Top 6 UK CFD Brokers: Reviews 2025
Best CFD brokers are the way UK traders access global markets without owning the underlying asset. With so many CFD brokers in the UK, finding the best one can be hard. This guide reviews the top 5 UK CFD brokers 2025, comparing features, fees and usability so you can decide.
Updated January 8, 2025.
In this article
Top 6 UK CFD Brokers 2025
Why ForTrade?
What to look for in a CFD broker
CFD Platforms
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What is CFD Trading?
CFD trading is speculating on price movements of financial instruments like shares, forex, commodities and indices. You can profit from rising and falling markets. But it comes with a high risk of losing money, especially for retail investor accounts as most traders don’t use effective risk management tools. A significant percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading these activities. Potential traders should carefully consider their understanding of these complex instruments and their ability to bear the associated risks of financial loss.
What are CFDs
A Contract for Difference (CFD) is a financial derivative that allows you to speculate on the price movement of an underlying asset, like shares, commodities or currencies without actually owning the asset. CFDs are popular because of their flexibility and you can get exposure to many markets. By trading CFDs you can profit from price movements in many financial instruments without having to buy the underlying asset.
How CFDs Work
When you enter a CFD trade you are agreeing to exchange the difference in the price of the underlying asset between when you open and close the trade. If the price of the underlying asset moves in your favour you will get a profit. If it moves against you you will get a loss. CFDs are traded on margin, meaning you only need to deposit a small percentage of the total trade value to open a position. This leverage can magnify both gains and losses so it’s essential to use effective risk management tools.
CFD Trading Benefits
CFD trading offers:
Flexibility: CFDs allow you to speculate on many markets, shares, commodities and currencies.
Leverage: CFDs are traded on margin so you can control big positions with a small amount of capital.
Short selling: CFDs allow you to sell an asset you don’t own which can be useful for hedging or speculating on price movements.
No ownership: CFDs don’t require you to own the underlying asset which can be good for traders who don’t want to hold physical assets.
These benefits make CFD trading a good option for many investors who want to diversify their portfolio and take advantage of market opportunities.
Top 6 UK CFD Brokers 2025
1. IG Markets
Overview
IG Markets is a well known brand in the UK trading scene, one of the best CFD trading platforms for beginners and advanced traders.
Features
17,000+ instruments to trade, forex pairs, commodities, indices and shares.
Market leading charting tools.
Spread betting alongside CFD trading (tax efficient in the UK, no capital gains tax).
Competitive pricing with tight spreads on major instruments.
Pros
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Huge educational resources for new CFD traders.
Seamless integration with multiple platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime.
Cons
Higher withdrawal fees for smaller accounts.
2. CMC Markets
Overview
CMC Markets is a global broker with a powerful platform and competitive spreads, good for forex traders and CFD fans.
Features
Advanced tools for experienced traders.
CFDs, which are transactions involving Contracts for Difference, where you can speculate on price movements across many asset classes without owning the underlying asset.
Access to global markets with 10,000+ instruments.
Demo account to try trading without risking real money.
Pros
Good for forex and commodities.
Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.
Award winning cfd trading platforms with easy to use interfaces.
Cons
Not good for new CFD traders as the platform is complex.
3. eToro
Overview
Known for its social trading, eToro is one of the top CFD brokers and one of the most user friendly CFD and forex trading platforms.
Social trading feature to copy trades from other traders.
Multiple asset classes, including cryptocurrencies, shares and commodities.
Simple and easy to use interface for new CFD traders.
Pros
No commission on stock CFDs.
Access to global markets with a small deposit requirement.
FCA regulated, trading is safe.
Cons
Higher spreads than other brokers.
Limited tools for advanced traders.
4. Plus500
Overview
Plus500 is a cfd provider with a simple platform and competitive pricing.
Features
2,000+ instruments to trade, forex pairs, shares and commodities.
Risk management tools, including guaranteed stop loss. A large proportion of retail CFD accounts lose money, so make sure you understand the risks involved with CFD trading.
No commission on trades with competitive spreads.
Pros
Simple platform for new CFD traders.
Mobile app with full trading functionality.
FCA regulated, compliant and safe.
Cons
Limited charting tools compared to other brokers.
