Best CFD & Spread Betting Platforms

CFDs vs Spread Betting

Both are ways to trade price movements without owning the underlying asset. Both use leverage (so you can win or lose big with a small deposit). The main difference is how they are structured:

• CFDs: You buy "contracts". 1 contract might equal 1 share. It feels like traditional trading. You usually pay Capital Gains Tax on profits.
• Spread Betting: You bet a certain amount per point of movement (e.g., £1 per point). In the UK, profits are currently tax-free.

Which is better? Spread Betting is often cheaper for UK traders due to the tax benefit. CFDs are the global standard and often have more professional platforms (Direct Market Access).

Risk Warning

CFDs and Spread Bets are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 65-80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading these products. You should consider whether you understand how they work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Top Rated Platforms