Are you tired of the mundane, cookie-cutter stock trading apps that leave you feeling unfulfilled? It’s time to break free from the shackles of mediocrity and experience the adrenaline rush of a cutting-edge platform.
Imagine an app that not only caters to your individual investment style but also pushes the boundaries of innovation, providing you with unparalleled tools to conquer the market.
Here are the best stock trading apps in the UK.
Also check out our top list with the best wealth management apps in the UK.
The Best Stock Trading Apps UK 2024
1. Plus500
Plus500 is a London stock exchange-listed CFD. It was created in 2008 in Israel. It’s known for its mobile app as it’s noticeably clean and effortless. You can utilize this ease to trade CFD and Forex on.
In terms of the platform, it’s regulated by many bodies. You can expect the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as well as the UK’S Financial Conduct Authority to monitor it.
Having large names assessing its every move makes it one of the safest platforms to trade CFDs on. The fact that it’s listed on the London Stock Exchange helps with this as well.
Let’s dive into some of its features.
Its Interface
Its web platform is extremely clean and you’ll find it very easy to use. This is translated to its mobile app as well.
In fact, many of the features on the web version are available here.
It comes with great charting tools to study data as well as a clear economic calendar. However, there isn’t a news feed.
There is also a notification system that we’re a fan of. It lets you monitor the price of an asset.
Can Anyone Make An Account?
Plus500 does not restrict a lot of countries. If you were to create an account, you’ll be able to do so as only 5 countries are barred.
If you’re wondering what these countries are, they are:
- Canada
- US
- Iran
- Syria
- Cuba
Although it’s only 5 countries, a good chunk of the world’s traders come from North America. And unfortunately, 3 of the 5 countries on this list are from the region.
How Easy Is It To Make An Account?
Plus500 is easy to make an account on. You can do so within a day which is refreshing.
Once you register for an account, you have to verify yourself to be allowed entry. Although you have to provide sensitive information, this practice is common for all online brokers.
You’ll have to add a copy of your passport or ID, as well as a utility bill (for your address).
Base Currencies
Base currencies are essentials for online brokers. With Plus500 by your side, you have a range of currencies to choose from.
That being said, there’s a problem with this. Plus500 hasn’t made it clear what type of currencies they offer. In fact, we don’t even know how many there are.
Are There Fees?
You’ll be happy to know there are no deposit fees when trading on Plus500.
This is the same for withdrawals as well. For the first 5 withdrawals, you make a month, nothing will be charged. Once the 5 are up, you’ll have to pay $10 every time you take cash out.
If you’re wondering, it requires a $100 minimum deposit.
2. Easymarkets
Easymarkets is an online broker that specializes in CFD and Forex trade. It was created in 2001 and initially went as easyMarkets.
Its headquarters are in the Marshall Islands. So, it has room to function as it wants as the Marshall Islands are very lax with online trading.
Although it’s primarily known for its web version, it has an impressive mobile app that users love.
If you’re wondering how regulated they are, cySEC and ASIC monitor their every move.
Its Interface
Its web platform is easy to use and clean as well. This is translated into its mobile app too.
When you use the online broker, you have access to charting data as well as a news feed. It provides an economic calendar and a blog section with trading strategies and tips.
The blog section encompasses its ‘education’ section as it teaches you as much about trading as possible and includes informative videos as well.
Is It Available Everywhere?
Easymarkets is available across the world. Unlike Plus500, it’s restricted in many more countries.
Are There Base Currencies?
Yes, there are 18 of them. Unfortunately, they haven’t made all these public knowledge.
How Do You Make An Account?
If you want to make an account for the platform, you’ll have to register.
Once you register, it’s not the end of the road. You’ll have to verify who you are which requires sensitive information. If you’re wondering what these are, they are your ID/Passport as well as a utility bill.
You can expect your account to be done within a day as well.
Are There Fees?
In terms of easymarkets, it does charge you a deposit fee. However, this is very common with online brokers so it’s not anything to be too impressed about.
In terms of withdrawal fees, nothing is charged. This is impressive as Plus500 made this free only for the first 5 withdrawals of the month.
If you’re wondering, it requires a minimum $100 deposit.
Its Interface
Its web platform is easy to use and clean as well. This is translated into its mobile app too.
