Spread Betting Platforms Reviewed.

The UK’s Best Spread Betting Platforms Reviewed.
Trusted by 15,000+ Traders Monthly

The Best Spread Betting Platforms in the UK

£500 Recommended Deposit 

Best Overall


City Index is a historic spread betting brand in the UK, backed by StoneX group who also built Forex.com.

5.0

Spread Bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% 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.

£500 Recommended Deposit 

Best All-Rounder


Vantage Markets in a seasoned provider of both CFD & Spread Betting tools with a range of over 1000+ instruments to trade

4.8

70.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Bets with this provider.

£500 Recommended Deposit 

Best for Variety


IG offers 17,000+ trading instruments and combines robust regulation with cutting-edge tools like ProRealTime, TradingView, and L2 Dealer.

4.8

69% 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.

£500 Recommended Deposit 

Best Reputation


Pepperstone is a Melbourne-based broker that offers an excellent selection of trading instruments in the financial trading markets, including commodities, shares, ETFs and more.

4.8

75.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading on margin with this provider

£250 recommended deposit 

Best for Forex


Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is a gloablly regulated and widely-recognised broker offering excellence in their proprietary platform. 

4.5

83% 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.

£250 Recommended Deposit 

Best for CFD's


XTB offers a proprietary platform with incredible trading resources & educational material in an easy-to-use, low cost trading environment. Perfect for currency traders.

4.5

76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with XTB Limited. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

£250 Recommended Deposit 

Best for Beginners


TradeNation offers a proprietary trading platform with fixed spreads resulting in an easy, reliable trading environment for those just getting started.

4.3
73.6% 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.

£250 recommended deposit 

Best Service
Founded in 1999, one of the old-heads in the industry, SpreadEx has won multiple accolades for it's outstanding customer service and great range of markets. 

4.3

64% of retail investors lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.

£300 Recommended Deposit 

Best in TradingView


EightCap is our favourite TradingView broker for CFD trading. No spread betting yet, but great for CFD trading on TradingView.

4.0

70% 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.


The Best Trading Tools

Most widely-used trading platform 

£12.95/month
Incredible trading platform with the widest range of indicators and markets.

4.8
Our Recommendation

We recommend downloading the Premium or Pro packages to unlock the best indicators and a wider range of markets.The higher packages offer multiple indicators on your chart.

Most Trusted Prop Firm in the UK 

from £75.00+


£10,000 accounts from only £75 up to £900 for £140,000 trading account size

5.0
Our Recommendation

Start with the free demo account then purchase a size you feel comfortable with.


The Best VPS Providers

Best VPS Provider

£25.00/month


ForexVPS is the leading VPS provider for automated / algorithmic trading strategies.

Our Recommendation

We recommend Basic or BasicPlus packages initially then scaling as needed.

Budget Friendly VPS Provider

£16.00/month


FXVM is a super solid and budget-friendly VPS provider for automated trading strategies.

Our Recommendation

We recommend Lite or Basic packages initially then scale as needed.

Best for Advanced VPS Users

$25.00/month


TradingFXVPS despite it's long name is one of the fastest VPS providers in the market.

Our Recommendation

Great packages all-round for advanced, automated trading strategies

Most Flexible VPS Provider

£3.67/month


Flexible and user-friendly VPS provider for scaling beginner automated trading operations.

Our Recommendation

Fantastic for UK traders looking to scale with a provider.


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Your Broker Recommendations

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Pepperstone

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AvaTrade

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What We Do

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Broker Reviews

Need to choose a spread betting broker or trading platform? We provide the best platform reviews.

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Want to know how to implement an algorithmic or AI trading strategy? Our guides will help you get there.

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Beginner’s Guides

What is spread betting? Learn to spread bet online and find the trading broker or spread betting platform for you.


Who We Are

Spread Betting Platforms & Brokers Compared.

Just as you would compare cars or shoes online, Spread Bet is dedicated to finding the best trading platforms & spread betting brokers for UK traders.

We compare features and functionality of top trading brokers to bring you informed, impartial advice for spread betting online.

