Phil Greenway

Interactive Brokers is a US-based brokerage firm that offers a wide variety of trading tools and a trading platform for investors. Their platform is also available in the United Kingdom.

It is famed for its fees that are low compared to most brokers. However, it has an intricate layout that may be a drawback, especially for beginners.

Interactive Brokers UK

Interactive Brokers is a brokerage firm that operates the biggest online trading platform in the US in terms of daily average revenue trades.

This broker is also very popular in the UK and other European countries. The brokerage company deals in a wide range of instruments, including options, EFPs, bonds, stocks, futures options, funds, and forex.

Interactive Brokers has offices in 4 different cities in the US and is headquartered in Connecticut.  The company is regulated by several financial regulatory, including The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the National Futures Association.

Its parent company, Interactive Brokers Group, was established in 1997 by Thomas Peterffy. Today, the company hasUS$128.4 billion in customer equity serving over 600,000 client brokerage accounts. The parent company is an equity partner of the Boston Options Exchange and also owns 40% of the futures exchange OneChicago.

Interactive Brokers is licensed to operate in the UK and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Interactive Brokers’ platform (Traders workstation)

The brokers’ trading platform is available for both mobile and desktop. It is overwhelming at first, but once you get the gist of it, you can find your way through easily. Interactive Brokers state on their website that there TWS platform is specifically designed to cater to advanced traders.

On the bright side, the platform has several customizable options that allow you to configure it to your liking. You can set it to suit your style based on the instruments you trade. However, you’ll need to learn a few tips here and there and also know what exactly what you want.

Key Features

Here are some of the features you can expect from Interactive Brokers:

• Global markets – Interactive Brokers allows you to trade stock and other securities from global countries. You get access to products from over 25 countries. IB, however, fails when it comes to conversion rates. The broker doesn’t list its conversion rates directly. When you want to find the rate offered for each currency, you have to input the details into the platform manually.
• Single account for your products – Unlike other brokers whose platforms require you to have different accounts for trading various products, Interactive Brokers offers one account that takes care of all that. Through this account, you can access and trade different products ranging from future to ETFs.
• Fractional investing – Fractional investing (available for US stocks) allows investors to trade in dollar amounts rather than individual shares. For instance, you can invest in $50 of a stock that costs $350 per share.
• Low brokerage fees – IB has among the lowest brokerage rates in the industry. Fees start at $1 for UK stocks, but this applies once you trade amounts of over $300,000,000, which makes it more of a marketing gimmick than an offer. Even so, trading fees are lower than what other brokers charge.
• Interest on idle cash – The broker claims to pay interest for idle cash in your account. However, there are several catches here, so don’t be sold yet. The interest applies only if your account has a more than a specified sum.
• Portfolio builder – You also get a portfolio builder to help you manage your investments. The builder lets you create custom strategies based on research and historical data. You can compare your portfolio and even test it against a benchmark index. In addition, you can modify your strategy to make the historical performance meet your standards.
• A wide selection of order types – IB offers an extensive range of order types to suit advanced investors. Most brokers usually offer limit and market orders. IB provides these and many more, including limit on close, stop limit market on close, and trailing stop. If you are not sure what these order types mean, worry not. The broker offers a video tutorial to give you an idea of what they are and how to apply them.

Fees charged

Here is an area where IB shines. It has low trading costs, but you need to be careful to avoid getting caught unawares by the hidden caveats.

Broker or commission fees

Besides the brokerage fees, traders are charged additional fees that include an exchange fee, clearing fee, subscription fee to get live data, and an inactivity fee. Note that the fees will vary based on the products you invest in, the country these products are in, and your fee structure.

IB has two payment methods you can use to transfer funds. You can move funds to your account using either BPAY or bank transfer.

My Experience With Interactive Brokers UK

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) has been an absolute game changer. I feel like I’ve unlocked a whole new world of investing possibilities, and I can’t help but rave about how amazing this platform is. So, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a whirlwind tour of my personal experience with Interactive Brokers!

First off, let’s talk fees – or should I say, the lack thereof!

I’ve dabbled with other investing platforms before, and I’ve always been frustrated by the sneaky fees that seem to pile up. But with IBKR, I’ve been able to keep more of my hard-earned money thanks to their incredibly low fees. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love saving a buck or two? This alone had me practically jumping for joy.

Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, low fees are great, but what about the interface?”

Well, let me tell you, IBKR’s interface is slicker than a greased pig at a county fair. It’s intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing – and that’s coming from someone who’s picky about their digital experiences. Navigating the platform is a breeze, and it’s easy to find everything I need in just a few clicks. It’s like they read my mind and designed the perfect interface just for me.

But the cherry on top? The sheer number of ETFs available through Interactive Brokers!

It’s like walking into a candy store with unlimited choices. I’ve never seen such a massive selection in my life! And the best part is that I can choose from multiple exchanges to buy from, like London or Amsterdam. It’s like having an all-access pass to the investing world’s greatest hits.

Now, even the best platforms can have hiccups, and I’m not going to pretend that everything has been smooth sailing. I did run into an issue at one point – but the support I received was nothing short of legendary. I hopped onto the online chat, and I kid you not, I got a response within seconds. The support agent was friendly, knowledgeable, and resolved my problem in no time flat. It was like having my own personal investing superhero in my corner.

Joining Interactive Broker account

Opening a trading account with Interactive Brokers is straightforward, but there are a few hurdles. You need to have liquid net assets exceeding $20,000 and be an experienced trader i.e. have executed 100+ trades before.

If you can’t confirm this requirement, you have an option to carry out simulated trades using the demo platform. You’ll also need to provide your personal information and other documentation such as a passport or driver’s licence.

Account profiles

IB has five primary account profiles that traders can choose from based on their trading experience.

The most basic account profile is the Investment account. Requirements here include:

• A minimum liquid net worth of $20,000
• A minimum deposit of $2,000

The trading account profile is almost similar to the Investment account except that it has fewer restrictions. However, you need:

• An income of over $50,000 on top of a minimum liquid net worth of $20,000 or a net worth of $100,000
• The minimum deposit here is $10,000

The leveraged trading account is exclusively reserved for company or wholesale investors. The requirements here are:

• A minimum deposit of $10,000
• A liquid net worth of over $100,000

The professional trading account is available for traders with:

• A minimum deposit of $100,000
• A net worth of over $1 million.

