In the UK, many brokers offer options for those interested in avoiding paying commissions. While the benefits come quite straightforward, there are other aspects to consider, and investors looking to make trading a steady and long-term activity may find paying for premiums has advantages too.
When we are talking about commission free trading, we can see today a much wider offer from brokers trying to attract customers. And it works! Many start with commission free trading accounts, taking advantage of the very competitive environment and learning about the perks a particular broker offers.
What is exactly commission-free trading?
Every time a trader makes a transaction in the market, regarding the outcome, or sometimes directly dependent on such, the broker will charge a commission, meaninga percentage of the volume of the trade or the profit resultant. Since each broker operates differently, commissions can vary. In all cases, though, they represent a direct loss to the trader who is probably most interested in gaining as much as possible.
Choosing a broker that offers zero commissions could potentially increase the level of earnings. Brokers that do not charge for executing a transaction may earn money from other areas, like fees for mutual transactions or contracts.
How to choose the right commission-free broker?
When browsing for a broker many investors, especially beginners, comment on how many options there are and how hard is to actually find one that suits their needs. And that is true! However, those dedicating the time to shop around will soon discover that some brokers offer better deals than others.
There are several aspects to consider, and commissions usually rank high among those trying to make the best possible deal and maximize their returns. While we agree that low or inexistent commissions must be an important aspect to decide to commit to a broker, we believe that there must be a balance.
Traders must consider other aspects of the offers of the brokers in order to make a final decision. That’s why if you’re looking for brokers that allow you to trade without paying commissions, we have designed a shortlist of the ones that we consider also offer a variety of interesting features, assets, and tools that all brokers will find useful.
Best commission free trading UK brokers
The most well-known broker that in fact started offering free commission trading is Robinhood. Unfortunately, this broker does not offer services to UK residents. While the trend of not charging commissions is getting more and more popular in the US, there are a few operating in the UK too.
- Vanguard offers zero-commission trades and is available in the UK. This broker is a safe option regulated in the UK, offering asset protection to its users.
- Fidelity is another excellent option for free commission trading in the UK. They have a lengthy reputation of over 45 years and over 1 million clients in the UK. Choosing a broker with such a background is always a warranty of quality and excellence.
- First Trade is our third option. Originally from the US, this broker has expanded in the European market. First Trade is considered a discount broker and among the benefits, they offer there are commission-free accounts. Discount brokers may be a suitable choice for those looking for better deals and not bothered by losing on the count of features, research tools, and educational materials.
Conclusion
Whatever broker you decide to use to manage your investments, thinking of commission-free options should be on the checklist. Going for a more attractive option may not always be the most suitable option for you as a trader, but definitely may have an impact if you consider they offer the balance of features and costs that matches your investing style.