Starting to invest can be intimidating, especially when it comes to choosing the best UK trading platforms for beginners. The right platform should offer low trading fees, user-friendly features, and educational resources to help you begin your investment journey with confidence.
In this list, we explore the 8 best UK trading platforms for beginners in 2025. Whether you’re interested in stocks and shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or foreign exchange, these platforms are great for those looking to start trading or start investing with ease. If you’re also considering professional trading, you might want to explore the best prop trading firms for more advanced opportunities.
1. XTB
Overview: XTB is one of the best global online trading platforms, founded in 2004, offering a comprehensive range of investment products, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, and indices. XTB provides access to over 8000 instruments for trading, excluding cryptocurrency trading due to FCA regulations. Their proprietary platform, xStation, is well-suited for beginner traders, offering a user-friendly interface that simplifies the trading process without overwhelming new investors with unnecessary features. XTB also offers commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs up to €100,000 per month, making it an attractive choice for those just starting to invest. Additionally, XTB provides access to a Flexible Stocks & Shares ISA, offering tax-efficient investing.
Fees:
- 0% commission on stocks and ETFs on equivalent of up to €100,000 per month
- 0.2% commission thereafter (minimum £10)
- 0.5% currency conversion fee
Access: Mobile App, Desktop, Tablet
Notable features:
- Proprietary xStation platform known for its speed and ease of use
- Over 8000 instruments available for trading
- Flexible Stocks & Shares ISA with 4.5% interest on uninvested funds for tax-efficient investing
- Free deposits and withdrawals over £50
- Demo account for practice trading
- Educational resources, including webinars and tutorials
- Customer support available 24/5
Why did we choose it? XTB offers a user-friendly experience for beginner investors, with easy access to over 60 hours of educational resources and a wide range of investment options. It’s ideal for those wanting to start trading in stocks and shares and benefit from tax wrappers like ISAs.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Your capital is at risk. The value of your investments may go up or down.Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and ISA regulations which may change.
2. Revolut
Overview: Revolut has grown from a mobile app for banking to a versatile investment platform offering commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. It is one of the best UK trading platforms for beginners, providing a seamless experience for those looking to start investing and manage their finances in one place. Revolut’s investment account gives users access to global markets with no hidden fees.
Fees: Commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs (limited to standard plan).
Access: Mobile App, Desktop
Notable features:
- Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
- Integrated with banking services for easy fund transfers via bank transfer
- Foreign exchange fees are competitive and straightforward
- Access to global markets, including U.S. and European stocks
- Easy-to-use interface with seamless account management
- Educational resources for beginners
Why did we choose it? Revolut is perfect for beginner traders who want a mobile-first, integrated solution that combines trading with personal finance. The platform offers commission-free trading on stocks and shares with no minimum deposit requirements.
3. Moomoo
Overview: Moomoo is a modern investment platform that provides commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and options. Launched by Futu Holdings, Moomoo stands out with its clean interface, educational resources, and community-driven approach, making it an excellent choice for beginner investors. The platform offers powerful trading tools and real-time data, all in a user-friendly design.
Fees: Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs. Options trading incurs a $0.65 fee per contract.
Access: Mobile App, Desktop
Notable features:
- Low fees with commission-free trading
- Advanced charting tools and market analysis
- Educational resources including free online courses
- Real-time financial news and data
- Community-driven forums for support and learning
Why we chose it? Moomoo’s commission-free trading and educational support make it a top choice for beginner investors. Its advanced trading tools and real-time data provide everything you need to start trading with confidence.
4. Swissquote
Overview: Swissquote is a Swiss-based online trading platform that has expanded its services to the UK. It offers access to a wide range of investment options, including stocks and shares, ETFs, bonds, and forex. Swissquote’s investment account gives UK traders the ability to manage a diversified portfolio, with a focus on long-term growth and a regulated environment for safe trading.
Fees: Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs for certain account types. Fees apply for foreign exchange and bonds.
Access: Mobile App, Desktop
Notable features:
- Wide range of investment options including stocks, ETFs, and forex
- Secure and regulated platform
- Educational resources for beginners and advanced traders
- Low fees on stock market investments
- Flexible ISAs for tax-efficient investing
Why did we choose it? Swissquote is ideal for beginners looking for a secure, regulated investment platform with a range of investment options. The platform’s competitive trading fees and educational resources make it a solid choice for newcomers.
5. Pepperstone
Overview: Pepperstone is an Australian-based trading platform that specializes in forex trading and CFDs. It is regulated by the FCA in the UK, providing a safe and secure environment for new traders. Pepperstone offers low foreign exchange fees and provides access to advanced trading tools while maintaining an easy-to-navigate interface suitable for beginner traders.
Fees: Low spreads, commission applies to certain asset classes.
