commission \u2013 don\u2019t forget to check what spreads you will be charged. This is typically overlooked by newbie traders, so allow us to explain further.<\/p>\n
In a nutshell, all stock trading apps in the UK, make money through the spread. This is how they are able to offer commission-free trading<\/a>. The spread is simply the difference between the \u2018bid\u2019 and \u2018ask\u2019 price of a stock. If the gap between these two prices is too big, then you are indirectly paying more to trade.<\/p>\n
To give you an idea:<\/p>\n
\n
XTB offers an average variable spread of 0.70% on major stocks<\/li>\n
This means that when you open your stock trade\u00a0 \u2013 the value of your position will immediately stand at negative 0.70%<\/li>\n
In other words, you need the value of your stock to increase by 0.70% to get back to the break-even point<\/li>\n
Any gains above 0.70% is pure profit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now, the key problem is that many stock trading platforms in the UK fail to state what the spread is on a particular market. As such, to ensure you are not getting a bad deal \u2013 quickly calculate this yourself.<\/p>\n
$\"spreads$ <\/p>\n
For example, in the image above \u2013 you can see that Hargreaves Lansdown is offering a bid (buy) and ask (sell) price on GlaxoSmithKline shares of 1,224.40p and 1,225.00p respectively. This works out at a spread of just 0.049% \u2013 which is competitive.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, you\u2019ll then get hit with an \u00a311.95 share dealing fee \u2013 which completely wipes out the competitiveness of the spread.<\/p>\n
Overnight Financing<\/h4>\n
Another stock trading fee that is overlooked by newbies is that of overnight financing. This is a daily fee charged when you keep a leveraged CFD stock position open overnight<\/a>. Each stock trading platform will have a set time when this kicks in \u2013 such as 6 pm.<\/p>\n
This means that for each day you keep a CFD trade open past 6 pm, you will pay a small fee. This is why CFD trading platforms<\/a> \u2013 although appropriate for low fees, leverage, and short-selling \u2013 are suited for short-term strategies.<\/p>\n
Trading Tools & Features<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re the type of individual that is simply looking for a platform to buy and sell stocks \u2013 then you might not be too concerned about trading tools. However, this might be somewhat short-sighted, as we came across a plethora of notable features that can take your stock trading endeavors to the next level.<\/p>\n
This includes the following:<\/p>\n
Short-Selling<\/h4>\n
The thing about stock trading<\/em> \u2013 as opposed to buying<\/em> shares, is that you get to determine whether you think the equity will rise or fall in value. In order to do this, you need to choose a stock trading platform that offers CFDs (contracts-for-differences). This is simply a financial instrument that tracks the real-time price of the stock \u2013 meaning that you don\u2019t actually own it.<\/p>\n
All of the UK trading platforms<\/a> reviewed on this page offer CFDs \u2013 so you can choose from a \u2018buy order\u2019 if you think the share price will increase or a \u2018sell order\u2019 if you think it will decrease.<\/p>\n
Leverage<\/h4>\n
An additional benefit of choosing a stock trading platform that offers share CFDs is that you can apply leverage. This allows you to \u2018multiply\u2019 the size of your stake. In the UK, retail investor clients can apply leverage of up to 1:5 when trading stocks.<\/p>\n
For example, if you had an account balance of \u00a3200 and applied leverage of 1:5 on a Royal Mail stock CFD \u2013 this means that you can enter a stock trade worth \u00a31,000. Once again, all of the shares trading platforms in the UK that we have reviewed today offer leverage.<\/p>\n
Fractional Shares<\/h4>\n
The best online stock brokers in the UK that we came across , allows you to buy \u2018fractional shares\u2019. This means that you can buy a small fraction of one stock \u2013 rather than needing to spend more than your budget allows. The minimum investment will vary from platform to platform \u2013 but at XTB there is no minimum deposit.<\/p>\n
For example:<\/p>\n
\n
Let\u2019s say that you wish to invest in Google (Alphabet) stocks<\/li>\n
At current prices, one Google share is worth $2,003 \u2013 or about \u00a31,400<\/li>\n
You decide to stick with the minimum \u2013 so invest \u00a335 into Google<\/li>\n
This means that you own approximately 2.5% of a single Google stock<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Crucially, your profits and losses will still work out the same when engaging in fractional ownership. For example, if Google stocks increase in value by 50%, your \u00a335 investment would now be worth \u00a352.50. As such, the specific number of shares that you own is irrelevant, as gains are based on the amount you invest.<\/p>\n
Stock News<\/h4>\n
I\u2019s important to choose a stock trading platform that offers relevant, up-to-date financial news. This will allow you to make informed decisions about which stock trades to place.<\/p>\n
\n
For example, if Vodafone announces that it has just won a government contract on 5g technology \u2013 this will all-but-certainly result in an increased stock price.<\/li>\n
