Best Spread Betting Platforms In 2025

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Go to broker’s website Plus500 Overview

If you're too busy to read the entire article and want a quick answer, the best spread betting platform for 2025 is Plus500. Why? Here are its key advantages:

Is legit in your country (Identified as United States )
Has a good user satisfaction score 6.83 out of 10
A wide range of tools
Fast execution speed

Go to broker’s website Plus500 Overview

Below, we'll explain in more detail why we believe this and how brokers were evaluated.

Best spread betting platforms for 2025 are:

Plus500 - Best premium client support (personal manager, exclusive analysis, webinars)
Pepperstone - Best for scalping strategies (spread from 0 pips)
OANDA - Best for trading with advanced technical analysis tools (TradingView charts support)
FOREX.com - Diverse range of tradable assets (80+ currency pairs)
Interactive Brokers - Best broker for international investors (assets from 33 countries, 150+ markets)

Spread betting is a popular derivative trading method that allows traders to speculate on the price movements of a wide range of assets, including stocks, indices, commodities, and currencies. It's a great way to gain exposure to markets without actually owning the underlying assets.

Finding the right broker can be challenging with so many options available. To help traders make informed decisions, this guide evaluates and ranks top spread betting brokers based on key factors. These include regulation by authorities like the FCA (UK) or CBI (Ireland), available products, and associated fees. This comprehensive approach ensures that traders can identify brokers that align with their needs and trading preferences.

Best spread betting brokers 2025 compared

The spread size is crucial for active trading styles and bot trading. STP/ECN brokers typically offer the lowest spreads for EUR/USD, with an average spread of around 0.1 pips. Additionally, these brokers usually charge a small commission per standard lot, ranging from $1.5 to $3.5. We prepared a list of the best brokers with the lowest spread for the EUR/USD currency pairs.

Best spread betting brokers for 2025
	Currency pairs	Min. deposit, $	Max. leverage	Min Spread EUR/USD, pips	Max Spread EUR/USD, pips	Investor protection	Regulation level	Open an account
Plus500	60	100	1:300	0,5	0,9	€20,000 £85,000 SGD 75,000	Tier-1	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Pepperstone	90		1:500	0,5	1,5	£85,000 €20,000 €100,000 (DE)	Tier-1	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
OANDA	68		1:200	0,1	0,5	£85,000 SGD 75,000 $500,000	Tier-1	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
FOREX.com	80	100	1:50	0,7	1,2	£85,000	Tier-1	Study review
Interactive Brokers	100		1:30	0,2	0,8	$500,000 £85,000	Tier-1	Open an account Your capital is at risk.

What is spread betting?

Spread betting is a financial derivative that allows traders to speculate on assets like Forex, indices, commodities, or shares without buying the assets. Instead, they are betting on whether the price will rise or fall.

Unlike stock trading or Forex trading, spread betting allows traders to make money even when the price of an asset falls. For example, if a trader thinks that the price of a certain asset will fall, he sells that asset, which means placing a bet that the asset will fall in price.

Similarly, buying means placing a bet that the asset will rise. And if the asset performed as you speculated, you win that trade. But if it does not, you lose the trade.

The profits or losses are calculated by multiplying the bet size by the unit of movement of the asset you bet on. The bet size is the amount of money you bet per unit of movement. The unit of movement is measured in points or pips.

All spread bets have a duration between one day and a few months, but you can also choose to close them earlier or close them later.

Spread betting vs Forex trading

Compared spread betting and Forex trading
Aspect	Spread betting	Forex trading
Definition	Speculating on the price movement of financial instruments without owning the underlying asset.	Buying and selling currencies in the foreign exchange market to profit from exchange rate fluctuations.
Ownership	No ownership of the underlying asset.	Ownership of the actual currency pairs traded.
Leverage	Offers leverage, allowing control of larger positions with a smaller deposit.	Offers leverage, enabling traders to control significant positions with a relatively small margin.
Regulation	Considered a form of gambling in some jurisdictions, leading to varied regulatory oversight.	Subject to stringent regulatory oversight in many countries.
Market access	Allows speculation on a wide range of markets, including stocks, commodities, and indices.	Focused solely on currency pairs in the foreign exchange market.
Trading costs	Typically commission-free; costs are incorporated into the spread.	May involve spreads, commissions, and potential overnight financing fees.

