Best UK Stock Trading Apps 2023

Summary

Gone are the days of calling your broker to invest in the stock market. Nowadays, investors in the UK can easily buy and sell shares, create investment portfolios, and trade sophisticated instruments via share trading accounts. Investment platforms from big names in stockbroking and fund management have catered to this need, mainly through desktop or laptop services. However, in recent years, private investors have shifted towards mobile trading, thanks to powerful smartphones and the rise of share trading apps. These two factors have accelerated the phenomenon, making stock trading more accessible than ever.

When it comes to stock trading apps, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Finding the best stock trading app in the UK is a unique journey for every investor. It’s all about finding the app that fits your specific needs and preferences in this crowded field. To make the right choice, consider pricing, investment options, account types, and research resources. The top UK share trading apps, strike a balance between offering a range of tools while still being easy to navigate. Likewise, they offer a user-friendly interface with powerful technical indicators for assessing the market. Swipe, tap or drop-down; the best UK stocks apps pack a punch without overwhelming you.

When it comes to UK share trading apps, everyone wants the best value for their money. But beware – a cheap app may not offer all the advanced features you need. Consider your investment goals – do you want a share trading app with CFDs or real shares? Look for FCA-regulated platforms that offer advanced security measures to safeguard your funds.

With innovative user interfaces, fast execution, and advanced trading tools, these platforms empower traders to make informed decisions. Plus, top-notch educational content and research videos are available to help traders enhance their skills and achieve success. Opening a share trading account on UK share apps is super easy. The best UK trading apps offer commission-free trading, access to multiple markets for a diverse portfolio, and more.

Don’t settle for less – have a look at our top picks for the best value and features!

How to Download and Trade Stocks on UK Stock Trading Apps?

Check out the standings of the top winners on the table above and download the trading app of your perfect match. Follow these easy steps and you are good to start trading.

1. Open a Brokerage Account
2. Download the stock trading app
3. Verify your Trading account
4. Deposit Funds
5. Pick and Buy your First stock on the trading app

Pros and Cons of Using UK Stock Trading Apps

Factors to Consider when Choosing a UK Stock Trading App

When choosing a UK stock trading app, the following factors need to be considered to determine which platforms offer quality-based trading services.

User Interface

When it comes to choosing the best stock trading app in the UK, a user-friendly interface is essential for a smooth trading experience. A well-designed interface that is intuitive and easy-to-navigate can help you make quick and informed investment decisions. Look for apps with a customizable dashboard that displays real-time data, customizable watchlists, and easy-to-use trading tools.

Additionally, the best stock trading apps offer a good interface providing clear and concise reporting on your portfolio’s performance and transaction history. With a user-friendly interface, you can also trade confidently and efficiently without getting bogged down in complicated menus or frustrating interfaces. Hence, watch for trading apps that prioritize ease-of-use and user experience to help you make the most of your trading journey. We’d like to mention that eToro is on our list of top-ranked stock trading apps due to its intuitive and user-friendly platform.

Account Opening Process

The account opening process is yet another factor to consider when selecting the best stock trading app. Some platforms require potential users to complete a lengthy application process, and other apps offer a more streamlined process, allowing users to sign up in a matter of minutes.

In addition to the ease of opening an account, it’s also essential to consider the level of information required during the account opening process. Some platforms may require a lot of personal data, while others may require less. Suppose you need to compare stock trading apps in the UK, it’s crucial to weigh the convenience of a fast and straightforward account opening process against the privacy and security risks of providing too much personal information. Another factor to consider is the availability of customer support during the account opening process. The best UK stock trading apps should provide excellent customer support and assistance to users, especially those who are new to trading or have questions about the account opening process.

Execution Speed

Execution speed is a crucial factor to consider when choosing the best UK stock trading app. In the fast-paced investing world, even a few seconds of delay can result in missed opportunities or significant losses. A trading app with slow execution speed can lead to frustration and cause traders to miss out on profitable trades. It is important to choose a platform that can execute trades quickly and reliably, regardless of market volatility. When selecting a stock trading app, it’s essential to consider the type of order execution and the platform’s execution speed. The latter is particularly crucial when trading on foreign exchange markets, where currency prices can fluctuate rapidly. A delay of even a split second can result in significant losses, especially when trading in large volumes. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a platform with fast and reliable execution speeds to ensure timely trade execution and reduce the risk of slippage.

Trading Insights

Access to real-time information and insights is crucial for successful trading. Top UK trading apps are laced with rich research and analysis tools, market news and updates, helping you make informed decisions. Customizable charts, indicators, and expert opinions from UK share trading apps can also make you stay ahead of your game.

