Top 9 UK Spread Betting Platforms

Our list of the best FCA regulated brokers to spread bet with is.

  • Pepperstone - Best Spread Betting Platform In UK
  • City Index - Good MT4 Broker For Spread Betting
  • IG - Best UK Beginner Spread Betting Broker
  • FXCM - Top Spread Betting Broker For Shares
  • FxPro - Best Spread Bet Risk Management Features
  • CMC Markets - Great Spread Bet Financial Broker
  • Spreadex - Top Platform For Finance Spread Bets
  • ThinkMarkets - Good Spread Betting App UK Features
  • Markets.com - Good Spread Betting Demo Account
Broker Our Rating Regulation Standard
EUR/USD Spread
Standard
GBP/USD Spread
Standard
AUD/USD Spread
Raw
EUR/USD Spread
Raw
GBP/USD Spread
Raw
AUD/USD Spread
Commissions
(USD Base)
MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader Execution Speed Minimum Deposit Currency Pairs Crypto CFDs Retail Leverage Prof. Leverage
9.33 FCA, ASIC
CySEC, DFSA
1.12 1.69 1.22 0.17 0.59 0.24 $3.50 77ms $0 62+ 12+ 30:1 500:1 Visit Site
6.83 ASIC, MAS, FCA 0.70 1.1 2.2 0.07 0.011 0.8 $2.50 95ms $150 84+ 25+ 30:1 500:1 Visit Site
6.67 ASIC, FCA, BaFin
FINMA, NFA/CFTC, MAS
CySEC, DFSA, FMA
JFSA, BMA, FSCA
1.13 1.66 1.01 0.16 0.59 0.29 $6.00 174ms $450 100+ 12+ 30:1 200:1 Visit Site
7.93 ASIC, FSCA
FCA, CIRO
BaFin, ISA, CySEC
1.3 1.4 1.7 0.30 0.90 0.40 $3.00 150ms $300 42+ 7+ 30:1 500:1 Visit Site
7.46 FCA, FSCA
CySEC, SCB, FSCM
1.32 1.7 1.95 0.32 0.37 0.51 $3.50 151ms $0 69+ 30+ 30:1 200:1 Visit Site
7.17 ASIC, MAS, FCA
CIRO, FMA, BaFin
1.12 1.30 1.64 0.5 0.9 0.6 $2.50 138ms $0 338+ 19+ 30:1 500:1 Visit Site
6.4 FCA - - - 0.82 1.62 0.77 - - £0 50+ - 30:1 - Visit Site
7.67 FCA, FSCA
ASIC, FSA-S, CySEC
1.1 1.3 1.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 $3.50 161ms $0 46+ 21+ 30:1 500:1 Visit Site
7 ASIC, FCA, CySEC
FSCA, FSC BVI
1.6 1.6 1.9 - - - - 150ms $100 54+ 24+ 30:1 300:1 Visit Site
 

What Are The UK Best Spread Betting Brokers?

There are 26 FCA-regulated brokers licenced to offer spread betting platforms for UK traders. By testing each broker and comparing the spreads, customer service levels, and trading platforms we determined the 2023 best spread betting companies with spread data updated monthly.

1. BEST UK SPREAD BETTING BROKER

Pepperstone
Pepperstone

Forex Panel Score

97

Average Spread

EUR/USD = 0.1
GBP/USD = 0.6
AUD/USD = 0.3

Trading Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, Capitalise.ai

Minimum Deposit

$0

Why We Recommend Pepperstone

We found a number of compelling reasons to recommend Pepperstone as our best spread betting broker. Chief among these is their lowest spreads and fast execution speeds both features we tested ourselves and proved they lead the market in. Another compelling reason we think highly of Pepperstone is because they offer a choice of 4 trading platforms – MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and TradingView so whether you like technical charts for analysis or automation and even social tools, Pepperstone offers options for something for all betting styles.

