eToro Trading Platform Review

Established in 2007, eToro is a global trading and investment platform with a substantial client base exceeding 38 million people across 75 countries, including the United Kingdom. The broker has established itself as a fintech leader by promoting shared knowledge and collaborative community where users can learn, invest, and develop their trading skills together. A standout feature is its social trading functionality, which allows users to follow and replicate the strategies of successful traders.

eToro Contact Information

In the UK, eToro operates through eToro (UK) Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). UK traders have access to over 7,000 financial markets, including a wide selection of over 6,000 global stocks, tradable on the spot or via contracts for difference. Trading major global indices, popular commodities, and over 50 currency pairs is also an option for eToro customers.

While UK regulations restrict derivative crypto trading for retail clients, eToro provides access to over 100 cryptocurrencies for direct investment. With its focus on social trading, a broad spectrum of tradable assets, and commitment to transparency under FCA regulation, eToro has become a popular choice for both new and experienced traders in the UK.

Highlights of Trading with eToro

• Fractional Share Investing: The broker allows UK traders to buy fractional shares of high-value stocks like Amazon and Tesla, making premium equities more accessible for customers on a budget.
• Smart Portfolios: Pre-built themed investment portfolios like BigTech, AI-Revolution, and Fin-Tech offer hands-off diversification and are managed by eToro’s investment team.
• ProCharts and Advanced Tools: The platform includes technical analysis tools like ProCharts for seasoned traders alongside its beginner-friendly features.
• The eToro Club Perks: Higher-tier members (Silver and above) enjoy benefits such as lower spreads, priority support, and access to exclusive events.
• FSCS Protection: UK clients benefit from up to £85,000 of coverage under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, adding a layer of security for their funds.

Advantages and Disadvantages of eToro in Brief

Available Markets at eToro

The broker provides a versatile trading experience, with access to over 7,100 financial markets, including stocks, dozens of forex pairs, commodities, and more. Cryptocurrencies are available for holding and staking in the UK. The platform caters to pretty much any trader, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The broker’s user-friendly proprietary software, coupled with its social trading capabilities, further enhances the trading experience.

Forex

UK traders at eToro have access to 56 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, including popular options like GBP/USD and EUR/USD. All trading occurs through contracts for difference, where customers speculate on price movements without owning the underlying currencies. The broker charges no commissions, profiting solely from spreads and swap rates on overnight positions. Spreads for GBP/USD start from 2 pips, while those for EUR/USD begin at 1 pip. Retail clients in the UK benefit from leverage capped at 1:30, but professional traders can access ratios up to 1:400. The broker’s standout feature remains its social trading functionality, enabling users to replicate the strategies of seasoned forex traders.

• Quotes 56 currency pairs.
• Competitive conditions for forex trading.
• Charges no commissions on forex positions.
• Leverage of up to 1:400 for professional traders.
• Enables forex copy trading.

Average Forex Spread at eToro

Stocks

The broker provides UK traders with a over 6,200 stocks across more than 20 global exchanges, combining the reach of an international platform with the convenience of a local broker. Users can invest in whole or fractional shares, which makes stock trading accessible even with smaller budgets. The broker may apply a flat $1-$2 transaction fee depending on the exchange. UK investors should note the additional 0.5% stamp duty reserve tax on purchases involving UK-listed shares. There are no markups on spreads, ensuring competitive pricing.

A 0.15% spread applies to CFD stock trading, with additional charges for low-priced US stocks (under $3). Unlike real stocks, CFDs allow leverage and short selling but do not grant ownership. A key benefit for long-term investors is automatic dividend payments, credited directly to the account when holding dividend-paying stocks. The broker also adheres to strict investor protection standards, safeguarding funds while offering tools to help users trade smarter.

• Over 6,200 stocks across 20+ global exchanges.
• Fractional shares are available.
• $1 or $2 flat fee on real stocks + 0.5% UK stamp duty.
• Automatic dividend payouts for eligible stocks.
• 0.15% CFD spread (leverage of 1:5 for retail clients).

ETFs

The broker provides a robust selection of over 700 ETFs, allowing traders to invest in diversified portfolios or speculate on price movements with CFDs. The former involves purchasing and holding the underlying asset, while the latter enables short selling and provides access to leverage. The selection covers different asset classes, including ETFs on commodities, equities, bonds, and real estate. ETFs like SPY, RSP, and AMZA are available, benefitting both long-term investors and active traders. The platform’s regulatory framework ensures that leveraged ETF positions are executed as CFDs in some regions.

