Each broker receives a score out of 100, calculated as a weighted average of six factors. The weightings are designed around what mainstream UK spread bettors actually use: trading costs and platform quality together account for 55% of the score, because those are what affect every trade you place. Specialist features like AI automation carry less weight — they matter to a smaller audience and should not distort rankings for the majority.
What we measure
Six dimensions, each rated 0–10, then weighted into the overall BTS score.
The spread is the primary cost on every trade you place. We benchmark live spreads on FTSE 100, EUR/USD, Gold, and other major markets against the industry average, and factor in overnight funding rates, inactivity fees, and any hidden charges. A 0.5-point difference in spread may seem small, but over hundreds of trades it compounds into a significant cost.
Your platform is what you interact with on every trade. We test execution speed, charting tools, order types, mobile experience, and general reliability. A platform that lags during volatile markets or lacks basic order types like trailing stops is a practical problem, not just an inconvenience.
The number and variety of markets available determines what you can trade. We assess depth across forex pairs, global indices, individual shares, commodities, and other asset classes. A broader range matters for traders who want to diversify or access specific markets.
Every broker listed is FCA-authorised, but trust goes further. We assess FSCS protection, negative balance protection, segregated client funds, how long the firm has operated, and whether it is publicly listed. A broker regulated for 50 years with public accounts is a different proposition to one authorised two years ago.
Good educational resources and market research help traders make better decisions. We assess demo account quality, tutorials, webinars, analyst commentary, and whether the content is genuinely useful or just marketing dressed up as education.
API access and algorithmic trading tools matter for a smaller segment of traders, but they are becoming more relevant. We assess API quality, algo trading support, AI-powered signals, and third-party integrations. This category carries a low weight because most retail spread bettors do not use automation — but for those who do, it can be a deciding factor.
From spread sample to score
The specific process behind each number — auditable from observation to publication.
Spread sampling
Spreads are recorded manually from live broker platforms during London market hours (08:00–16:30 GMT) on standard trading days. We sample the same four benchmark markets for every broker: FTSE 100, EUR/USD, Gold (XAU/USD), and a share market where available. Each spread is recorded as the quoted buy/sell difference at the time of observation, not the broker’s advertised "from" spread. We note widened spreads during high-volatility periods separately. Spread scores are relative: the tightest observed spreads across all brokers set the benchmark, and other brokers are scored by their distance from that benchmark.
Platform testing
We open real or demo accounts with each broker and test the platform directly. Testing covers placing market and limit orders, setting stop-losses and guaranteed stops, using the charting package, switching between desktop and mobile, and checking how the platform handles fast-moving markets. Mobile apps are tested on both iOS and Android. Platform scores reflect practical usability, not feature count — a platform with fewer features but faster execution and a clearer layout can outscore one with more tools that are harder to use.
FCA verification
Before a broker is listed, we verify its FCA authorisation on the FCA Register. We record the firm reference number, check the authorisation status is "Authorised" (not "Registered" or "Appointed Representative"), and confirm the firm holds the relevant permissions for spread betting. We also check whether the broker is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), whether it is publicly listed, and how long it has held FCA authorisation. If a broker’s FCA status changes, the broker is removed from the site immediately, not downgraded.
Why you can trust the scores
The rules that keep the methodology auditable and independent.
No sponsored rankings
Our scores are calculated independently. Affiliate relationships do not influence placement. A broker paying commission will never rank higher because of it.
Real testing
We open accounts, place trades, test platforms, contact support, and verify spreads. Our reviews are based on first-hand experience, not marketing materials.
Regular updates
Markets change, platforms update, and fees shift. We re-evaluate brokers and update scores when material changes occur. Every score carries the date of the last full rescore so you can judge how current it is.
FCA only
We only rank brokers authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. No offshore, no unregulated, no exceptions.