Trading forex with leverage offers increased exposure to currency price fluctuations, letting you trade with significantly more than the account balance permits. UK brokers provide varying leverage limits depending on the forex pair, account type, and whether you’re a retail or professional client.
This guide ranks and reviews the top high-leverage forex brokers in the UK. Read on to discover regulated currency brokers with the lowest margin requirements and the most competitive fees.
High-Leverage Forex Brokers Key Takeaways
- Leverage increases market exposure, allowing traders to enter much larger position sizes.
- The FCA limits UK retail clients to leverage of 1:30 when trading major currency pairs like GBP/USD. Minor and exotic pairs have lower limits of 1:20.
- UK traders can access higher leverage limits when they open a professional trading account or use a broker located offshore.
- While leverage amplifies profitable positions, it also magnifies losing trades. Risk management is crucial to avoid substantial losses.
- In addition to leverage limits, traders should also consider commissions, spreads, available markets, and account minimums when choosing a forex broker.
Top 4 High-Leverage Forex Brokers in the UK Ranked
According to our research, these are the top high-leverage forex brokers for UK residents:
- XTB: The overall best forex broker in the UK for high leverage
- FP Markets: Regulated offshore broker with forex leverage of up to 1:500
- Pepperstone: A great option to trade forex with leverage via spread betting markets
- Admiral Markets: Licensed forex broker with 0% commissions and tight spreads
The 4 Best High-Leverage Forex Brokers UK Reviewed
Learn more about the best forex brokers with high leverage in the UK. Read on to assess key metrics like margin requirements, commissions, available currency pairs, and accepted payment methods.
1. XTB – Our Top Pick When Trading Forex With Leverage in the UK
In our view, XTB is the overall best option for UK forex traders who seek leverage in a safe and low-cost environment. The platform is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This means the FSCS protects accounts up to £85,000 if XTB collapses.
In the forex department, XTB supports over 70 currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics. The minimum order size is just 0.01 lots, and retail clients can apply leverage of up to 1:30. Beginners like the negative balance protection feature, which ensures traders can’t lose more than they’ve deposited.
In addition to currency trading, the platform supports over 2,300 other leverage markets, including stocks, commodities, and indices. UK traders can also invest in traditional stocks and ETFs without leverage, ensuring ownership and dividend entitlement (if applicable).
XTB stands out as a leading forex broker for its competitive, low-fee structure. You can trade currencies commission-free, and major currency pairs boast spreads as tight as 0.3 pips. Deposits are free, with convenient GBP options like debit/credit cards and bank transfers, and there is no minimum deposit. Be aware that withdrawals under £50 incur a £5 fee.
Those new to forex and leverage trading often start with XTB’s free demo account. The account tracks the live forex markets in real-time, comes with virtual funds, and doesn’t require a deposit. This feature is ideal for developing forex trading strategies in a risk-free environment.
| Forex Pairs | 70+ |
| Pricing System | 0% commission. Spreads start from 0.3 pips |
| Account Types | Standard and professional |
| Platforms | xStation 5 (proprietary) |
| Account Minimum | £0 |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 (retail) or 1:500 (professional) |
| Standout Feature | Heavily regulated and an FSCS member |
| Our Rating | 5/5 |
Pros
- The overall best high-leverage forex broker in the UK
- No commissions, deposit fees, or account minimums
- Forex spreads start from just 0.3 pips
- Also supports stocks, ETFs, commodities, and indices
- FCA regulated and an FSCS member
- Same-day withdrawals before 1 PM
- Offers a free demo account that mimics real forex trading markets
Cons
- UK clients can’t access cryptocurrencies
- Doesn’t support third-party platforms like MT4 or cTrader
Visit XTB
75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
2. FP Markets — Trusted offshore forex broker offering UK retail clients 1:500 leverage
Launched in 2005, FP Markets is an established brokerage that holds licenses in multiple regions, including the EU, Australia, and South Africa. While it isn’t regulated by the FCA, the platform’s offshore status allows UK retail clients to access leverage of up to 1:500, this is significantly higher than the standard 1:30 limit. At 1:500, a £100 account balance is amplified to £50,000 in trading capital.
FP Markets has two account types for retail traders. The first option is a standard account, which offers 0% commissions on all forex markets and a minimum spread of 1 pip. The other option is the raw account, which offers spreads from 0 pips and a commission of $3 per trade. Both accounts have a minimum deposit of £100, and orders are executed with ECN prices.