The highest account profile is Self-Managed Superannuation Funds account that’s explicitly for SMSF trustees.

Pros and Cons of Interactive Brokers

Pros

• Interactive brokerage fees for trading are low compared to what its competitors charge
• The broker’s rates for margin lending are low
• The company also has a user-friendly and readily available chat-bot with voice activation on its trading platform. The bot helps respond to inquiries made by the traders on issues such as market queries, placing orders, executing trades, and general company questions.
• Although it’s more of a marketing strategy, Interactive Brokers pays interest on idle cash so long as the balance exceeds the specified amount.
• Traders also get a wide range of securities and order types to fit their trading style and preferences.
• IB has a robo-advisor that offers several portfolio options, many of which require $1,000 to invest in.
• A single account that allows investors to trade different products such as stocks, forex, ETFs, and CFDs without having to switch or register a second account.

Cons

• The trading platform is mainly geared for the US market. Users looking to invest in products available in other countries such as UK will have to scroll through a lot of US market-relevant data.
• It has an elaborate layout and trading platform that makes it generally suited to professionals. Newbies will feel out of place using IB.
• IB has a confusing fee structure that has hidden caveats. For instance, the company charges low fees but attaches some conditions and other costs that aren’t obvious. It almost looks like the broker intentionally hides these additional costs.
• Although features such as live data feed, customisable notification, and real-time data are all available, the broker charges additional fees to offer these boons.
• The minimum amount of liquid assets before opening an account is high. The lowest profile, for instance, requires a liquid net worth of $20,000

Is Interactive Brokers good for UK investors?

Interactive brokers is ideal for active and professional traders as they’re likely to benefit most from the complex platform and advanced execution.

In addition, they’ll be attracted by the low fee charged and a wide selection of tradable securities. However, we can’t recommend it to beginner investors as it doesn’t offer hand-holding or educational resources that may suit them.

Everyone’s looking for the best platform with top-tier features and markets.

That’s why we’ve seen an explosion of online brokerage companies.

One name that stands out? E-Trade.

E-Trade isn’t just a trading platform – it’s a powerhouse.

It puts everything in one app, letting investors trade assets like crypto, stocks, and more.

It’s simple, powerful, and built for anyone who wants to level up their portfolio.

Is E-trade available in the UK?

Unfortunately you cannot use E-trade in the UK. Up until 2025, users could access E-trade in the UK and generally in the EU.

You could have accessed these services through their subsidiary platform, the E-trade Securities Limited.

However, in that year, the company decided to shut down all its operations in Europe. Instead, they chose to major their efforts on the US market.

Best E-Trade Alternatives for 2025

There are other platforms that offer the same services as ETrade and they still accept traders from the UK.

	FCA Regulated eToro Minimum Deposit: $50 CopyTrading
	OPEN ACCOUNTWe recommend shares trading instead of CFDs. eToro Disclaimer: 67% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Can You Use E-trade in the EU?

It is possible to open an E-trade account in countries such as Germany. Nevertheless, E-trade will share this information with you upon request.

Furthermore, to open an account, you have to base all your application processes offline. There is no available online procedure, not even through email. This means that you have to send your application paperwork (including or the necessary documents such as passports) through regular mail or fax.

Yes, you might want to use their services so badly, but this is an expensive, complicated, and tedious process to carry out.

My Personal Experience with E-Trade

I recently took E-Trade for a spin – even though it’s not technically available on this side of the pond. But hey, I’m not one to let a little thing like geographical restrictions stop me from trying out the hottest trading platform on the market (I used the account of a friend from the US).

Let me tell you, E-Trade certainly knows how to make an impression. Its interface is so sleek and intuitive, even a caveman could trade stocks on it.

And the range of investment options available?

Talk about flexibility!

Stocks, options, ETFs, mutual funds, etc.

E-Trade has got you covered, no matter what kind of investor you are.

However there are similar brokers available to Europeans, like eToro so you are not missing out on much.

E-Trade UK Review

E-Trade is a commission-free online trading platform that gives you a chance to sell and buy assets from other users and investors online. They are a good trading company in that they have value to both beginners and investors. Also, they have a wide range of educational resources that you can use to make informed decisions whenever you want to transact.

The company has been a household name in the online trading market, rising among the ranks to become a reliable trading platform. They offer commission-free services, meaning that you can trade on their platform and experience tremendous success. It is easy to use too.

E-trade is a pro-level trading platform. For example, let’s say you want to go online and trade some stocks and shares. If you are an E-trade user, you can log into your account and use their numerous tools to assess the risks and make an informed decision before trading.

E-trade doesn’t charge commission on stock, ETF, and other options trade, making it the ideal platform for any investor.

Trading Platforms

The company has two trading platforms, the E-trade Web and the Power E-trade. Both of them are free for all clientswho use their services. So, you do not have to worry about losing a lot of your earnings to brokers.

E-trade Web platforms are primarily about statistics, analytics, and data. With this platform, you can access streaming market data to help you make decisions and work on your trading plan.

Also, you can access real-time quotes, stock screeners (prepared by top drawer analysts and researchers), and even live market commentaries. Such information is vital to people who are looking forward to making it in the trading industry.

E-trade Web also has a dashboard where you can monitor your progress, track your E-trade accounts, come up with watch lists, make trading transactions, and even view the current market data. Therefore, you can lay down your strategy and plan for your future trading spree.

If you are an active user, Power E-trade is the perfect choice for you. This platform developed as a result of the company acquiring Options House a few years back. It has an extensive library of technical studies, tens of drawing tools, real-time data, trade tickets, trading ladders, and many other items.

Moreover, you can utilize their chain views to your advantage since they have a customizable option to allow you to make the most out of the service. If you are looking for something else, you could take a look at M1 Finance.

Visit their website and browse through their options and materials. It is an easy-to-navigate website that can improve your trading experience.

Assets and Market

There are numerous assets that you can trade with E-trade. This includes:

Stocks

Stocks are among the most sort for online assets in the current trading market. For those who don’t know, stocks will let you own a piece of a company’s future, allowing you to earn as the company succeeds.

