Spread Checker UK Compare Broker Spreads (2026)
See which brokers offer UK traders the tightest spreads
Updated monthly: Last updated 1st May 2026
Most traders have no idea what their spreads cost them in pounds and pence. The Spread Saver does the maths for you.
You’ll be surprised!
How the Spread Checker Works
THE TRADER’S PROMISE
First off, I want to mention that I’m a trader, not a comparison site.
But, I do know how important low spreads are for any trader. I also see so called headline spreads all the time, which sometimes do not represent the spreads you pay in the real world. (New to spread betting? Here’s everything I’ve learned about it.)
So I decided to solve this and create a simple spread checker.
Here’s my method:
I load up all the brokers I want to test, open them on the same screen, squash them up a bit so I can see a particular market and then take a screenshot at a random time. (I’ll pick a typical time a trader might trade that market, not like 4 am…)
It’s mirroring the way us traders actually trade… we see a setup, load up the ticket and take the trade.
I then rank those brokers in order, from lowest to highest spread. Making notes on any that were variable vs fixed spreads.
I also have some rules about the method:
- No broker can buy a winning spot. The winner is the best spread at that point in time… a simple rule.
- I do tests at random times I choose, never announced in advance.
- Each market is retested monthly. The “Last Updated” date shows when I last did the tests.
Trade with a broker you think should be included? Email me, and I’ll take a look.
You’re my eyes and ears, traders.
Mark Holstead
See The Full Investigation Per Market
Common Questions
Q: How often is the table updated?
A: Each market is re-tested monthly. The “Last Updated” date shows when the current data is from.
Q: Why aren’t all UK brokers included?
A: I test the most popular UK brokers. If your broker isn’t included and you’d like them to be, email
me. support@tradersmastermind.com
Q: I checked a broker and saw a different spread from what’s shown here. Why?
A: Spreads change with market conditions. The table captures one moment in time on a typical trading day. Always verify
current spreads on the broker’s site before trading.
Q: Are the rankings influenced by affiliate relationships?
A: No way. Brokers can’t buy a winning spot. Some brokers do send me a few quid if you open an account through my links, some don’t.
Affiliate brokers are ranked with exactly the same method as everyone else.
Q: What do I do with this information?
A: Use it as a starting point. If you trade, say the DAX, the top brokers in that column are worth a closer look. The ones at the bottom probably aren’t worth your time.
Use the SB/CFD icons to find brokers offering your account type.
(Quick reminder: spread betting is tax-free for UK residents, CFDs aren’t.)
And platform icons (MT4, MT5, TradingView, cTrader, Own) will help you find brokers with the platform you trade on.
Q: How do I know when the table updates?
A: Subscribe to my daily email below. I’ll let you know when new data is in, and share other research, observations, and ideas along the way.
Q: Should I use spread betting or CFDs?
A: Both pay the same spreads, so this table works for either. The difference is in the tax treatment and how they’re regulated. I’ve written a full comparison of CFD vs spread betting if you’re choosing between them.