As such, you would want to be made aware of this, and any other important news, as soon as the story breaks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
On the other hand, if you\u2019re chosen stock trading platform doesn\u2019t offer real-time news \u2013 this isn\u2019t overly problematic. This is because you can obtain this information from a third-party website for free.<\/p>\n
Demo Account<\/h3>\n
All of the stock broker UK providers discussed on this page offer a demo account \u2013 barring Hargreaves Lansdown. Put simply, this allows you to trade stocks with your chosen broker without depositing or risking any money.<\/p>\n
Instead, the stock trading platform will give you an allocation of \u2018paper funds\u2019. This allows you to buy, sell, and trade stocks in live market conditions \u2013 in a 100% risk-free way.<\/p>\n
Demo accounts are not only suitable for first-time traders \u2013 but seasoned pros that wish to test out new systems and strategies.<\/p>\n
Payment Methods<\/h3>\n
When you open an account with a stock trading platform, you will then be asked to make a deposit. After all, in order to make financial gains from your stock trading endeavors, you need to risk your own money. As such, check to see what payment methods your chosen platform supports.<\/p>\n
All of the stock trading apps reviewed on this page allow you to make a deposit with a debit\/credit card or UK bank transfer.<\/p>\n
Customer Service<\/h3>\n
Finally, it\u2019s crucial the pick a stock trading platform that puts the customer experience at the heart of everything. This means offering a support system around the clock \u2013 preferably via a Live Chat facility.<\/p>\n
Some of the platforms discussed today \u2013 such as Hargreaves Lansdown, also offer a telephone service. Be careful with this though, as if you place a telephone trade at Hargreaves, you need to pay a surcharge for this.<\/p>\n
How To Start Stock Trading in the UK
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re ready to start buying and selling shares online \u2013 we are now going to walk you through the stock trading process like-for-like. For our tutorial, we are showing you the required steps to join a commission-free stock trading platform and step by step-by-step guide how to buy shares UK.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Open a Trading Account<\/h3>\n
You will first need to open an account at a regulated platform<\/a>. You can do this online or via your mobile phone by heading over to a provider\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
$\"create$ <\/p>\n
Follow the on-screen instructions by providing your:<\/p>\n
\n
Personal information<\/li>\n
Contact details<\/li>\n
National insurance number<\/li>\n
Creating a username and password<\/li>\n
Verifying your email address and mobile number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 2: Confirm Identity<\/h3>\n
You will now be asked to provide a copy of your passport or driver\u2019s license as part of the KYC process. Additionally, a copy of a recently-issued utility bill or bank account statement.<\/p>\n
Note<\/strong>: You can upload the above documents later, but you will need to do this before you can request a withdrawal.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
Step 3: Deposit Funds<\/h3>\n
You will need to deposit some funds into your stock trading account before you can start trading stocks.<\/p>\n
Choose from one of the following supported payment types:<\/p>\n
\n
Visa<\/li>\n
MasterCard<\/li>\n
Maestro<\/li>\n
Paypal<\/a><\/li>\n
Skrill<\/li>\n
Neteller<\/li>\n
Bank Transfer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 4: Search for a Stock\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Now that you have a fully-funded account, click on the \u2018Trade markets\u2019 button, followed by \u2018Stocks\u2019. This will give you a full breakdown of which stocks you can trade. You can use the filter buttons to narrow your search down by the exchange (e.g. NYSE) or sector (e.g. consumer goods).<\/p>\n
If you already know which stock you wish to trade \u2013 you can instead search for it. When the respective stock loads up, click it.<\/p>\n
Step 5: Place a Stock Trade<\/h3>\n
If you want to apply leverage (maximum 1:5 on stocks), you can select your multiple.<\/p>\n
To place your commission-free stock trade, click on the \u2018Open Trade\u2019 button.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
All in all, finding the right stock trading platform UK for your needs can take a lot of time. As we have covered extensively, there are many important factors to consider before taking the plunge.<\/p>\n
This includes everything from regulation, and supported markets to fees, spreads, and payment methods. You also need to check whether the provider offers tools like Copy Trading, leverage, short-selling, and financial news.<\/p>\n
When choosing a stock trading platform in the UK many opt for one that\u2019s FCA regulated and FSCS protected<\/a>, with a range of stocks across different UK and international markets.<\/p>\n
Visit XTB<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
<\/em><\/p>\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Which stock trading site is for beginners in the UK?