• A choice of 711 ETFs
• Bond, commodity, equity, and real estate ETFs
• Maximum leverage of 1:5 for ETFs
• No custody fees on ETF investments
• Commission-free ETF trading

Indices

Customers interested in trading indices should consider eToro’s selection of 24 index CFDs, including popular options like FTSE 100, EuroStoxx 50, Dax 40, and Dow Jones 30. Going long and short is both possible since all trading occurs through CFDs. Moreover, UK traders can amplify their potential gains with leverage of 1:20 or 1:10, depending on the index. Indices are an appealing option for many UK customers, enabling them to potentially capitalise on broader market trends rather than speculating on individual stocks.

• Access to 24 major indices, including FTSE 100 and EuroStoxx 50.
• Leverage of 1:20 for major and 1:10 for minor indices.
• Minimum spreads from 0.02 points overall and 1.5 points for FTSE 100.
• No commissions on index trades.
• Option to replicate the index positions of fellow traders.

Commodities

At eToro, one can trade CFDs on soft and hard commodities, including agricultural products, energies, base metals, and precious metals. The broker additionally offers CFDs based on the prices of expiring commodity futures. Traders from the UK can speculate on the changing value of commodities using leverage of up to 1:20 for gold and 1:10 for all other markets from this group. All commodity trading is commission-free, with trading expenses resulting solely from the spreads. The broker advertises spreads from 2 points for this asset class. Non-expiry positions in gold have minimum spreads of 0.025%.

• A selection of 43 soft and hard commodities.
• Maximum leverage of 1:20 for gold and 1:10 for other commodities.
• Offers CFDs based on commodity futures prices.
• Commodity spreads from 2 pips.
• No commissions on commodity trades.

Cryptocurrency Trading at eToro

UK retail clients can buy, sell, and hold a wide range of cryptocurrencies but crypto-asset derivatives (CFDs) are not available to UK retail clients due to FCA restrictions. However, UK customers can still trade crypto directly, gaining full ownership of the assets they purchase. Also, eToro supports staking for select cryptocurrencies, allowing traders to earn additional returns on their holdings.

UK users can stake Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Ethereum (ETH), Near Protocol (NEAR), Polygon (MATIC), and Tron (TRX). The minimum staking rewards start from $1 or the equivalent in pound sterling. Note that users in other countries may have a larger pool of coins to chose from, such as Polkadot (DOT) and Cosmos (ATOM) which both remains unavailable for UK clients at the time of publishing. The broker charges a 1% fee for opening or closing crypto positions. Transferring crypto to the eToro Money wallet incurs a 2% fee, while external transfers only incur blockchain network costs.

• Over 100 cryptocurrencies on offer.
• Staking rewards very by asset and Club tier; eToro passes through a percentage of the staking rewards.
• Offers staking for 6 digital assets.
• A 2% fee applies when transferring coins to eToro Money.
• Provides tiered staking returns based on one’s level in the eToro Club.

Trading Costs at eToro

UK traders can rely on a transparent, spread-based cost structure, with commission-free CFD trading on many markets. While eToro prides itself on its zero-commission policy, customers should keep in mind that the broker does charge CFD traders via the bid/ask spread. Overnight (swap) fees are another potential concern, as are administrative fees. Moreover, a fixed 1% fee is charged when it comes to buying and selling actual cryptocurrencies. We should also note that a range of non-trading costs may apply. Understanding these fees is essential if one plans to create an account at eToro.

Spreads

At eToro, the spread is the main trading cost customers incur when engaging in derivative trading via contracts for difference. The spread is the difference between the buy and sell prices of the respective assets. For example, eToro’s GBP/USD and EUR/USD CFD spreads start from 2 pips and 1 pip, respectively, but can increase based on economic events and a range of other factors. Trading oil CFDs is associated with minimum spreads from 5 points. Speculating on the rising and falling prices of gold comes with spreads of at least 0.025%. Although eToro’s spreads are slightly higher than those of other brokers welcoming UK customers, many traders will not mind given the absence of commissions when it comes to forex trading.

