Which broker is better for United Kingdom traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in the United Kingdom, UK traders need a combination of low costs, reliable regulation, and convenient local payment methods. Global Prime and EasyMarkets are both FCA-regulated brokers but cater to different trading styles. Global Prime, scoring 3.6/5, is an ECN broker known for raw spreads from 0.0 pips and a transparent fee structure, appealing to active and professional traders. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, focuses on simplicity with fixed spreads, a user-friendly web platform, and innovative tools like dealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss orders. Both accept GBP and support local payments including Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, making them accessible for UK residents. The key differences lie in pricing models, platform flexibility, and risk management features. This comparison tailors the analysis specifically for UK traders, considering FCA oversight and the ability to trade major pairs like GBP/USD with minimal slippage. Whether you prioritise cost efficiency or ease of use, understanding these distinctions will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals.
| Instrument | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $25 | Global Prime |
For UK traders, trading costs heavily impact profitability. Global Prime offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN accounts with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. This model suits traders dealing in high volumes, especially on GBP pairs where spreads can remain tight. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically starting at 1.2 pips on EUR/USD and slightly higher on GBP/USD, with no commission. While Global Prime’s variable spreads can widen during volatile UK market hours, EasyMarkets’ pricing remains constant, which helps UK beginners budget costs. For scalpers or algo traders, Global Prime’s lower total cost per trade is usually better. However, if you trade infrequently or value cost certainty, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads avoid surprises. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees for GBP transfers via Faster Payments or PayPal, but withdrawal fees may apply on certain methods.
| Account Type | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Global Prime |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | Global Prime |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Global Prime |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Global Prime provides MetaTrader 4 and the cTrader platform, both widely used by UK traders for advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and deep liquidity. cTrader is particularly strong for UK scalpers due to its Level II pricing and fast execution. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, designed for simplicity and one-click trading. It also integrates TradingView charts for technical analysis. UK traders who need algorithmic trading or custom indicators will prefer Global Prime’s platform choice. Beginners or those who want a clean, intuitive interface without downloading software may find EasyMarkets more suitable. Both platforms are also accessible via mobile for on-the-go trading from the UK.
| Factor | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Global Prime |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Global Prime uses ECN execution through multiple liquidity providers, offering low latency and minimal slippage on GBP pairs. They report average execution speeds below 50ms. This is ideal for UK scalpers and day traders. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and a unique “zero slippage” guarantee, meaning orders are filled at the requested price even during volatile conditions. However, execution speed may be slower than Global Prime’s direct market access. UK traders who value speed and transparency should prefer Global Prime; those who prioritise price certainty will benefit from EasyMarkets’ approach.
| Safety Factor | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Global Prime and EasyMarkets are regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offering UK traders protection under strict rules. Global Prime holds FCA license number 730122, and EasyMarkets holds license number 441689. As FCA-regulated brokers, they must segregate client funds in top-tier UK banks, provide negative balance protection, and adhere to leverage limits (up to 30:1 for retail clients under ESMA rules). UK traders can also escalate complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This regulation means your funds are safe even if the broker faces financial trouble. While both comply, Global Prime’s additional regulation in Australia (ASIC) and EasyMarkets’ in Cyprus (CySEC) add layers of oversight, but for UK residents, FCA is the primary safeguard.
| Payment Method | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Global Prime processes withdrawals instantly on their end, but the time to receive your funds depends on your payment method: bank wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days, credit or debit cards take 1 to 10 days, and e-wallets are instant once completed. | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
UK traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using GBP through Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments. Global Prime also accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and Neteller. EasyMarkets supports the same methods plus UnionPay and iDeal for EU clients. Deposits via Faster Payments are typically instant for UK bank accounts, while PayPal and Skrill deposits are processed within minutes. Bank transfers may take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals at Global Prime are free via bank transfer, PayPal, and Skrill, usually processed within 24 hours on business days. EasyMarkets offers free withdrawals for most methods but charges a small fee on bank transfers after the first free withdrawal per month. Minimum deposits are low: Global Prime requires $200 (approx £160), while EasyMarkets has no minimum deposit for some accounts. UK traders should note that withdrawal times depend on the method; PayPal and Skrill are fastest.
| Islamic Account Feature | Global Prime | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✗ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
UK Muslim traders seeking swap-free accounts can use both brokers. Global Prime offers Islamic accounts on request for its ECN and standard accounts. The account remains swap-free on all forex pairs, though a small administrative fee may apply on positions held beyond a certain period. EasyMarkets also provides Islamic accounts with no swap fees and no restrictions on trade duration. Both brokers comply with Sharia principles by not charging or paying rollover interest. UK traders should confirm with customer support that the account is activated before trading, as some conditions may apply. Additionally, both brokers are FCA-regulated, ensuring transparency in how swap-free accounts are managed under UK financial rules.
| Support Feature | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Global Prime |
Global Prime offers customer support via live chat, email, and phone from 8am to 5pm GMT, which covers UK trading hours. Their team is knowledgeable and responsive, with quick answers to account or technical queries. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat and email support, plus a phone line available Monday to Friday. They also have a UK office for local support. For UK traders, both provide adequate assistance in English. EasyMarkets’ slightly wider support hours may be beneficial if you trade outside standard UK market times.
| Mobile Feature | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Global Prime |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Global Prime |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Global Prime | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | EasyMarkets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Global Prime |
Choose Global Prime if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For UK traders, the decision between Global Prime and EasyMarkets hinges on trading style and cost priorities. Global Prime excels with lower spreads and advanced platforms, making it the better choice for active traders and professionals who monitor costs closely. EasyMarkets offers simplicity and risk management tools like guaranteed stops, appealing to beginners and those who avoid variable spreads. Both are FCA-regulated and support GBP deposits via Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, ensuring easy funding for UK residents. If you prioritise low costs and execution speed, Global Prime is the winner. If you value ease of use and predictable trading conditions, EasyMarkets is a strong alternative. Consider your volume and experience level before deciding.