 

Pros & Cons

  • 1200+ spread betting products
  • Bet with MT4, MT5 and TradingView
  • 24/7 customer service
  • No Islamic swap-free account
  • Only PayPal for e-Wallet funding
  • No spot shares (CFD only)

Broker Details

pepperstone logoPepperstone has the lowest fees and fastest execution speeds

We scored Pepperstone as the best 2023 broker after opening accounts with the better-known spreads betting brokers and comparing their fees and features. Our scorecard favoured Pepperstone because of their:

  • Lowest fee spread betting account
  • Fastest execution speed of any spread betting broker
  • High trust factor with FCA regulation and 300,000+ traders
  • London-based 24/5 customer service
  • Advanced spread betting trading platform
  • Range of markets from currency to shares
  • Voted Best Spread Betting Platform[1]Voted Best Spread Betting Platform in 2021 by the ADVN International Financial Awards

Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone

Pros
  • 1200+ spread betting products
  • Bet with MT4, MT5 and TradingView
  • 24/7 customer service
Cons
  • No Islamic swap-free account
  • Only PayPal for e-Wallet funding
  • No spot shares (CFD only)

Pepperstone Has The Lowest Spreads

We compare average spreads each month of spread betting accounts (commission-free accounts). As most UK traders focus on a handful of currency pairs we focus on major spreads only when making our broker comparison.

The September 2023 spread table below showed that Pepperstone has the lowest spreads on almost all the most traded currency pairs. This included the most traded currency pair (the EUR/USD) and other popular pairings including EUR/GBP, and AUD/USD. Only the top brokers that publish their average spreads and offer spread betting trading were compared.

Spread Betting Account Spreads
1.10 1.20 1.60 1.40 1.40
1.12 1.64 1.80 1.30 1.38
1.32 1.95 3.19 1.70 1.40
1.20 1.80 2.80 1.90 1.60
1.20 1.30 2.70 1.30 1.20
1.40 2.50 4.90 2.10 1.60

Avg. spreads are taken from each broker's website and updated monthly. Last update on 01/09/2023

Pepperstone Has The Fastest Execution Speeds

Our head of research “Ross Collins” opened and then tested the trading accounts over two 26 hours periods using EAs. Of the brokers that offer spread betting, Pepperstone was the fastest with 77ms limit order speed and 100ms market order speed [2]CompareForexBrokers.com execution speed testing based on MT4 platforms. Execution speed matter when spread betting as it ensures your fill an order at the price quoted and to avoid slippage which can lead to unexpected losses (especially when you have a stop-loss order in place).

Broker Overall Limit Order Speed Limit Order Rank Market Order Speed Market Order Rank
Pepperstone 1 77 1 100 2
FXCM 2 108 3 123 3
City Index 3 95 2 131 4
FP Markets 4 225 12 96 1
IC Markets 5 134 5 153 9
FxPro 6 151 9 138 5
GO Markets 7 144 7 145 7
Admirals 8 132 4 182 18
CMC Markets 9 138 6 180 10
IG 10 174 12 141 6
XM 11 148 8 184 11
ThinkMarkets 12 161 11 248 12

The account we measured execution speeds for was the no-commission account with spreads from 0.7 pips. The account has no minimum deposit and the base currency is British Pound (GBP).

pepperstone spread betting account

When you open an account you have four trading platform options:

  1. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) – recommended for trading currencies
  2. MetaTrader 5 (MT5) – recommended for trading CFDs
  3. cTrader – recommended for algorithmic trading
  4. TradingView – recommended for technical analysis with charting

Pepperstone was the TradingView broker of the year[1]Voted Best Spread Betting Platform in 2021 by the ADVN International Financial Awards and the first to bring the software to spread betting (previously it was an exclusive CFD platform). The broker also offers advanced features on MetaTrader including:

  • Multiple chart types, technical indicators, and timeframes
  • Automated trading with Capitalise.ai or Expert Advisors (EAs)
  • Autochartist with basic and advanced order types

best spread betting awardsFinal Verdict On Pepperstone

Trading fees and execution speeds are the two most important factors when spread betting. Pepperstone won both categories with the lowest spreads on most currency pairs and the fastest Limit Order and Market Order speeds. Our testing also found that Pepperstone has the best account opening process[3]Account Opening Testing In 2023 and has a £0 minimum deposit requirement. These factors combined with the fact the broker is FCA regulated led to our best UK spread betting platform Pepperstone recommendation.