In addition, E-trade offers stocks from different industries. This makes it easy for you, especially if you know about a particular business. You can also diversify your portfolio.

Stocks have the potential to generate income with dividends and improve your long and short-term investing strategies. You can use their free analysis and screeners too. Then, you can decide the company that you want to invest in, when to sell, and how you sell.

ETFs

This is the acronym for Exchange-Traded Funds. They are the perfect blend between diversification and ease of stock trading. Most of them are used to track renowned market indexes.

ETFs can include tens, hundreds, or even thousands on investments from numerous industries and companies when it comes to diversification.

They are also flexible, such that you can buy and sell with ease, track your favorite sectors, and monitor the progress of your strategies, all without being charged a dime in commission.

Mutual Funds

These are funds based on specific trading strategies, investment goals, and a variety of investments. You can choose your mix of funds, making it easy for you to build a diversified portfolio.

The good thing about E-trade’s mutual funds is that their collection of investment is carefully chosen and managed by a group of experts. They have been in the game long enough to know the good and the bad. They don’t leave it at that; they continue monitoring the performances of these funds.

Mutual funds make your portfolio diverse and flexible. When you buy a specific fund with E-Trade, you might be purchasing several investments at a go, sometimes reaching even a hundred. Once you sell them, all the proceeds reflect in your account within a day.

Futures

These are liquid contracts that exist in some of the world’s biggest markets. There are numerous option that you can choose to trade with E-Trade, for example,

• Metals
• Interest rates
• Currencies
• Energies

For futures, you can trade at any time of the day, six days a week. Additionally, you can trade several times a day without having to worry about trading rules or minimum account values. You can also control large notion values even if you have little capital.

Bonds

You might wonder, why should you invest in bonds?

The answer is simple, their predictability.

Bonds are designed in such a way that you can gain a steady income from the get-go and regularly. They act as a protection of your initial investment, cushioning the fluctuations of the market. They also help you diversify and manage the risks that might occur due to inflation or interest rates.

E-trade provides traders with more than two hundred liquidity providers. This can generate tens of thousands of offerings for you to choose from.

Deposits and Withdrawals

E-trade offers four options to traders who want to load their accounts with funds, each having a different approach. They include:

Transfer Money

This free service allows users to load their E-trade accounts with funds from other financial institutions. This takes up to three business days.

Transferring an Account

This means moving every asset you have from a third-party financial institution into your E-trade account. This includes cash and securities. This takes up to ten business days for the transaction to be completed.

Wire Transfer

This is when you want to load up your E-trade account directly from another account, for example, a bank account. This is a faster depositing method since the transaction is completed the same day.

Depositing a Check

For checks, you can either choose to use the app or by mail. It takes up to five business days for the transaction to be completed.

On the other hand, if you want to send money from your E-trade account to another financial institution, there are also straightforward methods. For example, you can opt to use their Transfer Money services. However, this process is slow since it takes up to three days to complete the transaction and get the money.

You can also opt for the online transfer option that is available on their website. You won’t be charged any fee while withdrawing. In fact, you can even use this service to send money from one E-trade to another.

If you want to move funds to an external financial institution, you will need to establish a link between the account and your E-trade account.

The last option you can use to withdraw funds from your E-trade account is through a wire transfer. You can use this method to move funds even to institutions outside the US. Additionally, you can submit your withdrawal request by paper or online.

However, you will be charged a fee of $25 for every outgoing wire you do. If you send the money in another currency other than the USD, you will be charged a forex fee that can go up to 2.25%.

Customer Support

Generally, E-trade has top-tier customer service. First of all, their customer care phone line is available 24/7. This gives you access to financial consultants, specialists, trader consultants, and asset specialists any time of the day.

Moreover, traders who have large accounts qualify for additional services upon request. This includes priority services such as calling through a phone line that is answered relatively quicker.

Better still, if you visit E trade’s physical branches, you will have access to better customer services. Here you can meet the consultants face to face and get the assistance you need first-hand.

You can also use their Chat option, especially if you are a mobile user. Here, you will communicate with human representatives who are ready to listen to you and assist you.

Lastly, if you have any feedback that you want to share with E-trade, you just have to click on the “Suggestions” link on their customer care menu.

Is My Money Safe With E-trade?

E-trade has been serving traders for such a long time, which means that their services are worth checking out. Experts consider them one of the best and most trustworthy brokers.

Additionally, the company has a policy that embraces ethics, honesty, and transparency. So yes, your money is safe with E-Trade.

In addition to that, E-trade is also under the watch of various high-end financial institutions. This means that your money is safe, and you should continue trading with them.

Lastly, their five-star security system is up to the industry’s requirements. Below are some of their security measures.

1. If you are using the mobile apps to trade, you will be required to log in using your biometrics, for example, your face or fingerprint.
2. E-trade has also bought excess insurance with Securities Investors Protection Corporation. This insurance is provided by London Insurers and has an aggregate of $600 million limits.
3. Therefore, every customer is entitled to a maximum of $150 million and a cash maximum limit of $900,000.

The platform is yet to be hit by any significant data breach.

Is E-trade a Good Broker?

If you are interested in online trading services, you can consider using E-trade. As we have seen, most of their features and services are above average, making them a good brokerage platform to invest in.

They do not charge any commission, making E-trade a good option for newbies to invest in and make money.

Among the platform’s standout features were its mobile app and demo account, which helped users familiarise themselves with the trading platform before committing real funds.

It also offered investment advisory services to help its users build a solid investment strategy.

Now, with E-trade no longer operating in the UK, traders have turned to alternatives such as eToro and Interactive Brokers, which offer similar features, including social trading and fractional shares.

Like E-trade, these platforms are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are registered with the same commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance. These platforms also offer a comprehensive range of investment products and involve risk.

In conclusion, while E-trade is no longer available in the UK, there are plenty of other high-quality, FCA-regulated online brokers that offer a broad range of products and investment services.

It’s important for traders to thoroughly explore their options, consider the fees and commissions involved, and understand the potential risks before diving into the world of online trading.

Conclusion

E-trade, an exceptional and transparent online broker, once provided a vast range of investment products to the UK market, becoming a popular choice for both beginner and intermediate investors.