Account holders can also access a range of other asset classes, including precious metals, indices, energy, stocks, and bonds. FP Markets is also one of the best UK crypto exchanges: markets include Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Bitcoin Cash.
UK traders can choose from several popular trading platforms at FP Markets, including MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Supported device types include web browsers, desktop software, and a mobile app for iOS and Android.
| Forex Pairs | 70+ |
| Pricing System | 0% commission and spreads from 1 pip (standard) or $3 commission per slide and spreads from 0 pips (raw) |
| Account Types | Standard and raw |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, and cTrader |
| Account Minimum | £100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 |
| Standout Feature | Minimum margin requirement of 0.2% |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 |
Pros
- The highest leverage forex broker at 1:500
- Licensed in multiple regions, including the EU and Australia
- Established in 2005
- Choose from a commission-free or zero-spread account
- Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader
- Also one of the best places to buy Bitcoin in the UK
Cons
- The broker isn’t regulated by the FCA
- UK clients do not receive FSCS protections
- The minimum deposit is £100
Visit FP Markets
Derivative products are highly leveraged, carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for all investors.
3. Pepperstone — Spread Bet Forex Pairs With 1:30 Leverage and No Taxes on Trading Profits
Pepperstone is an FCA-regulated forex broker and a member of the FSCS protection scheme. It’s one of the best options for speculating on currency prices via the spread betting markets — UK users avoid capital gains tax on profits, which isn’t possible when trading traditional forex products. The spread betting platform offers 0% commissions, although minimum spreads are high at 1.1 pips.
An alternative option is to trade forex CFDs via the razor account. This account type offers institutional-grade spreads from 0 pips and a competitive commission of £2.25 per slide. All account types are available without minimum deposit requirements, but position sizes must be a minimum of £10.
Pepperstone, which has over 750,000 active traders, supports a range of popular markets, including commodities, indices, and UK and international shares.
The maximum leverage for UK retail clients is 1:30, which increases to 1:500 when opening a professional account.
| Forex Pairs | 90+ |
| Pricing System | 0% commission and spreads from 1.1 pips (spread betting) or £2.25 commission per slide and spreads from 0 pips (razor) |
| Account Types | Standard, razor, spread betting, and professional |
| Platforms | Proprietary, MT4, MT5, and cTrader |
| Account Minimum | £0 |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 (retail) or 1:500 (professional) |
| Standout Feature | Tax-free forex spread betting markets |
| Our Rating | 4.0/5 |
Pros
- Spread bet currency pairs to avoid capital gains tax
- Also offers forex CFDs with institutional-grade spreads
- Regulated by multiple tier-one bodies, including the FCA
- No account minimums
- Offers free education materials, webinars, and guides
Cons
- Only professional clients can access cryptocurrencies
- Beginners may find the trading experience overwhelming
- Customer service doesn’t operate on weekends
Visit Pepperstone
74.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.
4. Admiral Markets — Trade 80+ Forex Pairs With 0% Commission and Spreads From 0.5 Pips
Admiral Markets is a UK-based trading platform with an FCA license. It offers over 80 forex pairs, as well as commodities, bonds, stocks, ETFs, and indices.
Although the minimum deposit requirement is high at £250, Admiral Markets offers competitive fees and a great user experience. The standard account offers 0% commissions on all markets, and forex spreads start from just 0.5 pips. Like all FCA brokers, the platform caps UK retail clients at 1:30 on majors and 1:20 on minors and exotics.
Admiral Markets supports three trading options: MT4, MT5, and a proprietary web and mobile application. All platforms come equipped with technical indicators, charting tools, and risk management orders.
UK clients can deposit funds instantly using a debit or credit card, PayPal, Skrill, and other popular e-wallets. The platform also offers a free demo account, which doesn’t require an upfront deposit.