Pepperstone ReviewVisit Pepperstone

2. GREAT SPREAD BETTING WITH GSLO

City Index
City Index

Forex Panel Score

68

Average Spread

EUR/USD = 0.07
GBP/USD = 0.011
AUD/USD = 0.8

Trading Platforms

MT4, TradingView, Web Trader

Minimum Deposit

$150

Why We Recommend City Index

While City Index only has spread betting with their in-house developed City Index Trading Platform, we think this gives the broker a point of difference. This platform includes a guaranteed stop-loss order (GSLO) which allows you to manage your risks when taking a punt using the 4,500 available to bet on.

Pros & Cons

  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products
  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products

Broker Details

city index spread bet logoCity Index Offers A Guaranteed Stop Loss With Tight Spreads

City Index is one of the top UK forex brokers with spread betting on a range of asset classes. The broker has over 4,500 different financial products to bet on. These global markets can be accessed through the broker’s web trader platform or via the trading apps they offer designed for mobile and tablet devices.

city-index spread betting account for uk traders

Pricing And Fees

When spread betting with City Index, customers can bet on a range of financial instruments that are competitively priced. As with all spread betting in the UK, profits are tax-free and exempt from stamp duty and Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
City Index Spreads Spread Betting UK
As shown above, the UK broker offers tight spreads, starting as low as 0.5 pips for major currency pairs. Spreads for the Euro/United States Dollar (EUR/USD) fx pair can be as low as 0.5 pips, with average spreads of 0.8 pips. City Index’s full forex product range consists of 65 different currency pairs, along with a solid selection of indices, shares, commodities, metals, bonds, and interest rates.

Although no commission fees are incurred when spread betting with City Index, traders do face overnight financing fees, inactivity fees for dormant accounts, and premium rates for Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders (GSLOs).

  • UK overnight financing fee/swap rates: LIBOR +/-2.5%
  • Inactivity fee: £12 per month after 1 year of inactivity

Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders (GSLOs)

To manage the high risk of spread betting, stop-loss orders and limit orders are available to lock in profits and minimise losses.

Just like free order types, spread betters can pay a premium to place GSLOs. GSLOs ensure positions are closed at the exact price selected by the trader, whereas stop loss and limit orders do not provide guarantees that the pre-selected prices will be matched.

Trading Platforms

City Index’s main trading platform is the City Index Trading Platform (sometimes called WebTrader). We tended to prefer their proprietary online trading platform as it is powered by HTML 5 technology and accessible from any browser. Once feature we really like with the platform is the availability of a guaranteed stop loss order (GSLO) which allows you protect your trading position so you cannot lose more than you are willing to.

Mobile Trading Apps

City Index offers two forex trading apps specifically designed for iOS and Android devices. Many of City Index’s web trader features are available on mobile apps, including different order types such as GSLOs, one-click trading, Reuters news, and custom indicators.

City Index Trading Apps Spread Betting UK

The fully functional and customisable apps provide most of the online platforms charting tools with 60 inbuilt technical indicators and multiple timeframes included. A major benefit to City Index’s trading apps is that traders can easily and instantly contact customer support via the app’s live chat function.

Final Verdict On City Index

We liked City Index’s range of markets you can spread bet across. Their propriety platform has useful features such as charts, technical indicators and a GSLO and these are backed up with competitive spreads to reduce your trading costs. If you really want the most markets to trade, they are worth shortlisting.

