Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 64% of retail investors lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spreadex is a well-established, FCA-regulated UK trading platform known for its award-winning customer service and easy-to-use mobile app.
It offers both spread betting and CFD trading, giving UK traders access to a wide range of global markets in a tax-efficient way.
This review explores how Spreadex performs across key areas such as fees, regulation, usability, and customer support.
It also highlights the main advantages of using Spreadex, as well as the potential drawbacks to consider before opening an account.
For more information on how we test view here.
This article was reviewed by Tobi Opeyemi Amure, a trading expert and writer at Investopedia, Investing.com, and Trading.biz.
How does Spreadex perform overall?
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Spreadex performs strongly across most categories, making it a trusted option for CFD and forex traders who value intuitive charting tools and a reliable trading experience.
Its user-friendly interface and high safety standards are standout strengths, though the limited market range and lack of in-depth research tools may hold it back for more advanced traders.
Below is a breakdown of how Spreadex scored across key areas:
| Category | Points | Star rating |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 8.8 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Safety | 8.8 | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Onboarding | 9.5 | ⭐ 5 |
| Deposit & withdrawal methods | 7.9 | ⭐ 4 |
| Markets | 7.4 | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Tools | 7.2 | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Investment & trading platform | 9.7 | ⭐ 5 |
| Education | 7.4 | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Customer service | 9.6 | ⭐ 5 |
Pros
- Near-perfect trading platform and interface
- Excellent safety and regulation credentials
- Strong charting and analysis tools
- Good range of forex pairs
Cons
- Limited market access (mainly forex and CFDs)
- Educational content could be stronger
- Missing advanced research tools
How much does Spreadex charge in fees?
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Spreadex offers low and transparent fees, making it a competitive choice for UK traders. There are no non-trading fees, and trading costs are easy to understand.
While forex fees are among the lowest available, CFD fees are slightly higher than some rivals like eToro.
Non-trading fees
Spreadex does not charge any non-trading fees. Deposits and withdrawals are free, and there are no inactivity or maintenance charges. This is excellent value compared to brokers such as eToro, which charges £5 per withdrawal.
Trading fees
Spreadex’s trading fees are competitive and clearly disclosed before each trade.
- Forex fees are particularly low, offering strong value for frequent traders.
- CFD fees are reasonable but not market-leading. For example, trading $2,000 in Apple CFDs costs $7.20 on Spreadex compared with $2 on eToro.
This difference is minor for casual traders but could add up for high-volume users.
Pros
- No non-trading fees
- Transparent fee structure
- Low forex trading costs
Cons
- CFD fees could be more competitive
Is Spreadex a safe trading platform?
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Yes, Spreadex is a safe and well-regulated UK trading platform. It is authorised and supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), one of the most trusted regulators in the world.
The platform also offers negative balance protection, ensuring you cannot lose more than your deposited funds.
History
Founded in 1999, Spreadex has over 20 years of proven financial stability and ethical conduct. This long history supports its reputation as a trustworthy provider for UK traders.
Regulation
Spreadex is FCA-regulated, meaning client funds are held in segregated accounts and protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 in the event of insolvency.
Negative balance protection
Spreadex provides negative balance protection, which prevents traders from owing money if their account balance goes below zero. This offers an important safeguard when trading leveraged products like CFDs.
Financial transparency
As a privately held company, Spreadex is not required to publish financial reports and does not hold a banking licence. While this limits public visibility, its long track record and FCA oversight provide strong reassurance of its financial health.
Pros
- Fully FCA-regulated and compliant
- Over 20 years of stable operation
- Negative balance protection included
Cons
- Financial reports not publicly available
How easy is it to open an account with Spreadex?
Overall rating: 5 stars
Spreadex offers a fast and user-friendly onboarding process, making it easy for new traders to get started. Verification is typically completed within the same day, and you can access a limited version of the platform while waiting for approval.
Account types
Spreadex provides two main CFD trading accounts — Standard and Professional.
- The Standard account suits most retail traders and offers full platform access.
- The Professional account includes lower margins and advanced tools but carries higher risk.
A separate spread betting account is also available for those who prefer tax-efficient betting over trading.
Account opening
Opening an account takes only a few minutes. You’ll need to enter basic details such as your email address and date of birth, after which your account becomes active with limited functionality.
To unlock full features, you must:
- Complete a short financial questionnaire to confirm trading experience.
- Upload proof of identity and residency documents.
Verification is usually processed quickly, and most users receive confirmation within 24 hours.
Financial Times subscription offer
New users who deposit at least £500 receive a six-month Financial Times subscription (worth roughly $75 per month) at no extra cost. This adds strong value for active traders.
Pros
- Quick and straightforward onboarding
- Fast verification process
- Platform accessible during verification
- Free six-month Financial Times subscription for new users
Cons
- None identified
How do deposits and withdrawals work on Spreadex?
