In short
- Debit card: instant, widely accepted.
- Bank transfer: often no minimum, usually fast via Faster Payments.
- E-wallets/PayPal: availability varies by broker.
- Payments must come from an account in your own name.
Methods compared
| Method | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Debit card | Instant | Withdrawals usually go back to the card up to the deposited amount |
| Bank transfer | Often same day | Include your account reference; often no minimum |
| PayPal / e-wallets | Usually instant | Not offered by every broker; may have minimums |
| Credit card | — | Often not accepted for trading |
| Cryptocurrency | — | Not typical for FCA brokers; a red flag if requested |
Third-party payments
FCA brokers won't accept deposits from someone else's account, including a partner's, and will return them. This is part of anti-money-laundering rules.
Tips
- Deposit with the method you'll want to withdraw to.
- Fund in GBP to avoid conversion fees.
- Keep deposit confirmations for your records and tax.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fund a forex account with a credit card?
Many UK brokers don't accept credit cards for trading accounts, to avoid clients trading with borrowed money. Debit cards are widely accepted.
Do brokers accept PayPal?
Some do, sometimes with different minimums. For example, IG has a £250 minimum for card and PayPal deposits.
CFDs and spread bets are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading these products. You should consider whether you understand how they work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.