Independent scores · data verified August 2026

Every broker,
one honest score.

We score trading platforms and crypto exchanges 0–10 with a published methodology and re-verify the numbers continuously — so you compare real fees and real regulation, not marketing copy.

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16platforms scored
5weighted scoring pillars
65head-to-head comparisons
100%same methodology for every broker

Trading platforms

Brokers, ranked

Multi-asset brokers and CFD platforms, ranked by overall score. CFDs carry high risk — the score already weighs each broker's regulation and transparency.

Best overall
Interactive Brokers
Advanced investorsGlobal market access
$0Min. depositStocks from $0.0035/share (Pro) or 0 commission (Lite, US)Fees5× regulatedSEC/FINRA (US)
9.0
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Pepperstone
Active forex tradersScalpers & algo traders
£10 UK, $10 elsewhere (recommended $200+)Min. depositRazor account: spreads from 0.0 pips + £2.25/lot per side on GBP accounts (~$3.50 on USD)Fees7× regulatedASIC (AU)
8.9
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Best for beginners
XTB
BeginnersEuropean stock investors
$0Min. deposit0% commission on stocks/ETFs up to €100k monthly volumeFees4× regulatedFCA (UK)
8.8
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Trading 212
Long-term stock investorsBeginners
£1 (bank transfer or card)Min. deposit0% commission on stocks and ETFsFees5× regulatedFCA (UK)
8.7
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IC Markets
ScalpersHigh-volume forex traders
€200 (EU entity); $0 listed by the global entityMin. depositRaw account: spreads from 0.0 pips + $3.50/lotFees3× regulatedASIC (AU)
8.7
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eToro
BeginnersCopy trading
$50–$200 (varies by country)Min. deposit0% commission on real stocksFees3× regulatedFCA (UK)
8.6
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Exness
Traders in emerging marketsFrequent withdrawals
$10 (Standard account)Min. depositStandard: spreads from 0.2 pipsFees4× regulatedCySEC (EU)
8.4
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AvaTrade
Traders wanting fixed spreadsFX options traders
$100Min. depositSpread-based pricing from 0.9 pips EUR/USDFees5× regulatedCBI (IE)
8.3
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Freetrade
UK ISA investorsLow-cost SIPP
No stated minimum; fractional shares from £2Min. deposit0% commission on all plansFees1× regulatedFCA (UK)
8.2
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XM
Bonus seekersSmall starting balances
$5Min. depositUltra Low account: spreads from 0.6 pips, no commissionFees5× regulatedCySEC (EU)
8.2
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Plus500
Casual CFD tradersTraders who value listed-company transparency
$100Min. depositNo commissions — costs built into spreadsFees11× regulatedFCA (UK)
8.1
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Crypto

Exchanges, ranked

Best overall
Kraken
Security-conscious holdersUS & EU users
$1 equivalentMin. depositKraken Pro: 0.40%/0.80% maker/taker at entry tier, dropping with volumeFees3× regulatedUS state licenses
8.8
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Binance
Altcoin tradersLow fees
$1 equivalentMin. depositSpot from 0.1% (0.075% with BNB)Fees1× regulatedRegistered/licensed in 20+ jurisdictions (varies by region)
8.5
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Coinbase
First-time crypto buyersUK users wanting a listed, FCA-registered exchange
No stated account minimum; US stocks from £1Min. depositSimple buy/sell: a spread in the quoted price plus a Coinbase fee shown on the preview screen, with no fixed published UK rateFees3× regulatedFCA (UK): e-money institution and cryptoasset registration, FRN 900635; MiFID investment firm, FRN 1045733
8.4
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OKX
Web3 usersDerivatives traders
$1 equivalentMin. depositSpot 0.08%/0.1% maker/takerFees2× regulatedVARA (Dubai)
8.3
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Bybit
Crypto derivatives tradersCopy trading in crypto
$1 equivalentMin. depositSpot 0.1%Fees2× regulatedVARA (Dubai)
8.2
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Start here

Start with a question, not a brand

I'm just starting out

The platforms that won't punish a first mistake.

I trade forex actively

Raw spreads and execution speed, compared per lot.

I want to buy crypto

Fees and security records of the major exchanges.

I'd rather copy the pros

Copy trading platforms with verified track records.

Guides

What it really costs to buy £1,000 of US shares from the UK: 2026 data across the platforms we scoreWhat is a CFD? How contracts for difference work, with a worked tradeWhat is leverage in trading? Margin, ratios and how losses scaleIs XTB safe? FCA licence, FSCS cover, listed accounts and the KNF finesXTB fees explained: what UK investors and traders actually payIs eToro safe? FCA and CySEC licences, FSCS cover, crypto and the CFD small printDividend calculator (UK)

Guides →

Frequently asked questions

How does WhichBroker rate brokers?

Every platform is scored 0–10 across five weighted pillars: fees (30%), platforms (20%), trust & regulation (25%), market range (15%) and support (10%). The full methodology is public and applied identically to every broker, whether or not they have a partner program.

Is WhichBroker free to use?

Yes. We may earn a commission when you open an account through our links, at no cost to you. Commissions never change a score — several highly rated platforms on this site pay us nothing.

What is the safest type of broker?

Look for platforms regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, SEC), ideally publicly listed with audited financials. Our trust score weighs exactly these signals, and every review lists the specific regulators protecting your account.

How often is the data updated?

Fee tables, minimum deposits and regulation data are re-verified continuously; the current dataset was last verified in August 2026. Every review shows its own "last updated" date.