With investment apps, you can buy and sell assets via your smartphone – so you can access the financial markets wherever you are. Stocks, ETFs, forex, and cryptocurrencies are just some of the instruments covered by the best investment apps.
The guide reviews the best investment apps for 2021, and you can quickly open a new account by following some of the steps we will outline in today’s post.
Top 5 Best Investment Apps in the UK
Here is a list of the best investment apps in the UK.
- eToro – The best investment app overall in the UK.
- Capital.com – The Best Investment App for Beginners in the UK
- AvaTrade – Research and Analysis App for UK Investors
- Pepperstone – ZERO Spread Investment App for the UK
- Plus500 – UK’s Best Asset Diversification App
Are you looking for a complete review of these UK investment apps? Keep reading!
Review of Best Investment Apps in the UK.
Many investment apps are available in the UK today, and finding the best one for your goals and needs is difficult. Ultimately, you’ll want to review core metrics such as fees, tradable assets, customer service, and regulation. In addition, if you’re an experienced trader, you may find it useful to use indicators, chart-making tools, and market insights.
Below is a list of the best investment apps right now, so you don’t have to perform hours of research yourself.
Top Recommended Platforms
78% of retail investor accounts lose money trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Trading forex or CFDs on margin involves a high degree of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. There is a possibility that you may suffer a loss equal to or greater than your entire investment.
CFDs are complex instruments and involve a high risk of losing money quickly because of the leverage effect. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
eToro – the UK’s best investment app in 2022
After reviewing over 50+ providers, eToro proved to be the best investment app UK in 2021. Moreover, the app meets all key criteria: regulation, ease of use, asset diversification, and fees. The FCA – which oversees the financial services industry in the UK – regulates eToro’s safety. In the unlikely event that eToro went bankrupt, you would be covered up to the first £85,000 by the FSCS.
EToro offers thousands of financial instruments, so you’ll never be short of options when it comes to asset diversity. More than 2,500 stocks and ETFs are available on the eToro investment app.
There are 17 stock exchanges within the database, including those in the UK, US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Furthermore, eToro waives stamp duty tax on stocks and ETFs. That’s an extra 0.5% off.
Aside from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ripple, Uniswap, and Litecoin, eToro offers a wide range of commodities, including gold, silver, oil, and wheat. In addition to forex pairs, you can also trade indices like the FTSE 100 and Nasdaq Composite. Trading these financial markets will result in extremely low fees since they are spread-only markets. We like that you can buy fractional assets through this top-rated UK investment app. Regarding stock and ETF investing, you can start with just $50 (about £36), regardless of the asset’s current market price.
The minimum amount of cryptocurrency investment is just $25 (about £18), making it ideal for investors with modest budgets. Let us now discuss the eToro Copy Trading tool now that we have covered regulation, asset diversity, and fees. To summarize, this allows passive investment, as you can copy an eToro trader you like. Your investment will determine your returns. You would invest $100 into the banking stock if, for example, you invested $1,000 into a trade and they invested 10% of their portfolio in HSBC shares.
First, you’ll need to open an eToro account. It will take you minutes. Then you can deposit using a debit/credit card or bank account. PayPal and Skrill are both accepted as e-wallets.
For Android and iOS devices, eToro offers a free investment app for traders to download. A $200 initial investment is required to start trading. Afterward, you can top up your account for as little as $50.
Pros
- Spread-only investment in cryptocurrencies
- Wallet app with high ratings on Android and iOS
- Invest as little as $25 per trade
- It supports debit/credit cards, electronic wallets, and local bank transfers.
- FCA, CySEC, and ASIC-regulated
- More than 20 million people use it
- Suitable for beginners
- Copy-trading and social trading tools are available.
Cons
- Technical traders might find it too basic
- MT4 and MT5 are not supported
Capital.com – The Best Investment App for Beginners in the UK
If you’re new to online investment, Capital.com is one of the best investment apps in the UK.
A free mobile app is available for the average trader for Apple and Android users. It is possible to find your preferred market and then place a buy or sell order without having prior experience.
There are over 130 forex pairs included in the Capital.com app, which covers all majors and minors and a wide range of exotics. Additionally, you can trade indices, ETFs, and commodities. Capital.com’s stock CFD app truly stands out. This is because almost 20 countries and almost 3,600 shares are available to trade. This also includes stocks listed on the UK’s secondary market – AIM, in addition to top-tier FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 stocks.