Access: Mobile App, Desktop
Notable features:
- Low foreign exchange fees
- Access to forex trading and CFDs
- Multiple trading platforms including MetaTrader and cTrader
- Educational resources to guide beginners through the trading process
- Customer support available 24/5
Why did we choose it? Pepperstone’s low-cost structure and focus on forex trading make it one of the best platforms for those looking to start trading in the foreign exchange market. Its robust educational resources also help beginners feel more confident in their trades.
6. ActivTrades
Overview: ActivTrades is a UK-based brokerage that offers an easy-to-use trading platform for beginner traders. The platform allows users to trade stocks, forex, commodities, and more. It is FCA-regulated and offers a wide range of investment options and trading tools. ActivTrades also provides access to investment funds and stocks and shares ISAs, making it ideal for those interested in tax-efficient investing.
Fees: Spreads start from 0.8 pips, commission applies to CFDs.
Access: Mobile App, Desktop
Notable features:
- Wide range of investment options including forex, CFDs, and commodities
- Excellent customer support and educational resources
- Flexible Stocks & Shares ISA and investment funds
- Demo account to practice trading without risk
- Competitive platform fees
Why did we choose it? ActivTrades is an excellent option for beginner investors due to its educational support and access to diverse markets. Its tax wrappers like ISAs and the availability of a demo account make it a solid choice for those starting out.
7. Spreadex
Overview: Spreadex is a UK-based investment platform that offers both spread betting and CFD trading. It provides access to a wide range of markets, including stocks, forex, commodities, and indices. The platform is known for its low-cost structure and simple interface, making it ideal for beginner traders who want to start investing in share trading and CFDs.
Fees: Spread-based fees, commissions apply for CFDs.
Access: Mobile App, Desktop
Notable features:
- Low-cost spread betting and CFD trading
- Access to a wide variety of markets, including forex and stocks
- Real-time market analysis and updates
- Demo account to practice trading
- Regulated by the FCA
Why did we choose it? Spreadex offers an easy-to-use platform with low trading fees and access to a variety of markets, making it a great choice for beginners looking to get into share trading and spread betting.
8. Merrill Edge
Overview: Merrill Edge is an investment platform that provides services for trading stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. The platform is well-suited for beginner investors who want to manage their portfolios with easy-to-use tools and comprehensive research. Merrill Edge integrates with Bank of America accounts, providing a seamless investment experience for those who also bank with the institution.
Fees: Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs.
Access: Mobile App, Desktop
Notable features:
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Educational resources and research tools
- Integration with Bank of America accounts for easy transfers
- Wide range of mutual funds and ETFs
- Personalized customer support
Why did we choose it? Merrill Edge is perfect for those who already use Bank of America for their banking needs. The commission-free trading and easy-to-use interface make it ideal for beginner traders who want to start trading in stocks and ETFs.
How to Start Trading for Beginners in the UK?
If you’re new to the world of trading, getting started may feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you navigate your first few trades:
- Choose the Right Platform: Begin by selecting one of the best UK trading platforms for beginners. Look for platforms that offer user-friendly features, educational resources, and low fees. You’ll want a platform that makes it easy to understand trading concepts and doesn’t overwhelm you with complex tools.
- Open a Trading Account: Once you’ve chosen your investment platform, you’ll need to open a trading account. Many platforms offer a demo account where you can practice without risking any real money. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the platform’s interface and trading tools.
- Deposit Funds: After you’ve set up your account, the next step is funding it. Most platforms offer a bank transfer option, and many allow free deposits over a certain amount (e.g., over £50). Some platforms even provide bonuses or promotions for new users, so make sure to check for any available offers.
- Start with Low-Risk Assets: For beginner investors, it’s best to start with low-risk assets like ETFs, stocks, or even a self-invested personal pension (SIPP) if you’re thinking long-term. These assets are easier to understand, and many platforms offer commission-free trading options for them.
- Monitor Your Investments: After making your first trade, keep an eye on your portfolio. Market analysis, provided by many platforms, can help you understand trends and market movements. Staying informed is key to making smart decisions and avoiding common mistakes made by beginner traders.
- Invest Regularly: Consistency is important. Beginner investors often make the mistake of overcommitting to one trade. Instead, focus on small, regular investments, which can be a more effective strategy over time, especially when utilizing tax-efficient investment options like an ISA or SIPP.
- Learn from Your Mistakes: Don’t be discouraged by losses. Trading is a learning process, and every mistake offers a valuable lesson. Use resources like webinars, video tutorials, and market analysis to continue building your knowledge and improving your strategy.
Conclusion
These 8 platforms are some of the best UK trading platforms for beginners in 2025. Whether you’re interested in stocks, forex, ETFs, or commodities, these investment platforms offer excellent tools and resources to help you start trading confidently.
Each platform has its unique features, but they all provide the key elements that beginner investors need to begin their trading journey: low fees, educational resources, and user-friendly trading apps. Be mindful that investing comes with risks, so always ensure you understand the market before making any decisions.