This platform was lauded for its ability to allow investors to navigate the world of stocks, ETFs, bonds, and other financial instruments with ease. Its comprehensive offering even included forex and commodities, covering a robust asset portfolio for its users.

Regrettably, the platform, decided to cease operations in the UK. Despite this, the platform remains available in the US, Germany, and other European countries, continuing to provide top-tier online brokerage services.

E-trade had already represented a small fraction of the UK’s online trading landscape, but its withdrawal left many retail traders in search of viable alternatives for 2025.

E-trade was well-regarded for its zero-commission trading, offering a compelling proposition for traders seeking to optimise their investment strategy while keeping transaction costs low.

From mutual funds to ETFs, E-trade offered a vast spectrum of financial products that catered to every investor’s unique strategy, from the risk-averse to the adventurous.

However, as with all investments, these involved risk, and E-trade was always quick to ensure its users were aware of this with clear disclaimers.

Trading is exploding right now. With more people jumping in, the demand for top-notch platforms is skyrocketing.

Everyone’s looking for the best place to invest their money and grow it. Enter M1 Finance.

M1 isn’t just another trading platform. It’s a game-changer. It combines automated investing tools with a simple, easy-to-use system.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor, it makes your money work harder for you. That’s the kind of edge you need.

Can You Use M1 Finance in the UK?

Unfortunately, M1 Finance is not available in the UK. When opening an account with the platform, you will have to check some boxes for it to go through.

You are over 18 years old, a US Citizen (or a permanent resident), and you have access to a US Mailing address.

Best M1 Finance Alternatives

There are many UK brokers to choose from. Here is our #1 rated broker:

	FCA Regulated eToro Minimum Deposit: $50 CopyTrading
	OPEN ACCOUNTWe recommend shares trading instead of CFDs. eToro Disclaimer: 67% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

What is M1 Finance UK

M1 Finance is an excellent platform for both passive and active online traders and investors. If you are looking to build wealth over time, the platform is the ideal option.

Sadly, M1 Finance is yet to announce any plans to expand its trading services to the UK. At the moment, they are choosing to focus their efforts on the ready US market and try to make the most out of it.

With M1 Finance, traders enjoy a high level of customization, allowing them to develop portfolios that incorporate all their specifications and requirements.

However, it is essential to note that this platform does not offer advisory services.

At the moment, the company boasts of more than half a million clients who manage more than 2 billion dollars collectively. This makes them a top choice for anyone looking to invest and make money out of online trading.

The good thing about them is that they do not charge their clients commission or fees, even when depositing money in their M1 Finance accounts.

This comes as a disappointment to many UK investors and traders who would like to access the eternal features and benefits of the top drawer app.

Most of their services are offered through their app. Some of the accounts you can create include:

• Individual accounts
• Brokerage accounts
• Automated accounts
• IRAs
• Trust accounts

You can also benefit from the platform through its fractional shares, custodial accounts, digital banking services, and many others.

What Do They Offer

M1 Finance also offers margin loans to clients. They have a feature known as M1 borrow that allows you to enjoy loans at low interest rates. Basically, you will only be charged a 3.5% interest rate.

Contrary to other loan providers, you won’t need the $25,000 to access the loan. The amount is as low as $5,000, meaning that you can access one even when you don’t have huge balances on your account.

The good thing about their app is the fact that it is available for both Android and iOS. With it, you can acquire a debit card that is integrated directly into the app. Better still, you can benefit from their regular rewards and cashback services, especially those offered in qualified purchases.

Talk about professionalism! There are more than eighty professional portfolios on the platform.

M1 Finance is a hybrid investment platform that combines self-directed trading services with automated investing. The app utilizes pie-based models to let you choose the stocks, portfolios, and ETFs that you would like to invest your money in.

Also, you can select the percentage of your money that you would want to allocate every investment. An alternative to M1 Finance is Betterment.

The M1 Finance platform uses a proprietary trading infrastructure to automate the traders’ trading activities. This comes as great news to investors who would fancy sitting back and monitoring the progress of their investments without having to manage and set trading strategies now and then.

The investment app executes and manages all the trading transactions during the famous morning trade window, starting at around 9:30 a.m. EST. However, if you are their clients and you decide to upgrade, all to an M1 Plus account, you have the luxury of utilizing the afternoon trading window to your advantage. You will be able to trade on the app whenever you want.

One might wonder, how do you upgrade to an M1 Plus account?

There are additional upgrading fees; you will have to pay an additional $125 annually. However, the good thing about the upgrade is that you will have more perks. You can enjoy 1.5% loan reductions, banking advantages, custodial investment accounts, and smart transfers.

In addition to the automated trading processes, you can trade individual securities on the platform. This may even include parts of your portfolio. Other features and services that you get to enjoy include

• Auto invest savings
• Fractional shares
• Portfolio rebalancing
• Tax modifications and minimization.

My Personal Experience With M1 Finance

Last year, during a visit to my good friend in the United States, I had the opportunity to try out M1 Finance – a popular brokerage platform that, unfortunately, is not yet available in the United Kingdom. As an avid investor always on the lookout for user-friendly platforms and innovative investment tools, I was keen to see what all the fuss was about.

My friend, who has been using M1 Finance for quite some time, generously allowed me to access and explore his account. Upon logging in, the first thing that caught my attention was the sleek and modern interface. The platform was easy to navigate and seemed to have a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The dashboard provided a clear overview of the portfolio, with various charts and graphs making it simple to track performance and keep an eye on the overall balance.

The platform offers a unique feature called “Pies,” which allows users to create customized portfolios by allocating a percentage of their investments to various assets. This feature enables investors to easily diversify their holdings, and the platform will automatically rebalance the portfolio as needed to maintain the desired asset allocation. I was thoroughly impressed by this intuitive approach to portfolio management.

M1 Finance also offers fractional shares, allowing investors to purchase a portion of a share rather than an entire share. This feature is excellent for those with limited funds, as it enables them to participate in the market and build a diversified portfolio without needing a large amount of capital.

One aspect that I found particularly attractive was the platform’s focus on long-term investing. M1 Finance encourages users to set up recurring investments, which can be a highly effective strategy for building wealth over time.

