
How to Choose the Right Copy Trading Platform
Copy trading, or ‘social trading’, allows you to replicate the real-time trades of experienced, successful investors, making it a compelling strategy for market entrants and time-poor individuals. However, the decision isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest option.
Choosing the right platform is critical to both your potential returns and the security of your capital. You need to consider the platform’s regulatory status, the quality and transparency of the ‘master traders’ available, and the true costs associated with the service. A platform that excels in copy trading for forex might not be the best option if your primary interest is copying stock or cryptocurrency strategies. Our 2025 guide helps you filter through the features to find a platform that matches your risk tolerance, asset preference, and long-term financial goals in the UK market.
Top Copy Trading Platforms & Apps Compared (November 2025 UK Edition) 📊
| Broker | Best For | Key Copy Trading Feature | Supported Assets | Minimum Investment (Copy) | FCA Regulation |
| eToro | Beginners & Social Trading | CopyTrader™ & Popular Investor | Stocks, Crypto, Forex, ETFs, Indices | $200 | Yes |
| Pepperstone | MT4/MT5 Users & Advanced Traders | Third-Party (ZuluTrade, DupliTrade) | Forex, CFDs, Commodities, Shares | Varies | Yes |
| Capital.com | Low-Cost CFD Automation | MT4/TradingView Integration | Forex, CFDs (Shares, Indices, Crypto) | No Minimum | Yes |
| AvaTrade | Automated Forex Strategy | Third-Party (ZuluTrade, AvaSocial) | Forex, CFDs, Crypto | $100 | Yes |
| IC Markets | Low-Spread, High-Volume Traders | Third-Party (cTrader, ZuluTrade) | Forex, Indices, Commodities | $200 | Yes |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | Tax-Efficient UK Investing (Manual) | Not Available | UK Stocks, Funds, ISAs, SIPPs | N/A | Yes |
Note: These platforms are presented for informational purposes and are not listed in order of preference or ranking. Fees, leverage, and features are subject to change. Minimum deposits may vary based on account currency and payment method. Always verify with the broker directly before opening an account.
In-Depth Broker Reviews

eToro – Best Overall Copy Trading Platform for UK Beginners
eToro is the undisputed leader in social trading globally, renowned for its patented CopyTrader™ system. It offers a user-friendly platform for UK traders to automatically replicate the portfolios of thousands of successful Popular Investors. It is ideal for those seeking a simple, all-in-one platform for copying various asset classes, from stocks to cryptoassets.
Supported Assets: Over 7,000 financial instruments including commission-free UK and US stocks, ETFs, forex pairs, indices, commodities, and CFDs. A wide range of copy forex trades are available.
Regulation & Licensing: Authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under registration number 583263. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and UK clients benefit from FSCS protection.
Platform Experience: Proprietary web and mobile platform (rated highly on App Store/Google Play). The unique CopyTrader interface and social feed are intuitive and geared towards beginner and intermediate traders looking for easy copy and paste trading.
Fee Structure:
- Copy Trading Fee: None. eToro’s commission is built into the spread, which remains the same whether trading manually or copying
- Stock Trading: 0% commission on real stocks
- Crypto Trading: 1% commission fee for buying and selling
- Withdrawal Fee: $5 fixed fee (FX conversion charges may apply if withdrawing in GBP from a USD account)
- Inactivity Fee: $10 per month after 12 months of inactivity
Pros:
- Huge community of Popular Investors to copy
- Simple, user-friendly best copy trading app
- Zero commission on real UK stock trading
Cons:
- $5 fixed withdrawal fee
- No ISA or SIPP accounts available
- High crypto fees compared to dedicated exchanges
Best For: Beginners, social investors, and those looking to copy diverse asset strategies easily.
ISA/SIPP Availability: Not available
Read our full review of eToro

Pepperstone – Best for MT4/MT5 Automated Copy Trading
Pepperstone is a high-performance broker that excels in providing low-cost forex and CFD trading. While it lacks its own social network, it integrates seamlessly with leading third-party copy platforms like ZuluTrade, DupliTrade, and Myfxbook AutoTrade, making it popular for those who prefer MT4/MT5-based automated strategies.
Supported Assets: Forex (over 90 pairs), Indices, Commodities, Shares (CFDs), and Currency Index CFDs. Focus is on high-volume CFD trading.
Regulation & Licensing: Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (license number 684312). Also regulated by ASIC, BaFin, and CySEC, ensuring robust global compliance and FSCS protection.
Platform Experience: Supports industry-standard platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader. Excellent for advanced technical analysis and running Expert Advisors (EAs) or automated systems provided by the third-party copy trading platform partners.