Additionally, some brokers offer educational resources such as webinars, articles, and tutorials to help you improve your trading knowledge. Also, stock trading apps in the UK offer a range of order types, from limit orders to stop-loss orders, giving you more control over your trades. Plus, some of them provide social trading features, allowing you to follow and copy successful traders. This can be a great way for beginners to learn from experts and get a head start in the market. The best UK trading apps also offer seamless and secure transactions, making it easy to manage your portfolio and funds. With all these features and more, it’s no wonder UK stock trading apps are the go-to choice for savvy traders.

Security Features

Protecting your investments starts with choosing a secure trading platform. Especially for serious traders looking to invest a substantial sum of money, protecting their finances and payments is paramount. That’s why checking the licensing and terms and conditions of any stock trading app you’re considering is crucial. Correspondingly, if a platform is unregulated or faulty, the potential for significant losses when trading is high.

Best UK stock trading apps should offer more than just a password to protect against online transaction risks. Look for features like unique and time-sensitive codes sent via email or text, security questions, and fingerprint scanners. Encryption and cookie policies are also important. And don’t forget to confirm that the broker won’t sell your information to third parties.

Stocks Fees and Commissions

Choosing the best stock trading app in the UK for your trading needs can be daunting. With different regulations and policies, finding a platform that offers the best trading experience while charging a nominal cost is important. Whether you’re a frequent or infrequent trader, fees can add up quickly and eat into your profits. Some UK stock trading apps offer commission-free trading; while it may sound appealing, remember that your account may still be subject to withdrawal fees or currency conversion fees.

Additionally, some trading apps may charge you monthly subscription fees or admin fees, transaction fees, and foreign exchange fees in addition to the buy price of the shares you purchase. Brokerage apps have to make money somehow, right? So, be sure to read the fine print and understand all the charges that may apply to your account. Before signing up on a UK stock app, consider your investment strategy, which markets you’ll focus on, and how often you plan to trade. And if tax sheltering is a concern, ensure that the platform offers an ISA account that allows tax-free growth of up to £20,000 in shares and funds. Don’t let hidden fees eat away at your earnings, do your research and choose the right platform for your investment journey.

Minimum Deposit

When choosing UK stock trading apps, one important factor to consider is the minimum deposit required to open an account. Some trading apps may have higher minimum deposits than others, which can impact your ability to start trading. Considering your budget and investment goals when evaluating minimum deposit requirements is essential. Keep in mind that higher minimum deposits may offer access to more advanced features and tools, while lower minimum deposits may be more suitable for beginner traders. eToro, for example, allows clients to start investing with a minimum deposit of $50 or £41.74. Likewise, it’s worth noting that with a minimum deposit of £20 on the card, capital.com allows clients to start trading.

Variety of Exchanges

When considering a stock trading app, it’s essential to evaluate the variety of available exchanges. A good app should offer access to various exchanges and markets, including domestic and international options. Having access to a number of exchanges allows you to take advantage of different investment opportunities and diversify your portfolio. Furthermore, the app should provide easy and efficient access to these exchanges without any delays or technical difficulties. Yet, having a wide selection of exchanges to choose from can help you maximize your potential profits and achieve your trading goals.

Desktop Trading Platforms Vs Trading Apps

Desktop trading platforms and trading apps are two options for traders accessing financial markets. Here are some key differences to consider:

Accessibility: Trading apps offer greater flexibility and mobility since they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, while desktop trading platforms are typically limited to a specific device.

Features: Desktop trading platforms tend to offer more advanced features and tools for trading, such as customizable charts and indicators, research and analysis tools, and access to multiple markets. Trading apps, on the other hand, may have limited features and are designed to be more user-friendly.

Speed: Desktop trading platforms often have faster execution speeds and may offer more stable connectivity than trading apps.

Security: Both desktop trading platforms and trading apps can be secure, but desktop platforms may have more advanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption.

Cost: Trading apps are often free to download and use, while desktop trading platforms may come with a subscription fee or other costs.

Real Stock Trading vs CFD Stock Trading Apps in the UK

Real stock trading apps and CFD stock trading apps in the UK differ in several aspects. Real stock trading involves buying and selling shares of actual companies, while CFD trading involves trading on the price movements of financial instruments, such as stocks, without actually owning them.

Real share trading apps allow investors to have a direct ownership stake in the underlying company, allowing them to receive dividends and potentially profit from its long-term growth. On the other hand, CFD share trading apps offer the potential for greater flexibility and leverage and the ability to trade a variety of financial instruments beyond just stocks.

Regarding risk, real stock trading is less risky since investors are investing in the actual company. In contrast, CFD trading carries a higher level of risk due to the use of leverage and the potential for large losses. Additionally, CFD trading apps typically charge higher fees and commissions compared to real share trading apps. It’s worth noting that eToro has a stock trading app that offers both real shares and share CFDs, while Capital.com’s stock trading app only offers stock CFDs.