Assets and Market

Automated Investing and Investing Pies

The app draws many investors and traders to set up investing plans and helps them to monitor the accounts. Generally, working with M1 Finance is like letting your broker run your investment options for you. You can even get the opportunity to focus on other things and responsibilities.

You have to select what you invest in. Therefore, you will create a chart, which resembles a pie chart, but this time with the investment you pick. This includes sticks, ETFs, etc.

Smart Transfers

Smart transfers are the M1 option for you to automate your financial spree. You have the opportunity to set rules so that it can continue automatically. Let’s say you decide to set your smart transfers to keep your balance at a minimum.

There is an option within the M1 Finance app that allows you to acquire loans if the balance in your account drops too low. This means that you will still have the chance to invest even if you are short on money.

Moreover, you can also move your funds into different accounts. The point is, there are so many automation options that can take your financial culture to the next level.

These features give users a more accessible option, mapping them among the best service providers in the market.

Margin Loans

Imagine having an app that you can invest in and still access loans? M1 Finance offers clients loans at a meager interest rate.

Just like other margin loans, their loans do not have fixed repayment reschedules. As long as the records show that you have an outstanding balance, your interest expenses will accrue.

However, you should note that if the value of your account declines, you might have to replace the money you had borrowed. This will depend on the equity that your account has as well as the amount you had borrowed.

Tax Minimization

M1 Finance also offers options to sell positions in a tax-friendly way by using their simplified methods of harvesting tax losses. After withdrawing the money from your account, they can sell assets and later return you to the target allocations as close as they can.

Sales are prioritized in the following order.

1. Losses to offset the capital gains
2. ETFs and stocks that have capital gains that last longer
3. ETFs and stocks that have capital gains that last for a short time

Through this, M1 Finance minimizes the taxes that you would have incurred with your investment activities.

Well, this might not be the same as tax-loss harvesting, but the potential it has is enough, such that you can still save a lot of money without worrying about regulating the taxes manually.

M1 Spend

There are M1 accounts that are entirely digitized, both the checking and debit options. Referred to as M1 Spend, the account allows you to use the card to bypass the fee associated with ATMs, earn extra interest and will enable you to invest your funds on the sideline.

This account is available and accessible to M1 Finance users, even those using the M1 Plus.

However, you will have to subscribe to the M1 Plus package to take advantage of the numerous benefits associated with the M1 Spend accounts. This includes the 1% cashback on the purchases that you make on the platform.

Deposits and Withdrawal

You can deposit funds into your M1 Finance account right after creating a portfolio and start investing right away. The first deposit will support concurrently with your targets and goals set for your portfolio when the next trade comes.

Additionally, since you deposit money on your account, you will notice that they will be equally distributed, depending on your targets.

However, once you deposit your first funds, the future trades will aim to restore the initial distribution of the funds; a concept is known a Dynamic Rebalancing.

The app is intelligent in that it will automatically try to rebalance the portfolio gradually as you continue depositing and withdrawing money from the portfolio. Therefore, if a security goes underweight concerning the target, more funds will be channeled towards this security the next time you deposit money on your account.

For withdrawals, there are different options to send your money from your M1 Finance to external financial institutions. However, you need to know that the platform won’t allow you to withdraw money from your account if you have unsettled securities sales.

If everything is clear and you want to withdraw your money from the account, here is a simple and basic process to follow and access your money.

1. Open the platform and go to the ‘Funding’ tab. It is located at the top of the website
2. Then a new page opens. Click on ‘Withdraw.’
3. Enter the amount of money you want to withdraw and confirm. After this, the rest of the processes will be handled automatically by the program.

Customer Support

M1 Finance offers most of its customer services through emails and phone. Here, you will have the chance to communicate with their ready-to-assist agents. These agents have a history of serving customers to the fullest, guaranteeing them satisfaction.

Additionally, numerous detailed FAQs answer most of the questions that traders and customers might be having. This means that there is a high chance that the queries you have are included in these questions. Some of these FAQs have video walkthroughs for better explanation.

However, contrary to other platforms, M1 Finance is not an advisory service. This means that you won’t find financial consultants and advisors. It would be best if you did an extra research line on your own to extend your trading knowledge and see success in the industry.

Is My Money Safe With M1 Finance UK?

M1 Finance is a reliable and trustworthy trading platform. Thus, you should not be worried when you have invested in their services, no matter the amount.

The platform is under constant surveillance by top drawer financial institutions such as Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and Securities and Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).

They have also invested in strong encryption and cybersecurity services that ensure every user’s account is safe and secure. Until now, the platform is yet to receive any significant attacks. Therefore, you should feel safe whenever you have some money saved up on their platforms.

3 Reasons Why M1 Finance is a Good Broker

Reason 1

M1 Finance is a worthy and trustable company to invest in. It is like the platform was made for passive investors; the automation option is just unmatched. However, if you are an active trader, you won’t benefit much from M1 Finance.

It is a better option for investors looking for a streamlined, user-friendly platform with low fees and no commissions. Compared to other popular brokers like Robinhood or TD Ameritrade, M1 Finance offers a unique approach to investing that many users find appealing.

Reason 2

M1 Finance is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash). In addition, M1 Finance uses advanced security measures to protect its clients’ data and investments. So from a safety standpoint, M1 Finance is a reliable and secure option for investors.

Reason 3

In terms of features, M1 Finance offers a unique investing platform that allows users to create custom portfolios of stocks and ETFs, called “pies.” Investors can allocate their money across multiple pies, automatically rebalance their portfolios, and set up automatic investments. Plus, M1 Finance offers a variety of account types, including taxable accounts, traditional and Roth IRAs, and trusts.

Another group of people who would benefit from M1 Finance is dividend investors, index fund investors, and investors who base their trade on portfolio accounts. With all the safety measures and automation advantages, why not try it out?

Conclusion: M1 Finance UK

M1 Finance is a cutting-edge robotic brokerage platform that you can make the most out of. The hybrid traits are top-tier. Therefore, with the right strategy, determination, and good knowledge of the market, you can succeed with M1 Finance.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to join the platform if you are in the UK.

You’re reading this for various reasons, one of which is to gain some financial knowledge. It would be best if you acquired financial expertise to be able to multiply what you already own.