Is spread betting risky?

Spread betting involves significant risks, largely due to its leveraged nature, which can amplify both profits and losses. Leverage allows traders to control large positions with a small margin, but this also means that even slight market movements can result in substantial losses, often exceeding the initial investment.

Market volatility further heightens the risk, as sudden and unpredictable price changes can quickly lead to unfavorable outcomes. Additionally, margin calls are a common risk in spread betting. If the market moves against a trader’s position, brokers may require additional funds to maintain the trade, and failure to provide these funds can lead to forced closure of positions at a loss.

Another concern is counterparty risk, as spread betting typically involves dealing with brokers directly. If a broker faces financial difficulties, it could impact the trader’s funds. Emotional decision-making can also exacerbate losses, as traders may overtrade or neglect risk management. To mitigate these risks, traders should adopt strategies such as stop-loss orders, proper position sizing, and ensuring they only trade with funds they can afford to lose.

How to spread bet?

Spread betting allows traders to speculate on the price movements of various financial markets without owning the underlying assets. Follow these steps to place a spread bet:

Choose a market. Select a financial market to bet on, such as shares, indices, Forex, or commodities. For example, you might choose the FTSE 100 index.
Decide to buy or sell. If you think the market price will rise, place a 'buy' bet (go long). If you expect the price to fall, place a 'sell' bet (go short). For instance, if you believe the FTSE 100 will increase, you would buy at the offered price.
Determine your stake size. Decide how much to risk per point of market movement. For example, if you stake £10 per point, a 10-point movement in your favor results in a £100 profit, while a 10-point movement against you leads to a £100 loss.
Implement risk management tools. Use stop-loss orders to automatically close your position at a set loss level, limiting potential losses. Similarly, set take-profit levels to secure profits when the market moves in your favor.
Monitor and close your position. Keep track of your open positions and market conditions. You can close your bet at any time to secure profits or limit losses before reaching your stop-loss or take-profit levels.

How to choose the best spread betting broker?

Selecting the right spread betting broker is crucial for a successful trading experience. Consider the following factors:

Regulation and security. Ensure the broker is authorized and regulated, which enforces strict standards to protect traders. This oversight ensures that the broker adheres to industry standards and offers a secure trading environment.
Range of markets. A diverse selection of markets, including Forex, commodities, indices, and shares, allows for greater trading opportunities. Brokers like Spreadex offer a wide array of markets, enabling traders to diversify their portfolios.
Trading costs. Evaluate the broker's spreads, commissions, and overnight financing charges. Competitive pricing directly impacts profitability. For instance, some brokers provide tight spreads on major currency pairs, which can be beneficial for frequent traders.
Trading platform. The platform should be user-friendly, reliable, and equipped with advanced charting tools and technical indicators. Features like mobile compatibility and fast execution speeds are essential for effective trading.
Account types and minimum deposits. Consider whether the broker offers account types that align with your trading goals and assess the required minimum deposit. Some brokers cater to both beginners and experienced traders by offering various account options with different features and benefits.
Risk management tools. Effective tools like guaranteed stop-loss orders and negative balance protection help manage potential losses. These features are crucial for maintaining control over trades and protecting your capital.

Top 5 tips for successful spread betting

Success in spread betting requires a disciplined approach and effective risk management. Here are five key tips to improve your trading performance:

Develop and test a trading strategy. Before using real funds, create a detailed trading plan and test it with a demo account. This helps you refine your strategy and gain confidence without risking money.
Manage position sizes carefully. Start with small bet sizes to minimize potential losses. As you gain experience and confidence in your strategy, you can gradually increase your stakes.
Use leverage wisely. While leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of significant losses. Only use leverage that aligns with your risk tolerance and trading plan.
Choose less volatile markets. Focus on assets with predictable price movements. Avoid highly volatile markets unless you have experience and a clear strategy to manage the associated risks.
Conduct thorough market research. Stay informed about market conditions, economic data, and relevant news. Proper research enhances your ability to make informed trading decisions.