What are the Best UK Stock Trading Apps for iPhone and Android Users?

When it comes to stock trading apps for iPhone and Android users in the UK, there are several options to consider. Two popular choices are eToro and Capital.com. eToro offers commission-free trading, as well as access to a variety of markets and trading tools. It also has a social trading feature, allowing users to copy the successful traders. Capital.com offers a range of trading instruments, including CFDs, and has a user-friendly interface with customizable charts and indicators.

Another option for UK IOS and Android users is Freetrade, which offers commission-free trading on UK and US stocks and ETFs. Freetrade also offers fractional shares, allowing users to invest in high-priced stocks with small amounts of money.

Commission-free Stock Trading

Commission-free trading has become a buzzword in the world of stock trading apps in the UK. With the rise of fintech startups, investors can now trade stocks without having to worry about paying hefty commissions to traditional brokers. Topping the list of UK share trading apps, eToro and Capital.com offer zero commission trading making trading more accessible to a broader range of people, from seasoned investors to those just starting. Not only does commission-free trading save investors money, but it also allows them to make more frequent trades without worrying about high fees eating into their profits.

Disclaimer: Please note that while some stock trading apps may offer commission-free trading, other fees may still apply. These may include but are not limited to account fees, inactivity fees, withdrawal fees, and foreign exchange fees.

Leveraged Stock Trading in the UK Apps

Leveraged stock trading in the UK involves potentially using borrowed funds or debt to increase investment returns. This trading method doubles the project’s potential revenue but also increases the downside risk if the investment doesn’t pay off. In the UK, leveraged trading is regulated by the FCA, which limits the maximum leverage for retail clients to 1:5. That being said, for professional clients, the leverage limit increases in-line with trading volume. Additionally, investors who want to access leverage indirectly can invest in companies that use debt capital to finance or expand their operations. To surmise, a thorough understanding of the associated risks before investing is required in leveraged stock trading apps.

Do Trading Apps Need to be FCA Regulated?

Yes, UK stock trading apps must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate legally in the UK. The FCA is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing financial markets and ensuring that financial firms comply with the law and with the best interests of their customers in mind. FCA regulation helps protect investors from fraud and other types of financial misconduct and ensures that stock brokers operate with transparency and fairness.

Additionally, FCA regulation also requires brokers to follow strict rules on client money protection, which means that customer funds are held separately from the company’s funds. This provides an extra layer of security for investors in the unlikely event of the broker’s insolvency. Furthermore, FCA-regulated trading apps must adhere to rules on advertising and marketing to prevent misleading claims and protect investors from high-risk investments. It’s important to note that not all trading apps available in the UK are FCA regulated, so investors should always check before signing up on a trading app to ensure that it is operating legally and within the FCA’s regulatory framework.

What Reddit & Quora Say About UK Stock Trading Apps

Check out the buzzing conversations on Reddit and Quora, two popular social networking platforms where users exchange valuable insights on the best share trading apps in the UK.

Reddit

This particular user commented on the question about the best trading app in the UK, and he looks particularly fond of Freetrade as the stock trading app that is cheaper and has brilliant customer service. Furthermore, in his opinion, it is very easy to add money and start trading with the app.

One user on Reddit commented on the post regarding the best share trading apps in the UK and compared the two platforms. In his opinion, the eToro platform is better due to its intuitive and easier-to-use interface. He further added that you could actually own shares in eToro and buy fractional shares.

Quora

On Quora, a user named Sayed Ahmad stated on a question regarding the best trading platform in the UK that he likes eToro due to its amazing and addictive user interface. Additionally, he likes its volatility tracker, where the biggest gainers/losers of the day/week/month can be found. He added that you could trade around the clock and invest in a wide range of shares, including international ones.

Another Quora user answered the question regarding the best trading platforms in the UK for trading international and US stocks. By making a stock trading app comparison, he stated that among the popular brokers based in the UK are eToro and Plus500. With eToro, he said that you could buy US shares directly or trade them as CFDs. He also added that Plus500 is another popular name in UK stock trading apps where you can buy 1,400+ stock CFDs.

Bottom Line

When searching for the best UK stock trading apps, it’s essential to weigh up the cost against the advanced features you require. Before making a decision, consider your investment goals – are you after CFDs or real shares? To ensure your funds are safe, look for FCA-regulated platforms that offer advanced security measures. With innovative user interfaces, fast execution, and advanced trading tools, these platforms empower traders to make informed decisions.

Furthermore, they offer top-notch educational content and research videos to enhance your trading skills. Getting started is easy, with commission-free trading and access to multiple markets for a diverse portfolio. Starting day trading only requires a small number of funds since many brokers don’t impose any minimum deposit requirements. With as little as £10, you can begin trading. Choose the best UK trading app that meets your needs and achieve trading success.