If you're a novice investor looking for an online share trading platform, XTB wins hands down. The platform allows you to trade from just 0.01 lots, and comes packed with educational tools and guides. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n
\n
What is an online share trading platform with low fees?
If you're searching for a share broker in the UK in terms of fees, XTB allows you to buy and sell 3000+ stocks on a commission-free basis. Additionally, the provider waivers the 0.5% stamp duty tax that you pay on UK stocks.<\/div>\n <\/section>\n
\n
How do I trade on the stock market UK?
Trading UK stocks online has never been easier. All you need to do is open an online brokerage account, make a deposit, and then choose which stocks you want to trade. Just make sure that your chosen broker is regulated by the FCA. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n
\n
Is stock trading legal in UK?
Yes, the UK stock trading scene has never been more popular - especially with retail clients. As such, you can legally buy, sell, and trade stocks from the comfort of your home. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n
\n
How much money do you need to trade stocks UK?
Many UK share brokers now offer fractional stocks - meaning that you can trade with really small amounts. At XTB, for example, the minimum stock trade is just 0.01 lots. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n
\n
How do you trade UK stocks with leverage?
If you want to trade UK stocks with leverage, you need to choose a platform that offers share CFDs. UK share brokers will offer leverage of up to 1:5 on stocks - meaning you can trade with five times the size of your account balance. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n
\n
What is the a free stock trading platform in the UK?
If you want to trade stocks for free, you need to choose a commission-free share broker. XTB is one such example - as the platform doesn't charge any share dealing fees. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n <\/div>\n\n

Fee<\/strong><\/td>\n	Amount<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stock trading fee<\/td>\n	Variable Spreads<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Forex trading fee<\/td>\n	Variable spreads. 2.9% for EUR\/USD on its Classic account<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Inactivity fee<\/td>\n	$10 per month after three months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Withdrawal fee<\/td>\n	Free<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n not available for existing ECN clients, other fees may apply<\/em><\/p>\n Visit Alvexo<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n \n 7. IG \u2013 Commission-free UK stock trading platform<\/h3>\n $\"IG$ <\/p>\n One way to invest in stocks in the UK is through a stocks and shares ISA. These investment accounts are offered by some brokers in the UK. One of the UK trading platforms that supports ISAs is IG. The brokerage \u2013 which was launched more than four decades ago, offers a huge selection of stocks.<\/p>\n This includes thousands of UK stocks from both the London Stock Exchange and AIM, as well as dozens of international markets. If you are planning to add your stock investments to your ISA, then IG charges a flat commission of \u00a38 per trade.<\/p>\n If, however, you place 3 or more trades in a 30-day period, the commission goes down to just \u00a33. Take note, IG will charge you a quarterly custodial fee of \u00a324 should you fail to trade at least three times over a 3-month period. As such, this does make IG somewhat expensive \u2013 especially when you factor in its share dealing account fees.<\/p>\n $\"best$ <\/p>\n On the other hand, if you are a regular trader \u2013 you could receive free US stock trades if you place at least three orders per month. Additionally, IG also offers a CFD stock trading facility. This isn\u2019t suitable for ISAs and you will pay a variable commission. This stands at 0.10% on UK stocks. Non-UK stocks are charged at different rates depending on the market.<\/p>\n If making tax-efficient trades is important to you, then you might consider the IG spread betting facility. This allows you to trade in a similar way to stock CFDs \u2013 but you won\u2019t pay any tax on your capital gains. In terms of payments, IG requires a minimum deposit of \u00a3250 and it supports debit cards and bank account transfers.<\/p>\n Visit IG<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n \n 8. Hargreaves Lansdown \u2013 Established UK stock trading brokerage account<\/h3>\n $\"Hargreaves$ <\/p>\n Not only does Hargreaves Lansdown have a positive reputation, but it is a notible online stock broker UK if you\u2019re interested in IPOs. All you need to do is register your interest on the Hargreaves Lansdown website, and you\u2019ll be noticed when a new IPO has been announced.