The fees at Capital.com are very competitive. Depositing and withdrawing funds are free, and spreads are often the lowest in the industry. The capital.com app has 0% commission – so you only have to cover the spread. UK residents have access to spread betting facilities and leverage and short-selling.
We also like the fact that the Capital.com app has low account minimums. You only have to deposit £20 if you use a debit or credit card or supported e-wallet. The minimum amount increases to £250 if you transfer funds from your bank account. Before you make a deposit, you can try out Capital.com’s investment app by creating a demo account.
It is free, and it mimics live financial markets. By doing so, you do not have to risk any money when practicing your day trading. As an added safety measure, Capital.com is regulated by the FCA.
Pros
- Best CFD and spread betting broker
- FCA-regulated
- You only need a £20 deposit (debit/credit cards and eWallets)
- Markets with 0% commission
- No fees for deposits or withdrawals and tight spreads
- There are thousands of financial markets
- Excellent for beginners
Cons
- The platform may be too basic for advanced traders
- Bank transfers require a minimum deposit of £250
AvaTrade – Research and Analysis App for UK Investors
Seven regulatory jurisdictions regulate AvaTrade, an online CFD and spread betting broker. Many traders based in the UK use the platform around the world. We like AvaTrade for many reasons – especially because they provide excellent research and analysis.
AvaTradeGO, for example, provides technical analysis tools such as indicators, screeners, and chart drawing tools. The app is fully optimized for iOS and Android – even though you will be using a small screen to analyze. In addition to accessing real-time news and insights, you will stay abreast with the financial markets with this popular UK investment app. AvaTradeGO supports several asset classes.
You will be able to access stocks, currencies, indices, and precious metals from around the world. Oil and natural gas can also be traded. It is even possible to trade futures and options on AvaTrade if you have a bit of experience trading online. Any market you choose to speculate on, AvaTrade offers 0% commissions. Essentially, this means you need to account for only the spread when trading.
The spreads on major asset classes at AvaTrade are generally very competitive during standard market hours. Neither deposits nor withdrawals will be subject to transaction fees. You can fund the AvaTradeGO app with a Visa or MasterCard for the minimum deposit of £100. Alternatively, you can use a bank transfer, but it will take a few days to process. Also, AvaTrade offers spread betting with no capital gains tax or stamp duty.
Pros
- There are seven jurisdictions where the company is regulated
- All supported markets have a 0% commission
- CFDs and spread betting are available
- Deposits as low as £100
- Demo account available for free
- Provides support for MT4 and MT5
Cons
- The spread betting department covers only 200+ financial markets
- Instant bank transfers are not supported
Pepperstone – ZERO Spread Investment App for the UK
Suppose Pepperstone is a great choice if you’re a day trader seeking low fees and spreads as well as access to thousands of financial markets. As a result, the FCA-regulated provider has two core accounts that cater to different traders. In the first account, the spread is one pip. This account has zero commission.
The account is suitable for casual traders who wish to trade small amounts. The raw spread account may be a better option if you are an experienced trader whose positions are actively entered and exited throughout the day. To put it differently, you can trade alongside other traders. Therefore, major markets usually have a zero-pip spread. You will be charged a small flat fee of $3 per slide with this account type.
Pepperstone doesn’t have its proprietary mobile app in terms of the platform. Rather than competing with third-party platforms, the broker is compatible with three platforms that offer top-notch applications. The following applications are available for Android and iOS – MT4, MT5, and cTrader. After you have decided on a third-party investment app that will suit your goals, you can then log in to Pepperstone to open a Pepperstone account.
Providing some personal information should only take you a few minutes. You can start your new account with just £100 and use a credit or debit card to fund it instantly. This top-rated app focuses on leveraged CFDs, making it one of the best investment apps. Pepperstone lets you trade stocks, indices, currencies, and commodities from multiple exchanges. In line with FCA regulations, Pepperstone offers leverage on all accounts.
Pros
- You can choose from various markets, including shares, indices, commodities, forex, and more.
