Best Spread Betting Platforms in the UK for 2026

IG's reputation. Founded in 1974, IG is publicly traded on the FTSE 100 (LON: IGG) and regulated in eight Tier-1 jurisdictions, including the FCA in the U.K. That long track record and robust regulatory framework give traders a level of trust and security few competitors can offer.

Product range. IG offers over 19,500 tradeable instruments spanning forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies, making it a top choice for traders who want broad market coverage in one place. Whatever your strategy, you'll likely find the market you're looking for.

Steven's take:

"I've reviewed IG for over eight years, and nothing matches its spread betting depth. 19,500+ markets, FTSE 100 backing, eight Tier-1 regulators, and a platform that scales from your first bet to professional-grade trading. For U.K. spread bettors, it's the benchmark."

Steven Hatzakis
Director of Online Broker Research

Platform. IG's flagship web platform and mobile app are feature-rich, with advanced charting, integrated trading signals, research tools, and the ability to trade directly from charts, all wrapped in a modern, streamlined interface. For U.K. and Ireland residents, IG's spread betting is tax-efficient, with competitive spreads and strong risk-management tools. IG has also stopped applying its own spread charge on Tier 1 FTSE 100 share spread bets, lowering costs further on those positions.

The IG web platform features integrated video on its charting as well as a full layout combining a watchlist with relevant news headlines.

Range of markets. CMC provides access to nearly 12,000 tradeable instruments, many available for spread betting, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies. That breadth makes it a natural fit for traders who value choice in what they can spread bet.

Pricing. CMC offers consistently low spreads, averaging around 0.61 pips for EUR/USD based on collected data, and its FX Active program adds commission-based pricing that reduces costs for high-volume traders, with Alpha rebates for active clients (offers vary by region).

Expanded spread betting lineup with Spectre. CMC Spectre is a new zero-leverage spread betting account that funds long positions upfront using your own capital, with no margin requirements or overnight financing charges on those positions, while keeping the tax-free profits and no stamp duty that spread betting offers. It's designed for traders who want a more measured, investment-style approach with risk capped at the amount they commit, bridging the gap between traditional share buying and leveraged spread betting. Paired with the powerful Next Generation platform's 80 technical indicators and 40 drawing tools, CMC suits both cost-conscious and detail-oriented traders.

The layout of the CMC Markets Next Generation web platform with open windows for the watchlist, charts, product library, market calendar, insights, and positions.

Financial backing. City Index is part of the publicly traded StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX), a Fortune 100 company that holds regulatory licenses in seven Tier-1 jurisdictions. That makes it one of the most trusted brokers we review, with the transparency and reporting requirements of a major U.S.-listed parent.

Investment selection. With access to 13,500 tradeable instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, City Index serves a wide range of traders. Spread betting delivers tax efficiencies for U.K. traders, while forex options and forwards broaden the opportunities further.

Platform and education. City Index's proprietary Web Trader platform is feature-rich, with advanced tools and integrated research. Its flagship PlayMaker tool, which won our #1 Risk Management Tool award the year it launched, gives traders valuable insight for managing positions, and I found it innovative for performance analytics and managing risk/reward. On the education side, City Index's Trading Academy and reality-show-style video series take an engaging approach to learning, with progress tracking, quizzes, and varied formats that benefit beginner and intermediate traders alike.

City Index's web platform includes trading layout charts, watchlists, news headlines, and Trading View signals.

Pricing. Capital.com offers tight spreads, including an EUR/USD spread around 0.7 pips, with no commissions on its spread betting account. Traders get access to thousands of markets spanning forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies (where permitted), all with tax-free profits for U.K. residents.

Platform. Capital.com's proprietary web and mobile apps are clean and intuitive, with solid charting, fast account opening, and AI-driven tools that help newer traders learn as they go. For traders who prioritize low costs and ease of use, Capital.com is a compelling option.

Platform. FXCM supports algorithmic trading through APIs and platform integrations, and its Trading Station charts come with over 100 indicators and tools for building and testing strategies. MetaTrader 4 support adds further flexibility for automated systems and custom indicators.

Trade-offs. FXCM's product range is narrower than the larger platforms on this list, with under 500 tradable symbols, and it doesn't support MetaTrader 5. For traders focused on algorithmic spread betting rather than breadth of markets, though, FXCM delivers a focused, cost-effective package.