<\/p>\n $\"Hargreaves$ <\/p>\n Then, it\u2019s just a case of deciding how much you wish to invest in the IPO, and Hargreaves Lansdown will take care of the rest. Additionally, this online broker is also one of the well-known platforms for research and analysis. You\u2019ll find detailed market insights, stock price analysis, and fundamental research tools \u2013 all of which can be accessed free.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t, however, need to open an account with Hargreaves to read its research materials. Nevertheless, if you do decide to proceed with this broker, the minimum deposit is just \u00a31 \u2013 which you fund with your UK debit card. The platform offers thousands of shares and is regulated by the FCA. Your capital is also protected by the FSCS.<\/p>\n Visit Hargreaves Lansdown<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n \n Our Ranking Criteria for UK Stock Brokers<\/h2>\n We have covered the online trading platforms currently active in the UK investment scene. However, it\u2019s also a good idea to perform a bit of extra research yourself to ensure the platform is right for your trading needs. The way to do this is to focus on a number of core factors \u2013 such as regulation, tradable stocks, commissions, user experience, and payment methods.<\/p>\n Below is an overview of features to look out for when researching UK trading platforms.<\/p>\n UK Stock Trading Regulation<\/h3>\n Before you sign up with a UK stock trading platform \u2013 it\u2019s crucial that you check the provider\u2019s regulatory standing. In most cases, online trading platforms in the UK will be regulated by the FCA<\/a>. This means that you can avoid the worry of choosing a shady broker \u2013 as the FCA is one of the most stringent regulators in this space.<\/p>\n For example, all FCA-regulated UK trading platforms must:<\/p>\n \n Comply with all UK laws surrounding securities trading and investments<\/li>\n Install a KYC (Know Your Customer) program \u2013 meaning all active traders need to have their identity verified<\/li>\n Keep client money in segregated tier-one bank accounts \u2013 ensuring the platform doesn\u2019t use your capital for its own day-to-day expenses<\/li>\n Adhere to regular audits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n In addition to choosing an FCA-regulated provider, reputable UK trading platforms will also be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This means that in the unlikely even the platform runs into financial problems \u2013 your capital is protected up to the first \u00a385,000 \u2013 should they go bankrupt.<\/p>\n At the other end of the spectrum, choosing a stock trading platform that isn\u2019t licensed by the FCA \u2013 or is regulated by an offshore body, means that your capital is at risk.<\/p>\n Tradable Stocks<\/h3>\n Some traders in the UK prefer to stock with UK-listed stocks. This would mean that you are trading equities listed on the FTSE 100, FTSE 250, or even the AIM (Alternative Investment Market).<\/p>\n However, there might come a time where you also wish to add some international stocks to your portfolio \u2013 especially those listed in the US.<\/p>\n For example:<\/p>\n \n The NASDAQ and NYSE exchanges contain some of the largest and most recognized companies in the world. Think along the lines of IBM, Disney, Tesla, Facebook, Amazon, Visa, and Microsoft.<\/li>\n Additionally, if you want to trade stocks listed in the emerging markets, the reliable stock brokers UK give you access to high-growth exchanges in Singapore, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, and Russia.<\/li>\n You should also look to see whether the stock trading platform gives you access to IPOs. This will allow you to invest in or trade companies that have just gone public.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Fees<\/h3>\n It goes without saying that you should always<\/em> check what fees and commissions you will be liable for when trading stocks online. This can come in various forms, so below we explain what fees to keep an eye on in your search for stock brokers in the UK.<\/p>\n Share Dealing Fees<\/h4>\n When you buy stocks online through a traditional brokerage, you will pay a share dealing fee. This is a flat fee that is charged when you buy a stock and again when you cash out.<\/p>\n This means that irrespective of how much you are investing \u2013 the fee will always remain the same. This will actually suit large-scale traders more than those investing small amounts.<\/p>\n For example:<\/p>\n \n Popular stock trading platform Hargreaves Lansdown charges a share dealing fee of \u00a311.95<\/li>\n Let\u2019s suppose you buy \u00a3150 worth of BP stocks<\/li>\n In paying \u00a311.95 on this trade, your commission actually amounts to just under 8%<\/li>\n In other words, you need to value of BP stocks to rise by at least 8% just to break-even<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Fortunately, low-cost UK trading platforms like XTB do not charge any share dealing fees. This means that in the above example \u2013 you could have invested \u00a3150 into BP shares and saved \u00a311.95.