Commissions

The broker has adopted a zero-commission model when it comes to most forms of trading, meaning no additional fees are applied when opening or closing positions. This applies to contracts for difference in stocks, ETFs, and other assets, making it cost-effective for traders. However, the platform compensates for this through spreads and overnight fees.

Buying and selling actual stocks can be commission-free for UK customers; some exchanges may carry a $1-$2 fee for other regions. There are no custody or overnight fees but the broker levies a 0.5% stamp duty tax on electronic purchases involving UK-listed shares. Additionally, UK traders incur a 1% commission when buying and selling cryptocurrencies on the spot.

Swap Fees

Clients of eToro should keep in mind that holding positions overnight results in incurring financing charges. Overnight fees, known also as swap rates, are applied daily from Monday to Friday, with weekend fees being triple the standard rates. The broker collects triple swaps for currencies and most commodities on Wednesdays.

Leveraged positions in oil, natural gas, indices, exchange-traded funds, and most stocks incur triple fees on Fridays, while those in Saudi stocks are subject to triple swap rates on Thursdays. Swap rates vary based on asset and market conditions and change frequently, so traders should monitor them regularly. The table below provides an overview of the overnight costs observed on April 22, 2025.

Non-Trading Fees

At eToro, there are no fees for opening or maintaining an account, and deposits are free. Traders with GBP-denominated accounts may incur conversion fees of 0.75% when transacting in other currencies. Withdrawing from a sterling-denominated account is also free of charge, but withdrawals from USD-denominated investment accounts attract an additional $5 fee.

An inactivity fee of $10 is charged each month if an account has remained dormant for 12 or more months. As we previously mentioned, UK members of the eToro Club can apply for exclusive Visa-branded debit cards. Replacing a card may cost £10 to £80, depending on current level in the eToro Club. ATM withdrawals exceeding £2,000 per month for Silver to Platinum members and £10,000 for Platinum+ and Diamond members attract a 1% charge.

Trading Platforms Supported by eToro

The broker’s proprietary platform has been designed with ease of use in mind, catering to novices while still offering advanced features to seasoned traders. It grants access to over 7,100 financial markets, including stocks, forex pairs, commodities, and indices, tradable through contracts for difference. Investing in physical stocks and cryptocurrencies is also an option for UK clients.

The platform is accessible via web and mobile apps, ensuring seamless trading across all devices. Key features include CopyTrader, which allows users to replicate the positions of expert traders, and Smart Portfolios, which are pre-built investment strategies based on themes like driverless cars. The broker also provides advanced tools such as ProCharts for technical analysis.

• Geared toward UK traders: The platform supports multiple account currencies, including GBP and EUR.
• Social trading: This is a key aspect of trading at eToro, enabling users to interact with each other and learn from a global community of traders.
• Plethora of markets: eToro’s platform provides a choice of 7,100 trading instruments, including but not limited to currency pairs, exchange-traded funds, and commodities.
• Versatility: The platform is available as a web-based interface and a mobile app, ensuring smooth trading across all portable and desktop devices.
• Features: Advanced tools such as ProCharts for technical analysis, one-click trading, and trailing stop loss orders are integrated into the platform.

Mobile Trading at eToro

The eToro mobile app provides a convenient and intuitive way to manage one’s portfolio and trade on the go. UK customers can download the native app from Google Play or the App Store, provided their devices meet the minimum system requirements. The user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation and provides access to the broker’s impressive range of financial markets. The app supports biometric authentication for added security.

Account Types Available at eToro

The broker offers a variety of account types tailored to meet the diverse needs of its vast customer base. Its retail account is suitable for novices and small-scale traders. An investment account is available to UK clients looking to buy, sell, and hold real stocks. A professional account is also available, as is a corporate account designed for businesses that want to trade in the financial markets. This account type is intended for legal entities rather than individuals. Last but not least, there is a demo suitable for both complete novices and traders who simply wish to test out a given strategy.

Retail Account

The personal account is designed for retail traders interested in speculating on the moving prices of various assets. It offers a range of features, including the ability to copy other traders and invest in Smart Portfolios. The level of leverage available is limited to 1:30 and account holders have access to negative balance protection. The account requires a minimum first-time deposit of $50 and $10 for subsequent deposits from UK clients. Retail customers are subject to minimum margin requirements and qualify for investor compensation in the unlikely event of eToro filing for bankruptcy.

• Minimum deposit of $50.
• Leverage of up to 1:30.
• Negative balance protection prevents losses from exceeding the account balance.