City Index ReviewVisit City Index

3. BEST SPREAD BETTING PLATFORM FOR BEGINNERS

IG
IG

Forex Panel Score

81

Average Spread

EUR/USD = 0.16
GBP/USD = 0.59
AUD/USD = 0.29

Trading Platforms

MT4, IG Trading Platform, L2 Dealer, ProRealTime

Minimum Deposit

$250

Why We Recommend IG Group

As the creator of financial spread betting way back in 1974, we just have to include the IG Group on this list. Spread betting is available via 4 platforms – IG Platform which includes a guaranteed stop loss order (GLSO), MetaTrader 4 (which has Expert Advisors for automation and custom indicators), ProRealTime (good for charting and automation) and L2 Dealer.

We also liked  that there are over 17,000 products available to bet on, including 100 Forex pairs and unique financial instruments like interest rates, options, IPOs and thematics.

Pros & Cons

  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products
  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products

Broker Details

IG spread bet logoIG Is Ideal For Novice Traders With An Easy To Use Platform

When spread betting with IG Group, customers gain access to a range of CFDs along with a choice of trading platforms. It should be noted that trading CFDs is not purchasing the underlying asset. Rather it focuses on the price movements of that asset.

The broker’s proprietary trading platform for beginners is offered as a desktop or web trader. The beginner trading platform also offers trading apps designed for tablets and mobiles. For those wanting to use a third-party spread betting platform, ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4 are other options.

IG Markets Spread Betting Platform UK

CFD Product Range

When spread betting with IG Group, customers can gain access to global markets and various asset classes. Available asset classes to spread bet include:

  • Currency Pairs: Over 100 forex pairs
  • Indices: Global including the US 500, FTSE 100, Germany 30
  • Shares: 12,000+ Stocks
  • Exchange-Traded Funds: 6000+ ETFs
  • Commodities: Metals, Oil, Gas, and Softs

ig spread betting account for uk traders

Proprietary Web Platform And Trading Apps

IG Market’s proprietary software for beginners is a user-friendly, customisable platform suitable for all levels of trading experience. The web trader platform can be accessed from any browser, while mobile trading apps are compatible with Android and iOS devices.

An advantage of using IG’s online trading platform is that users can utilise different order types such as Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders (GSLOs) to manage the high risk of spread betting. Platform features available on both the web trader platform and trading apps include:

  • User-friendly, intuitive design
  • Alerts and notifications
  • Economic calendar
  • Real-time Reuters news

IG Markets Web Trader Spread Betting

MetaTrader 4

Many traders prefer MetaTrader 4 due to the platform’s Expert Advisor (EAs) functionality. EAs allow users to automate trading, reducing the time spent conducting analysis and placing orders. In addition to MT4’s inbuilt technical indicators, IG Markets offers an add-on package that provides an additional 12 MT4 add-ons.

IG Markets MT4 Spread Betting

Overall, IG Group is the best spread betting broker for beginners based on the provider’s trading platform, customer service, and range of markets. IG Group is the largest retail foreign exchange broker which can be reassuring for those new to spread trading.
IG Markets ReviewVisit IG Markets

4. BEST SPREAD BETTING PLATFORM FOR SHARES

FXCM
FXCM

Forex Panel Score

75

Average Spread

EUR/USD = 0.3
GBP/USD = 0.9
AUD/USD = 0.4

Trading Platforms

MT4, TradingView, Trading Station, Capitalise.ai

Minimum Deposit

$300

Why We Recommend FXCM

FXTM spread betting starts from 0.7 points and betting is available via FXCM’s Trading Station as well as 3rd party platforms such as MT4, TradingView and Ninjatrader. We liked that you can bet on shares for the following markets, the US, the UK, the EU and Hong Kong and thought their 3 Forex baskets – The dollar index, The Yen Index and The Emerging Markets were pretty cool.