<\/p>\n Stock Trading Commission<\/h4>\n While share dealing fees are aligned with traditional share investments, variable commissions are charged when you engage in actual trading. By this, we mean buying and selling stocks throughout the trading day \u2013 as opposed to investing over several years.<\/p>\n \n For example, let\u2019s say your chosen platform charges a commission of 0.1% to trade UK stocks<\/li>\n We\u2019ll then say you placed a buy order on HSBC stocks at a value of \u00a3100<\/li>\n In doing so, you would pay a commission of \u00a30.10<\/li>\n Then, we\u2019ll say you close your HSBC stock trade when it is valued at \u00a3150<\/li>\n Again paying a small commission of 0.1%\u00a0 \u2013 this time your fee amounts to \u00a30.15<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n A variable commission is much more viable for small stock trading stakes, as your fee is relative to the amount you stake. However, keep an eye on platforms that have a \u2018minimum\u2019 commission in place \u2013 as many do.<\/p>\n Stock Spreads<\/h4>\n Once you have assessed whether you will be paying a share dealing fee or variable commission \u2013 don\u2019t forget to check what spreads you will be charged. This is typically overlooked by newbie traders, so allow us to explain further.<\/p>\n In a nutshell, all stock trading apps in the UK, make money through the spread. This is how they are able to offer commission-free trading<\/a>. The spread is simply the difference between the \u2018bid\u2019 and \u2018ask\u2019 price of a stock. If the gap between these two prices is too big, then you are indirectly paying more to trade.<\/p>\n To give you an idea:<\/p>\n \n XTB offers an average variable spread of 0.70% on major stocks<\/li>\n This means that when you open your stock trade\u00a0 \u2013 the value of your position will immediately stand at negative 0.70%<\/li>\n In other words, you need the value of your stock to increase by 0.70% to get back to the break-even point<\/li>\n Any gains above 0.70% is pure profit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Now, the key problem is that many stock trading platforms in the UK fail to state what the spread is on a particular market. As such, to ensure you are not getting a bad deal \u2013 quickly calculate this yourself.<\/p>\n $\"spreads$ <\/p>\n For example, in the image above \u2013 you can see that Hargreaves Lansdown is offering a bid (buy) and ask (sell) price on GlaxoSmithKline shares of 1,224.40p and 1,225.00p respectively. This works out at a spread of just 0.049% \u2013 which is competitive.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, you\u2019ll then get hit with an \u00a311.95 share dealing fee \u2013 which completely wipes out the competitiveness of the spread.<\/p>\n Overnight Financing<\/h4>\n Another stock trading fee that is overlooked by newbies is that of overnight financing. This is a daily fee charged when you keep a leveraged CFD stock position open overnight<\/a>. Each stock trading platform will have a set time when this kicks in \u2013 such as 6 pm.<\/p>\n This means that for each day you keep a CFD trade open past 6 pm, you will pay a small fee. This is why CFD trading platforms<\/a> \u2013 although appropriate for low fees, leverage, and short-selling \u2013 are suited for short-term strategies.<\/p>\n Trading Tools & Features<\/h3>\n If you\u2019re the type of individual that is simply looking for a platform to buy and sell stocks \u2013 then you might not be too concerned about trading tools. However, this might be somewhat short-sighted, as we came across a plethora of notable features that can take your stock trading endeavors to the next level.<\/p>\n This includes the following:<\/p>\n Short-Selling<\/h4>\n The thing about stock trading<\/em> \u2013 as opposed to buying<\/em> shares, is that you get to determine whether you think the equity will rise or fall in value. In order to do this, you need to choose a stock trading platform that offers CFDs (contracts-for-differences). This is simply a financial instrument that tracks the real-time price of the stock \u2013 meaning that you don\u2019t actually own it.<\/p>\n All of the* UK trading platforms<\/a> reviewed on this page offer CFDs \u2013 so you can choose from a \u2018buy order\u2019 if you think the share price will increase or a \u2018sell order\u2019 if you think it will decrease.<\/p>\n Leverage<\/h4>\n An additional benefit of choosing a stock trading platform that offers share CFDs is that you can apply leverage. This allows you to \u2018multiply\u2019 the size of your stake. In the UK, retail investor clients can apply leverage of up to 1:5 when trading stocks.