Best online brokers UK for beginners means accessing a variety of financial markets via online platforms. This can involve investing and taking ownership of assets (trading) or speculating on price movements without having to take possession of the asset itself (spread betting and CFDs).

Most U.K. trading platforms are regulated by the FCA, which enforces strict rules to prevent market abuse and protect investors. These rules can include limits on leverage and margin requirements, which help control risk when trading. The best UK trading platforms also offer education resources and a demo account for practice before you invest real money.

How AI Trading Bots Are Changing the Investment Game in the UK

Novice traders should look for trading platforms with a wide range of chart types and technical indicators, plus customisable workspaces that can support their preferences. Some even provide performance analytics that can aid in their decision-making. And the best UK trading platforms have low fees, so you can maximise your profits.

One of the most popular options for novice traders is shares trading. This includes a broad spectrum of public limited companies traded on the London Stock Exchange, as well as FTSE 100 indices that track the performance of the top 100 companies in the country. Some platforms let you buy and sell fractional shares, which equate to a small percentage of the share value (0.2 or 0.5% for example).

A good UK trading platform will offer a wide selection of investment opportunities, including funds, curated portfolios and expert recommendations. You can also find UK trading options that allow you to save regularly and benefit from pound cost averaging, which helps mitigate risks and achieve your investing goals faster.