Professional Account

The professional account is designed for experienced traders who meet at least two of the following criteria: having at least one year of professional experience in the financial sector, a portfolio of over €500,000, and 10 or more transactions of a significant size over the past four quarters.

The above precaution is enforced because Professional accounts do not have to adhere to the 1:30 leverage limit. While this exposes them to greater risk, it also means experienced traders have more freedom to amplify their positions. Negative balance protection and margin closeout restrictions do not apply to professionals, either.

• Leverage of 1:400
• The professional account is subject to approval and is not available to all traders
• Professional account holders do not have access to negative balance protection

Demo Account

This is a practice account loaded with $100,000 in virtual funds, allowing traders to familiarise themselves with the platform and try out their strategies without risking real capital. The demo account is automatically available to all registered customers and can be accessed via the “Virtual Assets” tab. Traders can switch between the demo and the real account at any time and use the demo to get a taste of the real live trading environment. The demo account also allows them to use advanced analysis tools, place stop loss and take profit orders, and explore different risk levels.

• $100,000 in virtual funds
• User-friendly interface
• Seamless switching between demo and live trading
• Practise trading stocks, forex pairs, commodities, indices, and ETFs

Customer Support at eToro

UK clients can trust that if they ever run into an issue or simply need a question answered, eToro’s team will be of help. The broker ensures that traders can easily reach out for assistance through multiple channels, including live chat where skilled agents provide real-time responses in under 30 seconds. Additionally, clients can reach out to the support team via WhatsApp or submit a ticket if the issue is not urgent. These tickets are answered via email within 48 hours.

Regulatory Background and Compliance

Regulatory compliance is a key aspect of eToro’s operations in the UK market. As a renowned social trading and multi-asset broker, eToro is licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a tier-1 watchdog. The broker first acquired authorisation from the UK regulator in 2013 and operates under license number 583263.

The company’s UK offices are located on the 24th Floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf in London. The FCA license allows eToro to legally service UK clients while remaining fully compliant with the local regulatory framework. It ensures the broker adheres to stringent regulatory standards and provides a safe trading environment.

Local licensing conditions require eToro to enforce leverage caps to help protect retail clients from excessive risk. Non-professional traders residing in the UK can use leverage of up to 1:30 for forex and 1:5 for individual equities. The broker caters to retail traders with negative balance protection and participates in the local Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Client Security at eToro

Client security is among the top priorities of eToro. The broker complies with UK laws and ensures that the funds of local traders are segregated and never mingled with the company’s operating capital. UK clients are entitled to up to £85,000 of FSCS compensation if eToro ever declares insolvency.

As the FCA imposes leverage restrictions on brokers operating in the country, eToro has limited the leverage its retail clients can utilise when using the platform. Leverage of no more than 1:30 is available to retail customers trading major currency pairs. Positions in gold, major indices, and non-major pairs can use maximum leverage of 1:20. The ratios for other commodities and individual stocks are capped at 1:10 and 1:5, respectively. The aforementioned leverage limits reflect the volatility and general risks inherent to each asset class.

Additionally, eToro offers a range of security features, including two-factor authentication and SSL encryption, to safeguard personal and financial information. The company also provides guidance on how clients can protect themselves from phishing attempts and other online scams, emphasising the importance of verifying the authenticity of communications and being wary of suspicious links. By prioritising client security and adhering to strict regulatory standards, eToro aims to provide a safe and trustworthy online trading environment to its customers.

What UK Traders Say about eToro

UK traders on Trustpilot have mixed opinions about eToro, praising its user-friendly platform but raising concerns over customer support efficiency. Many highlight the easy-to-use proprietary platform, making it ideal for beginners. Others appreciate the wide range of assets, including 6,200+ stocks, ETFs, commodities, and currency pairs.

On the negative side, some reviewers report slow response times from the customer support department, particularly when resolving account or withdrawal issues. A few mention delays in withdrawals, though most customers on Trustpilot report smooth transactions. Several reviews also criticise the spreads and fees, claiming these are higher than competitors, especially for frequent traders.

Positive feedback often focuses on copy trading, a popular feature allowing users to mimic experienced investors. Yet, some traders warn that past performance does not guarantee future results. Despite these drawbacks, many clients consider eToro a decent choice for casual investors, particularly those interested in social trading and stock investing.