<\/p>\n For example, if you had an account balance of \u00a3200 and applied leverage of 1:5 on a Royal Mail stock CFD \u2013 this means that you can enter a stock trade worth \u00a31,000. Once again, all of the shares trading platforms in the UK that we have reviewed today offer leverage.<\/p>\n Fractional Shares<\/h4>\n The best online stock brokers in the UK that we came across , allows you to buy \u2018fractional shares\u2019. This means that you can buy a small fraction of one stock \u2013 rather than needing to spend more than your budget allows. The minimum investment will vary from platform to platform \u2013 but at XTB there is no minimum deposit.<\/p>\n For example:<\/p>\n \n Let\u2019s say that you wish to invest in Google (Alphabet) stocks<\/li>\n At current prices, one Google share is worth $2,003 \u2013 or about \u00a31,400<\/li>\n You decide to stick with the minimum \u2013 so invest \u00a335 into Google<\/li>\n This means that you own approximately 2.5% of a single Google stock<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Crucially, your profits and losses will still work out the same when engaging in fractional ownership. For example, if Google stocks increase in value by 50%, your \u00a335 investment would now be worth \u00a352.50. As such, the specific number of shares that you own is irrelevant, as gains are based on the amount you invest.<\/p>\n Stock News<\/h4>\n I\u2019s important to choose a stock trading platform that offers relevant, up-to-date financial news. This will allow you to make informed decisions about which stock trades to place.<\/p>\n \n For example, if Vodafone announces that it has just won a government contract on 5g technology \u2013 this will all-but-certainly result in an increased stock price.<\/li>\n As such, you would want to be made aware of this, and any other important news, as soon as the story breaks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n On the other hand, if you\u2019re chosen stock trading platform doesn\u2019t offer real-time news \u2013 this isn\u2019t overly problematic. This is because you can obtain this information from a third-party website for free.<\/p>\n Demo Account<\/h3>\n All of the stock broker UK providers discussed on this page offer a demo account \u2013 barring Hargreaves Lansdown. Put simply, this allows you to trade stocks with your chosen broker without depositing or risking any money.<\/p>\n Instead, the stock trading platform will give you an allocation of \u2018paper funds\u2019. This allows you to buy, sell, and trade stocks in live market conditions \u2013 in a 100% risk-free way.<\/p>\n Demo accounts are not only suitable for first-time traders \u2013 but seasoned pros that wish to test out new systems and strategies.<\/p>\n Payment Methods<\/h3>\n When you open an account with a stock trading platform, you will then be asked to make a deposit. After all, in order to make financial gains from your stock trading endeavors, you need to risk your own money. As such, check to see what payment methods your chosen platform supports.<\/p>\n All of the stock trading apps reviewed on this page allow you to make a deposit with a debit\/credit card or UK bank transfer.<\/p>\n Customer Service<\/h3>\n Finally, it\u2019s crucial the pick a stock trading platform that puts the customer experience at the heart of everything. This means offering a support system around the clock \u2013 preferably via a Live Chat facility.<\/p>\n Some of the platforms discussed today \u2013 such as Hargreaves Lansdown, also offer a telephone service. Be careful with this though, as if you place a telephone trade at Hargreaves, you need to pay a surcharge for this.<\/p>\n How To Start Stock Trading in the UK \n<\/strong><\/h2>\n If you\u2019re ready to start buying and selling shares online \u2013 we are now going to walk you through the stock trading process like-for-like. For our tutorial, we are showing you the required steps to join a commission-free stock trading platform and step by step-by-step guide how to buy shares UK.<\/p>\n Step 1: Open a Trading Account<\/h3>\n You will first need to open an account at a regulated platform<\/a>. You can do this online or via your mobile phone by heading over to a provider\u2019s website.<\/p>\n $\"create$ <\/p>\n Follow the on-screen instructions by providing your:<\/p>\n \n Personal information<\/li>\n Contact details<\/li>\n National insurance number<\/li>\n Creating a username and password<\/li>\n Verifying your email address and mobile number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Step 2: Confirm Identity<\/h3>\n You will now be asked to provide a copy of your passport or driver\u2019s license as part of the KYC process. Additionally, a copy of a recently-issued utility bill or bank account statement.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: You can upload the above documents later, but you will need to do this before you can request a withdrawal.