| Forex Pairs | 80+ |
| Pricing System | 0% commission and spreads from 0.5 pips (trade) or commissions from $1.80 per slide and spreads from 0 pips (zero) |
| Account Types | Trade and zero |
| Platforms | Proprietary, MT4, and MT5 |
| Account Minimum | £250 |
| Max Leverage | 1:30 |
| Standout Feature | Offers 0% commissions and tight spreads |
| Our Rating | 3.5/5 |
Pros
- Supports over 80 forex pairs
- The commission-free account offers tight spreads
- Trade on the move via a proprietary mobile app
- UK-based and holds an FCA license
- Access in-house analytics and market sentiment
Cons
- Forex accounts have a £250 minimum deposit
- Leverage is capped at 1:30, as per FCA limits
- Charges €10 per month on inactive accounts
- Only the first monthly withdrawal is fee-free
Visit Admiral Markets
76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Top 4 High-Leverage Forex Brokers in the UK Compared
| Broker | Forex Pairs | Pricing System | Account Types | Platforms | Account Minimum | Max Leverage | Standout Feature | Our Rating |
| XTB | 70+ | 0% commission. Spreads start from 0.3 pips | Standard and professional | xStation 5 (proprietary) | £0 | 1:30 (retail) or 1:500 (professional) | Heavily regulated and an FSCS member | 5/5 |
| FP Markets | 70+ | 0% commission and spreads from 1 pip (standard) or $3 commission per slide and spreads from 0 pips (raw) | Standard, raw, and Islamic | MT4, MT5, and cTrader | £100 | 1:500 | Minimum margin requirement of 0.2% | 4.5/5 |
| Pepperstone | 90+ | 0% commission and spreads from 1.1 pips (spread betting) or £2.25 commission per slide and spreads from 0 pips (razor) | Standard, razor, spread betting, and professional | Proprietary, MT4, MT5, and cTrader | £0 | 1:30 (retail) or 1:500 (professional) | Tax-free forex spread betting markets | 4.0/5 |
| Admiral Markets | 80+ | 0% commission and spreads from 0.5 pips (trade) or commissions from $1.80 per slide and spreads from 0 pips (zero) | Trade and zero | Proprietary, MT4, and MT5 | £250 | 1:30 | Offers 0% commissions and tight spreads | 3.5/5 |
How Do I Choose the Right UK Forex Trading Account?
Evaluate key metrics when exploring the best high-leverage brokers in the UK, including safety, markets, and account types. This section provides a detailed discussion of the most important platform variables. Read on to select the right forex brokerage account for you.
Regulation and Safety
The FCA must regulate UK-based forex brokers: this ensures traders buy and sell currencies in a safe environment. FCA brokers are typically members of the FSCS, so UK clients are protected up to £85,000 if the platform goes bust, similar to holding cash in an FSCS bank account.
This guide also includes FP Markets, an offshore provider that isn’t regulated by the FCA but holds licenses with other tier-one bodies, including those from the EU, Australia, and South Africa. The reason for FP Market’s inclusion is that it allows UK retail clients to bypass the FCA’s 1:30 leverage cap, extending the limits to 1:500.
Range of Pairs
Traders should consider which forex markets are supported when selecting a broker. Most UK brokers offer major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and NZD/USD. They typically support minors and exotics, too, but specific pairs vary.
Understanding the type of forex instrument is also important — most brokers offer contracts-for-differences (CFDs), which track foreign exchange rates in real-time. Traders might also consider spread betting markets. These are also derivative products, but unlike CFDs, trading profits are exempt from capital gains tax.
If you’re interested in other asset classes, pick a platform that supports your preferred markets. XTB, for instance, lists stocks, ETFs, indices, and commodities like gold and crude oil.
Fees
High-leverage forex brokers charge varying fees. Trading fees include commissions and spreads — the difference between the bid and ask prices of the traded currency pair.
Some platforms offer commission-free accounts with higher spreads that average 1 pip on major currencies. Brokers sometimes offer raw accounts, too. These accounts have flat commissions per slide but often provide institutional-grade spreads that start at 0 pips.
When trading forex with leverage, brokers charge overnight financing fees for each day the position remains open.
You should also check non-trading fees, such as deposit, withdrawal, and inactivity charges.
Tools and Analysis
Explore forex trading tools aimed at your experience level and preferred strategy.
Pepperstone is a good choice for experienced day traders — its proprietary platform offers technical and economic indicators, advanced drawing tools, and multiple order types.
We found that XTB is popular with beginners, as the broker offers risk-free demo accounts without requiring a deposit.
FP Markets is a good choice for forex traders with limited time to actively research the market. Its copy trading tool allows users to replicate the trades of seasoned traders, with the platform automatically mirroring forex positions.
Account Types
Different account types allow traders to choose their preferred pricing structure, often offering a choice between zero commissions and institutional-grade spreads.