No MetaTrader 4/5.
5. Saxo Markets
Overview
For advanced traders, Saxo Markets is a premium experience with high end investments and direct market access.
Features
10,000+ instruments to trade across global markets, bonds and ETFs.
Advanced trading tools and APIs for custom trading solutions. A clear trading strategy is required to use these tools effectively and make money.
Transparent pricing with competitive spreads.
Pros
A platform for active traders.
Industry leading platforms with advanced analytics.
Personalised service and account managers.
Cons
High minimum deposit.
For professionals, not new CFD traders.
6. ForTrade
Overview
ForTrade is a UK based broker that is known for its simplicity and CFD focus. Good for new CFD traders and experienced users, access to global markets.
Features
300+ instruments, forex pairs, indices, shares and commodities.
Simple platform and mobile app.
Educational resources, webinars, market analysis and tutorials. Trading spread bets also covered, warning of the high risk of losing money fast due to leverage.
Advanced risk management tools, negative balance protection.
Pros
FCA regulated.
Demo account for new traders to try out trading strategies.
Tight spreads and competitive pricing on major instruments.
Full support, personal account managers for new traders.
Cons
Limited charting tools compared to IG or CMC Markets.
Not for high frequency traders who need direct market access or custom solutions.
Why ForTrade?
ForTrade is good for new CFD traders. Simple, safe and full support for retail traders.
Top 6 UK CFD Brokers 2025
IG Markets – Features and education
CMC Markets – Advanced traders and spreads
eToro – Social trading and newbies
Plus500 – Simple platform
Saxo Markets – Advanced tools and high end accounts
ForTrade – Best for new traders with full support and simple
Why ForTrade?
ForTrade is a UK CFD broker because of its simplicity, regulation and support for new traders. Educational resources and platform is good for new CFD traders in 2025.
Now you have more brokers to choose from based on your needs, whether you’re new to CFD trading or a pro looking for advanced tools.
What to look for in a CFD broker
Regulation
Make sure your broker is regulated by a top tier regulator like the FCA to protect your money and a safe trading environment.
Costs
Compare costs, spreads, commission and withdrawal fees as these can eat into your profits.
Platform
Choose a broker with a simple platform and advanced trading tools and customisation options.
Instruments
Look for brokers that have access to multiple asset classes, forex pairs, indices, commodities and underlying assets to diversify your portfolio.
Tutorials
For new CFD traders, tutorials, webinars and demo accounts to speed up learning and results.
CFD Platforms
What are the best CFD platforms for CFD trading?
The best CFD platforms for CFD trading are those that have features and tools to help you make informed decisions and manage your risk. Some of the things to look for in a CFD platform:
Advanced charting tools: to analyse price movements and trends.
Risk management tools: to manage your risk and limit your losses.
Trading strategies: to automate trading decisions and stay disciplined.
Advanced trading tools: stop-loss and take-profit orders to manage your risk and lock in profits.
Some of the top CFD platforms:
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
cTrader
TradingView
These platforms have features and tools to help you make informed decisions and manage your risk. They have advanced charting tools, risk management tools and trading strategies to help you stay disciplined and manage your risk.
Please note that the best CFD platform for you will depend on your individual needs and requirements. Do your own research and compare the platforms before you decide.
FAQs
What is the best CFD platform in the UK?
IG Markets is the best CFD platform in the UK for instruments, pricing and features.
Who is best for CFDs?
CMC Markets and Plus500 for CFDs, spreads, platform and instruments.
Can I trade CFDs in the UK?
Yes you can trade CFDs in the UK if your broker is FCA regulated.
Who is the best broker?
Best broker depends on your trading style. For advanced tools Saxo Markets is top, for newbies eToro is good for social trading.
CFD Trading Tips
Demo Account: Try out trading strategies before risking real money.
Risk Management: Use stop-loss.
Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Stay informed: Monitor volatility and keep up to date with news.
Realistic goals: Don’t chase profits and focus on long term.
Conclusion
UK CFD brokers 2025 have something for all trading styles and experience. From IG Markets’ full range to eToro’s social trading, each broker has its advantages. By considering your needs and looking at fees, platform, instruments and more you can choose the right broker for you and succeed in the market
