Best Beginner Share Trading Platform UK

Choosing the right share trading platform is crucial for anyone starting out in the stock market. For beginners in the UK, it's important to select a platform that is user-friendly, cost-effective, and provides the necessary tools and resources to learn and grow as an investor. This article explores some of the best share trading platforms available in the UK, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.

1. Introduction
Starting in share trading can be overwhelming, especially with the plethora of platforms available. For beginners, the goal is to find a platform that simplifies the trading process, provides educational resources, and has reasonable fees. In the UK, several platforms stand out for their accessibility and user-friendly features.

2. Key Features to Consider
When selecting a share trading platform, beginners should consider the following features:

• User Interface: An intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface helps new traders get comfortable with the platform quickly.
• Educational Resources: Access to tutorials, webinars, and articles can significantly aid in the learning process.
• Fees and Charges: Look for platforms with low trading fees and transparent pricing structures.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer support can be invaluable, especially when starting out.
• Tools and Resources: Features like real-time data, charting tools, and analysis can help in making informed trading decisions.

3. Top Share Trading Platforms in the UK

a. Hargreaves Lansdown

• Overview: One of the UK's largest and most well-known investment platforms, Hargreaves Lansdown offers a robust range of services and a user-friendly interface.
• Pros:
  • Extensive range of investment options
  • High-quality research and analysis tools
  • Excellent customer service
• Cons:
  • Higher fees compared to some competitors
  • Not the cheapest for frequent traders

b. IG Group

• Overview: IG Group is renowned for its low-cost trading and extensive range of trading options, including shares, forex, and commodities.
• Pros:
  • Low trading fees
  • Wide range of assets to trade
  • Comprehensive educational resources
• Cons:
  • Complex interface for complete beginners
  • Inactivity fees

c. eToro

• Overview: eToro is known for its social trading features, allowing users to copy the trades of experienced investors.
• Pros:
  • Innovative social trading features
  • User-friendly platform
  • No commission on stock trades
• Cons:
  • Higher spreads on some assets
  • Limited research tools

d. Freetrade

• Overview: Freetrade offers a straightforward platform with zero commission on trades, making it a popular choice among cost-conscious beginners.
• Pros:
  • Zero commission on trades
  • Easy-to-use mobile app
  • No account fees
• Cons:
  • Limited range of available stocks
  • Fewer advanced trading tools

e. AJ Bell Youinvest

• Overview: AJ Bell provides a user-friendly platform with a good range of investments and educational resources.
• Pros:
  • Low trading fees
  • Broad range of investment options
  • Strong educational support
• Cons:
  • Website can be slow at times
  • Limited advanced trading features

4. Comparing Fees and Charges

Platform	Trading Fee	Account Fee	Inactivity Fee
Hargreaves Lansdown	£11.95 per trade	£0	£0
IG Group	From £3.00 per trade	£0	£12 per quarter
eToro	£0 on stocks	£0	£0
Freetrade	£0	£0	£0
AJ Bell Youinvest	£9.95 per trade	£0	£0

5. Choosing the Right Platform
The best platform for you will depend on your individual needs and trading style. If you are looking for extensive educational resources and excellent customer service, Hargreaves Lansdown might be the right choice. For those who prefer low fees and a broad range of assets, IG Group or eToro could be more suitable. Meanwhile, Freetrade is ideal if you are seeking a cost-effective, straightforward trading experience.

6. Conclusion
Selecting the best share trading platform as a beginner involves considering various factors such as fees, features, and user experience. By evaluating the options mentioned in this article, you can make an informed decision and start your trading journey with confidence. Remember to continue learning and adapting as you gain more experience in the world of share trading.