- Trading CFDs and spread betting
- Accounts with 0% commissions are available
- The minimum deposit is not required
- The FCA authorizes and regulates it
- MT4 and MT5 compatible
Cons
- It is a bit difficult to understand the pricing structure
- Educational resources are limited
Plus500 – UK’s Best Asset Diversification App
The majority of traders in the UK prefer investing in a specific asset class – like stocks or ETFs. However, others prefer to have access to a variety of financial markets. This investment app is well worth looking at if you are the latter type of investor. The financial conduct authority (FRN 509909) has regulated and authorized Plus500UK as a trusted CFD provider.
With Plus500, you can invest with confidence. Plus500 offers diversification across all financial markets. The UK, Africa, Europe, North America, and more are just some of the places where you can trade stock CFDs. Besides precious metals and agricultural products, CFDs are also available on energy, energies, indices like the FTSE 100 and the Dow Jones index. In addition to ETFs and futures, the Plus500 app also supports forex. Its fee structure is very competitive.
In particular, no commissions will be required when you buy and sell. Deposits and withdrawals in GBP are fee-free, too. Spreads are typically very tight as well. For those who would rather not deposit more than £100, a demo account is available for free. It thus mimics the daily trading activity of the financial markets, providing you with the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Plus500 app without having to risk any money.
Additionally, you will leverage all supported markets, another key Plus500 UK investment app feature. Following FCA regulations, there is a leverage limit of 1:30 on major forex pairs. There are lower limits on other markets. Stocks attract a maximum return of 1:5, while gold offers up to 1:20. You will be able to take advantage of both rising and falling markets with the Plus500 app since you will be trading CFD instruments. The app allows you to choose between buying and selling positions.
Pros
- CFD trading platform you can trust
- Commissions are 0% on all markets
- Spreads are very competitive
- Mobile investments are available for Android and iOS apps
- A $100 deposit is required
- Accepts debit cards and credit cards – free of charge
- A large number of assets
Cons
- Spread betting is not available
- There is no third-party trading platform support (e.g., MT4)
A Guide to Choosing the Best UK Investment App
When you’re searching for the best investment app UK for your needs, it’s always a good idea to do your research. No two apps are created equal.
On the one hand, research can be a challenging and lengthy process – as there is a wide range of variables to consider. The following checklist will help you fast-track the process.
Regulations and Licensing
Choosing safe and secure investment apps is essential. We mean that the application should have FCA authorization and regulation to clarify.
- As a result, you will have access to a safe environment and fair market conditions.
- You’re most protected by various licensing rules when sticking with FCA-regulated investment applications.
- The FCA requires all licensed investment apps to keep client funds separate.
- The brokerage behind the service provider cannot spend client money.
FSCS insurance also covers investment apps regulated by FCA, such as eToro. The brokerage collapse insurance covers you up to £85,000 in the event of a loss.
Supported Asset Classes
You cannot access all the financial markets with every investment app in the UK. Alternatively, the app may concentrate on only one asset, UK stocks. Before opening an account with an investment app, you should investigate which markets are available.
eToro, for instance, supports cryptocurrencies, commodities, and indices along with stocks, ETFs, and forex. Having a single investment app account means that you can manage your entire investment portfolio.
Fees associated with investment apps
UK investment apps charge a wide variety of fees. The amount you will pay is not the only factor you need to consider. There are other account functions you should also consider. If you are looking for the best investment app in the UK, you need to pay attention to the following fees:
- Commissions/Dealing Fees: When you place a buy or sell order, Typically, this commission will consist of a variable percentage of the trade amount, such as 0.5%. However, a few investment apps offer 0% commission accounts, including eToro, Capital.com, Pepperstone, AvaTrade, and Plus500.
- Spreads: Depending on the application used, it is the difference between the buy and sell prices. Pepperstone, for example, offers ZERO spread investment accounts.
- Funding: Deposits and withdrawals may be subject to fees depending on the UK investment app provider. Fees may also apply if you use a different payment method.
- Inactivity Fees: Some investment apps in the UK charge inactivity fees for dormant accounts. The fee usually kicks in after a year.
- Swap Fees: If you keep a leveraged CFD position open past standard trading hours, you will be charged exchange fees, also called overnight financing.
From the above, you can see how complex it can be to determine how much fees your chosen UK investment app charges. Even so, it’s vital to understand before enrolling.
A good customer service experience
Reviews by our review team showed that the best investment apps in the UK have a stellar customer service department. This includes a live chat option available around the clock in most cases. You can easily contact an agent if you need assistance with your account by sending a message in real-time. Those apps with low ratings typically only offer email support.