Pros & Cons

  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products
  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products

Broker Details

fxcm UK spread bet logoFXCM Platform Is Ideal For Share Spread Betting

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 73% of retail investors 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 money.

FXCM is one of the largest brokers to offer spread betting with a number of strengths. These include:

  • Tight Spreads with no commissions ²
  • Large range of shares and other products for spread betting
  • Choice of two trading platforms for spread betting

Spread Betting Accounts With FXCM

FXCM gives you a choice of two trading accounts for spread betting. The first is the retail spread betting account, the second is the active trader account.

fxcm spread betting account for uk traders

FXCM Retail Spread Betting Account

The FXCM retail spread betting account works the same way as the CFD trading account. This means you get the same spreads you would if you were trading CFD financial instruments such as Forex, Shares, Indices, and other products FXCM offers.

FXCM does not charge commissions which means the markup is included as part of the spread.  Spreads for the FXCM account are as follows:

FXCM Spread Betting: Standard Account, No Commission Spreads
1.30 1.70 2.40 2.10 1.70

Avg. spreads are taken from each broker's website and updated monthly. Last update on 01/09/2023

Active Trader Account For Spread Betting

If you are after the tightest spreads for spread betting, then you should consider the Active Trader account. Active Traders is only for the serious trader who is prepared to bet in high volumes.

To qualify for an active trader account you will need to bet or trade a monthly notional volume of at least 150 million and maintain equity above $25,000. While spreads are tighter, there are commission costs you will have to pay (which is unusual for a spread betting account).

You will pay $25 in commission when you open and close your bet for every $1 million you bet.

Other benefits of the Active trader account include:

  • Dedicated support – This includes a personal relationship manager and priority access to the customer support team
  • Market depth – If you are using FXCM’s Trading station then you can view the live quotes from liquidity providers
  • Free eFXplus subscription – As long as you maintain your Active Trader account you get free top-end institutional-derived FX data

The following table lists the average spreads FXCM offers for Active Traders:

FXCM Active Trader: Standard Account, No Commission Spreads
0.30 0.40 1.10 0.70 0.80

Avg. spreads are taken from each broker's website and updated monthly. Last update on 01/09/2023

FXCM Spread Betting Products – Shares, Forex, Trading Baskets

Choosing FXCM means you get a large and diverse range of financial instruments you can use for trading. Products include:

  •  40+ Forex Pairs
  • 7+ cryptocurrency CFDs (not available for retail clients residing in the UK)
  • Access to single shares from US, UK, HK, and EU stock markets
  • 16 Indices
  • 11 commodities
  • 1 Treasury (Bond)
  • 3 Forex Baskets – US Dollar Index, Yen Index, Emerging Markets Index
  • 16 Stock Indices –  FAANG, Biotech, Cannabis, eSports, U.S. Banks, Airlines, Casinos

FXCM Trading Products

One of the major features is the range of shares FXCM has. Spread betters are not restricted to shares from the US NASDAQ or NYSE like many other brokers offer but shares across multiple markets. This means you can bet not only on popular shares based in the US like Facebook, Zoom, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), and Tesla but also shares in other markets such as AstraZeneca and BP.

In addition to shares, FXCM also offers trading baskets. Available baskets include forex baskets and stock baskets. Trading baskets are a compilation of common assets grouped to form a kind of index.

There are 3 Forex Baskets available. These are The Dow Jones Dollar Index Basket (US Dollar), The JPY Basket which is called the YES index, and the EM Basket or Emerging Markets Index.

The difference between each index is the number of currencies that make up the index.

fxcm forex baskets

The other trading baskets consist of stocks ground by a particular theme. Examples include FAANG which compiles stocks of the 5 biggest I.T. companies on the US Stock exchange and US Automotive (US.AUTO) which consists of 5 of the largest automobile companies on the US stock exchange.

fxcm trade stock basket

Trading Platforms

FXCM gives you a choice of 3 trading platforms for spread betting. These are Trading Station Web, MetaTrader 4, and Ninja Trader.