Commission-free accounts are designed for casual traders who place small-value orders, while spread-focused accounts are a better fit for experienced traders.
High-leverage forex brokers sometimes offer professional accounts that give UK clients significantly higher leverage limits. However, the FCA handback explains that to meet the professional client requirements, UK traders need portfolio values that exceed €500,000, minimum trading transactions, and/or previous experience working in the financial sector.
Leverage
The maximum leverage at all FCA-regulated forex brokers is 1:30 for majors and 1:20 for minors and exotics. If you seek higher limits and can’t meet the FCA requirements for professional clients, using an offshore broker like FP Markets is the only option.
Minimum Deposit
The minimum deposit requirement varies depending on the forex broker.
XTB and Pepperstone allow any deposit amount, making them great choices for those on a budget. FP Markets and Admiral Markets require at least £100 and £250, respectively.
Specialist account types, such as those aimed at Islamic or professional traders, often carry much higher minimums.
Mobile App
Having access to a reliable trading app is crucial when gaining exposure to the currency markets. Forex apps ensure you can enter or exit orders quickly and seamlessly, no matter where you’re located.
Our research shows that the XTB app stands out for its user-friendly experience, lightning-fast execution speeds, and mobile-optimized analysis tools. The XTB app has over 5 million downloads and boasts excellent ratings on Google Play and the App Store.
Payment Methods
Always check what payment methods the broker supports when selecting a provider. The easiest method is debit/credit cards issued by Visa or MasterCard — the top brokers process them instantly and fee-free.
E-wallets like PayPal and Skrill are also convenient. FP Markets supports these popular e-wallets without additional charge.
Some brokers accept UK bank transfers when depositing and withdrawing funds but expect much longer processing times.
Customer Service
Reputable forex brokers with high leverage offer top-notch customer service. Look for brokers with 24/7 support across live chat and telephone, ensuring a UK-based number is provided.
Our Methodology for Ranking High-Leverage Forex Brokers in the UK
No two high-leverage forex brokers are the same, so we followed an extensive methodology to ensure all trading profiles are covered. We initially short-listed established, safe, and legitimate forex brokers — key metrics included FCA regulation, FSCS membership, and an excellent reputation with existing clients.
We analyzed all shortlisted brokers for their core variables, including the maximum leverage offered to UK traders, supported forex markets, commissions, and minimum and average spreads. Secondary metrics, which contributed less to the methodology’s ranking score, include support for other asset classes (like stocks), account minimums, and trading tools.
In the final stage of the research process, the team tested each broker to assess the overall user experience. In addition to opening an account and depositing funds, the team evaluated the trading platform, including placing orders, deploying technical indicators, and analyzing the average execution speed.
The extensive research journey allowed us to rank the four best high-leverage CFD brokers for 2025.
Conclusion
We’ve revealed the best high-leverage forex brokers, with XTB ranking as the overall top choice for UK traders. XTB is an FCA-regulated broker with FSCS protections, and it offers 1:30 leverage on dozens of currency pairs.
The broker’s low-fee policy provides 0% commissions on all markets and tight spreads that start from 0.3 pips. UK clients can get started without meeting any minimum deposit requirements, and the platform also offers a user-friendly demo account for risk-free trading.
Visit XTB
75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
References
- PS19/18: Restricting contract for difference products sold to retail clients (Financial Conduct Authority)
- Compensation limits (Financial Services Compensation Scheme)
- Capital gains manual, CG56105 – Futures: financial futures: financial spread betting (HM Revenue & Customs)
- COBS 3.5 professional clients (Financial Conduct Authority)
FAQs
What is the best brokerage for leverage in the UK?
XTB is the overall best brokerage for leverage in the UK. The FCA-regulated platform offers leverage of up to 1:30 and markets include forex, stocks, and commodities.
Is leverage trading illegal in UK?
No, leverage isn’t illegal in the UK. The FCA allows retail clients to trade with leverage of up to 1:30, depending on the asset class and market.
What are the leverage rules in the UK?
The FCA rules for UK retail clients include a maximum leverage of 1:30 on major forex pairs, and less on other asset classes. Retail clients cannot trade digital assets with leverage, since the FCA prohibits crypto derivatives under a 2021 ban.
Which is the best broker for forex trading in the UK?
XTB ranks as the best choice for UK forex traders. It offers a regulated platform without account minimums or trading commissions, free deposits, and same-day withdrawals.
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