One of the major platforms that can help you invest for a brighter future is Betterment. The US-based investment company offers diverse investment portfolios. Also, their platform has an automatic feature that keeps trading even without your input.

Here is everything you need to learn about Betterment.

Overview: What is Betterment?

Betterment is a financial platform that is at the forefront of the Robo-advisory business. It is a fintech startup established in the United States.

It’s one of the first to use technology to create a portfolio recommendation and automate your investment activity. Its automatic goal-setting feature, which is employed in investments, sets it different from other fintech firms in the region.

This feature enables you to manage your portfolio automatically. This way, you can focus on your other business while the platform handles all of your biddings passively.

Passive index-tracking stock and fixed-income exchange-traded funds are used in this function. The organization employs a global diversification strategy based on a Nobel Prize-winning asset-allocation system— the Modern Portfolio Theory, developed by renowned economist Harry Marowits.

Other tools at your disposal are:

• Retirement planner
• Goal tracker
• All-in-one dashboard
• Robo-advisor comparison
• Rewards
• Refer-a-friend program

To use the platform, you can first synch all of your financial accounts and get a comprehensive overview of all your assets even without investing. Betterment then uses its resources to help you set financial goals and set up investments for each plan. Then the second option to use the platform is creating a portfolio investing in it.

Lastly, you can create a Flexible Portfolio, adding some of your uniquely added ones. Or go with the already structured portfolios in Betterment.

What Do They Offer

Betterment provides tax-loss harvesting as well as a rebalanced portfolio regularly. It offers goal-setting and a variety of planning tools and helps at every stage of the journey. They provide you with low-cost management fees based on your unique risk profile.

Betterment entered the market in 2008. Since then, it has grown to offer more assets and cash management services to its clients after more than a decade in operation.

With various instructional resources and an intuitive and user-friendly layout, the platform is easy to use. As a result, it’s an excellent brokerage company for people who are just getting started with investing.

In April 2020, they replaced the savings product with the Betterment cash reserve that offers higher-yielding returns. This new cash reserve offers a spending analysis plus guidance. It also aids better transfers between accounts in the platform.

In October that same year, Betterment added two additions to its socially responsible Portfolio. A climate impact portfolio and a Social Impact Portfolio.

Betterment also has equity allocations for the Safety Net goal uniquely created to beat and mitigate inflation. It cuts to 15% from a whopping 40% in risk reduction. An alternative to Betterment is Webull.

You can use Betterment both on their desktop website and the mobile app.

Can You Use Betterment in the UK?

Unfortunately, Betterment is not available for investors and users in the UK or any other European country. But you can access and open an account if you reside in the United States of America, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Plans to advance and expand into the EU are still unclear; thus, the only people who can fully reap the fruits of this fantastic platform are solely in those three geographical areas.

Assets and Markets

Since it is an investment platform that offers money management options, here are some of the accounts that you can find under Betterment:

• Investing account
• IRAs and 401(K)S
• Roth IRAs
• High-yield cash
• Checking
• Trusts

These are a blend of both short and long-term accounts. Here is a breakdown of each:

Investing Account

The main goal is to multiply what you already have when it comes to investing. So, whether you are working towards buying a new home, car, or working towards getting your child’s education, investing is the way to go.

Betterment helps users make an informed investment decision based on the goal of the investment. The plans set are built on smart tax strategies.

You can open an investment account for Safety Net, retirement, major purchases, education, trusts, and general investment.

IRAs and 401(k) Account

Betterment strives to make savings for retirement easy and optimized for all their client’s needs. The different IRA types offered by Betterment have a distinct tax advantage, and the team will advise on the best after accessing your finances.

The first is the Traditional IRA, an accessible and tax deductable account that adds to your retirement funding.

The second is the Roth that takes advantage of tax-free earnings and withdrawals. Next, there is the SEP that is an ideal retirement planning account that is for the client that is self-employed and self-reliant.

Lastly, the Roth conversion makes money exchange easier from the Traditional into a Roth IRA within the app.

Roth IRAs Account

A Roth IRA lets you save and invest for retirement and withdraw the funds later on tax-free. When you open this account, Betterment promises personalized investments, trading managed on your behalf, and socially responsible investing options.

This account is flexible with no tax penalties for withdrawals, and you can use up to $10 000 of your earnings on a house down payment. You may also switch the Traditional IRAs and 401(k) into a Roth IRA account.

High-Yield Cash Account

The High-yield cash account is built for cash that you save daily. Once you open this account, your money is insured by FDIC up to $1 Million.

You can move money freely at no fees and earn a 0.03% APY on your cash, five times the national average.

Checking Account

The Checking account is a no-fee account, and you get a Visa debit account to use. There are no ATM fees or overdraft fees. And in case foreign costs are incurred during a withdrawal, the amount is reimbursed to your account.

This account is also FDIC insured up to 250k per depositor. The Checking account has incentives like cashback rewards from notable brands like Adidas, Walmart, Philosophy, Sam’s club, and Dunkin.

Trusts

When you want to secure a future for your kids, the best way is to open a trust for them. And you can open one in the Betterment app.

The signup is straightforward, the cash flow management is innovative, and the portfolios under Betterment Trusts are very diverse with risk adjustments. Also, the returns are handsomely paying using graphical and visualization tools that help you understand and see the level of growth over time.

All the transactions are transparent, and statements are clear and precise. You can access your account activity online to view the quarterly and annual information and annual tax reports.

Betterment also has five portfolio types, namely:

1. The Standard Betterment Portfolio with globally diversified stock and bond EFTs.
2. Broad Impact, Climate Impact, and Social Impact Portfolios. The three socially responsible portfolios. On an environmental and social level, Broad impact stocks are tightly managed and stored. The Social Impact portfolio focuses on companies based in the United States and is committed to diversity. The Climate Impact Portfolio aims to combat climate change by identifying businesses with the lowest carbon impact and using EFTs to avoid companies that employ fossil fuels. Climate Impact includes Green bonds.
3. Next is the Goldman Sachs Smart Beta Portfolio that attempts to outperform the market.
4. The income-focused all-bond Portfolio is made entirely of BlackRock EFTs.
5. Lastly, there is the Flexible Portfolio that is constructed based on the client’s assets.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Both deposits and withdrawals on Betterment take an average of 1 to 2 business days for completion. Here are some of the rules when it comes to transfers between some Betterment accounts:

Transfer Between Cash Reserve Betterment Checking Accounts

The daily transfer limit between these two accounts stands at $10,000. Same-day transfers are completed on the same day of application. The cash reserve has no transfer limits, so you can withdraw as often as you want.