The main features
If your preferred UK investment app has any noteworthy features, it’s also worth checking. When we analyzed the eToro app, we found Copy Trading a highly innovative feature. This enables you to simply and quickly replicate an eToro investor on a like-for-like basis.
Suppose your selected trader makes a sale of gold – you will replicate this in your portfolio. The key advantage is that this allows you to trade on financial markets entirely passively. The best part is that eToro Copy Trading is free.
Check out these other features when looking for the best investment app in the UK:
- Tools for reporting news
- Tools for drawing charts and technical indicators
- Margin trading and leverage
- Protection against negative balance
- MT4/MT5 support
- The social trading system
- Calendars of economic activities
- Education materials and webinars
To summarize, if you want the best chance of consistently outperforming the markets, you should avoid skin and bone investment apps.
Payments
Of course, you will first have to deposit some funds into your investment app account if you want to make money from the financial markets.
- The best providers allow you to access instant payment methods directly within the app in this space.
- Traders can use E-wallets such as PayPal for payments through the eToro investment app.
- You will need to wait several days for funds to arrive if you decide to use an investment app whose only option is bank transfers.
For instance, Degiro, a popular investment app offered in the UK, allows deposits only via bank wires.
The Best Investment App in the UK: How to Get Started
The steps below will guide you toward getting started after learning how to pick the best investment app in the UK according to your needs. It is relatively easy to create a new account no matter which app you choose.
We will explain how to use eToro, the first FCA-regulated broker in the UK.
Step 1: Create a trading account
To begin, you will need to register at the main eToro website. It shouldn’t take long, as you only need to provide basic personal information.
After uploading your ID, you will be asked to provide proof of address and a copy of your government-issued ID. Your passport or driver’s license and a recently-issued document showing your full name and address are acceptable.
Step 2: Install the eToro app
With the new eToro app, you can trade from your phone. To download, select the operating system you wish to use (iOS/Android) and follow the process. After you’ve downloaded the app to your phone, open it up and log in using your credentials.
Step 3: Put money into your account.
EToro requires you to deposit funds into your account before trading with real money. With a debit/credit card or e-wallet. E-wallet options include Paypal, Skrill, and Neteller.
eToro’s investment app requires a $200 minimum first-time deposit – about £145.
Step 4: Find a market.
Traders can access the full list of eToro’s supported financial assets by clicking the ‘Trade Markets’ button. Thus, browsing for an asset to trade is a good idea.
You can search for a specific financial instrument using the top search bar.
Step 5: Place your trade
Now you need to make your first trade. You can enter your stake on the eToro app – it is very easy. You need a minimum of $25 to invest in cryptocurrencies and $50 in most other assets.
After completing all steps, simply click the ‘Open Trade’ button to confirm your order!
Conclusion: Best UK Investment Apps
This guide reviews the best UK investment apps on the market right now. This article discussed the most important factors to consider when choosing a service provider, including regulation, fees, payments, customer service, and core features.
The best investment app for 2021 is eToro for iOS and Android devices. In this FCA-regulated app, you can trade thousands of financial instruments – and stocks and ETFs come with 0% commissions.
Additionally, we ranked eToro as the #1 investment app in the UK due to its ease of use, small account minimums, and innovative Copy Trading features. Trading on your phone in this manner is passive and is perfect for beginners!
FAQ
Is there a good investment app for beginners in the UK?
If you’re a beginner in investing, eToro is the best app. The FCA-regulated broker created an intuitive investing app specifically for beginners. This app even allows you to trade with real market conditions in ‘demo’ mode without risking your own money.
Are there any free stock investment apps in the UK?
eToro offers a free investment app for iOS and Android. Stock/ETF commissions are 0%, and there are no account opening fees. You can trade other assets on a spread-only basis. Therefore, the app is the best free investment app in the UK.
Is it safe to invest in UK apps?
If your chosen UK investment app is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), you can be assured it is safe. The FSCS also protects the eToro app.
UK Investment apps: how do they work?
With investing apps, you will be able to invest in the future value of financial instruments with real money, just like you would do through an online broker.
What is the best iPhone investment app?
In addition to being the best investment app for iPhone, eToro is also the best investment app for Android.