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Step 3: Deposit Funds<\/h3>\n You will need to deposit some funds into your stock trading account before you can start trading stocks.<\/p>\n Choose from one of the following supported payment types:<\/p>\n \n Visa<\/li>\n MasterCard<\/li>\n Maestro<\/li>\n Paypal<\/a><\/li>\n Skrill<\/li>\n Neteller<\/li>\n Bank Transfer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Step 4: Search for a Stock\u00a0<\/h3>\n Now that you have a fully-funded account, click on the \u2018Trade markets\u2019 button, followed by \u2018Stocks\u2019. This will give you a full breakdown of which stocks you can trade. You can use the filter buttons to narrow your search down by the exchange (e.g. NYSE) or sector (e.g. consumer goods).<\/p>\n If you already know which stock you wish to trade \u2013 you can instead search for it. When the respective stock loads up, click it.<\/p>\n Step 5: Place a Stock Trade<\/h3>\n If you want to apply leverage (maximum 1:5 on stocks), you can select your multiple.<\/p>\n To place your commission-free stock trade, click on the \u2018Open Trade\u2019 button.<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/h2>\n All in all, finding the right stock trading platform UK for your needs can take a lot of time. As we have covered extensively, there are many important factors to consider before taking the plunge.<\/p>\n This includes everything from regulation, and supported markets to fees, spreads, and payment methods. You also need to check whether the provider offers tools like Copy Trading, leverage, short-selling, and financial news.<\/p>\n When choosing a stock trading platform in the UK many opt for one that\u2019s FCA regulated and FSCS protected<\/a>, with a range of stocks across different UK and international markets.<\/p>\n Visit XTB<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n <\/em><\/p>\n FAQs<\/h2>\n \n \n Which stock trading site is for beginners in the UK? If you're a novice investor looking for an online share trading platform, XTB wins hands down. The platform allows you to trade from just 0.01 lots, and comes packed with educational tools and guides. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n \n What is an online share trading platform with low fees? If you're searching for a share broker in the UK in terms of fees, XTB allows you to buy and sell 3000+ stocks on a commission-free basis. Additionally, the provider waivers the 0.5% stamp duty tax that you pay on UK stocks.<\/div>\n <\/section>\n \n How do I trade on the stock market UK? Trading UK stocks online has never been easier. All you need to do is open an online brokerage account, make a deposit, and then choose which stocks you want to trade. Just make sure that your chosen broker is regulated by the FCA. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n \n Is stock trading legal in UK? Yes, the UK stock trading scene has never been more popular - especially with retail clients. As such, you can legally buy, sell, and trade stocks from the comfort of your home. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n \n How much money do you need to trade stocks UK? Many UK share brokers now offer fractional stocks - meaning that you can trade with really small amounts. At XTB, for example, the minimum stock trade is just 0.01 lots. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n \n How do you trade UK stocks with leverage? If you want to trade UK stocks with leverage, you need to choose a platform that offers share CFDs. UK share brokers will offer leverage of up to 1:5 on stocks - meaning you can trade with five times the size of your account balance. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n \n What is the a free stock trading platform in the UK? If you want to trade stocks for free, you need to choose a commission-free share broker. XTB is one such example - as the platform doesn't charge any share dealing fees. <\/div>\n <\/section>\n <\/div>\n\n

Fees<\/h3>\nIt goes without saying that you should always<\/em> check what fees and commissions you will be liable for when trading stocks online. This can come in various forms, so below we explain what fees to keep an eye on in your search for stock brokers in the UK.<\/p>\n

Step 5: Place a Stock Trade<\/h3>\nIf you want to apply leverage (maximum 1:5 on stocks), you can select your multiple.<\/p>\nTo place your commission-free stock trade, click on the \u2018Open Trade\u2019 button.<\/p>\n

Fees<\/h3>\n
It goes without saying that you should always<\/em> check what fees and commissions you will be liable for when trading stocks online. This can come in various forms, so below we explain what fees to keep an eye on in your search for stock brokers in the UK.<\/p>\n

Step 5: Place a Stock Trade<\/h3>\n
If you want to apply leverage (maximum 1:5 on stocks), you can select your multiple.<\/p>\n
To place your commission-free stock trade, click on the \u2018Open Trade\u2019 button.<\/p>\n