In some cases, we may receive compensation if you decide to trade with a broker but unlike other sites, we do not rank or compare any of the brokers on our site based on commission – we rate spread betting brokers only based on our transparent criteria below & our personal experience.


Latest Articles

Learn about Spread Betting & Trading in the UK.


How We Evaluate Brokers & Platforms

Important Trading Broker Functionalities.

Review Criteria

Market range: We believe that the depth of the markets offered is an extremely important factor in choosing a broker. Can you trade popular US stocks? Can you trade crosses in FX? All of this is captured in this criteria.

Trading Platforms: Whilst unique and proprietary platforms aren’t explicitly a good thing, we do assess whether, and to what extent, brokers have invested in making the platform trading experience exciting and easy-to-use.

Customer Service: Want to get in touch to withdraw your money same-day? Have a query about the broker platform and need immediate assistance? All of this will feed into our customer service ratings.

Fees: Last but certainly not least, the price paid per lot while trading or on spread betting accounts matters – all of this adds up and will either hit or reward your bank balance.

All of our reviews are conducted with the highest integrity & review standards – we have actively used all products we review and have shared impartial knowledge on each.


Best Spread Betting Broker in December 2024: IG Markets

Awarded December 2024

Spread Betting Broker of the Month

Our Favourite Broker in December 2024

IG has been awarded the “Spread Bet Broker of the Month” having consistently over-performed in our rankings for the range of spread betting markets and tools they offer. With over 17,000+ markets to choose from and a combination of both proprietary and third-party platforms, IG has all bases covered. They provide excellent customer service and fantastic tools to get you started.


What is Spread Betting?

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1. What is spread betting?

Spread Betting is a tax-free trading alternative available in some jurisdictions like the UK. It enables speculators / traders to bet on a price direction without owning the underlying asset and profit whether the price rises or falls.

2. How many people spread bet a year?

There are roughly 92,000 active spread bettors in the Uk with 65% between the ages of 18-34 and with the majority of those being men. Some trade full-time and others are part-time or hobbyists.

3. Who is the best spread betting broker?

Our top brokers can always be found on our homepage where you can read the detailed reviews of each broker, find which is best for you and ultimately start trading.

4. Is spread betting like options trading?

No, spread betting is more akin to investing in the financial markets with a lot of leverage (capital that is borrowed in order to place a trade that amplifies both winnings and losses) – options are a binary, time-bound trade in which you predict the price will rise above or below a certain price by a certain time.

5. Why would you spread bet?

All profits from spread betting are tax-free so this provides a financial incentive. Also, if you want to get access to leveraged capital which can boost your winnings, the only way to do this for an average retail trader is through either CFD’s or spread betting. CFD’s are taxed, spread bets are not.

6. How do I get started?

Here! We offer free spread betting guides, resources and tools to help you decide which broker or platform would be best for your needs.


Best Spread Betting Brokers

Best Spread Betting Platforms Overall

The best spread betting broker in 2024, according to our research and criteria, is City Index. Although, after thorough testing, IGPepperstoneCity Index, and Vantage Markets emerged as top choices for spread betting in 2024.

With over 12,000+ markets, tight spreads, and a user-friendly proprietary platform, City index is ideal for both new and seasoned traders. Their reliable execution speed and comprehensive educational resources make them an excellent choice for UK traders. However, there may be other factors that you might want to consider when choosing a spread betting broker. Here are some other considerations.

Wide Market Access

Access to diverse instruments is crucial. IG leads with over 17,000 tradable assets, including exclusive weekend indices like the FTSE 100. City Index offers an impressive 12,000+ markets, while Pepperstone shines with forex pairs and Vantage Markets specialises in CFD trading across global equities and commodities.

Great Proprietary Platforms

When it comes to proprietary platforms, IG sets the benchmark again, with several proprietary platforms offering advanced charting tools and fast execution. City Index’s Web Trader keeps things simple for new traders while providing robust functionality for more experienced users. For those who prefer flexibility, Pepperstone supports integration with cTrader and TradingView, giving you access to powerful third-party tools.