Spread betting can be profitable if approached with advanced strategies

Spread betting can be profitable if approached with advanced strategies. One effective method is exploiting arbitrage opportunities by monitoring different spread betting firms for price discrepancies. By simultaneously placing a buy position with one firm and a sell position with another, traders can secure profits from price differences. This requires quick decision-making and access to multiple platforms but can yield consistent returns when market inefficiencies occur.

Another advanced approach is pair trading, where traders identify two correlated assets and take opposing positions — long on one and short on the other. This strategy focuses on the relative performance of the assets, reducing exposure to overall market trends. It’s especially useful in volatile markets, offering a balanced way to manage risks while capitalizing on price divergence. By integrating such targeted strategies, beginners can enhance their potential for success in spread betting.

Methodology for compiling our ratings of Forex brokers

Traders Union applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate brokers using over 100 quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.

Key aspects of the assessment include:

Regulation and safety. Brokers are evaluated based on the level/reputation of licenses and regulations they operate under.
User reviews. Client reviews and feedback are analyzed to determine customer satisfaction levels. Reviews are fact-checked and verified.
Trading instruments. Brokers are evaluated on the range of assets offered, as well as the breadth and depth of available markets.
Fees and commissions. All trading fees and commissions are analyzed comprehensively to determine overall costs for clients.
Trading platforms. Brokers are assessed based on the variety, quality, and features of platforms offered to clients.
Other factors like brand popularity, client support, and educational resources are also evaluated.

Find out more about the unique broker assessment methodology developed by Traders Union specialists.

Conclusion

Selecting the best spread betting platform depends on your trading goals, experience, and preferred markets. The ideal platform should offer competitive spreads, advanced trading tools, robust risk management features, and a user-friendly interface. Whether you prioritize low costs, a wide range of assets, or access to educational resources, evaluating these factors carefully will help you make an informed choice. Remember to consider regulatory oversight and customer support for a secure and smooth trading experience.

FAQs

What leverage can I use?

Leverage on spread bets is typically lower than Forex, from 1:2 up to 1:30 depending on the broker and your account level.

Do brokers charge commissions?

No, spread betting commissions are built into the spread between the bid-ask prices quoted. There are usually no additional per-trade or inactivity fees.

Are there any taxes with spread betting?

No, because it is considered gambling in the eyes of UK/EU tax authorities. Profits are not liable for capital gains or income tax, which is a big advantage over regular trading.

Is spread betting allowed in the US?

No, spread betting is prohibited in the US and many other countries due to regulatory restrictions. It is primarily legal and popular in the UK, EU and Australia.

Team that worked on the article

Mikhail Vnuchkov joined Traders Union as an author in 2020. He began his professional career as a journalist-observer at a small online financial publication, where he covered global economic events and discussed their impact on the segment of financial investment, including investor income. With five years of experience in finance, Mikhail joined Traders Union team, where he is in charge of forming the pool of latest news for traders, who trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, Forex instruments and fixed income.

Learn about our editorial policies

Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

Index

Index in trading is the measure of the performance of a group of stocks, which can include the assets and securities in it.

Forex indicators

Forex indicators are tools used by traders to analyze market data, often based on technical and/or fundamental factors, to make informed trading decisions.

Investor

An investor is an individual, who invests money in an asset with the expectation that its value would appreciate in the future. The asset can be anything, including a bond, debenture, mutual fund, equity, gold, silver, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and real-estate property.

Forex Trading

Forex trading, short for foreign exchange trading, is the practice of buying and selling currencies in the global foreign exchange market with the aim of profiting from fluctuations in exchange rates. Traders speculate on whether one currency will rise or fall in value relative to another currency and make trading decisions accordingly. However, beware that trading carries risks, and you can lose your whole capital.