Overall rating: 4 stars
Spreadex offers free deposits and withdrawals, with no hidden charges or maintenance fees. Funds can be transferred via credit or debit card or bank transfer, although eWallet payments are not supported.
The limited choice of base currencies may also lead to minor conversion costs for some traders.
Base currencies
Spreadex supports only four base currencies:
- GBP
- USD
- EUR
- DKK
While this covers the essentials, other brokers like Plus500 offer more options. A wider range of base currencies helps avoid conversion fees when trading assets in foreign denominations, so this restriction could add small costs for international traders.
Deposits
Deposits on Spreadex are free and instant for most card payments. You can fund your account using:
- Debit or credit cards
- Bank transfer
There are no deposit fees, and the amount you transfer is immediately available to trade with. However, eWallets such as PayPal or Skrill are not supported at this time.
Withdrawals
Withdrawals are also free of charge and processed using the same methods as deposits. Transfers typically take a few business days, although a same-day withdrawal can be requested for a £25 fee.
Pros
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- No hidden fees or maintenance costs
Cons
- Limited base currency options
- No support for eWallet payments
What markets can you trade on Spreadex?
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Spreadex focuses on CFDs and forex trading, offering a strong range within these two asset classes but limited access to other markets.
While traders will find an impressive number of CFD instruments and forex pairs, the lack of underlying stocks, ETFs, and bonds may deter those seeking broader investment options.
Forex
Spreadex provides access to over 60 currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics.
Spreads are competitive, with EUR/USD starting from just 0.6 points. Most forex markets are open 24 hours a day, allowing flexible trading hours for active traders.
CFDs
Spreadex’s CFD offering is diverse and well-developed, covering:
- Indices
- Shares
- ETFs
- Bonds and interest rates
- Commodities
- Cryptocurrencies
- Options
The platform features over 3,000 share CFDs, making it one of the most extensive selections among UK CFD brokers.
However, it’s worth noting that leverage levels cannot be adjusted mid-trade, which can limit flexibility when managing risk.
Other assets
Spreadex does not support direct investment in underlying stocks, bonds, or ETFs. Its focus remains on leveraged products, which may not suit users looking for long-term investing options.
Pros
- Excellent range of forex pairs
- Broad and diverse CFD selection
Cons
- No access to physical assets like shares or ETFs
- Fixed leverage during trades
What trading tools does Spreadex offer?
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Spreadex provides a strong set of charting and analytical tools, supported by an economic diary and regular market updates.
However, the lack of fundamental data and trading ideas makes its research suite less comprehensive than leading competitors like IG or eToro.
Charting tools
Spreadex’s charting package is one of its standout features. It includes 39 technical indicators, trend lines, chart pattern recognition, and a timeline feature for quick navigation.
Charts are easy to customise, and traders can open, close, or edit positions directly from them.
Each chart displays historical price data spanning up to 10 years, helping traders identify long-term market patterns.
The interface is clean, fast, and ideal for technical analysis without unnecessary complexity.
Economic diary
The built-in economic diary keeps users informed of key financial events, such as interest rate decisions and earnings reports. It presents updates in a clear, accessible format, making it useful for planning trades around major market events.
Trading ideas and research data
Spreadex does not provide built-in trading ideas or fundamental data, which limits its appeal for users who rely on in-depth market research.
However, its daily market blog and weekly technical analysis digest offer valuable insights and short-term commentary.
Pros
- Excellent and flexible charting tools
- Regular market updates via blog and weekly analysis
- Useful economic diary for tracking key events
Cons
- No built-in trading ideas or analyst insights
- No access to fundamental market data
How good is the Spreadex trading platform?
Overall rating: 5 stars
Spreadex delivers an excellent trading experience across both its web platform and mobile trading app.
The interface is fast, intuitive, and highly customisable, making it one of the best-designed CFD and forex trading platforms available in the UK.
Both versions perform smoothly, offering strong tools and reliable execution with minimal lag.
Web platform
The web platform is sleek and professional, featuring a black, white, grey, and turquoise colour scheme that’s easy on the eyes during long trading sessions.
- Navigation is straightforward, with well-organised tabs for assets, orders, and account settings.
- A search bar helps find instruments quickly.
- The layout is customisable, allowing traders to adjust panels to suit their workflow.
- Price alerts can be enabled directly in the interface, a valuable feature often missing on similar platforms.
Overall, the web platform feels stable and ideal for both beginners and experienced traders.
Mobile app
The Spreadex mobile app matches the desktop version in performance and usability. It has won multiple industry awards, including Best Mobile App and Best Platform Reliability.
- The layout is clean and simple to navigate.
- The search function is fast and comprehensive, covering thousands of assets.
- Trades can be placed and managed with ease, maintaining consistency between devices.
The only notable omission is biometric login support, which competitors like Trading 212 offer for added convenience.
Making a trade
Placing an order on Spreadex is quick and user-friendly. The order panel appears instantly and supports a variety of trade types, including:
- Market orders
- Stop and Guaranteed Stop orders
- Time limits (GTC and GTT)
This layout simplifies complex trades into a few clear steps, making execution straightforward even for newer traders.
