Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
The Best Online Trading Platforms for Beginners in the UK
MoneyMagpie team
28th Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page. This does not affect our reviews.
The Best Trading Platforms for Beginners in The UK
We’ve compared the fees, features and apps of the UK’s main share trading platforms so you can quickly see which one suits you.
Best for copy trading.
FREE £20 SHARE + Access to MoneyMagpie Invest Course
Capital at risk. Fees apply. T&Cs apply.
- Commission-free stocks and ETFs. Commission-free trading and no custody fees.
- Strong mobile app. Reviewers rate the app highly and say social and copy trading make investing feel interactive
- Crypto alongside shares. It’s a good fit if you value crypto trading, social investing, and the ability to copy experienced traders.
Best for active traders.
Zero fees on US shares and ETFS
Capital at risk. T&Cs apply.
- Interest on cash. IG also pays a generous 3.75% interest on uninvested cash held in GBP on a maximum balance of £100,000.
- 12,000+ global shares, with commission-free US shares
- Tools for experienced traders. It offers an advanced platform or direct market access (DMA) with L2 Dealer, plus a simpler app for beginners
Best for US shares.
Commission-free trading on UK and US shares
Capital at risk.
- Cheap SIPP. The SIPP fees are low at £132 a year, making it cheaper than many other flat-fee pension providers
- Broad choice. Thousands of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and investment trusts from the UK, US and Germany
- Backed by an established firm. It was launched in 2022 by UK investment firm CMC Markets.
Best for larger portfolios.
Investing for the whole family
Capital at risk. T&Cs apply.
- One flat fee for everything. From February 2026, a single monthly fee covers your ISA, SIPP, and GIA. The Core plan is a flat £5.99 a month.
- Family perks. Family accounts and free Junior ISAs on Plus/Premium plans.
- Free regular investing. Set up a monthly buy and pay zero dealing charges
The Best UK Trading Apps Compared
| Platform | Our score | Min. deposit | Fee per trade | Platform fee | Offer | Start now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eToro | 9/10 | $50 | £0 | £0 | £20 Free share | Go to site |
| IG | 8/10 | No minimum | £0 | £0 | No current offer | Go to site |
| CMC Invest | 8/10 | £1 | £0 | £0 GIA / up to £6.99 ISA / up to £10.99 SIPP | No current offer | Go to site |
| InvestEngine | 7.5/10 | £100 | £0 | £0 DIY / 0.25% managed | No current offer | Go to site |
| interactive investor | 7/10 | No minimum | £3.99 | From £5.99 a month | No current offer | Go to site |
How we score trading platforms
We look at costs, features, ease of use and the range of investments on offer, then give each platform a score out of 10.
All investing should be seen as long term. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a guide to future returns. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, speak to a financial adviser.
Capital at risk.
How to choose a trading platform
The best platform is the one that fits how you invest. Here’s what to look at:
- Fees and charges. Some platforms charge a flat fee per trade, others take a percentage of your pot each year.
- What you can buy. Check it offers the shares, ETFs or funds you want.
- Ease of use. Some apps are built for experienced traders and can feel complicated if you’re new.
- Research and tools. Good charts and research help you understand what you’re buying.
- Account types. If you want an ISA or SIPP, make sure the platform offers one.
- Regulation. Only use platforms authorised by the FCA.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start investing as a beginner?
Make sure you have an emergency fund first and only invest money you can leave alone for at least five years. Then pick a low-cost platform and start small while you learn.
Do I pay tax on money made through a trading app?
You may pay dividend tax and capital gains tax above your annual allowances. Investing through a stocks and shares ISA shields your gains and dividends from tax, up to the £20,000 yearly ISA allowance.
Are trading platforms safe?
Most are, but always check the platform is authorised by the FCA. Look for FSCS protection too, which can cover you if the platform itself goes bust. It doesn’t protect you from investments falling in value.
What’s the difference between a trading app and a platform?
“Platform” usually means the provider as a whole. The app is the mobile or desktop tool you use to trade and manage your account. Most people use the two words interchangeably.
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