FXCM Spread Betting Platforms

Trading Station

Trading Station Web is FXCM’s in-house developed trading platform built following feedback from FXCM clients. The platform was recently updated using HTML5 making it suitable for Windows and Mac browsers and is also available for Android and iOS mobiles.

FXTM TradingStation

Features of Trading Station include:

  • FXCM Cloud so that you can store chart settings and profiles and access them anywhere
  • Detachable Chart. so you can view charts in your second browser
  • 50 technical indicators and 20 drawing tools
  • 8 orders types including OTO (One-Triggers-the-Other),  OTOCO (One-Triggers-One-Cancels-the-Other) and If-Then
  • Extensive customisability such as the ability to build and save your own layout

View FXCM ReviewVisit FXCM

*Your capital is at risk ‘67% of retail CFD accounts lose money’

 

1As per FXCM’s Spread Report (Q1 2023)

²FXCM can be compensated in several ways, which include but are not limited to adding a mark-up to the spreads it receives from its liquidity providers, adding a mark-up rollover, etc. Commission-based pricing is applicable to Active Trader account types

3Cryptocurrency Products are currently not available to retail clients residing in the UK

4Leverage: Leverage is a double-edged sword and can dramatically amplify your profits. It can also just as dramatically amplify your losses. Trading foreign exchange/CFDs with any level of leverage may not be suitable for all investors.

5. GREAT SPREAD BET RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS

FxPro
FxPro

Forex Panel Score

61

Average Spread

EUR/USD = 0.32
GBP/USD = 0.37
AUD/USD = 0.51

Trading Platforms

MT4, MT5, cTrader, FxPro Trading Platform

Minimum Deposit

$100

Why We Recommend FxPro

Like all good brokers, FxPro has a range of useful risk management tools to protect your trading positions, these include stop loss, take profits and negative balance protection. Spread betting is only available with the FXPro trading platform which comes with over 50 indicators, 4 pending order types, 15 time frames and sentiment tools for the Forex majors which will prove we don’t doubt you will find most useful

Pros & Cons

  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products
  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products

Broker Details

FXpro Spread Bet LogoFxPro Has Features To Control Market Exposure

FxPro is an FCA-regulated broker that offers a purpose-built proprietary spread betting platform – FxPro Edge.

FxPro Edge users are provided with a professional trading environment with commission-free spread betting available on forex, share, index, energy and metal products. As with all spread betting in the United Kingdom, profits are tax-free and exempt from stamp duty and capital gains tax.

FxPro Edge Trading Platform

As spread betting involves complex instruments and comes with a high risk of losing money, choosing a broker with strong risk management tools can be useful. FxPro Edge users can place market orders as well as pending orders such as limit, stop-loss and take profit orders.

Although trading tools such as Expert Advisors and customer indicators are not supported by FxPro Edge, the broker is looking to incorporate such features into the trading platform in the near future.

FxPro Edge Platform Products

Spread Betting Broker Regulation

FxPro is overseen by financial authorities around the globe, such as CySEC (Cyprus) and the FSCA (South Africa) but only permits spread betting to clients in the United Kingdom. FxPro is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with the broker licensed to provide trading CFDs and spread betting services to UK residents only.

fxpro spread betting account for uk traders

To protect investors participating in spread betting and trading CFDs, the FCA requires UK brokers to provide negative balance protection and automated close-out margins to ensure traders’ losses are limited. Additionally, segregated client funds ensure trading account balances are protected in the case of a broker becoming insolvent.