Overall trading experience
Spreadex provides a seamless trading environment with fast execution, detailed charting, and platform consistency between desktop and mobile.
The absence of third-party integrations like MT4 and a lack of in-depth research tools are the main downsides.
Pros
- Clean, professional platform design
- Customisable layout and price alerts
- Award-winning mobile and web performance
- Excellent order execution and usability
Cons
- No biometric login on the mobile app
- No MT4 or third-party platform support
What educational resources does Spreadex offer?
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Spreadex provides a solid range of educational materials, including written guides, tutorials, and daily market analysis.
The Education Hub is well organised and suitable for both beginners and intermediate traders. However, the lack of a demo trading account, webinars, and video tutorials limits its appeal for hands-on or visual learners.
Education Hub
The Education Hub is the main learning centre on Spreadex. It features clear, well-written articles on how to use the platform and core trading strategies, covering both beginner and advanced topics.
The layout makes it easy to find what you need, and the content quality is higher than average for UK brokers.
The daily news and analysis blog is another valuable addition. It provides short, insightful updates on global markets, helping traders stay informed without information overload.
Webinars and video content
Spreadex does not currently offer webinars or video tutorials, which are often the best ways to learn advanced trading concepts in an interactive format.
This makes the educational experience more text-heavy compared to platforms like IG or eToro, which include multimedia lessons.
Glossary
A built-in trading glossary defines key terms, especially those related to spread betting and chart analysis. It’s useful for beginners who want to learn the basics quickly.
Demo account
Spreadex does not provide a demo account, which is a notable drawback for new users. Demo accounts allow traders to practise strategies risk-free before committing real funds, so their absence makes the platform less beginner-friendly.
Pros
- Well-structured Education Hub
- Wide range of informative articles
- Daily blog provides concise market insights
Cons
- No demo trading account
- No webinar or video learning content
How good is Spreadex customer service?
Overall rating: 5 stars
Spreadex is widely recognised for providing exceptional customer service. Support is available 24 hours a day, and users can reach the team quickly via email, phone, or live chat.
Responses are fast, accurate, and professional, making Spreadex one of the most reliable platforms for customer support in the UK.
Email support
Email support is efficient and responsive. Messages are easy to direct to the correct department, and replies typically arrive within 24 hours. Compared with other UK brokers, Spreadex’s turnaround time and clarity of communication are excellent.
Phone support
Phone support is equally strong. Calls connect within about one minute, and agents are knowledgeable and quick to resolve issues. The service is particularly helpful for users who prefer real-time, voice-based assistance.
Live chat
The live chat feature is the quickest way to get help. It usually connects within five seconds, and most issues are solved after just one message exchange. The service runs 24/7, allowing users to get immediate assistance at any time.
Spreadex’s customer support has earned multiple industry awards, reflecting its high service standards and user satisfaction.
Pros
- Award-winning customer service team
- 24-hour support via live chat, phone, and email
- Fast, knowledgeable, and reliable responses
Cons
- None identified
Who is Spreadex best suited for?
Spreadex is best suited for experienced CFD and forex traders who want a reliable, FCA-regulated platform with powerful charting tools and excellent customer support.
Its award-winning web and mobile platforms make it ideal for active traders who value fast execution and customisable layouts.
However, beginners may find the platform less accessible due to the lack of a demo account and limited educational videos.
Long-term investors may also prefer a broker that offers access to underlying assets like stocks or ETFs, which Spreadex does not provide.
Best for:
- Active CFD and forex traders
- Day traders who value charting and custom layouts
- Users seeking strong UK regulation and responsive support
Not ideal for:
- Complete beginners needing demo access
- Long-term investors looking for traditional assets
Final thoughts
Spreadex stands out as a trusted, FCA-regulated broker with excellent platforms, competitive fees, and award-winning customer support.
It’s best suited for confident traders who prioritise reliability and advanced tools over asset variety.
While the lack of a demo account and limited research options are drawbacks, Spreadex remains a strong choice for active CFD and forex traders in the UK.
FAQs
Where is Spreadex based?
Spreadex is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in the United Kingdom.
How does the Spreadex work?
Spreadex is a financial trading platform that combines sports spread betting, financial spread betting, and fixed odds betting. Users can speculate on the movement of prices or scores, betting higher (buying) or lower (selling) than the spread offered by the platform, potentially earning profits or incurring losses based on the accuracy of their predictions.
What is the minimum deposit for Spreadex?
There are no minimum deposit requirements, joining fees, contracts to sign or obligations to trade on Spreadex.
Is Spreadex a good broker?
Yes, Spreadex is a highly rated UK broker offering low fees, advanced charting tools, and award-winning customer support, ideal for CFD and forex traders.
Is it safe to use Spreadex?
Yes, Spreadex is FCA-regulated and offers negative balance protection. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and protected by the FSCS up to £85,000.
