Broker Platforms
Our students often ask which platforms we actually use. Below you will find three regulated providers that many of our traders use. This information is general and not personal financial advice.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the broker links on this page are partner or affiliate links. If you open and fund an account through these links, TradeSense may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. We aim to keep all information fair, clear and not misleading.
Risk Warning: Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and spread bets are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail investor accounts lose money when trading these products. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs and spread bets work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. TradeSense does not provide personal financial advice. Nothing on this page constitutes a recommendation to open an account with any particular provider.
Trading can be a meaningful skill when approached with patience and a grounded understanding of how the markets work. Our role is simply to help you see your options with honesty. All three providers below are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are commonly used by UK spread-betters and CFD traders.
CMC Markets
68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and spread bets with this provider. These are complex instruments and involve a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
CMC Markets offers a wide range of markets with a clear, modern platform and strong charting tools. Many traders use it for day and swing trading on major indices, FX pairs and popular shares.
CMC publishes detailed information on spreads, overnight financing and any account fees on its website. Major FX pairs and indices are usually offered with competitive spreads, and support is available via phone, email and live chat during trading hours.
ActivTrades
81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and spread bets with this provider. These are complex instruments and involve a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
ActivTrades offers a choice of MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and its own ActivTrader platform, which can suit traders who want flexible charting, custom indicators or automated strategies.
ActivTrades publishes detailed information on spreads, commissions and overnight financing on its website. Major FX and index markets are usually offered with competitive spreads, and support is available via phone, email and live chat, with additional education and market analysis for clients.
City Index
68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and spread bets with this provider. These are complex instruments and involve a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
City Index offers spread betting and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on a wide range of global markets, backed by StoneX Group. It focuses on active traders who want straightforward access to indices, FX and major shares.
City Index provides a clear breakdown of spreads, commissions and overnight financing charges on its website. Pricing on leading indices and FX pairs is generally competitive, and clients have access to phone, email and live chat support, along with platform tutorials and market research.
Important Information
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute personal financial advice, investment advice, or a recommendation to open an account with any specific broker. TradeSense is an educational platform and is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide financial advice.
Spread betting and CFD trading are leveraged products. This means your losses can exceed your initial deposit. They are not suitable for everyone. Before trading, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. You should only trade with money you can afford to lose.
The losing-account percentages shown for each broker are sourced from the respective broker's own regulatory disclosures and are updated periodically. TradeSense cannot guarantee the accuracy of these figures at any given time and recommends checking each broker's website directly for the most current data.
TradeSense may receive compensation when you open an account through the links on this page. This does not influence our selection of brokers or the information we present. We only list FCA-regulated providers.