CMC Markets ReviewVisit CMC Markets

*Your capital is at risk ‘78.87% of retail CFD accounts lose money’

6. GREAT SPREAD BET BROKER FOR FINANCIAL MARKETS

CMC Markets
CMC Markets

Forex Panel Score

74

Average Spread

EUR/USD = 0.5
GBP/USD = 0.9
AUD/USD = 0.6

Trading Platforms

MT4, CMC NGEN

Minimum Deposit

$0

Why We Recommend cmc markets

If you like choices when betting, we recommend you look at CMC Markets. With over 300 Forex pairs to bet on (you read that right), starting from 0.7 points, 90+ indices, 110+ hard and soft commodities and even in excess of 50 treasuries, we are confidence CMC Markets will have the betting instruments you are looking for.

Pros & Cons

  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products
  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products

Broker Details

CMC Market Spread Bet LogoCMC Markets Offers The Best Range Of Markets

CMC Markets is an FCA (Financial Conduct Authority, United Kingdom) regulated broker offering spread betting via its proprietary trading platform. The Next Generation platform offers an intuitive, user-friendly trading environment that is available in a standard or advanced format.

A range of trading tools is provided via the platform to assist traders with developing spread betting strategies and managing the high risk of forex trading, such as:

  • One-click trading and price alerts
  • Advanced charting and chart forums
  • Client sentiment data and pattern recognition market scanner
  • Real-time news and financial market calendar
  • Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders

The trading platform is available for desktop download, as a web trader through an Android and iOS app.

CMC Markets Trading Tools Spread Betting UK

Spread Betting Instruments And Fees

As a CMC Markets customer, traders can spread bet on over 9,500 financial instruments from forex, indices, commodity, share, and treasury asset classes.

CMC Markets Spread Betting Spreads UK

Although no commission is charged on top of competitive spreads, traders incur fees for overnight financing, premium order types, and inactive trading accounts. Spread betting costs include:

  • Holding Costs (aka overnight financing fees/swap rates): If a position is held open longer than a day, a spread betting account holder will pay or receive holding costs.
  • Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders (GSLOs): For a premium, traders can place GSLOs that guarantee the order is closed at the price specified by the customer, regardless of gapping.
  • Inactivity Fees: CMC Markets customers face a €10 monthly inactivity fee if they have no open positions and haven’t traded for a 12-month period.

Educational Resources

Along with an award-winning platform and impressive market access, CMC Markets provides an excellent range of educational resources to assist both novice and experienced spread betters.

CMC Markets Education Spread Betting UK

In addition to webinars, trading platform tutorials, and spread betting guides, customers can contact CMC Markets via phone, email, or live chat 24/5 with any questions they may have about the broker and spread betting.

CMC Markets ReviewVisit CMC Markets

7. BEST SPORTS AND FINANCE SPREAD BETS

Spreadex
Spreadex

Forex Panel Score

29

Average Spread

EUR/USD = N/A
GBP/USD = N/A
AUD/USD = N/A

Trading Platforms

TradingView, SpreadEX Trading Platform

Minimum Deposit

Why We Recommend Spreadex

SpreadEX not only has spread betting with financial instruments like Forex, Gold, Silver and Energies but also has sports spread betting. If you wish to take a punt on your favourite EPL football team winning by 2 goals or more, SpreadEX is a good option.

Pros & Cons

  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products
  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products

Broker Details

Spreadex Spread Bet LogoSpreadex Offers Both Types of Spread Betting

Spreadex is a UK broker that specialises in sports and financial spread betting. In conjunction with spread betting on global markets such as forex, stocks and indices, Spreadex customers gain access to the unique feature of spread betting on sporting events.

Rather than the traditional method of fixed-odds betting, Spreadex customers can bet higher or lower than the broker’s spread, the more the price moves, the greater the potential returns.

Spreadex Sports Pros Spread Betting UK

To place bets on sporting events, traders can use an online trading platform or trading apps designed for mobiles and tablets (Android and iOS).