However, if you withdraw shortly after depositing, there might be a hold on your withdrawal for up to five business days. Within that time, Betterment staff will get in touch to get extra information from you.

Transfer Between Cash Reserve and Investing Accounts

The limit of transfers between these two accounts stands at five times per day. One transfer may take up to 2 days of approval. Some terms and conditions apply depending on the type of joint investing accounts you hold.

Transfers Between Checking and Other Accounts

Moving money from one Checking account to another also takes a maximum of 2 business days. This is when you are funding an investment goal or moving money to a Cash Reserve.

If the transfer is aimed at a Cash goal account, the daily limit stands at $10 000, and the cash will be available on that same day.

WithdrawalTransactional Limits

• Daily ATM withdrawals: $500
• Daily Debit card: $2000

Customer Support

You can reach the customer service team via mail and phone from 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Time, Monday to Friday. Contacting them via email is limited to 11 am to 6 pm.

You can also engage the team via online chat, but that is a privilege only the existing clients get to enjoy. You access the online chat after you have logged in to your account.

You may get financial assistance from the Finacial planners, but it costs $199 to $299. These consultation sessions take place via Zoom through informative video conferencing feeds.

Is My Money Safe with Betterment?

The security features of the Betterment platform are sufficient in that both the site and app are encrypted. The mobile app has two-factor authentication.

Betterment does not have Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insurance, but Apex Clearing handles all trades.

As long as you don’t have more than $500 000 in accounts and $250 000 in cash, your money is safe. If you do, you might consider transferring the excess to a firm that offers supplementary insurance.

Is Betterment a Good Broker?

Its features have been centered around technology and Robo-advisory early enough. And this has scored Betterment credibility as a trusted platform that you can invest in.

One of the selling points that would convince you to use Betterment is that the minimum balance is $0. The Checking account reimburses you whenever you use the Debit card when the extra fees are charged on the card. You get FDIC insurance on your cash up to $250.

The Cash Reserve is a high-yield account with an earning variable of 0.03%, which offers bucket money for individual goals and plans. You also get FDIC insurance of up to $1 million of your cash in this account.

For these reasons, Betterment is an excellent broker for people who are looking for a platform to help them manage their retirement funds. Regardless, it is cherished by people who are looking to invest and track their financial moves.

The numerous portfolios plus the accounts can accommodate different people looking for a brokerage partner.

Conclusion

Betterment ranks among the top Robo-advisors in the money market, meaning they meet all the requirements of a spectacular platform. You can access them via email and phone.

Their transactional fees are very accommodative for any money-minded person. That said, you should give them a try as they deliver as they have promised. Investors already on the platform attest they made a good decision.

Unfortunately, the company does not operate in the UK, but you can still utilize their services in the US, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico

They accept traders from all around the world and have some of the most competitive deposit and withdrawal rates.

Webull is one of the best brokerage services in the USA.

Can You Use Webull in the UK?

Unfortunately for many traders, Webull in not available in the UK. It is yet to establish its services in any European country. Due to laws and regulations, Webull is only present in the US, Brazil, India, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and China.

Best Webull Alternatives

Here is the best UK alternative to Webull:

	FCA Regulated eToro Minimum Deposit: $50 CopyTrading
	OPEN ACCOUNTWe recommend shares trading instead of CFDs. eToro Disclaimer: 67% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

Webull Review

Webull Financial LLC is a US-based broker company in 44 Wall Street, New York City. The company is a member of the following financial bodies.

• FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). This is an independent non-governmental organization that controls registered brokers. It does this by writing and enforcing the rules and regulations set for brokers.
• SIPC This is the acronym for Securities Investor Protection Corporation. It is a min profit corporation that protects brokerage firm clients that have been pushed into bankruptcy.
• NYSE The New York Stock Exchange is the largest globally. It is an institution that bases its operations on the total market capitalization of the listed securities.
• NASDAQ This is an acronym for National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations. This is a global electronic marketplace where people buy and trade securities.

It’s is a fintech startup that provides brokerage services without charging a fee or offering a discount. Since its inception in 2018, the company has been at the forefront of delivering quality services to its clients.

My Personal Experience

As a UK trader, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect trading platform that meets all my needs.

So when I heard about Webull, I just had to try it out – even if it meant borrowing my American friend’s account.

And let me tell you, I was thoroughly impressed. The platform was fast, efficient, and packed with all the tools a trader could ever need.

The real-time market data was a game-changer and the intuitive interface made trading a breeze.

What Do They Offer?

Webull Financial LLC offers security trading services to self-directed customers. The company is a registered broker-dealer under the Securities and Exchange Commission.

They also have an insurance firm. Purchased by their clearing firm, the Apex Clearing Corp, the insurance coverage limit protects the securities and cash, up to $150 million. This means that every customer’s security is subject to a maximum of $37 million. The limit for cash is a bit lower, at $900,000.

The additional insurance does not cover you against losses incurred in the securities’ market value.

Webull UK offers cryptocurrency trading too. To access these services, you do so through an account with Apex Crypto. However, since Apex Crypto is not insured, customers should do enough research to understand the risks involved before requesting the service.

What Set Them Above Competitors

The best thing about Webull is that the services are structured to appeal to the customers and traders. Additionally, they have a strict adherence to ethics, openness, and honesty. Therefore, every customer requesting their services should be at ease since they work with an authentic and honest company.

The internet paved the way for numerous opportunities, which led to improved service delivery across different industries, including the trading one. In addition to not charging commissions, another thing that makes Webull a favorite platform among traders is the user-friendly app.

This makes it easy to conduct transactions the modern way. For example, with this app, you can invest in the stock market conveniently from anywhere. Moreover, you won’t have to pay a lot of money or get charged fees for that.

Regulations

Laws have made it hard for the company to maintain international investors, especially non-US citizens and residents.