Advanced Analysis and Automation

Experienced traders demand cutting-edge analytics. ProRealTime on City Index and TradingView on Pepperstone are standout tools for algorithmic strategies and custom indicators. Meanwhile, IG’s platform integration allows seamless switching between manual trading and automation, perfect for diversifying approaches.

Transparent Fees & Costs

Low spreads and competitive fees define the top 3 brokers. Pepperstone’s Razor account starts at 0.0 pips with a small commission, while IG balances slightly higher spreads with superior tools and a transparent fee structure. Vantage Markets appeals to cost-conscious traders with tight spreads and no deposit fees.


Why Compare Spread Betting Platforms?

As full-time traders & spread bettors ourselves, we know that it can be difficult to choose the right broker but it’s essential to a successful spread betting experience. Here’s why comparing brokers is important and what you should look for:

Customer Support: Great customer support can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re trading around the clock and require fast assistance.

Cost of Trading: Different brokers use varied pricing structures. Some offer tighter spreads on specific markets, while others might waive commission fees entirely. For spread betting, low spreads directly translate to lower costs and greater potential profits.

Market Variety: Whether you’re interested in forex, indices, stocks, or commodities, the range of markets a broker offers can significantly impact your trading flexibility.

Platform Usability: A broker’s trading platform can enhance your trading experience. User-friendly, intuitive platforms with advanced tools can make a big difference in executing timely trades.

Two male traders at computer screens trading and reviewing brokers

Why FCA Regulation Matters?

What Does FCA Regulated Mean?

Choosing an FCA-regulated broker is essential in ensuring a safe trading experience. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s primary financial regulatory body, setting standards for brokers operating within the region. Here’s why it’s important for spread bettors:

Fair Market Practices: The FCA mandates fair play in financial services, enforcing penalties on brokers who engage in fraudulent or manipulative practices. When you choose an FCA-regulated broker, you have peace of mind knowing the broker operates transparently and fairly.

Security and Transparency: FCA-regulated brokers must follow stringent rules to protect traders’ funds, including segregating client funds from their operational funds. This means your money is protected and accessible, even if the broker faces financial difficulties.

Negative Balance Protection: FCA regulation requires brokers to offer negative balance protection, which ensures that traders won’t lose more than their initial investment. This rule is especially beneficial for new traders who might otherwise be vulnerable to significant losses.


Trading Platforms for Spread Betting

What Are The Spread Betting Platforms?

Trading platforms are the heart of your trading experience, so it’s important to choose one that fits your trading style and skill level. Most spread betting brokers provide several options, each with its own strengths:

TradingView: Many brokers offer integration with TradingView, a powerful charting tool favored by technical analysts. If you’re keen on charting and want to combine it with quick trade execution, look for brokers that support TradingView.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Known for its simplicity and vast library of indicators, MT4 is ideal for beginner and intermediate traders. It supports automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), making it popular with traders focused on forex and indices.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5): An enhanced version of MT4, MT5 provides more advanced order types, timeframes, and analytical tools. If you’re interested in trading a diverse range of assets, MT5 is a robust choice.

cTrader: Built with transparency in mind, cTrader offers Level II pricing and customizable charting tools, making it a favorite for scalpers and high-frequency traders. Its intuitive design is also friendly for traders who are new to advanced platforms.

Proprietary Platforms: Some brokers offer their own platforms, which may include unique tools and features. These can be ideal for traders seeking specialized functionalities or a simplified interface for ease of use.


Best Brokers for Beginners

Best Spread Betting Platforms for Beginners.

The best overall broker for beginners according to our research and criteria is TradeNation. It has a fixed-spread cost structure which is great for beginners, it is a dedicated spread betting platform, and has great customer service. However, there may be other factors that you might want to consider when choosing a spread betting platform. Here are some considerations.

User-Friendly Brokers

Beginners benefit from intuitive platforms that simplify the trading process. Look for brokers offering MT4, MT5, or a well-designed proprietary platform. Brokers like Pepperstone and AvaTrade provide user-friendly interfaces that make navigating trading charts and tools straightforward.