Fee Structure:
- Standard Account: Spread-only pricing (no commission). Spreads from 1.0–1.3 pips on EUR/USD.
- Razor Account: Raw spreads from 0.0 pips + Commission of £4.50 (round turn) per lot. Ideal for high-volume traders seeking the lowest costs.
- Inactivity/Withdrawal Fees: None
Pros:
- Ultra-low spreads on Razor account
- Full support for MT4 and MT5 automated systems
- No non-trading fees (inactivity or withdrawal)
Cons:
- Copy trading relies on third-party platforms
- No native social network or community feed
- Asset range is CFD-focused
Best For: Experienced forex traders, automated trading enthusiasts, and users prioritising raw spreads.
ISA/SIPP Availability: Not available
Read our full review of Pepperstone

Capital.com – Top-Tier Platform for Copy Trading via MT4/Integrations
Capital.com is a high-growth CFD broker known for its smart, proprietary trading platform and 0% commission model. While it doesn’t offer a native social network, it supports copy trading via direct integration with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and TradingView, allowing users to access external copy trading platform solutions while benefiting from Capital.com’s excellent execution speed and tight spreads.
Supported Assets: Over 3,000 CFDs covering Indices, Forex, Commodities, Shares, and Cryptocurrencies. Strong offering in UK and European equities.
Regulation & Licensing: Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK (FRN 793714). Provides negative balance protection and client fund segregation, ensuring a high level of security for UK clients.
Platform Experience: Exceptional proprietary web and mobile app featuring AI-powered trade bias tools and extensive charting capabilities. Full integration with MT4 copy trading and TradingView, making it ideal for running automated trading strategies.
Fee Structure:
- Trading Fee: Zero commission on CFDs (all assets).
- Spread: Variable spreads on major assets (e.g., EUR/USD spread from 0.6 pips), considered highly competitive.
- Non-Trading Fees: No deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees. A currency conversion fee of 0.7% applies to non-base currency transactions.
Pros:
- Zero commission CFD trading
- Excellent proprietary mobile app and advanced charting
- No non-trading fees for UK clients
Cons:
- Copy trading relies solely on MT4/Third-party integration
- Only offers CFDs (no direct stock ownership)
- Limited range of master traders compared to eToro
Best For: Cost-sensitive CFD traders who use MT4 for automation and want a clean, low-cost execution environment.
ISA/SIPP Availability: Not available
Read our full review of Capital.com
Investor Checklist: How to Find the Right Copy Trading Provider
Choosing a platform that facilitates copy and paste trading requires a thorough evaluation beyond simply looking at the top traders’ historical returns. The following factors are essential for a secure and profitable experience in the UK market:
Regulation & Licensing: The FCA Mandate
For any financial platform operating in the UK, regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is non-negotiable. An FCA authorised broker must comply with strict rules regarding capital adequacy, transparency, and consumer protection.
- Key Value: Trading with an FCA authorised broker ensures your segregated funds are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 in the event the firm fails.
- Local Terminology: Look for the term “client money rules” which dictates how your funds must be safely handled.
Fees & Spreads: Evaluating the Real Cost of Copy Trading
While many platforms advertise “free” copy trading, the costs are usually bundled into the spreads or other hidden fees. You must understand the true trading costs before starting any automated strategy.
- Commissions: Some copy trading platforms (especially those that link to raw-spread MT4 accounts like Pepperstone’s Razor) charge a fixed commission per lot or per trade.
- Spreads: This is the primary cost. Look for brokers offering tight spreads (e.g., under 1.0 pips on EUR/USD) to maximise returns from copied trades.
- Inactivity & Withdrawal Fees: The best copy trading app options, like Capital.com, avoid charging withdrawal or inactivity fees, which can eat into smaller portfolios.
Asset & Market Access: Beyond Forex
The range of markets available for copying is crucial. While forex and crypto are dominant in copy trading, you may want a platform that also offers UK or US stocks and indices.
- Local Access: Does the platform offer CFDs on FTSE 100 stocks and other local indices?
- Cryptocurrency: If you want to copy crypto trades, check the spreads and commissions, as these can be significantly higher than with traditional assets.
Trading Platform Experience: Desktop vs. Mobile
Ease of use is vital when you are monitoring a third party’s strategy.
- Usability: Is the master trader’s performance data transparent and easy to analyse? Look for detailed risk scores, maximum drawdowns, and historical performance charts.
- Execution Speed: The platform must execute copied trades instantly to match the master trader’s entry price as closely as possible, especially crucial for copy paste trading in volatile markets.