When you use the online broker, you have access to charting data as well as a news feed. It provides an economic calendar and a blog section with trading strategies and tips.
The blog section encompasses its ‘education’ section as it teaches you as much about trading as possible and includes informative videos as well.
If you’re wondering, you need $100 to open a standard account.
3. Highlow
UPDATE: Highlow does not accept UK traders anymore. Try eToro instead.
Highlow is a trading platform that was created in Australia. It has its headquarters in Sydney. Because of this, they’re regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). Although they’re monitored by only one body, you should know that ASIC is one of the strictest (if not the most strict) financial body in the world.
With them by your side, you can trade cryptocurrency.
Although their web version is good, their mobile version is one of the best on this list.
Its Platform
The online broker is easy to use, like its contenders above. This is seen in its mobile app as well.
In both versions, you will see charting tools and a research section for users.
Is It Available Anywhere?
The platform was accessible to people around the world. However, there were restrictions for a few countries.
As of July 2019, Highlow decided to change this. If you live outside of Australia, you won’t be able to access the online broker as it’s only available to Australian nationals.
Its old users were allowed to stay but anyone new had to be Australian.
How Easy Is It To Open An Account?
To open an account, you’ll have to register. With this out of the way, you can only use their features if you verify yourself.
It’s not difficult to do this as all you need is proof of your identity and something to show as your address. Such a thing is common for online brokers.
When you first make an account, you’ll get $50 cashback. Isn’t that great?
Are There Fees?
When withdrawing cash, you’ll be charged 2% of whatever you took out. In terms of deposits, you won’t be charged anything.
That being said, you need $50 AUD to create a standard account.
If you want to withdraw anything, it takes up to a day to get processed.
Criteria Used To Find The Best Trading Apps
When searching for the best stock trading apps, it is essential to consider various criteria to ensure you find the right fit for your investment needs. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Ease of use:
- Intuitive interface
- Simple navigation
- Easy account setup and management
Features:
- Real-time market data and quotes
- Advanced charting tools and technical indicators
- Watchlists and customizable alerts
- News and research resources
- Fractional shares and automatic investing
Fees and commissions:
- Low or no trading fees
- Transparency in pricing structure
- Minimal or no account maintenance fees
- No hidden charges
Security and reliability:
- Strong encryption and data protection
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Reliable performance during high-volume trading periods
- Quick and efficient customer support
Educational resources:
- Beginner-friendly tutorials and guides
- Webinars and expert insights
- In-app access to market analysis and reports
Platform compatibility:
- Availability on both iOS and Android devices
- Desktop and web-based trading platform options
- Seamless synchronization between devices
Account types and investment options:
- Support for various account types (e.g., individual, joint, retirement)
- Access to a wide range of investment products (e.g., stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds)
- International market access
By considering these criteria, you can evaluate and compare different stock trading apps to find the one that best suits your investment goals and preferences.
How to Trade Stocks Are a Beginner?
If you’re a beginner looking to start trading stocks, here are some key factors to consider:
- Education: Learn about the stock market, different types of securities, and basic concepts such as market orders, limit orders, and stop-loss orders.
- Research: Understand how to analyze stocks using fundamental and technical analysis, as well as how to stay informed about market news and company developments.
- Develop a strategy: Determine your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance, and build a trading strategy that aligns with these factors.
- Start with a practice account: Use a demo or paper trading account to practice trading with virtual money before risking real capital.
- Choose a reliable broker: Select a reputable, regulated broker that offers low fees, an intuitive trading platform, and excellent customer support.
- Diversify: Spread your investments across various sectors and asset classes to minimize risk and optimize returns.
- Manage risk: Implement risk management techniques such as setting stop-loss orders and position sizing to protect your capital.
- Track performance: Regularly review your trades and investment performance, making adjustments to your strategy as needed.
- Stay disciplined: Stick to your trading plan and avoid emotional decision-making, even during volatile market conditions.
- Continuous learning: Stay up to date with market trends and developments, and be open to refining your trading skills and knowledge over time.
By following these steps, beginners can develop a strong foundation in stock trading and work towards becoming successful traders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trading Apps
What Are Fractional Shares?
Fractional shares are portions of a single share of a stock or ETF, allowing investors to own less than one full share. They enable investors with limited capital to participate in the market and build a diversified portfolio without needing to buy whole shares of expensive stocks.