Spreadex Sports Platform Spread Betting UK

Sporting events available to spread bet on include:

  • Horse racing
  • Cricket
  • Golf
  • Rugby
  • Tennis
  • Football

Spreadex ReviewVisit Spreadex

8. BEST MOBILE APP FOR SPREAD BETS

ThinkMarkets
ThinkMarkets

Forex Panel Score

68

Average Spread

EUR/USD = 0.1
GBP/USD = 0.3
AUD/USD = 0.2

Trading Platforms

MT4, MT5, ThinkTrader

Minimum Deposit

$0

Why We Recommend ThinkMarkets

ThinkMarkets allows you to spread bet using either the MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 app. With these apps, you can bet on 4000 instruments including forex, stocks and ETFa. The minimum spread for majors such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD and USD/CHF is 1.1 pips which is decent.

Pros & Cons

  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products
  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products

Broker Details

ThinkMarkets Spread Bet LogoThinkMarkets Has The Easiest To Use Mobile Platform

ThinkMarkets is an FCA-regulated broker that offers spread betting via MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.

ThinkTrader, the broker’s proprietary web platform and mobile app provides traders with an intuitive spread betting environment for all levels of experience, with a range of charting and risk management tools.

ThinkTrader Mobile Trading App

We evaluated the best apps for spread betting and found the ThinkTrader mobile app, customers can place bets on instruments derived from forex, share, index, metal, and commodity assets.

Purpose-built Android or iOS apps are available to download with the software considered one of the best proprietary mobile trading apps with 4.8 stars on Apple’s App Store.

ThinkMarkets Spread Betting UK Features

While many mobile apps are restricted regarding charting tools, ThinkTrader offers an extensive range of technical analysis tools including 10 chart types, 12 timeframes, 40 objects, and 100 technical indicators. Additional built-in mobile app features include:

  • Multi deal closure
  • Cloud-based alerts
  • Multi split-screen display
  • Intelligent Market Trend Scanner
  • Multitouch functionality
  • Real-time news

ThinkMarkets ReviewVisit ThinkMarkets

9. GOOD SPREAD BETTING DEMO ACCOUNT

markets.com
markets.com

Forex Panel Score

59

Average Spread

EUR/USD = 0.6
GBP/USD = 0.6
AUD/USD = 1.8

Trading Platforms

MT4, MT5, Markets.com Trading App

Minimum Deposit

$100

Why We Recommend Markets.com

Pros & Cons

  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products
  • Tight standard account spreads
  • Good trading platforms for beginners
  • Solid range of CFD products

Broker Details

Markets.com Spread Bet LogoMarkets.com Offers A Range Of Software

Markets.com is one of the better brokers that is regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) offering a free demo account to spread bet. We analysed spread betting demo accounts and found their MT4 and MT5 offering was good but their proprietary platform (Marketsx) was the best for beginner traders.

Markets.com Platforms

Markets.com has the widest range of platforms that offer spread betting for their UK and Ireland residents. Their own proprietary platform is one of the most advanced platforms that offers over 200 different assets ranging from forex currency pairs to blended stock baskets.

Trading Platforms Markets.com

Markets.com Knowledge Center

Markets.com offers one of the best knowledge centres for anyone to enjoy even if you are not a client. Whether you are just starting your trading journey or have been doing it for many years, there is always something new to learn about when trading in the financial markets.

A selection of features Markets.com knowledge centre offers include:

  • The latest news affecting the markets with commentary on how it will affect trading
  • Personalised financial live stream service with X-Ray
  • Analysis from expert advisors looking into the big issues impacting the market
  • A detailed FAQ area to find answers to all of your questions
  • Free webinars from some of the best trading minds

Getting Started With Markets.com Demo Account

For traders unfamiliar with the Markets.com trading platform on their Marketsx or the MetaTrader 4 & 5 platforms, there is a demo account that can be used for 3 months with unlimited virtual money available. If you have not traded the financial markets before then it is recommended to start with a demo account before risking your own personal money. For all UK and Ireland residents, the minimum deposit amount to start trading on a live account is £100.

View Markets.com ReviewVisit Markets.com

*Your capital is at risk ‘70% of retail CFD accounts lose money’