They are only welcoming applications from US citizens and a few other countries. This comes as a disappointment to many traders and investors who would have wanted to enjoy the top drawer services offered by Webull in the UK.

Sadly, Webull is yet to make any public announcements concerning its expansion plans to the UK or the larger European market. So even though there is a promising market in these regions, it remains a mystery whether UK residents will ever use the modernized brokerage service.

Nevertheless, there are numerous alternatives for UK traders to utilize and still get quality service. However, not all of them offer commission-free services. So, it is primarily up to the traders to analyze their options and make an informed decision.

Assets and Markets

As we have seen, there are numerous assets that you can trade on Webull. They include

1. Actual Commission-Free Shares and Stocks

Webull users have the chance to trade actual shares without having to pay a dime for it.

When you log in with Webull, you will see that the platform has included many shares, including some of the leading shares in the country.

It is possible to transfer stocks to and from your Webull account. If you are transferring the stocks into your account, Webull won’t charge you.

However, you should know that your outgoing broker might have a charging policy, and therefore, it is essential to contact them first before proceeding with the transfer.

Webull’s free option works when you are liquidating your positions with your current broker. Also, when making a fund withdrawal from them and depositing the funds into your Webull account.

Nevertheless, if you want to transfer your stocks from Webull to another broker, you are charged a transfer fee of $75 for every transfer. Please note that these funds do not benefit Webull, but they go to Apex, the clearing firm.

The transfer takes 5-7 business days for it to be completed. These delays are expected and may occur if the account you are transferring to differs from the Webull account. Other causes of delays include unsettled stocks, ACH transactions, etc.

2. Cryptocurrencies

Lately, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin has been on the rise. Being one of the hottest assets today, Webull offers top-tier cryptocurrency services.

They are a sort out service in the current market. In fact, the list of the available cryptos is growing longer and longer every passing month.

At the moment, Webull supports the trading of crypto such as:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Ethereum Classic ( ETC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Zcash (ZEC)
• Stellar Lumens (XLM)

To apply for their crypto trading services, you have to install the latest version of their mobile app or use the desktop app 5.0.

With Webull, you can buy and sell different cryptocurrencies at the minimum rate of $1.

The good thing about their crypto services is that all the crypto transactions, whether buying or selling, are instant settlements. This means that all the balances will reflect instantly, and all your funds are always available whenever you need them.

Additionally, their crypto information is always up to date. They have numerous real-time data analysis, indicators, tools, and customizable charts. These tools keep you informed and always equip you with the tools required to trade crypto.

Webull’s crypto services are available every day of the week, allowing you to trade whenever you want to. The transactions are safe and secure—they have two-factor authentication for extra security plus encryption.

If you experience any problem or feel like you need something resolved, you can contact their crypto health care. It is open throughout the week all year round.

3. Forex

This is another common asset among brokerages. Webull also offers forex services. Many traders opt for exclusive Webull forex services, making it an essential asset of the company. For more significant profit margins, you can opt for leverage.

Deposit and Withdraws

Deposit

Webull always has its users in mind.

Why?

First of all, there is no minimum deposit that you can deposit into your Webull account. This means that if you are looking to trade and invest with smaller amounts, a Webull account is a perfect option for you. This is primarily beneficial if you are just getting started on your investment journey.

You can later add more funds to the account as you gain experience and become more conversant with the platform. This gives you the time frame to learn how to manage your investments. The depositing process is straightforward.

The only transaction costs required from you are those charged by other parties, such as the banks, when sending the money.

In addition to the deposit minimum, there is a requirement of $2000 minimum for a margin account. This is an account where you can use borrowed money to trade.

After depositing using your credit or debit card, the transfer time taken is almost instant. However, if you opt for a wire transfer, you have to wait for several days to get the funds.

It would help if you did not forget that Webull allows you to trade using a single base currency, the US dollar. However, if you send the funds in a different form of currency, it’s converted before the deposit.

Below is the basic process of depositing money.

Step 1- Open a broker account.

You need your details, and then you take a financial test to gauge your knowledge. After verification, you are good to go.

Step 2- Make the deposit

After opening the account, you can choose a suitable deposit method. Next, enter the amount you want to deposit. For bank transfers, you must first include your bank account on the interface.

The name of the bank account must be the same names you used to open the Webull’s account. For credit cards and debit cards, you just need to follow the basic deposit process.

You can also deposit funds using E-wallets such as Skrill, Paypal, and Neteller.

Step 3- Review the Transaction

The time you have to wait before reviewing is dictated by the deposit method. Usually, you will receive an email confirmation.

Withdrawal

The withdrawal process is straightforward. To initiate a withdrawal,

1. Go to the homepage.
2. Click on the “Transfers” tab.
3. You will see a withdraw option; click on it.
4. Enter the amount you want to withdraw, and press confirm. The amount has to be lower or equal to the available amount.

After completing this process, it takes one or two days for the withdrawal to reflect in your account.

Customer Support

Webull Customer support is available 24/7 every day of the year. You can access these services online with ease.

Webull’s customer support is top drawer. They are always ready and willing to help you solve any issue or problems you face concerning their multiple platforms or transactions.

You can contact their customer care services whenever you have a question concerning their services. Or even regarding the entities within their niche, such as stocks and cryptocurrency. Their customer care service providers will attend to you and ensure that you are satisfied by the end of the session.

Is my Money Safe with Webull UK?

Webull UK is a trustworthy broker. With their strict adherence to ethics and honesty, you should feel secure whenever you invest in their platform. Additionally, the company is regulated by numerous regulatory authorities, making it hard for any inconvenience and malice.

Additionally, the companies are insured under their firm. They also provide a maximum of $500,000 in investor protection and a $250,000 cash limit under the SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) protection scheme.

Is Webull UK a Good Broker

If you are interested in trading, Webull is a reliable platform to trade on. It is a competent and authentic broker where reputable brokers trade on too. It is easy to use, straightforward, and has reliable customer support. Unfortunately, it not available for UK traders.

Conclusion

Webull is the complete package. It has numerous trading opportunities. With a good plan and determination, the platform is good for trading and investment.

However, it does not operate in the UK, but we hope they will soon announce their entry into Europe.

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