Low-Deposit Requirements

As a beginner, you’ll likely want to start with smaller trades. Brokers with low or no minimum deposits, like Trade NationSpreadEx or Vantage Markets, are excellent choices for traders looking to ease into the market without a significant financial commitment.

Educational Resources

Brokers like City Index and ActivTrades offer a wealth of educational materials, including tutorials, webinars, and demo accounts, which are invaluable for learning trading basics. Choosing a broker with comprehensive educational content can fast-track your learning and build your confidence as a trader.

Demo Accounts

Demo accounts allow beginners to practice with virtual funds, gaining practical experience without risking real money. Brokers like Pepperstone and SpreadEx provide free demo accounts, making it easy to experiment and develop strategies in a risk-free environment.


Best Forex Brokers for Spread Betting

What to Look for in a Forex Broker.

American Dollars on a wooden table showing currency and currency trading in spread betting

The best forex broker for spread betting is ActivTrades. They have won awards from various different publications in this area specifically, and have fantastic proprietary platform with excellent customer service. They are our top pick for forex spread betting.

If you are interested in forex spread betting, choosing a broker with low spreads, fast execution, and forex-centric tools is crucial so here are the top considerations when selecting a forex spread betting broker:

Forex Spreads: For forex trading, low spreads are crucial. Brokers like Pepperstone and EightCap are known for their tight forex spreads, which can help you minimise trading costs, especially when trading frequently.

High Leverage Options: While retail traders in the UK are limited to leverage of up to 1:30, professional traders can access higher leverage with some brokers. Brokers like AvaTrade and Vantage Markets offer professional accounts with leverage up to 1:500, providing experienced traders more flexibility.

Specialized Tools and Platforms: Many forex brokers support advanced trading tools, including EAs on MT4/MT5 or Level II pricing on cTrader. If you use automated strategies, consider brokers with VPS options, such as AvaTrade and Pepperstone, which can enhance the performance of algorithmic trading.

Fast Execution and Low Latency: Forex trading relies on speed, especially for day trading and scalping strategies. Look for brokers with servers in major financial hubs and fast execution, such as ActivTrades and Vantage Markets, which reduce latency and improve the likelihood of favorable fills.


What Are the Risks of Spread Betting?

What Are the Risks of Spread Betting?

While spread betting offers unique benefits like tax-free profits and the ability to trade on leverage, it’s essential to understand the associated risks.

Leverage and Amplified Losses: Leverage allows you to control larger positions with a smaller deposit but it also amplifies losses. For example, if you’re trading with 10x leverage, a 1% market move against your position means a 10% loss of your deposited capital. This can quickly deplete your account so it’s crucial to manage leverage carefully.

Market Volatility and Price Movements: While volatility offers profit potential, it also increases the risk of sudden, large losses. Spread bettors need to be aware of market-moving events and adjust their positions or use risk management tools, like stop-loss orders, to limit exposure.

Overnight and Rollover Costs: Holding positions overnight incurs daily rollover or financing fees, which can add up if you’re holding positions long term. This is especially important for spread bettors who plan to hold positions for several days or weeks. Understanding and factoring in these fees is essential.

Margin Calls and Account Liquidation: Spread betting on leverage means that only a small deposit (margin) is required to open positions, but if the market moves against you, your broker may issue a margin call. This requires you to add funds to maintain your position, and failure to do so may result in your broker liquidating your trade.

Overtrading: The fast-paced nature of spread betting can lead to emotional trading. Managing emotions and sticking to a trading plan is critical to avoiding unnecessary risk and maintaining a disciplined approach.


Most Popular Guides

Learn the fundamentals of spread betting online & trading CFDs with stocks & currencies.

1. Where to Learn to Spread Bet?
2. How to Spread Bet Currencies?
3. How to Spread Bet Stocks
4. What is Spread Betting?

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1. Best Spread Betting Platforms
2. Best Trading Platforms UK
3. Spread Betting Broker Reviews
4. Where to Spread Bet in the UK?

Trade with automated strategies or build an AI to spread bet your strategies.

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Spread betting strategies & tips to find value & trade the markets.

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2. Algorithmic Spread Betting
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