Education & Analytics Tools: Learning While Earning
The best social trading environments encourage users to learn. Look for platforms that offer:
- Demo Accounts: Practice and test the copy trading mechanism without risking real capital.
- Risk Management Tools: Essential features like Copy Stop-Loss (CSL) or a Maximum Investment limit to control your exposure to the copied strategy.
Which Copy Trading Platform or App Is Best For Your Strategy?
Best for Beginners & Social Features
- eToro: The most intuitive interface with a vast social community, making it easy to find and replicate strategies.
- AvaTrade: Offers AvaSocial, a dedicated social trading app that simplifies the process of following signals and strategies.
Best for Low Fees & Advanced Users (MT4/MT5)
- Pepperstone: Razor account offers raw spreads and competitive commissions, ideal for high-volume forex copying via third-party systems.
- IC Markets: Known for institutional-grade spreads and deep MT4/MT5 integration with major copy trading tools.
- Capital.com: Zero commission trading and tight spreads provide a low-cost execution environment for automated copying via MT4/TradingView.
Best for Mobile Trading
- Capital.com: Award-winning, fast, and feature-rich mobile app experience that supports MT4 integration for automated trade execution on the go.
- XTB: Highly-rated xStation 5 mobile app provides excellent performance, though its social/copy features may be external.
How Do We Review Copy Trading Platforms?
As an elite financial analysis and brokerage review resource, Investing.com’s methodology is rigorous and unbiased. Our review process involves evaluating platforms based on several key factors:
- Regulation & Security: We prioritize FCA-registered exchanges with robust security protocols, mandatory client fund segregation, and FSCS eligibility for UK clients.
- Copy Trading Mechanism: We test the transparency of master trader statistics, the efficiency of trade replication (slippage), and the available risk management tools (e.g., CSL).
- Fees & Costs: Transparent fee structures are essential. We compare the all-in costs, including deposit/withdrawal fees, spreads, commissions, and any hidden FX conversion charges.
- User Experience (UX): Platforms are assessed for ease of use across desktop and mobile apps, specifically the journey from opening an account to initiating a copy portfolio.
- Asset Selection: We review the variety of assets offered, placing a premium on platforms that provide access to popular UK instruments alongside global markets.
For more details on how we rate and review platforms, check out our Ratings Methodology.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best copy trading platform is a decision that requires diligence, but the potential to automate and diversify your exposure makes it a compelling option for many British investors. While platforms like eToro offer an unparalleled community experience, other brokers may excel in delivering low-cost access via advanced MT4/MT5 systems.
Looking to take the next step on your trading journey? Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, having access to reliable tools and trusted information can make all the difference. Dive into our Trading Guides to explore in-depth comparisons of trading platforms tailored to a variety of styles and goals.
Want to sharpen your skills? The Investing.com Academy offers educational content on trading, investing, and financial markets. Ready to go further? Gain access to premium tools, expert analysis, and real-time market insights with InvestingPro — built to help traders and investors make smarter decisions, faster.
Frequently Asked Questions – Copy Trading FAQs
What is the difference between social trading and copy trading?
Social trading is the broader concept of interacting with other traders, sharing ideas, and observing strategies. Copy trading is a specific, automated function within social trading where your account algorithmically replicates the exact, real-time trades opened and closed by a chosen master trader.
Is copy trading profitable?
Copy trading can be profitable, but it is not guaranteed. The FCA requires all brokers to display a risk warning, as a significant percentage of retail investor accounts lose money trading CFDs. Profitability depends entirely on the skill of the master trader you choose, your initial investment, and market volatility. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Do I pay tax on copy trading profits in the UK?
Yes. Profits from most copy trading activities (especially those involving CFDs) are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the UK, provided your total annual gains exceed the CGT allowance (currently £3,000 for 2024/25). If you trade within a tax-wrapped account like a Stocks and Shares ISA, profits are exempt, but most dedicated copy trading platforms do not offer ISAs.
Can I copy trade within a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Generally, no. Dedicated social/copy trading platforms like eToro do not offer an ISA account. To gain the tax benefits of an ISA, you must use an platform that offers the wrapper, but this usually means manual trading or using specific in-house automated funds, not replicating a third-party trader’s strategy.
What is the minimum amount required to start copy trading?
The minimum amount varies by platform. Some platforms require a minimum of $200 to copy a single trader. Other platforms integrating third-party systems may have higher or lower minimums, often dictated by the master trader’s strategy requirements.
What is the risk level of copy trading?
The risk level is classified as high, primarily because the strategies often involve leverage (for CFDs and forex). Furthermore, there is no guarantee that a trader who performed well in the past will continue to do so in the future. Always use risk management tools like Copy Stop-Loss (CSL).
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